Erica and Kimi are joined by Dan Shaw, a psychoanalyst who specializes in counseling former members of cultic groups and friends and family of members who are involved in cults. Cult leaders are characterized by charisma, narcissism, and gaping childhood wounds, according to Dan. He explains how they manipulate highly educated and well-intentioned people to join them. Erica shares her own experience of leaving a cultic group in her twenties and how she reclaimed her power. Dan, Kimi, and Erica end by discussing America's fascination with cults and the lessons we can learn from cult survivors. 
Get episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team, and more when you support the show. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER HERE!
 Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge. 
 Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram. Keep the conversation going! Join our new Facebook group and connect with other listeners like you! Stay in the know with all things All The Wiser! Sign up for our newsletter for personal reflections from Kimi, new episodes, and recommendations from our team!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Little Wiser: Cults - How Do They Work?

There is hope and possibility on the other side of pain. From dramatic stories of survival, the realities of life when facing death and unforgettable lessons on love and loss, we tell the most jaw-dropping and inspiring stories you&#39;ve ever heard – while also donating $2000 every episode to a nonprofit making a difference in the world.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Health & Fitness

Self-Improvement

This final episode of the All The Wiser Podcast is filled with laughter, tears, and deep appreciation for what the podcast has brought into our lives. You will hear voicemails from our listeners and past guests, discussing the impact and changes this show has brought about in their lives. We're still getting goosebumps! 
 Kimi, Tara, and Erica share their personal transformations. Tara explains how the show helped define her legacy and turned her world into "technicolor" after growing up in a small town in Upstate New York. Erica found her wings in doing the one thing she always wanted: telling stories that make people feel less alone. Kimi has let go of shame, is more present in her life, and feels closer to God. 
 We cry, we laugh, and we revel in all that All The Wiser has contributed to our lives, and will continue to do so as these stories live on in the world. 
 Being with you these past five years has been an incredible gift. You mean more to us than you'll ever know. 
 Signing off with love, Kimi, Erica, and Tara 
 
 If you'd like to stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here or head to our website at www.allthewiserpodcast.com. We'll write to you from time to time, checking in on you, reminding you that you're not alone. You will also be the first to know if and when we have any new projects. 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye: Our Series Finale

In this profound and touching hundredth episode of "All The Wiser," we sit down with Lyena Strelkoff, a storyteller, artist, and spiritual counselor. Lyena shares her story of healing, acceptance, and discovering unexpected magic after she was paralyzed from the waist down after falling from a tree while climbing for fun. Through her one-woman show that extended from three weekends to a six-month run, Lyena has touched the lives of many, empowering them to see their own strength mirrored in her narrative. She offers listeners a window into the authentic and complex experiences of living with paralysis, the power of storytelling, and the universal truths about our shared humanity. Join us for a conversation that celebrates resilience, courage, and the beauty nestled within life's harshest trials. 
 In this episode:Embracing Life Beyond ControlNavigating Spiritual TransformationHarnessing the Power of StorytellingCultivating Radical AcceptanceExploring the Impact of Personal CrisisGuiding Others Through Their Spiritual Journey
 Links & Resources: Website: lanternsoulcare.com Facebook: Lyena Strelkoff Charity: Canine Companions 
 We simply wouldn’t be here without you! We hope you'll tune in next week for the grand finale episode of the show. You'll hear from our guests, listeners, and All The Wiser Team on how we have been changed by this show. 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

100. The Accident That Changed Everything: Lyena Strelkoff's Unexpected Path to Freedom

In this week's episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and associate producer, Tara Daigle, reflect on the impact of the 100 charities All The Wiser has supported in the podcast's five years. The people, causes, and organizations we've encountered leave us hopeful and inspired. After getting to know 100 charities and the people behind them, we can report that despite all the suffering, there's so much good happening in the world.  Tara, the point person for all things Charity at All The Wiser, talks about how the work deepened her empathy and inspired her to volunteer. This was so profound that she combined her passion for interior design with her charitable heart to join Savvy Giving By Design, a non-profit whose mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them. Tara’s first design project was a room for 11-year-old Meg, who lives with brittle bone disease. Meg says “it's basically when your bones are really fragile and you can't do things that you would typically think of someone doing.” Meg and her mom, Leslie, join us to talk about the transformation of Meg's bedroom that she wanted to be “somewhere she could come after a long day to calm down and just take a break.” Meg surprises us all by singing her little heart out to "Fight Song." Unsurprisingly, Kimi and Tara are moved to tears! 
 We simply wouldn’t be here without you! Tune in next week for our 100th episode of the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Little Wiser: The Feel Good Episode

Many of us walk different paths before finding our true calling. But what catalyzes such a life-altering pivot? At just 25, Sonia Vallabh, while attending law school, faced a life-altering moment when her mother began to exhibit worrying health symptoms – symptoms that rapidly progressed into a devastating illness. Sonia will share the heartbreaking journey of her mother's battle with prion disease, a fight that not only challenged the family's emotional resilience but also transformed Sonia and her husband Eric's careers and lives.  
 In this episode:Understanding Health Beyond PerfectionCoping with Sudden IllnessEncouraging Self-EducationFacing Genetic Risks and UncertaintyPursuing Academic InnovationAdvancements in Prion Disease Therapy
 Links & Resources Charity: www.prionalliance.org 
 We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! 
 Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

99. When Science Said 'No,' She Said 'Not Yet'

In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and producer Erica reflect on the previous interview with Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward." They explore the emotional depth of Mark's story, his commitment to his wife through her mental health struggles, and the broader themes of love and dedication in relationships. The conversation touches on the challenges of caring for a partner with mental illness, the nuances of staying in a relationship during tough times, and the personal nature of difficult decisions. They also consider the impact of sharing personal stories publicly and the complexities of change within long-term relationships. 
 Erica wraps the episode in true Erica fashion with a call to action! 
 We simply wouldn’t be here without you! So, our greatest hope is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special finale episode and we would love to feature some of our listeners! 
 Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Little Wiser: Cults - How Do They Work?

Download our free app to listen on your phone