Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

Episode 61: Lola & Meagan share a heartfelt conversation with conversion therapy survivor Drew Amstutz about growing up gay as a pastor's kid, being forced into conversion therapy, having suicidal ideations, and how he coped and found a way out. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 60: It's Lola's favorite topic. And today she and Meagan are joined by hosts of the Labyrinths podcast Amanda Knox and Christopher Robinson as they dig into the world of cognitive bias. They discuss Amanda's wrongful conviction in 2007, spending four years in an Italian prison, all of the biases that came into play in Amanda's trial, and the public perception of what happened. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 59: In part two of their interview with psychic tracker Bob Nygaard, Lola & Meagan dig into what its like fighting with police and prosecutors to bring criminals to justice, how psychic fraud is organized crime, an interesting discussion of why most psychics are women, the difference between cold and hot readings, the importance of having a support network, "the psychic script", a reoccurring character named Gina Marx. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 58: The notorious private investigator and psychic tracker Bob Nygaard joins Lola & Meagan to talk about his early career as a cop, getting started in confidence crimes and psychic fraud, how psychics groom their victims, and the kinds of people who seek out psychic advice (HINT: They're smarter than you think!). If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 57: In part two of their interview with hosts of the Hidden podcast, Lauren and Dr John Matthias, Lola and Meagan discuss the the chronology of the murders carried out by Chad & Lori Daybell, how a welfare check led to the discovery of two missing children, how Chad and Lori were living in an elaborate fiction, as well as the theories of "The Dark Triad" and "Rich Guy Syndrome." If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 56: In part one of their interview with true crime power couple and hosts of the Hidden podcast, Lauren and Dr John Matthias, Lola and Meagan dig into the LDS backgrounds of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, Chad's history as a fiction writer, how zombies and Munchausen by proxy play into their story, and the horrific deaths of the people close to the couple. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 55: Two best friends in a cult. Angie Kehler & Yahanna Masimer share their experience growing up in the Assembly of YHWHhoshua, founded by self-proclaimed prophet Laycher Gonzalez, who had visions from "YHWH." They discuss the strict dress code restrictions, not being allowed to have drawings, paintings, or photos, and how one member died after being forbidden from going to the doctor. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 54: Lola & Meagan open up the hotline to Mlee in Houston as she shares her culty childhood with a narcissist "Super Dad", and Holly in West Virginia, a self-described "bus kid" who grew up dating two brothers in a small town Baptist purity culture. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 53: Ever heard of a cult specialist? Therapist and IndoctriNation podcast host Rachel Bernstein shares what healing looks like after leaving a cult, common themes in manipulation recovery, signs that someone is in a high-control group or experiencing dissociation, and advice for those with loved ones in a cult. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 52: Are you a narcissist? Statistically, it's possible! Dr. Ramani Durvasula joins Lola and Meagan for a clinic on all things narcissism. They discuss whether narcissists are born or made, how narcissism differs from psychopathy, why dating a narcissist is similar to being in a cult, and whether it's possible to prevent someone from becoming a narcissist. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 51: Jennings Brown, reporter and host of cult podcasts The Gateway and Revelations, discusses life on the lavish compound of the Fellowship of Friends leading up to their doomsday date, why people cling to their prophecies when they don't come true, allegations of sexual assault against the group's leader, and the orgy that was compared to a trip to the DMV. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 50: In part two of Lola and Meagan's interview with UFO cult leader Glenn Carter, they discuss the cloning controversy that the Raelian movement was known for, Glenn's relationship with the movement's founder, and an interesting debate on power dynamics and personal responsibility. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 49: It's a Trust Me first! Actor / musician / leader of the UK Raelian chapter Glenn Carter joins Lola & Meagan in part one of their conversation about Glenn's religious group with unconventional views on alien life, how he became the regional leader, and all things meditation, evolution, and cloning! If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 48: Can success be its own cult? Lola & Meagan delve into how abuse of power plays into the entertainment industry, the experiences they've had firsthand with people in power, and the dark side of the pursuit of stardom. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 47: In part two of their discussion with author of The First 50, Natascia Mallin, Lola and Meagan discuss the trauma bonding that happened within the group, whether or not the program really worked, and the importance of staying anchored to the outside world. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 46: In part one of their chat with author of The First 50: A Saga of Backseats, Bedrooms, Lookout Points, and Dive Bars, Natascia Mallin, Lola and Meagan discuss how Natascia's time working at Cafe Gratitude and the Landmark Forum led her to join a "therapy cult" led by a well-read charismatic guru named Stan. