Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation artwork

Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

300 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 224 ratings

A podcast about cults, extreme belief, and manipulation – from two hosts who’ve actually lived it. Hosted by Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth.

Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or manipulation? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com

INSTAGRAM:
@TrustMePodcast
@oohlalola
@meaganelizabeth11

TWITTER:
@TrustMeCultPod
@ohlalola
@baberahamhicks

TIKTOK:
@TrustMeCultPodcast

True Crime Religion & Spirituality 2x2s abuseofpower childrenofgod cults extremebelief flds lds lolablanc meaganelizabeth mormonism
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Roberta Blevins, Part 2 - Leaving The LuLaRoe Family

March 21, 2024 17:00 - 58 minutes

In part two with former LuLaRoe seller, Roberta Blevins, they discuss everything about LuLaRoe's founder DeAnne Brady and her family, the mother figure role DeAnne provided in Roberta's life, dealing with toxic positivity, and a thorough list of MLM red flags to look out for. Plus, how Roberta finally realized that she was in a cult and how starting her own podcast helped with her recovery. Trust Me is sponsored by Prose hair care! Get your FREE consultation and 50% off at Prose.com/trust 

Roberta Blevins, Part 1 - Inside LuLaRoe

March 13, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour

In part one with former LuLaRoe seller and Life After MLM podcast host, Roberta Blevins, she'll share how she first got involved in MLMS, what LuLaRoe was like, what the deal was with the wet smelly leggings, and what made realize that she did not want to be a part of MLM life anymore. We'll discuss how MLMs make good people act badly, what "huns" and "megahuns" are, and where the line is between incompetence and knowingly engaging in harmful practices.  Check out our great sponsors!!! Qui...

Roberta Blevins - Inside LuLaRoe

March 13, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour

In part one with former LuLaRoe seller and Life After MLM podcast host, Roberta Blevins, she'll share how she first got involved in MLMS, what LuLaRoe was like, what the deal was with the wet smelly leggings, and what made realize that she did not want to be a part of MLM life anymore. We'll discuss how MLMs make good people act badly, what "huns" and "megahuns" are, and where the line is between incompetence and knowingly engaging in harmful practices.  Check out our great sponsors!!! Qui...

Lola & Meagan - Am I in a Cult (or Just a Group)?

March 06, 2024 20:00 - 1 hour

This week, Lola and Meagan's guests are... Lola and Meagan! They talk about the cult of seeing everything as a cult, discussing how things that might seem a little culty don’t necessarily inherently mean that a group IS a cult. They’ll discuss political polarization, online miscommunication, group dynamics that happen in ALL groups, and the difference between a dickhead and a cult leader--with a few tangents in between. Check out our great sponsors! Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Vis...

Katelyn Jade Hlavaty, Part 2 - Satanic Ritual Abuse & Becoming a Spokesperson

February 28, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour

In part two of this listener story with Operation Light Force survivor, Katelyn Hlavaty, Lola and Meagan unpack how the leader's bogus healing protocol, which involved digging into old trauma, eventually led to Satanic Ritual Abuse. Katelyn shares how isolation from her family and a period of spontaneous remission from her bout Crohn's disease deepened her faith in the group, leading her to become a public facing spokesperson telling thousands of people that she was healed while secretly thr...

Katelyn Jade Hlavaty, Part 1 - Joining Operation Light Force

February 21, 2024 23:00 - 1 hour

In part one of this wild listener story, Katelyn Hlavaty chats with Lola and Meagan about her experience in the evangelical healing ministry group, Operation Light Force. Katelyn shares how she joined the group when she was isolated and struggling with Crohn's disease, and how the group's promises of community, God, and literal physical healing seemed like the answer in her moment of vulnerability. They dig into how the leader, Richard, began doing counseling sessions with Katelyn, and how R...

Sara Gorman - Science, Healthcare, and Why We Ignore Facts

February 14, 2024 21:14 - 1 hour

Sara Gorman, public health expert, CEO & founder of Critica, and author of Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Facts That Will Save Us, joins Lola and Meagan to discuss the importance of the scientific method, why presenting evidence can feel like an attack, common debunked beliefs that persist in American culture, and the role that media plays in telling stories that stoke fear instead of critical thinking. They also talk about the factors that lead people to ignore evidence, how charis...

