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Hidden Cults
Nik Hunter
15 episodes
1 day ago
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    https://familysurvivaltrust.org
    Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
  • Cults Information Centre and Family Support
    https://cults.org.uk
    UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
  • Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
    https://www.mind.org.uk
    ๐Ÿ“ž 0300 123 3393 โ€” Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia
  • Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
    https://www.cifs.org.au
    National support for individuals and families affected by cults.
Show more...
Documentary
Society & Culture,
True Crime
RSS
All content for Hidden Cults is the property of Nik Hunter and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    https://familysurvivaltrust.org
    Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
  • Cults Information Centre and Family Support
    https://cults.org.uk
    UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
  • Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
    https://www.mind.org.uk
    ๐Ÿ“ž 0300 123 3393 โ€” Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia
  • Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
    https://www.cifs.org.au
    National support for individuals and families affected by cults.
Show more...
Documentary
Society & Culture,
True Crime
Episodes (15/15)
Hidden Cults
Ep.14 The Process Church of the Final Judgment
In the 1960s, a strange and secretive movement emerged from the fringes of Scientology and began preaching an apocalyptic message unlike anything the world had heard before. The Process Church of the Final Judgment mixed elements of Christianity, Satanism, and occult mysticism, attracting celebrities, counterculture wanderers, and eventually the attention of law enforcement. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we trace the Churchโ€™s shadowy origins, explore its controversial beliefs, and uncover how it became entangled with some of the most notorious crimes of the era.

Part 1 โ€“ Before the Process
Part 2 โ€“ The Scientology Years
Part 3 โ€“ Birth of the Process
Part 4 โ€“ The Height of the Process
Part 5 โ€“ Decline and Dissolution
Part 6 โ€“ Part 6 โ€“ Legacy and Echoes

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.ย 
New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    Show more...
1 day ago
1 hour 16 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.13 The Narcosatanists (The Matamoros Cult)
In 1989, a quiet ranch outside Matamoros, Mexico, revealed a nightmare. Police unearthed ritual altars, human remains, and evidence of a cult led by Adolfo Constanzo, a man who fused drug trafficking, black magic, and murder into a single reign of terror. Known to the world as the "Narcosatanists," (The Matamoros Cult) his followers believed blood and fear could grant them power and protection.
This episode of Hidden Cults takes you inside the rituals of Constanzo's secret world, the shocking discovery that made global headlines, and the legacy of belief and violence that refused to die.

Part 1 โ€“ Origins of Ritual and Blood
Part 2 โ€“ The Disappearance of Mark Kilroy
Part 3 โ€“ Aftermath and the Cult on Trial
Part 4 โ€“ Ritual, Symbol, and the Legacy of El Padrino
Part 5 โ€“ Reflections on Power, Ritual, and the Cost of Obedience

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family...
Show more...
1 week ago
44 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.12 NXIVM
NXIVM promised empowerment. What it delivered was control, abuse, and branding. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we explore how a self-improvement group led by Keith Raniere transformed into a secretive hierarchy of manipulation, complete with master-slave dynamics, celebrity recruiters, and a cult of personality at its core. From motivational seminars to federal courtrooms, this is the story of how NXIVM unraveled, and who got caught in the fallout.

Part 1 โ€“ The Vanguard: Keith Raniere and the Birth of a Movement
Part 2 โ€“ The Circle Within: DOS, Branding, and the Secret Sisterhood
Part 3 โ€“ The Trial of Vanguard: Testimony, Collapse, and the Fall of the Movement
Part 4 โ€“ Reckoning and Ruins: The Sentencing, the Survivors, and the Fight to Reclaim Identity
Part 5 โ€“ Bright Lights, Dark Shadows: Celebrity, Wealth, and the Expansion of a Cult
Part 6 โ€“ Echoes and Aftershocks: The Lingering Power of a Collapsed Cult

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information...
Show more...
2 weeks ago
41 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.11 The Rajneesh movement
They came to rural Oregon dressed in shades of orange and red, following a spiritual guru who rarely spoke and a powerful woman who did all the talking. What began as an ambitious attempt to build a utopian community quickly turned into one of the most controversial religious experiments in American history. In this episode, we trace the rise of the Rajneesh movement, from its roots in India to the creation of Rajneeshpuram, through escalating legal battles, immigration fraud, internal control, and the largest bioterror attack ever committed on U.S. soil.

