In this engaging conversation, Ben Brown shares his unique experiences growing up in a polygamous family within a fundamentalist Mormon group. He discusses the historical roots of his family's involvement in polygamy, the complexities of plural marriage, and the emotional and psychological impacts of such an upbringing. Through humor and candor, Ben unpacks the realities of cult life, the principle of celestial plural marriage, and the challenges faced by children in polygamous families. He also touches on the darker aspects of polygamy, including issues of white supremacy and child welfare, while emphasizing the importance of reclaiming his narrative through storytelling and comedy. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of growing up in a cult, the ramifications of hyper-independence, and the challenges of navigating personal identity and trauma. They discuss the role of government in addressing issues related to cults and trauma, the exodus from Mormonism, and the journey of redefining faith and understanding God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, healing, and the need for individuals to listen to their inner selves.

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Ep. #131 One of 16: Growing Up in Mormon Polygamy | Kody Brown's Nephew Ben Brown

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Podcast Recognition: Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 35 Brainwash Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact and contribution to awareness around cult dynamics and human trafficking. (We are #12)

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

What happens when the questions you’ve been told to “put on the shelf” become too heavy to ignore? Vanessa shares her journey growing up in the LDS Church and ultimately questioning the beliefs that shaped her identity, motherhood, and understanding of God.

She takes us inside Mormon traditions, including temple garments and the practice of “putting things on the shelf” when questions about faith become difficult to reconcile. Vanessa describes the emotional significance of finally removing her garments and how that moment became a symbol of reclaiming her identity and freedom.

She also discusses her search for Heavenly Mother, the support she received from her husband during her deconstruction, and her realization that much of what she had been taught was rooted in fear rather than love. That realization ultimately led to her decision to leave the Mormon Church.

Now on the other side, Vanessa reflects on curiosity, self-connection, and learning to trust herself again. She offers encouragement to anyone questioning their beliefs or navigating life after organized religion.

Ep. #130

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Takeaways

~Vanessa was raised in a loving LDS family but later recognized the cult dynamics.

~The church provided structure and community amidst family chaos.

~Shedding temple garments marked a significant turning point in her life.

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Podcast Recognition: Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 35 Brainwash Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact and contribution to awareness around cult dynamics and human trafficking. (We are #12)

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

Ep. #129 Teddy Hose-Ex-Moonies

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In this episode, Teddy Hose, a former member of the Unification Church, shares his experiences growing up in a cult, the impact of cult leadership on families, and his journey to leaving the church. He discusses the psychological effects of being raised in a high-control environment, the abuse he witnessed, and how he has used his multimedia skills to raise awareness about cults. Teddy also reflects on the role of humor in healing and his experiences participating in documentaries about cults. In this conversation, Teddy, a cult survivor, shares his experiences and insights about life in and after the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies. He discusses the rise of cults, the impact of media portrayals, and the importance of critical thinking for those questioning their beliefs. The conversation also touches on the similarities between different cults and the societal implications of cult dynamics, including human trafficking and political influence.

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, host Anonymous Andrew and co-host Melody engage with Courtney Ross Escobar, co-CEO of the Safe Exit Initiative, to discuss the pervasive issue of human trafficking. Courtney shares her insights on the realities of exploitation, the misconceptions surrounding trafficking, and the overlap between trafficking and cult dynamics. The conversation delves into the coercive tactics used by traffickers, the importance of identifying red flags, and the support systems available for survivors. Through personal stories and expert knowledge, the episode sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and action against human trafficking. In this conversation, Courtney Ross Escobar discusses the multifaceted issues surrounding human trafficking, including healthcare support for victims, legal barriers that hinder their recovery, and the inadequacies of government actions. She emphasizes the need for a shift in focus from punitive measures to supportive services and the importance of addressing the demand side of trafficking. The discussion also touches on the controversial topic of legalizing the sex trade and concludes with advice for current victims seeking help.

Ep. # 128 Courtney Ross Escobar- Co-CEO of Safe Exit Initiative

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Podcast Recognition: Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 35 Brainwash Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact and contribution to awareness around cult dynamics and human trafficking. (We are #12)

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

What was it really like growing up inside Warren Jeffs' FLDS cult? Former FLDS member Mark Knudson shares his firsthand story of life inside one of America's most infamous high-control religious groups. From placement marriages and strict obedience to isolation, indoctrination, and ultimately escaping at the age of 30, Mark reveals what it took to leave everything he had ever known and rebuild his life from scratch.