Jenna Miscavige, Part 2 - Escaping Scientology

February 07, 2024 10:00 - 51 minutes

Former Sea Org member and niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige, talks about leaving "The Ranch" in order to join the Sea Org, getting involved in higher level management, how she barely knew her own parents, the constant level of paranoia she saw from everyone at all levels, what it was like to date within the Sea Org, how she threatened to kill herself to get her partner out of highly controlled isolation, the potential whereabouts of her Aunt Shelly, how a trip to A...

Jenna Miscavige, Part 1 - Growing up in Scientology's Sea Organization

January 31, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour

Former Scientology Sea Org member and niece of current Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige, talks about being a third generation member, growing up in the infamous Sea Organization, doing child labor in a place called The Ranch, the strong snitching culture and knowledge reports that made it hard to trust anyone, bizarre educational system that punished kids for not knowing words, the fear Scientology stoked in her of the outside world, and how people felt about her Uncle Dav...

Crystal Hefner - Surviving The Playboy Mansion

January 24, 2024 20:00 - 1 hour

Crystal Hefner, former Playboy Playmate, Hugh Hefner's widow, author of Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself shares how she ended going to the Playboy Mansion for the first time, getting invited by Hef to stay, her tightly controlled lifestyle and the weekly rituals that were designed to please Hef and no one else, how she felt about filming Girls Next Door, how she escaped and why she came back, marrying Hef and the complicated feelings she had after his death. Check ...

Michelle Dowd, Part 2 - From the Mountain to the Hospital to Forging Her Own Path

January 17, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour

In part two of their conversation with Michelle Dowd, Lola & Meagan dig into when Michelle and her family moved to the mountain, why discomfort was considered a virtue, getting sick with an autoimmune disease at the age of ten, spending many months in the hospital away from The Field and her family, what happened after her cult leader grandfather passed away, and how she left the group. Trust Me is sponsored by June's Journey! Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey f...

Michelle Dowd, Part 1 - Becoming a Forager in The Field

January 10, 2024 22:00 - 57 minutes - 24.8 MB

Professor, survivor of The Field, and author of Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult, Michelle Dowd, discusses growing up in the cult founded by her grandfather in the 1930s, how it started as an after school program for boys and evolved into something more sinister, the wild claims that her grandfather made, traveling to perform plays while serving as a magician's assistant and poodle conductor, how children were trained to talk to authorities and outsiders, and being taught to ...

Thomas & Micah, Part 2 - Mormon Mission, Scientology, & Disney Adults

December 27, 2023 21:44 - 1 hour - 29.7 MB

Two formerly closeted religious men, Thomas and Micah, share how they came out to their families and left their beliefs behind. Thomas talks about going on a Mormon mission as a gay man, Micah shares how learning about scientology was a turning point in his life, the group shares their thoughts on #DISNEYADULTS, and Thomas and Michah give their advice to anyone struggling with their sexuality and religion. Check out our great sponsors! MasterClass: Get Two Memberships for the Price of One ...

Thomas & Micah, Part 1 - God, Goofy, and Growing Up Gay in Religion

December 20, 2023 10:00 - 48 minutes - 20.9 MB

One is a former Mormon. The other was a child of evangelical missionaries teaching a doctrine called Accelerated Christian Education. Both of them were closeted gay men growing up in strict religious households. Today, Thomas and Micah share about their upbringings, how they met working at Disneyland (a type of cult unto itself), the personalized Book of Mormon that Thomas bought for Micah, and growing up in cultures that stigmatize homosexuality. Check out great sponsors! Shopify: Run you...

Marji Mozart, Part 2 - Life After the FLDS

December 13, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 30.2 MB

Musician and former FLDS member, Marji Mozart, discusses her wedding day as an underage bride who had never been taught about sex, her multiple marriages including one to her sister's husband, the pain of feeling that her dreams of becoming a musician were dead, how spending time in the hospital with her child led staff to suspect that she was in an unhealthy relationship, and how she eventually left rekindled her life of pursuing music. Check out our holiday deals! Trust Me is sponsored b...

Marji Mozart, Part 1 - Growing up in the FLDS

December 07, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 34.9 MB

Musician and former FLDS member, Marji Mozart, shares about her childhood in Colorado City, living with a rebellious mother within a high control community, how she dreamed of being a musician instead of someone's wife, getting married to a grown man when she was only 17, and how that impacted her relationship with her mom. Check out our holiday sponsors!! Quince: Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Shopify: Run your own busi...