Part 1 โ€“ The Making of a Guru: From Chandra Mohan to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Part 2 โ€“ From Pune to Oregon: Ma Anand Sheela and the Rise of Rajneeshpuram
Part 3 โ€“ Exile and Reinvention: From Bhagwan to Osho
Part 4 โ€“ After the Master: The Osho Brand, the Digital Turn, and the Battle for Legacy
Part 5 โ€“ Aftermath and Accountability: Survivors, Truth-Seekers, and the Unfinished Reckoning
Part 6 โ€“ Legacy in the Ashes: The Echo of Osho and the Market of Modern Enlightenment
ย 
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by...
Show more...
3 weeks ago
41 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.10 The Family International
Once known as the Children of God, The Family International began as a 1960s counterculture movement promising love, freedom, and a new way of life. But behind the music and missionary work was a dark legacy of manipulation, control, and widespread abuse. In this episode, we trace the rise of The Family from its hippie-era beginnings to its global spread, and examine how its teachings shattered lives across generations. This is the story of how an idealistic message became a nightmare for many who were born into it.

Part 1 โ€“ Roots of the Revolution: The Making of David Berg
Part 2 โ€“ Kingdom Come: Expansion, Evangelism, and the Rise of Flirty Fishing
Part 3 โ€“ Cracks in the Sanctuary: Dissent, Exposure, and the Limits of Obedience
Part 4 โ€“ The Shadow of the Prophet: Karen Zerby, Rebranding, and the Digital Exodus
Part 5 โ€“ Aftermath: Survivors, Reckoning, and the Long Road to Recovery
Part 6 โ€“ The Quiet End: Legacy, Denial, and the Long Fade

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support,...
Show more...
1 month ago
44 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.9 The Raรซlian Movement
A French racecar driver walks into a volcano and comes out a prophet. Thatโ€™s how the story begins. What follows is one of the most unusual and controversial new religions of the modern era. In this episode, we explore the rise of the Raรซlian Movement, a UFO-based faith that claims humanity was created by extraterrestrials known as the Elohim. Guided by their messenger Raรซl, followers embrace a future of cloning, interstellar contact, and global peace through sensual meditation. But behind the smiling photos and sci-fi optimism lies a story that raises deep questions about belief, identity, and the line between revelation and reinvention.

Part 1 โ€“ The Vision on the Volcano: The Birth of Raรซl
Part 2 โ€“ Clones, Controversy, and the Global Spread of a Message
Part 3 โ€“ Circles Within Circles: Ritual, Rank, and the Global Machine
Part 4 โ€“ Public Spectacle: Protest, Provocation, and Performance
Part 5 โ€“ Waiting for the Sky to Open: Faith, Friction, and the Messengerโ€™s Shadow

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual...
Show more...
1 month ago
44 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.8 The Nuwaubian Nation
It started in Brooklyn as a small religious group focused on Black identity and spiritual truth. Over time, it grew into something stranger. The Nuwaubian Nation built pyramids in Georgia, talked about UFOs and lost civilizations, and claimed their leader, Dwight York, was more than just a man. He called himself a prophet, a savior, even an alien messenger. But behind all the symbols, costumes, and shifting beliefs was something far more disturbing. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we follow the rise of Dwight York and the transformation of his movement. From city storefronts to a massive compound in rural Georgia, the Nuwaubian Nation drew in thousands with its mix of mysticism, nationalism, and science fiction. What most followers didnโ€™t see was the system of control, isolation, and abuse that grew along with it. This isnโ€™t just a story about a strange cult. Itโ€™s about how faith and identity can be exploited. And how the promise of truth can be used to hide the worst kinds of lies.

Part 1 โ€“ The Prophet in the Projects: The Early Years of Dwight York
Part 2 โ€“ Kingdom in the Pines: Life Inside Tama-Re
Part 3 โ€“ Cracks in the Pyramid: The Fall of Tama-Re
Part 4 โ€“ Ashes of Empire: Aftermath and Echoes
Part 5 โ€“ The Digital Resurrection: Yorkโ€™s Teachings in the Internet Age
Part 6 โ€“ Reflections in the Ruins: Power, Prophecy, and the Echo That Remains

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma...
Show more...
1 month ago
47 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.7 The Manson Family
In the heat and haze of the 1960s, Charles Manson didnโ€™t look like a cult leader. He looked like a drifter with a guitar and some big ideas. But behind the music and the talk of love was something darker. Something that would end in blood. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we follow the story of the Manson Family from its earliest days on the fringes of the counterculture to the horrific murders that shocked the world. We dig into how Manson built his following, what he promised, and how he convinced others to kill in his name. This isnโ€™t just a story about a cult, itโ€™s about influence, manipulation, and the line between belief and destruction.

