Cult Files
Claim This Podcastby American NIghtmares
Podcast Overview
<p>It was just another quiet neighborhood in small town America. At least, that's how it looked. But the immaculately groomed yards, trimmed hedges, and brightly colored flower gardens hid an insidious secret.</p><p>More than a hundred residents were members of a cult called The Zion Society. Hiding in plain sight, they hoarded guns and ammunition. They created, sold, and modeled sexy lingerie. They took children away from parents and groomed them for sexual abuse.</p><p>Their beliefs were centered around satisfying the perverted desires of one man - their leader: an unassuming, soft-spoken landscaper. Neighbors knew something was amiss, but it wasn't until a brave young woman broke away from the secretive group and confessed to authorities that everything began to unravel for this dangerous cult. This is the story of that unraveling told by the people who lived it.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/28/2024
2 verified contact emails on file for Cult Files
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Recent Episodes
May 18, 2026
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April 14, 2026
CLOSER LOOK, E3 - Understanding The Why and How
Following the story of Zion, survivors share the moments, memories, and manipulation that couldn’t be fully captured the first time. Jackie and Ron reflect on the turning point that led them to leave, as Arvin Shreve’s behavior grew increasingly disturbing. Through deeply personal accounts, survivors reveal how fear, control, and religious rhetoric were used to strip away identity and maintain power within the group. Andrea and Amber speak to the lasting emotional impact—from the trauma inflicted on children to the psychological scars that linger into adulthood. Centered on survivor voices, A Closer Look continues to add depth and perspective to the story of Zion—offering validation, understanding, and resources for those navigating similar experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 7, 2026
CLOSER LOOK, E2: When Memories Return and Puzzles Are Solved
What happens when you return to the place where it all began? In Episode 2 of Gardens of Evil – A Closer Look Inside The Garden, hosted by Mike King, survivors revisit the neighborhoods where their childhoods were shaped, and where trauma still lingers beneath the surface. As memories resurface, experts help explain why trauma doesn’t follow a linear path. Dr. Judy Ho breaks down how abuse disrupts memory, leaving survivors with fragmented and emotional recall, while Dr. Patrice Berry explores the critical role of validation, empathy, and safe support systems in the healing process. For the first time, we also hear from the partners of survivors... those who stand beside them in the aftermath. Rocky and David share what it means to support someone you love through trauma, without judgment, and without trying to “fix” what can’t be undone. This episode is about memory, resilience, and the quiet power of being believed—and what it takes to begin healing when the past is still present. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 total episodes available with 11 transcripts
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- What is Cult Files?
<p>It was just another quiet neighborhood in small town America. At least, that's how it looked. But the immaculately groomed yards, trimmed hedges, and brightly colored flower gardens hid an insidious secret.</p><p>More than a hundred residents were members of a cult called The Zion Society. Hiding in plain sight, they hoarded guns and ammunition. They created, sold, and modeled sexy lingerie. They took children away from parents and groomed them for sexual abuse.</p><p>Their beliefs were centered around satisfying the perverted desires of one man - their leader: an unassuming, soft-spoken landscaper. Neighbors knew something was amiss, but it wasn't until a brave young woman broke away from the secretive group and confessed to authorities that everything began to unravel for this dangerous cult. This is the story of that unraveling told by the people who lived it.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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