Chicago's Backyard Cult

When you leave a cult, you're not always free. Naomi still has ties to her family and her younger sister. She shares more about what we can do to help those in a similar situation. You can write to her and follow her instagram at @nomi_the_nomad.

Naomi talks about rebuilding her life and finding love after years of abuse in the Independent Fundamental Baptist cult. (Plus, her toxic and short-lived marriage.) She shares her challenges and newfound hobbies as well as small pleasures that other people might take for granted.

Naomi has a husband and he has a secret. This was the tipping point that finally got her to leave.

Naomi talks about leaving the cult. It's not a movie moment where she just left -- it was a slow burn over 10+ years. She talks about the hard decisions she had to make with her sisters, shares a story about the depth of the church's abuse, and gives me a total surprise about her romantic life.

In part 3 of Chicago's Backyard Cult, Naomi Isiordia, talks about her cult schooling. She tells us about "modesty checks", abusive teachers, and an extreme culture of obedience. 

Trigger warning: abuse, violence