Barak Hardley - Where Belief Intersects Creativity

November 29, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 28.3 MB

Lola's friend, actor, artist, director, and the next Bob Ross, Barak Hardley talks about his previous life as an evangelical pastor, getting kicked out of the church, and transitioning to life as an actor in LA. Lola and Barak dive into the philosophy of art, the creative process, skepticism, self reflection, and how art can inform your beliefs about the world. Give the gift of MasterClass! Get TWO memberships FOR THE PRICE OF ONE at MasterClass.com/trust  Trust Me is sponsored by Progress...

Annie Taylor - The Garden: Commune or Cult

November 22, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 31.9 MB

Annie Taylor, Executive Producer of Discovery's The Garden: Commune or Cult, shares about her time living in an off the grid community that went viral on TikTok for accusations of being a cult and disturbing allegations about a cat. Annie tells how she and the crew showed up and gradually earned the trust of the community, filming on one of the group's properties with a fascinating cast of characters, dumpster diving as their primary food source, surviving a tornado without proper shelter, t...

Alice Hines & Lorraine - Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe

November 15, 2023 19:08 - 1 hour - 34.6 MB

Journalist Alice Hines and former Twin Flames Universe member Lorraine, both featured in the Amazon docuseries Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe, discuss the online community that was Twin Flame Ascension, what attracted people to it, how founders Jeff and Shaleia became more controlling and abusive over time, why encouragement to pursue one's twin flame sometimes led to restraining orders, the group's MLM-like structure, why you couldn't always choose your own twin...

Jill Duggar Dillard & Derick Dillard

October 25, 2023 15:11 - 1 hour - 30.3 MB

Members of the Duggar family, former cast members of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting, and Counting The Cost authors, Jill Duggar Dillard & Derick Dill discuss the family's involvement in the very strict Institute in Basic Life Principles, what it was like being on TV at such a young age, how her dad (Jim Bob) convinced the family that the show served the ministry of their church, how none of the kids got paid while he made millions, Jill and Derick having their first date on camera, how she was t...

Marlene Winell - Leaving The Fold, Religious Trauma, and Emotional Recovery

October 18, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 29.6 MB

Psychologist, educator, and Leaving The Fold author, Marlene Winell, talks with Lola & Meagan about how she came to study the negative impacts of religion, how some basic concepts of Christianity can be harmful, why authoritarian structures of religion can sometimes lead to trauma, how we can rationally understand something but emotionally reject it, the spectrum of meaning, and what that looks like after leaving a religion. Trust Me is sponsored by Shopify! Sign up for a $1 per month trial...

Listener Stories - Independent Baptist Movement & Capoeira Teacher

October 11, 2023 16:01 - 56 minutes - 24 MB

Two new listener stories! One from Shelly about her time in the Independent Baptist Movement under pastor Jack Hyles and the cult recovery work she is doing now, and one from Claire about the manipulation she experienced under her capoeira teacher. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive! Learn more about Shelly HERE! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? L...

Daniella Mestyanek Young, Part 2 - Military Life & Parallels to The Children of God

October 04, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 30.9 MB

In part two of her interview with Lola & Meagan, Children of God survivor and military veteran, Daniella Mestyanek Young, talks about joining the military after high school, being a woman in a hyper masculine culture, and unsettling parallels between what she saw in the military and the Children of God. Check out our great sponsors!! Shopify: Run your own business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme  ZocDoc: Need a doctor? Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download ...

Daniella Mestyanek Young, Part 1 - Children of God, 9/11, & Escaping the Cult

September 27, 2023 08:00 - 57 minutes - 25 MB

In part one of her interview with Lola & Meagan, Children of God survivor and military veteran, Daniella Mestyanek Young, discusses being raised in the Children of God, the various forms of punishment she and the other children experienced, how child sexual abuse was not only encouraged but part of the belief system, how the youth were taught to practice for raids and lie to protect the group, why 9/11 was a turning point in her beliefs, and how she finally left the cult. Trust Me is brough...

Andrew Seidel - Christian Nationalism & Information Warfare

September 20, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 30.6 MB

Constitutional attorney, author, and YouTuber Andrew Seidel joins Lola & Meagan to discuss Christian Nationalism, why its based on a myth, how it led to cultural shifts in the U.S. during the 1950s, its impact on the Supreme Court today, the practice of cherry picking ideas from the Bible, the worst case scenario of where it can lead, and why the separation of church and state was a uniquely American concept. Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote today at Progressive.com to try t...

