Cult Chat

Lindy introduces us to Anton, former member of the International Church of Christ, a group he encountered while studying at Auckland University. Anton tells us in part 1 how he was recruited into this controversial group, and slowly his life became entirely focused on their activities. Join us as we talk red and green flags, thought reform criteria, and we explore some of unique situational factors which put students at risk of recruitment.
If you’d like to contact us to tell us your story, to give us some ideas, or to give us some ideas about future episodes, reach us by emailing [email protected]
To learn more about the organisations which our hosts run when we are not Cult-Chatting, check out:
Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/

Olive Leaf Network https://nz.oliveleaf.network/

Cult-Informed Professional Network https://www.cipnetwork.org/

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Find out why we didn't deliver an episode this week...

This week on Cult Chat may surprise our listeners as we talk about energy healing, claims of flying, and deaths tied to a group hidden in plain sight in Te Anau, New Zealand. RNZ journalist Phil Vine joins us after his hit podcast series The Lodge, his deep dive into Phenomena Academy. We unpack the wild claims, what drew people in, and the real impact on those involved. Because this didn’t happen somewhere far away — it happened here. It’s a reminder cults can come in all shapes and sizes, and they might be lurking near you.

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.