Project Hope Podcast

Robert Menna shares his story from the perspective of his own history growing up with a father in the advertising industry, of the ‘Mad Men’ era, and then through the lense of a father himself. Bob is also a former international model with a career spanning over 25 years in addition to being Director of Elite Men, a division of Elite Model Management in NYC for several years.

In 1990, through a confluence of experiences, Bob found himself in a rapid change of personality and thought processes. Around the same time, his then 16 year old daughter was involved in a group called "Ramtha's School Of Enlightenment". Some of you may be familiar with JZ Knight, who claimed to channel Ramtha, a 35,000 year old enlightened being. Bob’s daughter, was involved with this group for over 10 years.

From the time of his daughter’s involvement, and continuing on, Bob as a non- academic has been involved in researching various aspects of the cultic phenomena. With his deep dive into the field, drawing on his own experiences and that of his daughter and others he has been able to assist others, including families and former members, in a role that he refers to as an Influence Analyst. In this position, he helps individuals gain insight into the influence at work in their particular situation, and how those influences may be affecting them.

*Bob does selective pro-bono work.

Bob's personal interests besides cultic research include people watching, swimming, tennis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, tap dancing, waveski surfing and roller skating.

Link to Bob’s story on Enlighten Me Free:  http://enlightenmefree.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=115

Link to Bob’s 2023 ICSA Conference presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=q3h5P1MvfjE%22 

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

Robert Menna shares his story from the perspective of his own history growing up with a father in the advertising industry, of the ‘Mad Men’ era, and then through the lense of a father himself. Bob is also a former international model with a career spanning over 25 years in addition to being Director of Elite Men, a division of Elite Model Management in NYC for several years.

In 1990, through a confluence of experiences, Bob found himself in a rapid change of personality and thought processes. Around the same time, his then 16 year old daughter was involved in a group called "Ramtha's School Of Enlightenment". Some of you may be familiar with JZ Knight, who claimed to channel Ramtha, a 35,000 year old enlightened being. Bob’s daughter, was involved with this group for over 10 years.

From the time of his daughter’s involvement, and continuing on, Bob as a non- academic has been involved in researching various aspects of the cultic phenomena. With his deep dive into the field, drawing on his own experiences and that of his daughter and others he has been able to assist others, including families and former members, in a role that he refers to as an Influence Analyst. In this position, he helps individuals gain insight into the influence at work in their particular situation, and how those influences may be affecting them.

*Bob does selective pro-bono work. 

Bob's personal interests besides cultic research include people watching, swimming, tennis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, tap dancing, waveski surfing and roller skating. Link to Bob’s story on Enlighten Me Free:  http://enlightenmefree.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=115 Link to Bob’s 2023 ICSA Conference presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=q3h5P1MvfjE%22 

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

Joseph Kelly & Patrick Ryan have given decades of their life to helping families and loved ones who find themselves in an unhealthy group of high control / high demand. They are both internationally renowned cult mediation specialists, and have also been known as cult intervention specialists, thought reform consultants, or exit counselors. Joseph F. Kelly, a graduate of Temple University (focus in religion), spent 14 years in two different eastern meditation groups (TM, International Society of Divine Love). He contributed a chapter to Captive Hearts, Captive Minds. He was (2010-2014) the News Desk Editor of ICSA Today. Patrick Ryan (BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maharishi International University) is the founder and former head of TM-Ex, the organization of one-time members of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement. He is also one of the AFF associates whose advice to law enforcement officials might, had it been heeded, have helped avert the Waco debacle. He also shares part of his experience in “Recovery from Cults”, edited by Michael D. Langone. Both Pat and Joe have facilitated many ICSA workshops for ex-members and families (1996-2018). They both lecture extensively on cult-related topics and have also contributed to writing about related topics amidst which is their co-authoring of “Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants,” published in ICSA’s Cultic Studies Journal. Check out the Cult Mediation website at: cultmediation.com I also came across a VICE article which is where the social media post images came from: March 2021These Former Cult Members Now Help Others Escape:https://www.vice.com/en/article/3anxnw/former-cult-members-help-escape-exit-counsellor-intervention-conspiracy-theories Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

Joseph Kelly & Patrick Ryan have given decades of their life to helping families and loved ones who find themselves in an unhealthy group of high control / high demand. They are both internationally renowned cult mediation specialists, and have also been known as cult intervention specialists, thought reform consultants, or exit counselors. Joseph F. Kelly, a graduate of Temple University (focus in religion), spent 14 years in two different eastern meditation groups (TM, International Society of Divine Love). He contributed a chapter to Captive Hearts, Captive Minds. He was (2010-2014) the News Desk Editor of ICSA Today. Patrick Ryan (BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maharishi International University) is the founder and former head of TM-Ex, the organization of one-time members of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement. He is also one of the AFF associates whose advice to law enforcement officials might, had it been heeded, have helped avert the Waco debacle. He also shares part of his experience in “Recovery from Cults”, edited by Michael D. Langone. Both Pat and Joe have facilitated many ICSA workshops for ex-members and families (1996-2018). They both lecture extensively on cult-related topics and have also contributed to writing about related topics amidst which is their co-authoring of “Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants,” published in ICSA’s Cultic Studies Journal. Check out the Cult Mediation website at: cultmediation.com I also came across a VICE article which is where the social media post images came from: March 2021These Former Cult Members Now Help Others Escape:https://www.vice.com/en/article/3anxnw/former-cult-members-help-escape-exit-counsellor-intervention-conspiracy-theories Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

