The Cult Vault

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Wendy Baker, a former member of the Source Family and daughter-in-law to the leader, about her experiences growing up in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, her relationship with the charismatic leader Jim Baker, and her life in the Source Family commune. Wendy shares insights from her memoir, 'My Name Was Mushroom,' detailing her transition from a typical teenager to a member of a spiritual community, the dynamics of communal living, and the impact of their beliefs on their daily lives. The conversation explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the complexities of life within a cult-like environment.  My Name Was Mushroom: My Life as a Teenage Runaway in The Source Family Commune: https://amzn.eu/d/hZgKSkx Get in Touch or Support:  Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault Gmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with author Beth Granger, a cult survivor and representative plaintiff in a landmark class action lawsuit against her abusers. Beth shares her experiences growing up in Grenville Christian College, a cult disguised as a school, and discusses the challenges of recovery and the importance of sharing stories of those born and raised in cults. The conversation delves into the impact of cult life on identity, the challenges of publishing a memoir, connections to the troubled teen industry, coercive control tactics, purity culture, family dynamics, and the journey of healing. Beth's Book:  Amazon.com: Born and Razed : Surviving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle eBook : Granger, Beth: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Born-Razed-Surviving-Cult-Battle-ebook/dp/B0DQ68117H] Get in Touch or Support:  Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault Gmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Lloyd Evans, a former Jehovah's Witness and current activist, about his journey out of the organisation and the complexities of Jehovah's Witness beliefs. They discuss the history of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the impact of indoctrination on children, and the challenges faced by those who leave the faith, including rapture anxiety. Lloyd shares insights on how to support children from different belief systems and the importance of compassion and understanding. The discussion also touches on the dynamics within survivor communities and the importance of constructive dialogue in healing and understanding. Lloyd's Books, Websites and YouTube: The Reluctant Apostate: Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses Comes at a Price: https://amzn.eu/d/4BEY6Jj [https://amzn.eu/d/4BEY6Jj] How to Escape From Jehovah's Witnesses: https://amzn.eu/d/g4gaJ9G www.jwwatch.org [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3BSWHF5WWtoRElHeEczRGlqTnhWdGpVZHBnd3xBQ3Jtc0ttWDVRaHRTdGpuZlRLLVM3RUhwRTUyTFBQWWY5dXdveWlGajlCRVluYW10c2NBbFpOeHlxTTMxSXdfeEphRGVjT01ja3hnQmZlM01hcUZNOFJ1MGZ4M0tqUnptd1RwNm5SVXZUZWVqczQtQjhMVkVkZw&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jwwatch.org] www.youtube.com/@LloydEvans [http://www.youtube.com/@LloydEvans] Get in Touch or Support:  Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault Gmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Shannon Payton AKA Shanny Pants shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious cult, her experiences navigating life outside of it, and the challenges of parenting while healing from past trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of psychoeducation in her recovery process. In this conversation, Shanny Payton shares her journey of healing from trauma, navigating relationships post-cult, and the challenges of marriage and parenthood. She emphasises the importance of humor in her healing process and discusses the support she has found in her community. Shanny also reflects on her experiences with social media and the impact of negative comments, while offering wisdom for those recovering from trauma. Shanny's Show - ShannyPantsShowWebsite [https://shannypantsshow.com/] Get in Touch or Support:  Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault Gmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the suspected cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he began to question the integrity of his leader. He reflects on his eventual disengagement from the suspected cult, the healing process, and the importance of critical thinking. Don also offers advice for others who may be navigating similar experiences and emphasises the need for support and resources. Get in Touch or Support:  Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvault Crimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPod Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-Vault Gmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com