Hidden Cults

Ep.55 Desteni

Tonight on Hidden Cults, we explore Desteni, the bizarre internet-era movement founded by Bernard Poolman in South Africa. Blending channeling, reptilian conspiracies, self-forgiveness rituals, and extreme mind-control ideology, Desteni attracted followers searching for truth, transformation, and freedom from the “programmed mind.” But behind the online videos and spiritual promises, former members describe psychological control, emotional manipulation, financial pressure, and a system that slowly consumed people’s identities. Part 1 – Bernard Poolman: Namibia, Policing, Occult Claims, and Reinvention Part 2 – The Farm, the Portal, and the Birth of Desteni Part 3 – Life Inside Desteni: Farm, Buddies, Courses, and Control Part 4 – Ex-Members, TechnoTutor, and Cult Allegations   Part 5 – After Poolman: Eqafe, Rebranding, and What Remains From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources * International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com [https://www.icsahome.com] Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. * Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org [https://www.openmindsfoundation.org] Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. * The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. * Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com [https://freedomofmind.com] Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. * FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org [https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org] Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States * Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada  * Cult & Trauma Support Resources  * Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org [https://infosecte.org] * Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 * Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com * Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. * Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom * The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org [https://familysurvivaltrust.org] Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. * Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk [https://cults.org.uk] UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. * Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk [https://www.mind.org.uk] 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia * Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au [https://www.cifs.org.au] National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Ep.54 Nation of Yahweh

The Nation of Yahweh began in Miami in the late 1970s under the leadership of Yahweh ben Yahweh, born Hulon Mitchell Jr., who preached that Black Americans were the true Israelites of the Bible and that he was the chosen son of God sent to lead them. What started as a movement focused on identity, discipline, and community rebuilding grew into a tightly controlled organization built around fear, obedience, and violence. Inside the Temple of Love, followers surrendered names, money, relationships, and personal freedom, while prosecutors later accused the group of operating through intimidation and murder. This episode follows the rise of the Nation of Yahweh in Miami, the people drawn into it, the violence tied to the movement, and the federal investigation that brought its leader down. Part 1 – Hulon Mitchell Jr.: Oklahoma, Religion, and Reinvention (1935–1979) Part 2 – Miami, the Temple of Love, and the Rise of the Nation (1979–Mid-1980s) Part 3 – Fear Inside the Temple: Enforcers, Defectors, and Violence Part 4 – Operation Jericho, Trial, and Conviction (1986–1992) Part 5 – Prison, Release, Death, and What Remains (1992–Present)   From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources * International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com [https://www.icsahome.com] Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. * Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org [https://www.openmindsfoundation.org] Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. * The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. * Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com [https://freedomofmind.com] Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. * FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org [https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org] Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States * Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada  * Cult & Trauma Support Resources  * Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org [https://infosecte.org] * Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 * Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com * Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. * Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom * The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org [https://familysurvivaltrust.org] Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. * Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk [https://cults.org.uk] UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. * Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk [https://www.mind.org.uk] 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia * Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au [https://www.cifs.org.au] National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Ep.53 Aggressive Christianity Missionary Training Corps

The Aggressive Christianity Missionary Training Corps began as a small communal group led by James Green and Deborah Green, who moved from counterculture living into a rigid, militant form of religious control. What followed was the creation of a closed compound in New Mexico, where daily life was dictated by rank, obedience, and a belief system built around spiritual warfare. This episode follows the rise of the group, what life was really like inside it, and how it ultimately collapsed under legal pressure. Part 1 – Jim and Deborah Green: Counterculture, Conversion, and Formation (1940s–1981) Part 2 – Free Love Ministries to ACMTC: Structure, Expansion, and Control (1981–Early 1990s)   Part 3 – Doctrine, Militarism, and Absolute Authority Part 4 – Abuse, Death, and Federal Intervention (2000s–2018) Part 5 – Collapse, Legal Fallout, and What Remains From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources * International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com [https://www.icsahome.com] Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. * Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org [https://www.openmindsfoundation.org] Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. * The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. * Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com [https://freedomofmind.com] Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. * FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org [https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org] Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States * Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada  * Cult & Trauma Support Resources  * Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org [https://infosecte.org] * Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 * Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com * Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. * Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom * The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org [https://familysurvivaltrust.org] Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. * Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk [https://cults.org.uk] UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. * Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk [https://www.mind.org.uk] 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia * Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au [https://www.cifs.org.au] National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Ep.52 Gloriavale Christian Community

Gloriavale is a remote Christian community in New Zealand, built on strict belief, total commitment, and a system that controls daily life from work to family structure. Founded by Neville Cooper, it grew into a self-contained society where obedience, isolation, and shared labour became the foundation of everything. Behind that structure, former members describe abuse, exploitation, and a system that made leaving difficult. As legal challenges, investigations, and public scrutiny increased, the community faced growing pressure to change. Part 1 – Neville Cooper: Origins, Belief, and Authority (1930s–1969) Part 2 – Building the Community: Structure, Control, and Relocation (1969–1990s) Part 3 – Life Inside Gloriavale: Work, Family, and Isolation Part 4 – Abuse, Exploitation, and Legal Exposure (1990s–2020s) Part 5 – Collapse Pressure, Reform Claims, and Ongoing Reality From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources * International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com [https://www.icsahome.com] Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. * Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org [https://www.openmindsfoundation.org] Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. * The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. * Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com [https://freedomofmind.com] Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. * FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org [https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org] Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States * Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada  * Cult & Trauma Support Resources  * Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org [https://infosecte.org] * Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 * Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com * Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. * Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom * The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org [https://familysurvivaltrust.org] Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. * Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk [https://cults.org.uk] UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. * Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk [https://www.mind.org.uk] 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia * Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au [https://www.cifs.org.au] National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Ep.51 Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON)

The Hare Krishna movement, also known as ISKCON, began with one man arriving in New York with a message rooted in devotion to Krishna. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada built a global following through chanting, strict discipline, and communal living that drew in those searching for purpose during the counterculture era. As the movement expanded, it developed a defined way of life built around authority, routine, and total commitment. After Prabhupada’s death, leadership struggles, abuse allegations, and legal battles brought increasing scrutiny. This episode follows the rise of the Hare Krishna movement, what life was really like inside it, and how it changed under pressure from the outside world. Part 1 – A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: Origins, Belief, and Mission (1896–1965) Part 2 – New York, Counterculture, and Rapid Expansion (1965–1977) Part 3 – Doctrine, Discipline, and Devotional Structure   Part 4 –  Power Struggles, Abuse Allegations, and Public Backlash (Late 1970s–1990s) Part 5 – Reform, Global Presence, and Modern Identity (2000s–Present)   From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources * International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com [https://www.icsahome.com] Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. * Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org [https://www.openmindsfoundation.org] Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. * The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. * Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com [https://freedomofmind.com] Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. * FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org [https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org] Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States * Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada  * Cult & Trauma Support Resources  * Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org [https://infosecte.org] * Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 * Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com * Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. * Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom * The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org [https://familysurvivaltrust.org] Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. * Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk [https://cults.org.uk] UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. * Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk [https://www.mind.org.uk] 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia * Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au [https://www.cifs.org.au] National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. This episode includes AI-generated content.