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In this episode of Jessis Stories: Unheard Voices, host Jessi Hersey sits down with two queer authors who are redefining what it means to tell authentic stories. First, bestselling fantasy author Rebecca Thorne (Can't Spell Treason Without Tea) shares her journey from rejection to indie publishing success, the power of sapphic representation in fiction, and the realities of the book industry. Then, audiobook narrator and debut author and Voice Actor Natalie Naudus opens up about her novel Gay the Pray Away — a fictionalized account of growing up queer in a conservative Christian homeschooling cult, and how libraries and literature helped shape her worldview. A raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about identity, survival, and the stories we need to tell.

Artwork By: Zummi

Music By: AJ music group

Lyrics By: Jessi Hersey

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In this episode, host Jessi sits down with guest Erin (Let the Fresh Erin) for a candid conversation about The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan and Cultish by Amanda Montell. They dive into what makes a cult, the us-versus-them mentality in politics, Twin Flames Universe, Scientology, MLMs, and how cult tactics are showing up everywhere — from influencers to social media algorithms. A raw, eye-opening discussion you won't want to miss

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What if you were born into a cult with no choice, no escape, and no one telling you it wasn't normal? Pamela Nickel Williams was. In this episode, she shares her remarkable story of growing up inside Scientology, the trauma she buried for decades, and why she finally decided to speak out. Her memoir Clearly Lies Are True is just the beginning.

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics By: Jessi Hersey

Artwork By: Zummi

Here are my social media links: 

Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/clearlyliesaretrue

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearlyliesaretrue

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clearlyliesaretrue

Website: https://www.clearlyliesaretrue.com

Substack: https://www.substack.com/clearlyliesaretrue

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57033102.Pamela_Nickel_Williams

Where to purchase my book: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Pamela-Nickel-Williams/author/B0FCDMXD39?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1752342259&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=358751ac-e860-4347-baf9-57eee8b2389a

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clearly-lies-are-true-pamela-nickel-williams/1148272559?ean=9798218670757

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=Clearly+Lies+Are+True

Here is the link to The Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation. 

My book is included in their library of book resources. 

The Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation: https://www.theaftermathfoundation.org

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Note: This episode was previously recorded in 2024.

In this episode of Jesse's Stories: Unheard Voices, Jessi sits down with April Little — a queer, autistic theologian and podcaster — to discuss her journey leaving a conservative evangelical church, coming out as queer, and navigating an autism diagnosis. April shares powerful excerpts from her memoir-in-progress, breaks down the rise of Christian Nationalism, and advocates for LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. A raw, honest, and eye-opening conversation.

You can find April's Podcast here: Reclaiming the Garden - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics By: Jessi Hersey

Artwork By: Zummi

All opinions are our own and not meant to malign any group or institution. 

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What happens when the world you grew up in turns against you for simply being yourself? This week, Jessi sits down with Andrew — a cult survivor who found his voice the hard way. A raw, eye-opening conversation you won't want to miss.

Views expressed in this each individuals own views and experience and not meant to harm any group or entity.

You can find Andrew on his podcast: podcasts - Andrew Pledger

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In this episode, Jessi sits down with Dr. Tabitha Chapman, Executive Director of the Freedom Train Project — a nonprofit proYouviding support services for those leaving coercive groups and cult environments. They explore her path into advocacy, her personal experiences, and what healing can look like on the other side.

You can find her services here: The Freedom Train Project - The Freedom Train Project Incorporated

Artwork By: Zummi

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics By: Jessi Hersey

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What happens when a label designed to silence women gets passed off as science? Jessi sits down with documentary filmmaker Mimi Wilcox and producer Max to dig into their Oscar-shortlisted short Bad Hostage — a deeply personal film that challenges everything you think you know about Stockholm Syndrome. They get into the making of the film, the story behind it, and what it really means to center the people history tried to erase. Plus: the realities of an Oscar campaign, disability and neurodivergence in filmmaking, and a few unexpected tangents that tie it all together.

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics By: Jessi Hersey

Artwork By: Zummi

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Mike Brilliant, field production coordinator for Netflix's "Escaping Twin Flames," shares behind-the-scenes stories from making the documentary. He discusses coordinating with producers, creating safe spaces for trauma survivors, and how people get drawn into cults through manipulation and isolation.

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics SLAM Poetry By: Jessi Hersey

Artwork By: Zummi

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This podcast episode features Jessi interviewing Amy and Alan from Yukfoo Animation studios about creating animated sequences for the Netflix documentary "Escaping Twin Flames." They discuss their creative process—initially designing tarot card-style 3D animation that Netflix rejected, then pivoting to atmospheric moving paintings. The conversation covers working across time zones, depicting victims' stories respectfully, and specific animation challenges. Jesse, a former Twin Flames cult member featured in the documentary, shares firsthand experiences of coercive control, being assigned a false gender identity, and ultimately escaping. The episode explores cult awareness, documentary ethics, and collaborative storytelling.

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics By: Jessi Hersey

Artwork By: Zummi

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In this powerful episode of Jessi's Stories: Unheard Voices, host Jesse sits down with Dr. Janja Lalich, cult expert and sociology professor emerita, to discuss cult dynamics, control tactics, and the journey to recovery. Dr. Lalich shares her personal experience in a left-wing political cult and her expertise as featured in Netflix's "Escaping Twin Flames." From discussing the manipulative tactics used by Jeff and Shaleia Divine to exploring how cults can be legally challenged, this conversation offers invaluable insights for survivors, families, and anyone seeking to understand cultic influence. Dr. Lalich also reveals details about her upcoming memoir and ongoing work to educate courts on coercive control.

Music By: AJ Music Group

Lyrics: Jessi Hersey

Artwork By: Zummi