In this powerful conversation, Mark discusses growing up in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) under the leadership of Warren Jeffs, where every aspect of life was controlled by church doctrine. He reflects on childhood memories, large family dynamics, placement marriages, religious abuse, public and private schooling, economic control within the community, and the moment his faith in the organization began to unravel.

Mark also opens up about the emotional challenges of leaving the FLDS, learning how to build healthy relationships, developing social skills outside the cult, and adjusting to life in the outside world after decades of isolation. His story is one of resilience, courage, and hope for anyone affected by cults, religious trauma, or high-control groups.

This episode explores the FLDS, Warren Jeffs, fundamentalist Mormonism, placement marriages, religious abuse, cult recovery, and the difficult journey of rebuilding a life after escaping one of the world's most well-known religious cults.

Guest: Mark Knudson – Former FLDS Member

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Podcast Recognition: Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 35 Brainwash Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact and contribution to awareness around cult dynamics and human trafficking. (We are #12)

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

Update: Since this interview was recorded, HBO has announced the title of the documentary featuring Dar Dixon's story: Bring Me the Beauties, directed by three-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith.

In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, Dar Dixon shares his harrowing journey of being involved in the cult Eternal Values for 12 years. He discusses his initial indoctrination, the beliefs and practices of the cult, and the emotional manipulation used by its leader. Dar also recounts his escape from the cult and the long process of reclaiming his life afterward, providing insights into the psychological impact of such experiences. In this conversation, Dar Dixon shares his harrowing experience of escaping a cult, detailing the psychological and emotional challenges he faced during his deconstruction process. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in healing and reflects on his beliefs and identity after leaving the cult. Dar also offers advice for those currently in cults and discusses his upcoming projects, including his book and the HBO documentary Bring Me the Beauties

Ep. # 126 Dar Dixon- Eternal Values Cult

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Podcast Recognition: Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 35 Brainwash Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact and contribution to awareness around cult dynamics and human trafficking. (We are #12)

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

Summary

In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, Peggy Sharr, a trauma-focused therapist and cult survivor, shares her harrowing experiences growing up in a cult founded by her mother. She discusses the psychological manipulation, indoctrination, and trauma bonding that occurred within the cult, as well as the impact it had on her identity and autonomy. Peggy provides insights into the tactics used by cult leaders to maintain control over their followers and the challenges faced by those who seek to leave such environments. In this conversation, Peggy Sharr shares her harrowing journey of growing up in a cult-like environment dominated by her mother's strict beliefs and control. She recounts the tumultuous family dynamics, her mother's absence during pivotal moments, and the eventual decision to leave the oppressive environment for the sake of her children. Peggy discusses the challenges of escaping, the aftermath of her departure, and her journey towards becoming a therapist, where she now helps others navigate their trauma. She reflects on her beliefs today and offers advice to those in similar situations, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and seeking freedom.

Ep. #125

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Podcast Recognition: Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 35 Brainwash Podcasts on the web, recognizing its impact and contribution to awareness around cult dynamics and human trafficking. (We are #12)

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.

Summary

In this episode of the Cultimatum Podcast, Diane Simboro shares her harrowing journey as a cult survivor after spending 42 years in the Moonies cult. She discusses her initial vulnerability that led her to join, the challenges of arranged marriage and motherhood within the cult, and the eventual realization of the abusive dynamics in her marriage. Diane emphasizes the importance of questioning and seeking support, ultimately leading to her decision to leave the cult with her children. Her story highlights the complexities of coercive control and the resilience required to reclaim one's life. In this conversation, Dianne Simboro shares her journey as a cult survivor, discussing her experiences with family dynamics, domestic violence, and the challenges of leaving a cult. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, support networks, and understanding the complexities of relationships formed within cults. Dianne also reflects on her faith journey post-cult and offers advice to those questioning their beliefs.

Ep.#124

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Dianne's Contact Info:

Facebook - Thrive After Family Violence

Facebook - Family Violence Mindset Solutions

Facebook - Mental Health Foundation Australia Support Groups

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Disclaimer: Cultimatum is a documentary-style podcast that explores real events and personal experiences related to cults and coercive groups. The content reflects individual perspectives and reported accounts. For full legal disclaimers, visit our website.