The Cult Vault

Apr 06 2025 413 ep. 70 mins 580
The Cult Vault Podcast artwork

Award Nominated Podcast. Long-Form Interview-Based Show Focusing on True Testimonies of Cult Survivors & Experts. Also Features Deep-Dive Research Episodes.

  True Crime  Religion & Spirituality  Society & Culture
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S3 E29 In Conversation with Shanny Pants!

Apr 06 2025 64 mins  
In this episode, Shannon Payton AKA Shanny Pants shares her journey of growing up in a high-control religious cult, her experiences navigating life outside of it, and the challenges of parenting while healing from past trauma. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her identity, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of psychoeducation in her recovery pr

S3 E28 Peace Educator, Author... CULT LEADER? Maharaji/Prem Rawat

Mar 30 2025 73 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the suspected cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he began to question the integrity of

S3 E27 The Troubled Teen Industry: CEDU

Mar 23 2025 86 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Kari Bunn, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, specifically the CEDU reform school. They discuss the historical context of CEDU, its connections to the cult Synanon, and the broader troubled teen industry. Kari shares her experiences and insights into the psychological manipulation and abuse that can occur in t

S3 E26 Students of Light: Kidnapped in Plain Sight

Mar 16 2025 110 mins  
*TRIGGER WARNING THIS EPISODE CONTAINS THEMES OF CHILD ABUSE. LISTEN WITH CAUTION!!!*In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brenda Blais, who shares her harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse within the cult-like environment of the Students of Light. Brenda recounts her introduction to the group at a young age, the manipulative tactics employed b

S3 E25 Inside the Bride of Christ Cult

Mar 09 2025 91 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Zacch Comfort, creator of the Boiled Frogs podcast, which explores the cult he grew up in. They discuss the origins of the cult, the abusive dynamics within it, and the impact on children raised in such an environment.Zacch shares personal stories about his family's involvement, the control exerted by the cult leader

S3 E24 Did You Kill My Dad? A Conversation with Madison McGhee

Mar 02 2025 80 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Madison McGhee, the creator of the Ice Cold Case podcast, which investigates her father's unsolved murder. Madison shares her journey from a background in film and television to the world of podcasting, discussing the challenges and unique aspects of audio storytelling. The conversation delves into her upbringing in

S3 E23 Duck Duck Groom with Anna Sonoda

Feb 23 2025 67 mins  
Anna has kindly gifted some free ebook versions of her book for UK listeners. Contact me if you are interested in receiving one!In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Anna Sonoda, a licensed clinical social worker, about the critical issue of grooming and child sexual abuse. Anna shares her insights on how grooming is a precursor to most child sexual abus

S3 E22 Soka Gakkai International: Born and Raised

Feb 16 2025 73 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Jay, a former member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), who shares her personal experiences growing up in the organisation. Jay discusses her family's background, her early involvement in SGI, and the pressures and expectations placed on her as a member. She reflects on her experiences at SGI meetings, the financial

S3 E21 Inside the Minds of Two Detectives

Feb 09 2025 74 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with former detectives Scott Rogan and Peter Hogan, who share their experiences in the police force and their transition into podcasting. They discuss their motivations for becoming detectives, the significant cases they worked on, and the impact of coercive control in crime.The conversation highlights the importance of f

S3 E20 Extreme Evangelicalism in the Modern Age

Feb 02 2025 102 mins  
In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Cynane Shay, who shares her journey growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian household. Cynane discusses the influence of her family's beliefs on her education, the impact of purity culture, and her experiences with the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP). She reflects on her college years, the gra