Ep. #32 Swindled By Faith with Richard Kiers

In this episode, we explore the story of Richard Kiers, who grew up in The Move of God, a cult founded by Sam Fife in the 1960s. Seeking spiritual fulfillment, Richard’s father uprooted the family when Richard was just 10 years old, moving them to a remote commune in Canada. Life in The Move was defined by strict control—members cut ties with extended family, followed rigid rules on dress and behavior, and lived in extreme isolation.

The commune operated on a system of self-sufficiency, but this meant enduring harsh conditions without running water, electricity, or proper sanitation. Every resource, including money and transportation, was communal property. Children, including Richard, were put to work on the farm and in building the community, while food was scarce and of poor quality. Despite these hardships, members were expected to demonstrate unwavering faith.

As Richard grew older, he began to question the group, especially when his father fell ill. The cult rejected outside medical care, insisting that faith alone would heal him. Watching his father suffer deeply shook Richard’s belief in The Move, revealing the cracks in the group’s teachings. Years later, he chronicled his experiences in Swindled by Faith, waiting until after his parents' passing to publish the book. He exposes how the cult discarded members once they were no longer financially useful, showing the dark reality behind The Move’s promises of spiritual truth.

Link to Richard's Facebook page

Link to Richard's Book

Link to the Documentary Richard was in

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Episode #31 Justine For Justice - Escaping the ICOC

In this episode, Justine shares her powerful story of growing up in the International Church of Christ (ICOC), a high-control religious group known for its strict purity culture, financial demands, and rigid authority over members' lives. Her family joined when she was just three years old, hoping to find community and support after her father’s struggles with alcoholism. Instead, they became deeply entangled in a system that dictated their every move, isolating them from the outside world and instilling fear that those who left would be doomed.

Throughout her childhood, Justine endured multiple forms of abuse and was pressured to conform to the group’s extreme expectations. Members were required to give significant financial contributions and meet recruitment quotas, turning them into unpaid laborers for the church. Despite the ICOC’s promises of spiritual guidance, Justine struggled with deep emotional turmoil, feeling trapped in an environment where personal freedom was nonexistent.

At age 16, she took a courageous step by leaving the group to seek treatment for an eating disorder, a decision that ultimately became the turning point in her life. As she began to heal, she started questioning the beliefs she had been raised with. Years later, after learning about the systemic abuses within the ICOC, her family also left, realizing the true extent of the harm they had experienced.

Now, 20 years later, Justine is thriving—married with three children and using her voice to help others who have endured similar experiences. She started a blog to share her story, which has empowered others to come forward with their own.

Justine's Contact Info:

Justine's website for details on cases

Justine's Instagram Link

Justine's TikTok Link

For Anyone Harmed By the ICOC contact

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or visit

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Ep#30: Natalie Wong & The Cult With No Name

Join us on this gripping episode of Cultimatum as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Natalie Wong, a survivor of a cult with no name. Hailing from New Zealand, Natalie was born into a strict Baptist Pentecostal church. As the youngest in her family and a fervent believer, she was deeply influenced by extreme teachings about Satan. Her parents' separation at age 10 marked the beginning of significant changes in her life.

At just 11, Natalie found herself leading the kids' church at a new congregation. However, her teenage years were marred by sexual abuse from a family friend, leading her to leave school at 16 to dedicate herself to the church with her mother’s support. A pivotal turn came when her mother met two women from Namibia and decided to sell their home and move to Africa, bringing Natalie along.

Upon arrival, they quickly noticed unsettling red flags. The cult had Pentecostal roots, but the son of the leading family was revered as the second coming of Christ, with leaders dressing in robes and sandals to mimic biblical times. Despite the oppressive environment, Natalie’s mother managed to escape first, and Natalie followed soon after, executing a carefully planned escape under dire circumstances.

Back in New Zealand, Natalie returned to a Pentecostal church and got married, only to face immense pressure to have children despite infertility struggles. This led to severe panic attacks and ultimately her departure from the church. Seeking belonging, she joined the Mormon church with her family, only to leave a few years later due to its negative impact on her children and her need to constantly unteach them doctrines she disagreed with.

Now, ten years out, Natalie has dedicated herself to deconstructing and reconstructing her beliefs. Her story is a testament to resilience and critical thinking. She offers powerful advice to our audience: trust your instincts and always employ critical thinking skills.

Tune in to hear Natalie’s unique and inspirational story of survival, recovery, and the quest for personal truth.

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Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios Contact Info. & Links:

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or visit

The Anonymous Andrew Podcast Website

Episode #29: The Amazing Adventures of an Amish Stripper with Naomi Swartzentruber

Join us on Cultimatium as we uncover the compelling journey of Naomi Swartzentruber, who was born into the strict Swartzentruber Amish community in mid-Michigan. Naomi shares her harrowing and inspiring story of growing up in a sheltered environment, one she now identifies as a cult. Despite her past, Naomi continues to wear Amish dress on her social media accounts and has authored a provocative memoir, The Amazing Adventures of an Amish Stripper: An Erotic Memoir.