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 45: In part two of their interview with Children of God survivor, Christina Babin, Lola and Meagan discuss life in the "reprogramming camps," the difficulty coming forward about these kinds of experiences, and finding love after leaving the group. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 44: Love bombing. Flirty fishing. Moving from country to country. Just a few standard parts of life as a member of David Berg's Children of God. In part one of their conversation with Christina Babin, Lola and Meagan discuss Christina's experience in punishment camps, the separation from her family, and being exploited in a child sex trafficking cult. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 43: Lola & Meagan chat with a woman named Kathryn about her experiences as a follower of the charismatic social media guru Teal Swan... who is often accused of being a cult leader. They discuss Teal's online presence and appeal, how she conducts her workshops, controversies of plagiarism, and a concerning story of what happened to one member. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 42: Executive producer of Netflix's How To Become a Tyrant (and friend of the show!) Jonas Bell Pasht joins Lola & Meagan to talk about the behaviors of infamous dictators like Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin, and Saddam Hussein, the parallels between tyrants and cult leaders, and how dictators prey upon societies' wants and needs. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 41: In part two of their conversation with activist / Amish Girl in Manhattan author TORAH BONTRAGER, Lola & Meagan discuss the abuse Torah suffered in her family, escaping the community, graduating from Columbia University, and Torah's involvement with the fight against the Supreme Court case, Wisconsin v Yoder. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 40: No cars, electricity, or indoor bathrooms - think you could do it? Activist / Amish Girl in Manhattan author TORAH BONTRAGER shares about her upbringing in an Amish community in Wisconsin, speaking the Amish language, the real meaning of Rumspringa, her tumultuous family relationships, the use of corporal punishment in Amish culture, and some of the abuse she experienced firsthand. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 39: End time prophecies? Memorizing the bible? Required church vacations your family can't afford? Snap Judgment host and creator Glynn Washington shares his experiences growing up in the apocalyptic religion the Worldwide Church of God. He tells the girls about believing the end of the world was imminent, the white supremacist roots of the group and how he was forbidden from dating outside of his race, and the book that began to change his thinking. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 38: What do you model your life after? For producer, actor, and former supermodel Hoyt Richards, it was the teachings of a charming man from Nantucket who spoke about the impending apocalypse and a distant star named Arcturus. Hoyt shares how he was indoctrinated into the Eternal Values cult as his modeling career was taking off, what he describes as "cultic relationships," and how Fabio (yes, that Fabio) was involved in his recovery. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 37: In part two of Trust Me's first interview with a former Scientologist, April Snow shares her thoughts on how the church treats drug and alcohol addiction, the fallout from her appearance on Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, and the division it caused within her family. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 36: This one is sure to stimulate your thetans. Trust Me's first former Scientologist guest, April Snow, talks about growing up in the church, living in the LA Celebrity Centre as a child, and joining the infamous Sea Organization at age 15—and what it was like when her loved ones disconnected from her. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 35: Can delusional beliefs be passed on to others? Forensic psychiatrist Brian Holoyda discusses the science of shared psychotic disorders (also known as folie à deux), how cult beliefs can mimic this phenomenon, and why Qanon doesn't necessarily count as a delusion. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episdoe 34: From the Burmese mafia to Nigeria's Black Axe, journalists and hosts of The Underworld Podcast Danny Gold and Sean Williams compare the world's mafias, cults, and organized crime groups. They discuss their most harrowing reporting experiences, what groups they've been the most fascinated by, and the parallels between mafias and cults. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 32: Charisma. Grand Ideas. Unchecked narcissism. What's stopping the world's tech CEOs from becoming our new 21st century cult leaders? Former corporate executive Taylor Brown joins Lola & Meagan to discuss all things WeWork, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, group retreats - and the psychology of corporate culture. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 31: Lola and Meagan dive deeper with Dianne Lake, aka “Snake,” the youngest member of the Manson family, and her co-author Deborah Herman. They discuss the LSD-fueled lifestyle on Spahn Ranch, Charles Manson's connection to the Beach Boys, his obsession with an impending race war, and how Dianne learned about the Tate-LaBianca murders--and the legal and psychological repercussions she endured. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 30: You’re a teenage girl in the late 60s, bouncing between communes, when a charismatic man and his group of young women welcome you with open arms. You were looking for a family, and now you’ve found one. In part one of an incredible interview, Dianne Lake, aka “Snake,” and her co-author Deborah Herman discuss growing up in 1960s counter-culture, the dark side of the sexual revolution, and what it was like becoming the youngest member of Charles Manson’s family. Stay tuned next week for part two, in which she tells Lola & Meagan how she learned about the murders! If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 29: How far would you go for your ideals? Sociologist and author Janja Lalich chats with Lola and Meagan about her time in the 70s as part of a radical Marxist-Leninist group called the Democratic Workers Party, how she became a high-ranking member, and the toll it took on her personal relationships. They discuss how to tell the difference between a legitimate political group and one that’s leaning into cult territory, what “bounded choice” means, and red flags to look out for in any relationship. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 28: Traditions! Are they helpful customs that keep us connected to our history? Or can they become too rigid and hinder the personal and intellectual growth of those who observe them? Comedian/actor/director Avital Ash joins Lola & Meagan to dive into what it was like growing up practicing Orthodox Judaism, internalizing shame about her womanhood, and forging her own path as an adult. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 27: You've only met your dad twice, but you know he's the prophet. You live in abject poverty, forced into child labor. And you often have to move your entire household in the middle of the night, for reasons you don't understand. Anna LeBaron joins Lola & Meagan to talk about the trauma of living in a polygamist cult and the murders perpetrated by her father, Ervil LeBaron aka the "Mormon Manson." She also tells the girls about her healing journey, going to therapy, and the importance of telling your story. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 26: Kilian Aulenbacher went from a German kid who spoke zero English to harvesting crops and hanging out in bomb shelters on a Montana commune, as a member of the Church Universal and Triumphant. Typical childhood, right? Meagan & Lola dig into what brought Killian's family to Montana, what it was like believing the world was ending, and the Christian cult leader who claimed she received revelations from spiritual beings called the "Masters." Plus, how he learned to question everything. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 25: In part 2 with former MS-13 member Gerardo Lopez, Lola and Meagan discuss how he left the gang, the harassment he experienced by the LAPD in the era of the Rampart Scandal, and how one of the Chicago Seven took him under his wing. Then: How he started a new life in Colorado, only to be suddenly arrested on a federal warrant, accused of starting a new MS-13 chapter in Colorado, and wrongfully sent to prison. Listen to learn how he fought to be released, and hear about the gang intervention work he does now! www.homiesunidosdenver.org www.homiesunidos.org IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 24: Meagan & Lola interview Gerardo Lopez, gang interventionist and former member of gang MS-13. In part 1, he tells the ladies about growing up in gang territory in LA in the 80s and 90s, getting jumped in to MS-13, and what life was like in the gang. They discuss getting arrested, gaming the system, and how being approached by an interventionist began to change things. In part 2, they'll discuss his journey through the criminal justice system during the era of the Rampart Scandal. IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 23: Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth continue to interview Frank Lyford, former member of Heaven's Gate. In part 2, they discuss the growing number of red flags he began to notice after one of the leaders died, including talk of castration, and what led to his decision to finally, after 18 years, break away. He also tells the girls what it was like when he heard about the mass suicide on the news, how heartbreaking that was, the lessons he's learned as a result, and what his life is like now. IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 22: Lola & Meagan interview Frank Lyford, survivor of Heaven's Gate who left after 18 years--just a few years before discovering his friends and loved ones in the group had died by suicide. In part 1, he tells the girls how he began following the leaders Ti and Do, what it was like living a nomadic lifestyle with his "check partner," and what happened when they all settled in one place for "Class." They discuss being separated from the love of his life, how the rules became more strict and controlling, and how much darker things got after Ti got cancer. Stay tuned next week for part 2! www.trustmepod.com IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 21: Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth interview speaker and sex educator Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti. She tells the girls about being the only Black woman in an all-white Christian cult in college, the racism and bullying she experienced, and why autistic people like herself are uniquely susceptible to coercive control. They also discuss the life change that helped her realize she needed to leave, and how she's been able to embrace who she really is--plus, how to protect yourself or a loved one with autism. IG: @gloriajacksonnefertiti @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 20: Meagan Elizabeth and Lola Blanc interview M.E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath, and her