THROWBACK: Post-Traumatic Growth with Richard Tedeschi

September 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 26.1 MB

UNC Charlotte professor and psychology researcher Dr Richard Tedeschi discusses his pioneering work on post-traumatic growth, how his field is different from resilience, how core beliefs are involved in our trauma, what "integration" means, and the value of an "expert companion," having a mission, and sharing your story. Learn more about Richard's work at BoulderCrest.org Original Airdate: 5/18/2022  Trust Me is brought to you by Progressive! Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name...

Simon Kent Fung - Dear Alana & Conversion Therapy

September 06, 2023 17:47 - 1 hour - 29.2 MB

Tech and media expert Simon Fung joins Lola and Meagan to discuss the heartbreaking story behind his new podcast, Dear Alana. When Alana Chen took her own life in 2019, Simon read about her in the news and was shocked by the similarities in their stories and experiences with conversion therapy. Simon delves into how conversion therapy is no longer the lobotomies and electro-shock therapy of the past. It's become a still controversial but compelling narrative that can draw young people in, es...

Dr. Marc Feldman & Jordyn Hope - Munchausen by Proxy aka Medical Child Abuse

August 30, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MB

Dr. Marc Feldman, professor of psychology and expert in Munchausen by Proxy, talks to the girls along with survivor Jordyn Hope for an information-packed episode. Dr. Feldman discusses why he prefers the term medical child abuse (MCA), some of the more extreme cases he's seen, red flags he looks out for, and how parents get doctors to believe and treat their children's fictional illnesses. Jordyn shares how they were medicated by their mom as a child, receiving surgery and treatments for co...

Kyle & Kari, Part 2 - The 2x2s: Uncovering Widespread Sexual Abuse

August 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 26.2 MB

In part two of their interview, Kyle and Kari, former members of the 2x2s (the group that Meagan grew up in), talk about the Facebook group they created for people leaving the group, which created a forum for people to share their stories for the first time. They discuss the overseer who was found dead in a hotel and the letter that exposed his sexual abuse, and how Kyle and Kari were then flooded with messages from survivors who'd been sexually abused within the religion, with hundreds of p...

Kyle & Kari, Part 1 - Deconstructing The 2x2s

August 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 28.7 MB

Former members of the Two by Twos Kyle and Kari (the group that our Meagan grew up in) discuss the apocalyptic focus on the religion, personal stories of deconstructing their beliefs, the peculiar structure of the group led by pairs of ministers called "workers", how Kyle and Kari joined and met as kids, how it compared to Meagan's experience, what they did (and didn't) believe growing up, how the pandemic led them to question their beliefs, and how they found their way back to each other af...

Martin - Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro, & The I.D.W.

August 09, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 32.6 MB

There's order. And there's chaos. Simple, right? Today our new friend Martin shares how he used to be a big fan of Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro, how he found videos as a teenager that helped him feel empowered as he searched for identity, the impact they had on his worldview, some of the idealogical tenants of Jordan Peterson, why so many young men are drawn to these kinds of figures, why debate isn't always the best way to uncover truth, and how working with prison inmates helped to chan...

Guinevere Turner, Part 2 - Group Exile, Culture Shock, & Recovery

August 02, 2023 09:27 - 1 hour - 27.6 MB

In part two of her two-part interview, Guinevere Turner, renowned screenwriter (writer of films like American Psycho and Charlie Says), actress, and author of new memoir When The World Didn't End, talks about getting kicked out of the group and living with her mother after years of barely knowing her, the cognitive dissonance of suddenly going to school with outsiders, being sexually abused by her mother's partner, how she finally decided to never go back to the Lyman family, telling your st...

Guinevere Turner, Part 1 - The Lyman Family, Compound Life, and Queen Jessie

July 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 25.9 MB

In part one of her two-part interview, Guinevere Turner, renowned screenwriter (writer of films like American Psycho and Charlie Says), actress, and author of new memoir When The World Didn't End, talks about growing up in the Lyman Family cult, bouncing around between different compounds, and being raised by women in the group who were not her mother. She discusses the trippy teachings of leader Mel Lyman, what it was like joining the caravan of the group's "queen" as a child, and the punis...