Dr Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, and academic. Her debut nonfiction, Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unravelling, a memoir about the legacy of her father’s addictions was The Spectator and The Guardian Best Nonfiction Book, 2022. Her forthcoming book: Into Being: The radical craft of memoir and its power to transform is due to be published by MUP in 2025. She is also author of a work of fiction, Shadowing the Sun (Portobello Books, 2007), and co-editor of A Wild and Precious Life (Unbound, 2021), an anthology of stories on recovery from mental illness and addiction. She teaches narrative nonfiction and memoir at Bath Spa University and co-runs London Lit Lab. You can find Lily at: Twitter: @LilyDunnWriterInstagram: @LilyDunnWritingSubstack: https://lilydunn.substack.com/ Website: https://lilydunn.co.uk/ Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

Dr Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, and academic. Her debut nonfiction, Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unravelling, a memoir about the legacy of her father’s addictions was The Spectator and The Guardian Best Nonfiction Book, 2022. Her forthcoming book: Into Being: The radical craft of memoir and its power to transform is due to be published by MUP in 2025. She is also author of a work of fiction, Shadowing the Sun (Portobello Books, 2007), and co-editor of A Wild and Precious Life (Unbound, 2021), an anthology of stories on recovery from mental illness and addiction. She teaches narrative nonfiction and memoir at Bath Spa University and co-runs London Lit Lab. You can find Lily at: Twitter: @LilyDunnWriterInstagram: @LilyDunnWritingSubstack: https://lilydunn.substack.com/ Website: https://lilydunn.co.uk/ Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

In 2004, Ryan Hernandez joined a Catholic religious community to live a life of prayer, education, and charity. He was just 17 at the time that he left his life in Los Angeles to follow "The Call" and to follow Christ. Many years later, he would refer to this Catholic sect as an End Times Cult. While in the group he had been a devoted follower and loyal member but there was also abuse and brainwashing taking place and it was this abuse and growing shame that became an unbearable burden for him to bear. After years of bullying, physical abuse, humiliation, psychological abuse, and even solitary confinement, Ryan decided to leave the community. Outside of the cult, Ryan found that his mind was still under their influence and negativity. After years of being brainwashed that life outside of the community would mean being cursed by God Ryan found himself in deep depression, loneliness, and shame. With the help of some true friends and a supportive family, Ryan was able to find the healing that he needed and to free himself from the cultic influences that had entrapped him. Ryan is now working to bring awareness to cult abuse and other important issues through his project called "The Truth That Heals Podcast". It is available on major podcast platforms. The Truth That Heals Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDspcPEdITAadgtJGBMvzZA

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

In 2004, Ryan Hernandez joined a Catholic religious community to live a life of prayer, education, and charity. He was just 17 at the time that he left his life in Los Angeles to follow "The Call" and to follow Christ. Many years later, he would refer to this Catholic sect as an End Times Cult. While in the group he had been a devoted follower and loyal member but there was also abuse and brainwashing taking place and it was this abuse and growing shame that became an unbearable burden for him to bear. After years of bullying, physical abuse, humiliation, psychological abuse, and even solitary confinement, Ryan decided to leave the community. Outside of the cult, Ryan found that his mind was still under their influence and negativity. After years of being brainwashed that life outside of the community would mean being cursed by God Ryan found himself in deep depression, loneliness, and shame. With the help of some true friends and a supportive family, Ryan was able to find the healing that he needed and to free himself from the cultic influences that had entrapped him. Ryan is now working to bring awareness to cult abuse and other important issues through his project called "The Truth That Heals Podcast". It is available on major podcast platforms. The Truth That Heals Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDspcPEdITAadgtJGBMvzZA

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

In 2004, Ryan Hernandez joined a Catholic religious community to live a life of prayer, education, and charity. He was just 17 at the time that he left his life in Los Angeles to follow "The Call" and to follow Christ. Many years later, he would refer to this Catholic sect as an End Times Cult. While in the group he had been a devoted follower and loyal member but there was also abuse and brainwashing taking place and it was this abuse and growing shame that became an unbearable burden for him to bear. After years of bullying, physical abuse, humiliation, psychological abuse, and even solitary confinement, Ryan decided to leave the community. Outside of the cult, Ryan found that his mind was still under their influence and negativity. After years of being brainwashed that life outside of the community would mean being cursed by God Ryan found himself in deep depression, loneliness, and shame. With the help of some true friends and a supportive family, Ryan was able to find the healing that he needed and to free himself from the cultic influences that had entrapped him. Ryan is now working to bring awareness to cult abuse and other important issues through his project called "The Truth That Heals Podcast". It is available on major podcast platforms. The Truth That Heals Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDspcPEdITAadgtJGBMvzZA

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].

Jean Brown is a writer, podcaster, and mom to two young children. She has Bachelor's degrees in political science and writing from Loyola University Maryland, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University in Montreal. She is active in creating content for SEEK Safely Inc.’s website, social media, brand outreach, and legislative efforts. Jean lived in Thailand and has traveled extensively, including treasured memories of traveling with her sister Kirby. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her family. She loves dogs, karaoke, cooking, and ordering in when she doesn't feel like cooking! Book link to This Sweet Life: https://www.amazon.com/This-Sweet-Life-lived-after/dp/0578708795/ SEEK Safely Website: https://www.seeksafely.orgSEEK Safely Podcast: https://seeksafely.podcastpage.io

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1 If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com. Follow Jennifer on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, [email protected].