Part 1 โ€“ The Drifter and the Dream: The Early Life of Charles Manson
Part 2 โ€“ The Family Grows: From Haight-Ashbury to the Desert
Part 3 โ€“ Prophecy and Blood: The Road to Helter Skelter
Part 4 โ€“ The Trial: Theatre of Control
Part 5 โ€“ Echoes of the Family: Aftermath and Survival
Part 6 โ€“ The Blueprint: Influence, Replication, and the Shadow That Remains

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and...
Show more...
1 month ago
49 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.6 The Peoples Temple
Long before the tragedy in the jungle, the Peoples Temple looked like something good. Jim Jones preached equality. He fed the poor, welcomed the outcast, and promised a better world. But behind the sermons was a darker reality. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we follow the full rise and collapse of the Peoples Temple. From small-town Indiana to the remote settlement of Jonestown, this is the story of how one manโ€™s hunger for control led to one of the largest mass deaths in modern history. Itโ€™s not just about what happened in 1978. Itโ€™s about how it started, why people followed, and what it really takes to turn faith into a weapon.

Part 1 โ€“ The Prophet of Progress: The Early Life of Jim Jones
Part 2 โ€“ Expansion and Obedience
Part 3 โ€“ Jonestown
Part 4 โ€“ The Bodies Left Behind
Part 5 โ€“ The Aftermath
Part 6 โ€“ Legacy of a Lie

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resourcesย 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family...
Show more...
1 month ago
49 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.5 The Order of the Solar Temple
It began as a secret society chasing spiritual enlightenment, and ended in ritual murder and mass death. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we uncover the chilling rise and fall of The Order of the Solar Temple. Founded in Europe in the late 1980s, this apocalyptic group blended New Age mysticism, Templar mythology, and conspiracy to justify its descent into control, paranoia, and fatal prophecy. From its charismatic leaders and wealthy elite followers to the carefully staged deaths across Switzerland, France, and Canada, this is the true story behind one of the most disturbing cults in modern history. We follow the timeline step by step, from obscure recruitment to coordinated group suicides cloaked in fire and secrecy.ย 
What did they believe? Why did so many die? And how did it go so far without anyone stopping it? This is not just a story of belief gone wrong. It's a warning, about power, persuasion, and what happens when salvation is used as a weapon.

Part 1 โ€“ Seeds of Shadows: Origins of the Order
Part 2 โ€“ The Descent Begins
Part 3 โ€“ Behind the Veil
Part 4 โ€“ The Fire Rituals
Part 5 โ€“ Echoes and Ashes
Part 6 โ€“ Reflections on Faith, Fear, and Control

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย Show more...
1 month ago
52 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.4 Heavenโ€™s Gate
In this episode of Hidden Cults, we dive deep into the haunting story of Heavenโ€™s Gate, the first digital-age cult to orchestrate a mass suicide in the name of transcendence. Led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, the group blended UFO mythology, New Age beliefs, and extreme spiritual discipline into a tightly controlled system that convinced 39 people to willingly "exit their vehicles" and board a spacecraft they believed was hiding behind the Hale Bopp comet. From their early days as wandering seekers to their eerie final moments inside a California mansion, this is the full chronicle. Rituals, castrations, web design, and a promise of escape from Earth. This is not just a story of belief. It's a case study in how isolation, control, and certainty can create an alternate reality.

Part 1 โ€“ The Roots of the Belief (Early Life of Applewhite & Nettles) ย 
Part 2 โ€“ The Two, the Walk-Ins, and the Road (1970sโ€“1980s) ย 
Part 3 โ€“ The New Message and the Net (1990s) ย 
Part 4 โ€“ Echoes in the Void (Post-1997, Reactions & Legacy)
Part 5 โ€“ Reflections on Faith, Fear, and Controlย ย 

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s...
Show more...
1 month ago
47 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.3 Aum Shinrikyo
In this harrowing episode of Hidden Cults, we dive into the chilling rise and catastrophic fall of Aum Shinrikyo, a doomsday cult that began as a fringe yoga group in Japan and evolved into a domestic terrorist organization with apocalyptic ambitions. Led by the self-proclaimed messiah Shoko Asahara, Aum's journey from spiritual seekers to the perpetrators of the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack exposes a disturbing fusion of mind control, science fiction, and mass delusion. We unravel the cult's recruitment of elite scientists, their obsession with chemical weapons, and the twisted prophecy that led to one of the deadliest terror attacks in modern Japanese history. Survivors, defectors, and experts help us uncover the cult's hidden inner workings, and the eerie global echoes that remain today. A story of belief turned deadly, this is the nightmare beneath the surface of spiritual salvation.

Part 1 โ€“ The Guru in the Shadows: The Rise of Shoko Asahara (1955โ€“1989)
Part 2 โ€“ Cult to Command: Doctrine, Devotion, and Domination (1990โ€“1994)
Part 3 โ€“ The Tokyo Attack: Chaos Underground (1995)
Part 4 โ€“ Collapse and Reckoning: Trials, Trauma, and Aftershocks (1995โ€“2018)
Part 5 โ€“ Echoes in the Void: The Remnants and Rebrands (2018โ€“Present)
Part 6 โ€“ Reflections on Faith, Fear, and Control

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com



International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte...
Show more...
2 months ago
45 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.2 The Branch Davidians
What began as a fringe religious movement ended in a fiery siege that shocked the world. This episode of Hidden Cults explores the rise of the Branch Davidians, the power of David Koresh, and the deadly 51-day standoff in Waco, Texas. A story of prophecy, control, and the moment faith turned to fire.

Part 1 โ€“ Roots of Rebellion: From Prophecy to Power (1929โ€“1981)
Part 2 โ€“ The Making of David Koresh: Prophecy, Power, and Control
Part 3 โ€“ Preparing for War: Theology, Firearms, and the Coming Siege (1989โ€“1993)
Part 4 โ€“ Day 51: Fire and Fallout
Part 5 โ€“ Legacy of Ashes
Part 6 โ€“ Reflections and Echoes
---
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.
New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    https://familysurvivaltrust.org
    Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive...
Show more...
2 months ago
48 minutes

Hidden Cults
Ep.1 Scientology
It began with a science fiction writer and a self-help book. Today, it's a billion-dollar religious empire with tax-exempt status, celebrity ambassadors, secret doctrines, and a reputation built on fear and control. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we dive deep into the world of Scientology, from the early writings of L. Ron Hubbard to the rise of David Miscavige, from the promise of spiritual freedom to accusations of surveillance, disconnection, abuse, and coercion.

Part 1 โ€“ The Mind Behind the Movement (1911โ€“1950)
Part 2 โ€“ From Book to Belief (1950โ€“1954)
Part 3 โ€“ Sea Org and Secrecy (1955โ€“1967)
Part 4 โ€“ The Watchers and the War (1967โ€“1986)
Part 5 โ€“ A New Leader, A New Face (1986โ€“2000)
Part 6 โ€“ Cracks in the Facade (2000โ€“2010)
Part 7 โ€“ Exposรฉ Era (2010โ€“Present)

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.
New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    Show more...
2 months ago
49 minutes

Hidden Cults
Introduction to Hidden Cults
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.

New episodes weekly.
Listener stories always welcome.ย 
Anonymity guaranteed.
Email: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    https://familysurvivaltrust.org
    Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
  • Cults Information Centre and Family Support
    https://cults.org.uk
    UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
  • Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
    https://www.mind.org.uk
    ๐Ÿ“ž 0300 123 3393 โ€” Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia
  • Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
    https://www.cifs.org.au
    National support for...
Show more...
2 months ago
1 minute

Hidden Cults
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA โ€“ Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-799-7233 โ€” 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    ๐Ÿ“ž 1-800-656-4673 โ€” Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canadaย 
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources ๐Ÿง 
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website:ย https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: ๐Ÿ“ž 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canadaโ€™s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    https://familysurvivaltrust.org
    Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
  • Cults Information Centre and Family Support
    https://cults.org.uk
    UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
  • Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
    https://www.mind.org.uk
    ๐Ÿ“ž 0300 123 3393 โ€” Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia
  • Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
    https://www.cifs.org.au
    National support for individuals and families affected by cults.