Emily Lynn Paulson - Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing

July 19, 2023 20:37 - 1 hour - 30.6 MB

When #BossBabe culture goes wrong. Author of Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing and former member of an MLM she calls Rejuvinat, Emily Paulson, shares how she was first introduced to the group by a friend from school, how it seemed to be the perfect way to bring purpose and extra income to her stay at home mom lifestyle, how her very specific circumstances helped her to be really good at it, being a top seller who was put on display by the ...

Madison McGhee - The Dark Side of Sorority Life

July 12, 2023 08:30 - 1 hour - 32.3 MB

Ever joined a sorority? It's all Greek to us! Former sorority member and Ice Cold Case podcast host Madison McGhee shares how she always dreamed of joining a sorority, which one she chose after growing up Christian, what the process of joining was like, being the only person of color in the sorority, how she was punished for not straightening her curly hair and prevented from holding a leadership position, feeling ostracized to the point that it harmed her mental health, and why it's so hard...

Christy Carlson Romano - Child Actors & the Toddler to Trainwreck Pipeline

July 05, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 34.7 MB

From Even Stevens to Kim Possible, Disney Channel legend and Vulnerable podcast host Christy Carlson Romano talks about the difficulties of being a working actor from such a young age, what it was like to be well-known, and the pressures of stage parents. She also discusses the "toddler to trainwreck pipeline" and the lack of an exit strategy from child stardom, the flaws in the existing infrastructure meant to support young performers, and how the film industry can do better. Check out our...

Lindsey Williams, Part 2: Going to IBLP Headquarters & The Downfall of Bill Gothard

June 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 36.5 MB

Shiny Happy People's Lindsey Williams shares how Institute in Basic Life Principles leader Bill Gothard would recruit young girls to headquarters, the inappropriate questions he asked and physical boundaries he repeatedly crossed, how controlling he was over who Lindsey dated, the website where women began connecting the dots about his behavior, the sexual assault allegations that were brought against him, the IBLP's connections to politics, and how Lindsey managed to get out of the group. ...

Lindsey Williams, Part 1: Shiny Happy People, The Institute in Basic Life Principles, and Meeting Bill Gothard

June 14, 2023 09:30 - 1 hour - 30.9 MB

Makeup artist, podcaster, and former Institute in Basic Life Principles member, Lindsey Williams (who is featured in Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets), delves into the Duggar family connection into the IBLP, being home schooled using "wisdom booklets", how physical punishment was a tenant of the faith, why women lived under the authority of their fathers and husbands, Lindsey's time at the Advanced Training Institute, the organization's twisted teachings about sexual abuse, and bein...

Allison Miller - Interstitial Cystitis, Orthorexia, and an Alternative Medicine Cult

June 07, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 35.4 MB

A Million Little Things star Allison Miller shares with Lola & Meagan how she was once a client of a culty alternative medicine clinic run by a couple who claimed to know how to heal her chronic bladder condition, Interstitial Cystitis (also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome). They dig into the societal reason why women have to resort to these measures to begin with, the extremely controlled diet and lifestyle she was told to adhere to—even when she began feeling worse, and how she became se...

Jimanekia Eborn - Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Trauma

May 31, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 35.9 MB

Jimanekia Eborn, sex educator, trauma counselor, podcast host, and founder of non-profit Tending the Garden, shares the traumas she's experienced in her own life, what her healing journey has been like, and what led her to help others in her work. They discuss sex after trauma, going on self-dates to learn what you like (and don't like), the importance of communicating with your partner(s), and how to get out of your head and into your body. Learn more about Jimanekia's work helping margina...

Mubin Shaikh, Part 2: 9/11, Reinterpreting Islam, and Going Undercover

May 24, 2023 08:00 - 59 minutes - 28.2 MB

In part two of their conversation with deradicalized extremist and former Canadian government operative, Mubin Shaikh, Lola and Meagan dig into Mubin's meet-cute with his now-wife (who was not Muslim when they met), how little she knew about his extremism, why 9/11 was the turning point in his radical beliefs, and his deeper exploration into Islamic texts and interpretations. They discuss how he reached out to the Canadian government after a former acquaintance was arrested for a bomb plot, ...

