Looking for something from the cultiverse to listen to while driving on your summer roadie? Or perhaps you need help to tune out the kids as you flip the sausages on the barbie? Well, let the Cult Chat trio help! In this episode Lindy, Liz and Caz bring you their favourite 2023 podcasts recommendations to help you deepen your knowledge of the cultiverse - but only after you’ve listened to the fortnightly Cult Chat episode of course!!

Show Notes

It’s nearly Christmas! Are you looking for a holiday read? Caz, Lindy and Liz have taken a break from mince-pie-making and present-shopping to record an episode all about books! These books are the ones which jumped out as our best books from the cultiverse in 2023. Grab your pen and pad and jot down some of our recommended best reads of the year. You might still have time to get down to your local bookshop to nab one of these to chuck in the Christmas stocking.

Show notes

Books we discussed:

Websites we mentioned:

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of Safeguarding Children and share insights on navigating the challenges within high control, cultish groups. Drawing from personal experiences, the hosts shed light on vulnerability factors, resiliency, and the complexities of identifying abuse or neglect in such environments. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the collective responsibility we all share in keeping a watchful eye on those within our communities who may be silently suffering. 

Show Notes:

Unfollow by Megan Phelps Roper
Trauma and recovery - Judith Herman
Mission of Malice; My Exodus from KwaSizaBantu - Erika Bornman

Safeguarding Children

Need a way to come back down to earth again after listening to Hopeful & Victory Disciple’s interview? Come along as Liz, Lindy and Caz reflect together. Our hosts talk developmental regression, what it really means to be a second or multigenerational child of a cult, and they dig into the physical manifestation of trauma for children. What does it mean for a child to learn to deny their needs, before they have even learnt what their needs are? Join us on this episode of Cult Chat, and find out.

Show Notes

The John Campbell interview which Liz mentions about GV marriages
The Guru Papers; Masks of Authoritarian Power by Joel Kramer and Diana Alstad
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
The Psychological Impacts on Children Who Grow Up in Cults by Sam Jahara
Mission of Malice; My Exodus from KwaSizaBantu by Erika Bornman

Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel & Mary Hartzell

Dive into the gripping continuation of the 'Kids in Cults' miniseries with Hopeful and Victory Disciple as they unveil more about life inside Gloriavale. In Part Two, they discuss the intricate web of friendship, social status, and snitches. Discover how high-control groups set children up for failure and hear Victory's emotional poem, providing a heartbreaking glimpse into her childhood. Gain profound insights into the enduring impact on parenting within closed communities and the lasting scars. This episode is a poignant exploration of growing up in a restrictive environment.

Show Notes:

Dr Ross Green
Cracking the Cult Code for Therapists, by Bonnie Zieman
Mission of Malice, My escape from KwaSizabantu, by Erka Bornman

Join Hopeful and Victory Disciple in a gripping two-part interview as they share their journey growing up in Gloriavale. They delve into their upbringing in a socially entrapped society, discussing the profound impacts on kids in cults. From bed-wetting to false personas, they shed light on the hidden struggles within high-control groups, unraveling the lasting damage inflicted on the inner selves of children. Don't miss this first eye-opening episode of a two-part conversation about survival.

Show Notes:

Dr Ross Green
Cracking the Cult Code for Therapists, by Bonnie Zieman
Mission of Malice, My escape from KwaSizabantu, by Erka Bornman

How do harmful organizations respond when they are accused of abuse? What are the indicators that the response lacks substance or is part of a strategic ploy to maintain control and protect an image? Today our hosts talk about defenses used by abusive groups, including denial, excuses, justifications and comparisons, using examples they have encountered personally. Listen in to learn what real apologies look like, how to sniff out concessions and demonstrations, and why the difference matters.

Show Notes:

Something’s Not Right - Wade Mullen
DARVO - Jennifer Freyd
A kind of apology from Bert Potter’s son at Bert’s funeral - May 2012
Criticism of Caroline from an anonymous former Centrepoint member - Nov 2020
Abuse in Care Royal Commision of Inquiry - Redress
Why Won’t You Apologize? By Harriet Lerner
Institutional Betrayal - Jennifer Freyd

Join us for part 2 of Lindy’s conversation with Shayne and Rachael about the JWs application to be exempt from the NZ Royal Commision of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. They examine the arguments that played out in court, providing a fascinating case study of a faith-based group’s reaction to being investigated by outsiders. Lindy, Liz and Caz then unpack the interview and ask if the behaviour displayed by the JWs under scrutiny gives indications of cultishness, coercion or control. 

Listen to Part One (Episode 13) here

Show Notes

Jehovah's Witnesses head to court on Abuse in Care Inquiry - RNZ
Jehovah's Witnesses' argument against being included in Abuse in ...
Jehovah's Witnesses 'care' outside scope of abuse inquiry, court told
Jehovah's Witnesses apply for judicial review of Royal Commission
The rules and culture that keep child sex offenders hidden ... - RNZ
Something Evil - 10 August 2023
RNZ investigation reveals 11 alleged paedophiles active within the Jehovah's Witnesses - 14 August 2023
Jehovah’s Witness elder alleges order to destroy evidence in child sex abuse cases - 15 August 2023
Silent lambs - The Spin Off - Jully 2018

**Update** High Court decides the Jehovah Witnesses will continue to be included in the Royal Commission.

Lindy interviews Shayne Mechen and Rachael Jackson after a week in the High Court. The NZ branch of the Jehovah’s Witnesses are arguing their case for why they should be exempt from the NZ Royal Commision of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Shayne and Rachel are both former JWs, and are advocates for former members of the JW faith. In the episode - part 1 of a 2 part interview - Shayne, Rachel and Lindy give an overview of who the JWs are, what they believe, and how this relates to the Royal Inquiry.

Listen to Part Two (Episode 14) here

Show Notes

Jehovah's Witnesses head to court on Abuse in Care Inquiry - RNZ
Jehovah's Witnesses' argument against being included in Abuse in ...
Jehovah's Witnesses 'care' outside scope of abuse inquiry, court told
Jehovah's Witnesses apply for judicial review of Royal Commission
The rules and culture that keep child sex offenders hidden ... - RNZ
Something Evil - 10 August 2023
RNZ investigation reveals 11 alleged paedophiles active within the Jehovah's Witnesses - 14 August 2023
Jehovah’s Witness elder alleges order to destroy evidence in child sex abuse cases - 15 August 2023
Silent lambs - The Spin Off - July 2018

The leader of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (Exclusive Brethren) tells its New Zealand fellowship to urgently gather together, with very short notice, and 7000 Brethren drop tools and flood airports all over New Zealand in their urgency to show their obedience. Why? Is the world about to end? Is there something we need to know? Meanwhile, Lindy’s dearly beloved Nana Anna passes away and her shunned family on the outside advocate for their right to say goodbye.

Show notes

Exclusive Brethren lessons suggest Destiny should beware meddling in politics
Excommunicated by Craig Hoyle | Paper Plus
Inside unusual last-minute Brethren gathering | The Post