girlfriend Arya--two sociopaths who are dating each other. They talk about how they met, what love is like for a sociopath, and how for them it has included blood play. They also discuss whether psychopaths can be rehabilitated, how malignant behaviors are not necessarily inherently caused by psychopathy, and why having a clear sense of your own boundaries is better than trying to spot a sociopath. www.trustmepod.com www.sociopathworld.com IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 19: Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth interview Elana Auerbach, former follower of sexual wellness company OneTaste--elsewhere deemed the Orgasm Cult--in its early years. Elana discusses being the founder's right hand woman as the program developed, and how the sexual practice involving stimulating a woman's genitals evolved into what's now called Orgasmic Meditation. They discuss how Elana came to center her life around the founder, how she was manipulated, and what snapped her out of it. IG: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @trustmecultpod @ohlalola www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 18: Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth interview sex therapist, sexologist, and Sluts and Scholars podcast host Nicoletta Heidegger about all things BDSM! They discuss the basics of consensual play, Armie Hammer (and why cannibal fantasies are not the problem), red flags to look out for, making check-ins sexy, and how to tell the difference between kink and abuse. Think you might be in an abusive relationship? Please visit www.loveisrespect.org/ or www.thehotline.org/ FOLLOW US: IG: @slutsandscholars @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch Twitter: @ohlalola @trustmecultpod PER EPISODE DISCUSSION: Free sex inventories: Autostraddle Emily Nagoski Partially paid programs: Miss Jaiya's Erotic Blueprint Kayna Cassard's arousal architecture Apps: Kindu Xconfessions Love Nudge We should try it/Spicer Book:The Relationship Fix, Dr. Jenn Mann If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 17: Lola and Meagan interview Dr. Yuval Laor, behavioral and cultural scientist who studies evolutionary biology and religion. Yuval describes his theories on awe experiences and fervor, and how cult leaders manipulate these emotional states to earn and keep their followers' loyalty. He also talks about belief attachment and why it's not so different from parental or romantic attachment, and the hyperreligiosity that can occur with temporal lobe epileptic seizures. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 16: Meagan and Lola interview Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, about how the Satanic Temple was founded and why their (hilarious) stunts and lawsuits are actually deeply important for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. They also discuss the Satanic panic of the 80s and 90s and how it's had a resurgence in the form of QAnon, plus why "recovered" memories, and organizations like the ISSTD that champion fringe science, can have dangerous consequences. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 15: Lola and Meagan interview Jitarth Jadeja, former QAnon believer. He tells the girls about how, despite being Australian, he first was a Bernie supporter, then shifted his support to Trump before becoming obsessed with conspiracy theories. They discuss the two years of his life in which he believed in Q, the moment he realized it was all a lie, how he'd have gone to the Capitol if he'd still believed, and what he suggests you should do if a loved one has fallen into QAnon. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 14: **TW: This episode contains detailed descriptions of sexual assault and child abuse.** Meagan and Lola interview Amber Dawn Lee about her childhood in Zion Society, a Fundamentalist Mormon group run by self-proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. They discuss how she lived in poverty with extremist parents, what it was like in the abusive cult, and what the "sexual way of life" was. They also discuss life afterward, and how she doesn't let the trauma of the experience rent space in her brain. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 13: Meagan and Lola interview Amanda Montell, linguist and author of Wordslut and now Cultish, her new book about the language of fanaticism. They discuss loaded language, thought-terminating cliches, cultish jargon that can be found in wellness communities and beyond, and the surprising characteristic those who join cultish groups have in common. Plus, how the key may just be to join a whole bunch of cults. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 12: Meagan and Lola interview rapper Fifth, also known as Cliff Henderson, about his experiences as a Jehovah's Witness. Fifth tells the girls how he was a devout member until he lost his faith in his 20s, when he was disfellowshipped and subsequently shunned by his family and community at large. He also talks about the dangerous practices that the church advocates, and how he channels it all into his music. If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 11: Lola and Meagan finish their interview with Naomi Gibson, former member of both the Children of God (aka the Family) and NXIVM. In part two of this two-part episode, she talks to the girls about how Mark Vicente recruited her into NXIVM, what she loved about J'ness, and how she was involved in the cult's unraveling. www.trustmepod.com If you have your own story about cults, high-control groups, manipulation, or abuse of power, shoot us an email at [email protected]. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @trustmepodcast @oohlalola @vibehigherbitch OR TWITTER: @trustmecultpod @ohlalolaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.