Mubin Shaikh, Part 1: Islamic Extremism, Meeting the Taliban, and Getting Radicalized

May 17, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 31.2 MB

Mubin Shaikh, deradicalized Islamic extremist and former security intelligence & counter-terrorism operative, discusses his upbringing balancing secular and Muslim life in Toronto, the party he threw as a young man that made him feel ashamed enough to become more deeply religious, and how an encounter with the Taliban pushed him toward radicalization. He also talks about the structure of Islam and his particular sect, the many complex factors that lead to extremism and terrorism, and the dee...

Jennings Brown & Justice - Liana Shanti's Conspiracy Sisterhood

May 10, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 38.4 MB

Journalist Jennings Brown returns, this time with a guest who goes by Justice, to talk about a new internet cult leader named Liana Shanti and her social media presence, which targets women with wellness cleanses, women's empowerment, wild conspiracy theories, and grandiose claims about her supernatural powers. They discuss Shanti's followers' pattern of changing their names, accusing family members of abuse without evidence, and suddenly taking their children out of state. Plus, a house in ...

Kara Goucher - Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project

May 03, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 33.7 MB

Accomplished Olympic runner and The Longest Race author Kara Goucher shares how she and her partner were invited to join the prestigious Nike Oregon Project and coach Alberto Salazar, how Alberto's methods seemed effective at first but became more controlling and inappropriate over time, what led her to become a whistleblower, and the stark contrast she eventually saw with a healthy coaching relationship. Check out our great sponsors! ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdo...

Perfectionism & Purity

April 27, 2023 11:48 - 52 minutes - 23 MB

No one is perfect. Not even Lola and Meagan. Today the ladies delve into the extreme belief of perfectionism, its connection to purity culture, Lola and Meagan's firsthand experience with OCD and religious trauma, how to address your inner cult leader, the intersectionality with cancel culture, and the importance of staying connected to those with extreme beliefs. Trust Me is brought to you by Prose! Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order at Prose.com/t...

Robert Fitzpatrick - The History of MLMs

April 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 31.9 MB

Time to level up. MLM expert and author of Ponzinomics, the Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing, Robert Fitzpatrick, discusses the history of MLMs including why they took off in the 80s, their connection to the American Dream and economic inequality, the biggest scams he's seen over the years, how MLMs disconnect people from their identities, and what we can do about it if its happening to someone we love. Trust Me is sponsored by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com ...

Priscilla Tucker, Part 2: Escaping the Kingstons, Forced Rehab, and a Billion Dollar Tax Fraud

April 12, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 24 MB

In the second half of their conversation with Kingston Clan survivor Priscilla Tucker, Lola and Meagan learn more about the leader of the group, why being sent to a bad kid camp turned out to be a positive experience for Priscilla, and how she worked for billion-dollar fraudster Jacob Kingston, ultimately helping the FBI take him down. Plus, how Priscilla ended up finally getting out of the group, thanks to the show Escaping Polygamy (and Lola's mom!). Check out our great sponsors! Babbel:...

Priscilla Tucker, Part 1: The Kingstons, Polygamy, and a Cousin Engagement

April 05, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 22.1 MB

Priscilla Tucker, friend of the show and survivor of Mormon-offshoot polygamist group the Kingstons, talks about the origins of the group and how it differs from other polygamist sects, why so many members become doctors and lawyers, and her upbringing, including how she began working for pennies from the age of 8. They also discuss the leader of the group, its history of incest and underage marriages, and her brief underage engagement to her first cousin. Check out our amazing sponsors!!! ...

Adam Levin - Romance Scams, Hackers, & Protecting Your Identity

March 29, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 33.5 MB

Have you been scammed? Lola and Meagan have... and one of them was even part of one. What the Hack podcast host Adam Levin joins Trust Me to chat about phishing, romance scams that target the elderly, social engineering, who the scammers ARE, and tips on how to protect your identity online. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at [email protected] CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/...

Zacch Comfort, Part 2: The Bride of Christ Church, and an Important Story From Lola

March 22, 2023 11:08 - 1 hour - 32 MB

In part two of Lola & Meagan's interview with Bride of Christ Church survivor Zacch Comfort, they discuss how leader Thomas Clyde Smith Jr's control tactics got more extreme once the group moved to the Oregon commune, including separating children from their families, requiring people to hit each other in church, and cycling children into his home for sexual abuse - as well as how the group ultimately fell apart, and what Zacch's life is like now working in a psychiatric hospital. Plus, for...

Twitter Mentions

@trustmecultpod 3 Episodes
@ohlalola 3 Episodes