Naomi’s quest for freedom began when she befriended a "worldly" neighbor girl, sparking her curiosity about the outside world. This curiosity led her to run away at 17, aided by an “English” man who exploited and manipulated her. This marked the start of her tumultuous journey, which saw her become a stripper at 20, struggle with severe drug addiction, and ultimately resort to prostitution.

Now, 27 years removed from her Amish upbringing, Naomi is clean, in a stable relationship, and a proud mother to a 3-year-old daughter, living peacefully in Arizona. She has found the freedom she always dreamed of—not just from the Amish community, but also from a life of addiction and exploitation. Naomi’s story is a testament to resilience, offering a powerful message of hope, perseverance, and the courage to create a better life.

Naomi's Contact Info:

Naomi's TikTok Link

Naomi's Instagram Link

Naomi's Book Link

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or visit

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Episode #28: Awakening: Kim Peirano's Departure from the Foundation for Spiritual Development

Join us on Cultimatium as we delve into the intriguing world of the Foundation for Spiritual Development, a Bay Area-based group masquerading as a spiritual school. Kim Peirano, a former member with eight years of experience, reveals the inner workings of this controversial organization. Despite their disclaimer, claiming they are not a cult, Kim’s journey paints a stark picture of manipulation and control.

Kim ascended to level 9.5 in their 10-level program, with level 5 remaining top secret. Members are discouraged from discussing their progress, fostering an atmosphere of secrecy and division. With a membership of just over 100, Kim describes a culture where questioning the group’s practices is not permitted, and hypnosis techniques are commonly used.

As a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and a certified Hypnotherapist, Kim’s story is compelling. She details how members are bombarded with love bombing, making them feel exceptionally special, while charismatic leaders Dana and Eric, the second-in-command, maintain strict control. Members are expected to donate time, volunteer for various projects, and engage in expensive classes and retreats. The group’s teachings incorporate elements of Scientology, employing mind control techniques and the notorious mirroring exercise to manipulate and silence dissent.

Kim also discusses the group’s impact on her personal life and business post-exit. She explores the notion that cults provide meaning and fill voids, a lure that kept her ensnared for years. Tune in to hear Kim’s powerful insights.

Kim's Contact Info:

Kim's Website Link

Kim's Tiktok Link

Kim's Instagram Link

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or visit

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Editorial: When Silence is Forced – The Story Behind a Removed Episode

You will notice a gap between episode 3 and episode 5. In this special editorial episode, we address the removal of a episode #4 at the request of a guest who courageously shared her story with us. Unfortunately, after the episode aired, she was subjected to severe intimidation and threats from the very cult she sought to expose. We stand in solidarity with her decision, recognizing the manipulative tactics and bullying behaviors these groups employ to silence truth and instill fear. This episode is a reflection on the power these organizations still wield, the importance of protecting those who speak out, and a commitment to continue shining a light on the darkness of cults. While this episode no longer remains in our archive, the conversation about the dangers of these groups is far from over.

The guest, who is not a former cult member, came on the show (originally featured on the Anonymous Andrew podcast) to clarify her belief in the Twin Flames concept, which she distinguishes from the harmful practices of the Twin Flames Universe. Unfortunately, after her appearance, she faced intimidation from the Twin Flames Universe, including legal threats designed to silence her.

It's essential to highlight that the views expressed in this episode are based on our experiences and opinions. We want to make it clear that this intimidation is a common tactic used by cults when they feel their control is being challenged. By trying to manipulate the narrative through bullying and threats, these groups attempt to suppress the truth and maintain their grip on members.

While it was frustrating to remove the episode, we believe it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests. We know how much courage it takes for individuals, especially former members, to share their stories, given the risks involved. We hope this does not discourage others from coming forward to speak their truth.

Our commitment to raising awareness about cults and human trafficking remains unwavering. We will continue to shine a light on these harmful organizations and support those who trust us with their stories. Protecting our guests from further harm is our top priority, and we will always stand by those who seek to bring truth to light.

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Episode #27: Breaking the Silence: Elizabeth Quiroz’s Brave Journey as Our First Human Trafficking Survivor

In this powerful episode, we are honored to have Elizabeth Quiroz, our first human trafficking survivor, sharing her story to bring hope and awareness to others.

Elizabeth’s journey began with multiple types of abuse starting at just four years old. Due to the trauma, she sought love, acceptance, and attention from others, she eventually ended up in the foster care system. At 15, she moved in with her alcoholic father. Elizabeth highlights the red flags of human trafficking: not coming home at night, associating with older men, and avoiding eye contact by looking down.

