About Decult Talks - Breaking the Silence on Cultic Harm
Decult Talks is an independent podcast with speaker sessions from our Decult 2024 conference to raise awareness about cultic harm. We aim to break the silence, reduce stigma, and provide tangible support to those affected by coercive control. Join us for real conversations, expert insights and survivor stories — because no one should face cultic harm alone. Visit decult.net to learn more and support our cause.
- Invisible rainbow youth: Purity, conversion and coming out in cults
Human rights advocate Andre Afamasaga interviews Luke Hollis, Craig Hoyle, and Dr. Janja Lalich about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals leaving cults, focusing on purity culture and conversion practices.
13 Jun 2025
- Health neglect in cults: Medical needs of survivors
Medical doctor Dr. Caroline Ansley discusses the unique physical and emotional health challenges faced by individuals involved in cults and the professional support needed for their recovery in this interview.
6 Jun 2025
- Courage and action: What to do about Gloriavale?
Liz Gregory hosts Dennis Gates, Pearl Valor, and Virginia Courage as they dissect the legal and emotional struggles of Gloriavale survivors and their pursuit of justice in this interview.
30 May 2025
- Walking free from trauma and abuse: A model for cult recovery
Psychotherapist Dr. Gillie Jenkinson presents a model for cult recovery therapy, highlighting critical aspects of healing and therapeutic approaches for individuals who have escaped cults in this interview episode.
24 May 2025
Rock the Watchtower: Former Jehovah’s Witnesses speak up
Anusha Bradley interviews Lara Kaput, Scott Homan, and Shayne Mechen, along with video insights from Micki McAllen, as they discuss control, resistance, and healing after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses.
17 May 2025
Groomed by Bill Gothard: Taking IBLP’s leader to court
What does it take to stand up to an influential religious leader?
At just 20 years old, Rachel Lees did precisely that. She took legal action against Bill Gothard, leader of the US-based fundamentalist group IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles), exposing the manipulative tactics hidden within the organization.
Her story of grooming and escape, shared on Decult Talks, is one of extraordinary courage, resilience and the pursuit of justice in the face of systemic control.
Recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and produced as a podcast by Plains Media (https://plains.org.nz/programme/DecultTalks).
Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about courage, legal battles and the fight for justice in the face of systemic manipulation.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
11 May 2025
The truth about The Truth: Secrets and cover-ups of the 2x2s
In this gripping episode of Decult Talks, Laura McConnell Conti shares her personal story of growing up in the secretive sect “The Truth” (or 2x2s), a group currently under investigation by the FBI for pedophilia. Laura takes us through her journey of leaving the cult, shedding light on the control tactics and the psychological impact of being raised within such a closed and abusive environment.
Recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand and produced as a podcast by Plains Media (https://plains.org.nz/programme/DecultTalks).
Tune in for a powerful and eye-opening discussion that will leave you reflecting on the far-reaching effects of cult influence.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights, and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
2 May 2025
Rabbit Hole Resistance: Cults, disinformation and online radicalisation
What is the overlap of disinformation, cults and online radicalisation?
Stephen Judd from FACT Aotearoa leads a compelling panel discussion on Decult Talks, joined by experts in cult dynamics and extremism: Prof Ekant Veer (University of Canterbury), Austrian cult expert Ulrike Schiesser, Australian-Egyptian human rights activist Adam Elmasri and Auckland psychotherapist Paul Wilson.
Together, they unpack the social and psychological forces that pull people into dangerous rabbit holes, offering insights into how individuals and societies are affected.
Recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and produced as a podcast by Plains Media (https://plainsfm.org.nz/programme/DecultTalks).
Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of cults and disinformation spreading.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights, and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
25 Apr 2025
Toxic tantra: Surviving and suing MISA’s yoga guru with Bec Sonkkila
In this powerful episode of Decult Talks, Bec Sonkkila, a survivor of the esoteric tantra yoga school MISA, shares her incredible journey and the vital role she played in bringing their controversial guru, Gregorian Bivolaru, to justice. Bivolaru was arrested in 2023, and Bec’s courage and perseverance were instrumental in exposing the truth behind the Romanian cult that hides behind different names across Europe.
This compelling presentation was recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and produced as a podcast by Plains Media (https://plains.org.nz/programme/DecultTalks).
Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening discussion about justice, healing and the fight against cult manipulation.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights, and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
18 Apr 2025
Bible study with a hook: Shincheonji’s recruitment with Laura Muir
In this eye-opening episode of Decult Talks, we hear from Laura Muir, a former member of the Korean Bible cult Shincheonji. Laura shares her personal experience and provides an in-depth look at the cult's recruitment tactics, shedding light on the psychological manipulation and strategies used to draw people in.
This powerful presentation was recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and produced as a podcast by Plains Media (https://plains.org.nz/programme/DecultTalks). Tune in for a thought-provoking presentation that will challenge what you know about how cults operate in our communities.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights, and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
13 Apr 2025
Kids in Cults: From damage and silence to justice and repair
Get ready for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation in this episode of Decult Talks. Hosted by journalist Adam Dudding, this dynamic panel discussion was recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has been produced by Plains Media (https://plainsfm.org.nz/programme/DecultTalks).
Join Dr. Caroline Ansley from the Centrepoint Restoration Project, Maria Esguerra, a psychologist and Children of God survivor, Luke Hollis, a former Jehovah’s Witness, and Dr Janja Lalich, a leading US cult expert, as they delve deep into the personal and psychological impacts of cults on children born or raised in them.
This conversation brings together powerful stories of survival, recovery, and expertise in the fight against coercion and manipulation. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode that will leave you with a new perspective on complex human rights and mental health issues.
Tune in now for an unforgettable discussion that uncovers the truth behind cults.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights, and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
5 Apr 2025
"Cults 101: Influence and harm of high control groups” with Dr. Janja Lalich
Get ready for an eye-opening presentation by Dr. Janja Lalich, one of the world’s leading experts on cults and extremism and the author of “Take Back Your Life” and “Escaping Utopia”. As a Professor Emerita of Sociology and an international authority in her field, Dr. Lalich delivered the first keynote at the groundbreaking Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. Hosted by the insightful Andre Afamasaga, this episode explores Dr. Lalich’s “Bounded Choice” model and her fascinating insights into the psychological and social dynamics behind cults.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from a true pioneer in the field. Tune in now for a powerful and thought-provoking talk that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about cults.
Stay connected with Decult!
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/decult_nz/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Decult/61553299000408/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/decult-2024/posts/?feedView=all), Threads (https://www.threads.net/@decult_nz) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/decult.bsky.social), and visit our website (https://decult.net/) to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by preregistering now (https://decult.net/2024-decult-conference-highlights/), check out all the Decult 2024 highlights, and stay tuned for our documentary!
Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a donation (https://decult.net/donate/). Thank you for your support!
2 Apr 2025
Welcome to Decult Talks
Explore the highlights of Decult Conference 2024 with our new podcast series on Spotify. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage and insights!
Who has been a guest on Decult Talks - Breaking the Silence on Cultic Harm
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Luke Hollis
Craig Hoyle
Dr Janja Lalich
Dr Caroline Ansley
Dennis Gates
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
74
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Decult Talks - Breaking the Silence on Cultic Harm
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