Cult Chat

Caz interviewed Dr Alexandra Stein last episode about her phenomenal book “Terror, Love & Brainwashing” and it was such a powerful topic that Lindy & Liz wanted a chance to talk about it too. Join our hosts as they discuss how the themes of fear, isolation and engulfment can be applied to the cults we are familiar with in New Zealand.

In this episode of Cult Chat, Caz interviews Dr Stein, PhD,  about the hidok of the same title, they explore how leaders manipulate attachment, deliberately induce fear and dissociation, and engineer coerced disorganised attachment to bind followers to the group. A powerful discussion of how love and terror are weaponised—and how understanding these dynamics helps people break free.

In this episode of Cult Chat, we catch up with Dr Kyle Eggleton and Tristan Phipps to talk about recent developments within the 2x2 (the Truth, Church with no Name). The conversation ranges from advocacy work and unexpected fan mail to the beginnings of a thoughtful discussion on how high-control groups impact men. A relaxed catch-up that opens the door to deeper conversations still to come

Imagine your former group launching a legal challenge over your use of a cartoon mascot, just as you begin speaking out about the abuse you experienced at the hands of an elder in the same group. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
In today’s episode, Cheryl Hope Bawtinheimer and Braden Simmons, former members of the PBCC (Plymouth Brethren Church/Exclusive Brethren) join us to explore what happens when whistleblowing meets litigation. We talk about courage, consequences, public voice and accountability and, in a twist few could have predicted, the unexpected role played by the PBCC Kookie mascot and our own dear co-host Lindy.

In this interview, Lindy Jacomb sits down with Heidi Clemons, Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and founder of Managed Expectations, to unpack the often-overlooked topic of financial trauma. Heidi explores how financial trauma affects former cult members on their path to self-efficacy and recovery, and shares practical tools, insights, and first steps for getting support if money has become a source of fear, shame, or control.