Blazing Eyes, Cult Ties, and New Age Vibes with Leah Sottile
This episode is sponsored in part by BetterHelp. New Age isn’t just sage bundles and Instagram affirmations. It can also be a fast track to conspiracy-laced belief systems, grifty gurus, and straight-...
14 Apr 20251h 4min
Justified Resentment: When AA Goes Culty with April McLean
Alcoholics Anonymous has become a household name. You’ve probably heard of the 12 steps, sponsors, and sobriety chips. At its best, AA can be life-changing. But in some chapters, things can take a dar...
7 Apr 20251h 26min
Laura Richards: What Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Blake Lively’s Cases Reveal About Coercive Control (Part 2)
This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. We’re back with behavioral science expert Laura Richards for Part 2 of our deep dive into coercive control—and how it shows up in some of today’s most ...
31 Mar 20251h 5min
Laura Richards: What Gabby Petito, “Dirty John,” and Keith Raniere Have in Common
This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. What do serial killers, cult leaders, and domestic abusers have in common? According to criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards, quite a lot. In this...
24 Mar 20251h 2min
Mind Control in Disguise: Cristina Coello on the Dangers of the Bright Path
This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Ishayas’ Ascension—also known as the Bright Path—is a new-agey meditation movement that promises spiritual enlightenment through “stillness” and expen...
17 Mar 20251h 32min
The Ties That Bind: Ariel Anderssen on Cults to Kink
We’re bringing you a spicy one today on ALBC! Our guest is Ariel Anderssen, a professional BDSM model and sex-positive author. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Ariel grew up in a world where sexuality w...
10 Mar 20251h 2min
Surviving the IFB: Shelly Snow Pordea on Trauma, Healing, and Fiction
This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Novelist, screenwriter, and publishing consultant Shelly Snow Pordea grew up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church, an insular and oppre...
3 Mar 20251h 14min
Born and Razed in a Cult: Beth Granger on Surviving Grenville Christian College (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of our conversation with Beth Granger, who was born into Grenville Christian College and spent over 20 years trapped within its cult-like control. If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1,...
24 Feb 202536min