Elizabeth’s vulnerability was exploited by a boyfriend who groomed her and introduced her to drugs, leading her to become a drug mule. She explains that traffickers can be anyone, including women who pose as friends. Her second trafficker, a woman she trusted, further manipulated her. Elizabeth’s addiction to drugs led to repeated incarcerations and being labor trafficked by a drug dealer. Her life took a turn when she became pregnant; she got sober after giving birth, earned her GED in prison, and went into rehab after her release.

Now an author and a social worker with a master’s in social justice and human rights, Elizabeth has written a book titled Purified in the Flame, available on Amazon. She is also the co-founder of Redemption House Bay Area in California. In this episode, Elizabeth explains some of the terms and vocabulary used in the human trafficking world and points out ways the system could improve to prevent more victims, such as implementing background checks and educating foster parents.

We are immensely grateful to Elizabeth for sharing her story with us and shedding light on this critical issue.

Elizabeth's Book Link

Redemption House Bay Area Instagram Link

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Episode #26: Breaking Free: Eleanor Skelton's Journey from Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) to Liberation

In this episode, we delve into the life and experiences of Eleanor Skelton, who grew up in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) movement. EEleanor, the oldest in their family, grew up at Beaumont’s First Baptist Church after her parents left an IFB church, Westwood Bible Church, when they were two weeks old. Initially, she had a relatively average evangelical church experience there in a Southern Baptist church until age 10. However, their family moved frequently between Texas and Colorado throughout her childhood.

Their first encounter with the IFB church was when they relocated to to the Dallas Metroplex in 2003 and continued when their family moved to Colorado Springs in 2006.. The environment in the IFB church was marked by intense mind control and an extreme intolerance for those who did not share the same religious or political views.

Eleanor was homeschooled from kindergarten through senior year of high schoolbefore attending college. Concerned that she was becoming too influenced by the outside world, her parents gave her an ultimatum: transfer to Bob Jones University, an institution known for its stringent and extreme orthodox teachings and rules, or face the consequences. This ultimatum became a pivotal moment for Eleanor. She chose not to attend Bob Jones University. As a result, her parents not only stopped paying for her education but also shunned her. Her younger siblings were forbidden from having any contact with her.

Today, Eleanor is on a journey of recovery from religious trauma and an eating disorder. She continues to receive therapy and is making significant strides in her healing process. Articulate and well-adjusted, Eleanor shared her story with us, and it was a pleasure having her on the show.

Eleanor's Youtube Channel Link

Eleanor's Blog Link

Vashti Initiative Link (ex-cult resource)

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Episode #25: Reimagining Faith: Karl & Laura Forehand's Journey from Baptist Roots to Co-Authors

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Karl & Laura Forehand, co-authors and former Baptist church leaders, to discuss their experiences and transformation. Karl served as a pastor in several Baptist churches over a span of 20 years, while Laura played the role of the supportive pastor's wife, raising their children and contributing to the church community.

After two decades of ministry, Karl & Laura began to reevaluate their beliefs, embarking on a journey of healing from the spiritual damage they had endured. Through therapy and other healing methods, they have worked hard to mend the wounds inflicted by their past.

During their time in one small Texas town, they encountered a pre-existing hierarchy that controlled not only the church but also the town itself. This power structure tested their resolve and made it clear who was truly in charge.

Karl & Laura have channeled their experiences into their writing, authoring several books together. Their latest work, "Evolving From Religious Trauma," delves into their journey of recovery and offers insights for others seeking to heal from similar experiences.

Join us for a candid conversation with Karl and Laura Forehand as they share their story of transformation, resilience, and hope.

Karl & Laura's Website Link

Karl & Laura's 2nd Website Link

Karl & Laura's First Book Link

Karl & Laura's Latest Book Link

Karl & Laura's Podcast Link

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Ep.#24 Respecting Boundaries: Why Episode #24 is No Longer Available

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In Episode #24, we explored the deeply moving story of an ex-Jehovah’s Witness as she recounted her journey out of the organization. From facing abuse at a young age to experiencing the pain of disfellowshipping, her life was marked by profound challenges and resilience. She shared a pivotal moment that led her to leave for good: being told she must choose her child's life or adherence to the organization's doctrines.

While the episode offered a powerful narrative of struggle, hope, and courage, it is no longer available at the guest's request due to a pending legal matter. This decision aligns with our podcast's core values of prioritizing guest safety and honoring boundaries. Though we are saddened to remove this impactful conversation, we remain deeply grateful for her bravery in sharing her story with us and our listeners.

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Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios Contact Info. & Links:

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or visit

The Anonymous Andrew Podcast Website