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In this episode of How to Leave a Cult, we dive deep into how living under a cult’s control affects us long after we’ve left. We start by exploring the 80/20 iceberg theory, which reveals how explicit rules and hidden expectations from cult life shape our recovery from trauma. I share the emotional journey of my child's birth, where the pressure to meet cult standards—like having a home birth—led to feelings of failure when I needed to go to the hospital.

Through personal experiences, we explore how healing is like peeling layers off an onion, addressing each painful emotion—grief, anger, and hurt—without judgment. This episode helps us see the importance of sitting with these emotions and finding the hidden gifts that come from facing our trauma. Whether you're in the process of leaving a controlling group or working through past wounds, this episode offers insight into how to break free and heal.

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The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

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In this deeply personal episode, I open up about two major life events—my wedding and baby shower—that were entirely decided for me. From the guest list to the location, nothing was truly mine. I share how these moments, which should have been joyful and celebratory, were orchestrated by the controlling hands of the group I was part of. Join me as I reflect on the emotional toll of having such meaningful life experiences taken over by others and how I began the journey of reclaiming my autonomy.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

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In the upcoming episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I'm joined by David, a former cult member whose story is both unique and deeply compelling. David and his wife initially found solace in practices like Transcendental Meditation and Rebirthing, which brought them positive experiences and a sense of peace. However, these very practices led them to the doors of the cult, where they were drawn in by charismatic leaders, Trina and Steven.

David shares his emotional journey of joining the cult, leaving, and then rejoining years later, all while grappling with the influence of the ministers he once admired. When the cult's leaders turned his wife against him, David felt trapped, unable to leave as she distanced herself from him. Their situation became even more dire when one of the ministers resorted to physical abuse, prompting them to finally flee together.

This episode sheds light on the power of manipulation, the challenges of breaking free, and the complex interplay between spiritual practices and cult influence. Tune in for an insightful conversation about resilience, love, and the struggle to reclaim one's life.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

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In this episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I dive into how the harsh and unforgiving teachings of the church led me to become controlling in my relationships. Driven by a desperate need to live up to the impossible standards set by the cult, I started to enforce the same rigid rules that were imposed on me. This episode explores how the pressure to conform to extreme beliefs can warp your sense of self and turn love into a mechanism of control.

But there’s hope for healing. I also share how I began the journey of breaking down the layers of walls I had built around myself. Through powerful visualization techniques, I slowly started to reclaim my identity and free myself from the cycle of control that had been ingrained in me.

Join me as I reveal the personal struggles of navigating relationships under the weight of cult expectations and how visualization helped me rediscover who I truly am.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

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In this episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I share the harrowing experience of navigating my arranged relationship within the cult. Not only was I responsible for teaching him the "law of the land" and dictating our living situations, but we also faced constant emotional torment due to false accusations. The cult's leadership would tear us down emotionally, using shame as a weapon to maintain control.

Adding to the turmoil, we were forced to divulge our sexual pasts to prove our purity, a humiliating process that further stripped us of our dignity and autonomy. This episode explores the dark intersection of control, shame, and manipulation, revealing how cults use relationships to dominate and break down their members. Join me for an eye-opening look at the crushing weight of life under a cult’s rule.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

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In this gripping episode of "How to Leave a Cult," I recount the carefully orchestrated meeting with the man I was chosen to marry within the cult. Through this personal story, we delve into the power dynamics that dictate relationships in cults, where choices are rarely one's own. Explore how leaders manipulate and control members' lives, using marriage as a tool to maintain their authority and reinforce their rigid hierarchy.

We'll break down the psychological and emotional tactics employed to strip away personal agency and ensure compliance, revealing the unsettling realities of how power operates in these closed communities. Join me as I shed light on the dark undercurrents of control, manipulation, and forced relationships in cults.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

Send us a text

In this compelling episode of "How to Leave a Cult," we take a deeply personal journey into a day in my life as a 16-year-old living within a cult. Through vivid storytelling and raw reflections, you'll experience the daily routines, emotional struggles, and pervasive control that defined my existence at that age.

We will also explore the profound question: Why don't people leave cults? Unpacking the psychological manipulation, emotional dependency, and fear tactics employed by cult leaders, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the barriers that prevent members from breaking free. Join me for an intimate glimpse into the realities of cult life and gain a deeper understanding of the complex reasons that keep people bound to these oppressive groups.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult

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In this episode of "How to Leave a Cult," we delve into the unsettling reality that cults are not as strange or distant as they might seem—they exist right among us. Using the APA Dictionary of Psychology's definition as our foundation, we explore the intricate dynamics that make these groups both captivating and dangerous. Discover how authoritarian control, targeting the vulnerable, extremist beliefs, and comprehensive manipulation shape these highly cohesive and secretive organizations.

We'll reveal the tactics cults use, like love bombing, isolation, and fostering an us-versus-them mentality, to maintain power and elude accountability. Plus, we'll provide you with 10 ways to identify a cult, helping you recognize the signs and protect yourself and your loved ones. Join us as we uncover how these groups blend into our communities, exploiting the unsuspecting and silencing dissent. Whether you're a curious listener or someone seeking to understand the pervasive presence of cults, this episode promises a revealing journey into the heart of cult control.

Support the show

The perspectives shared on HOW TO LEAVE A CULT are personal and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the podcast. The opinions of our guests, sponsors, or authors are their own and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or condemnation. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, and the content is not intended to disparage any religion, group, organization, or individual. Remember, it's okay to have different views, but let's keep it respectful. Nobody's upset with you; just remember, let's avoid any culty shenanigans.

Find us here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult