Ep. #38 How To Leave A Cult with Brooke Walker

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In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Brooke Walker, a former member of the Church of Immortal Consciousness, a cult she was brought into at just 8 years old. Led by the trance medium Trina Camp and her husband Steven, the group created a tight-knit community where families lived together, practiced arranged marriages, and believed in a unique connection to God through non-denominational reincarnation.

Brooke shares her story of growing up in this controlling environment, where children were expected to surpass their parents and be grateful for the "opportunity" to learn from their mistakes. Emotional was common and physical abuse happened occasionally, by the time she was 17, Brooke was forced into an arranged marriage. The situation worsened over time, with her husband leaving the group when she was only 22, leaving her to raise two children within the cult’s oppressive structure.

The Church of Immortal Consciousness operated without a physical church building, instead focusing on practices like "breaking down your brackets," a grueling process involving hours of yelling, drinking, and emotional manipulation. The group's leaders wielded their supposed spiritual powers to control members, exploiting them for financial gain while keeping them in fear of eternal damnation if they left.

Brooke’s breaking point came as her family started to fall apart, with rebellious teenagers. At 35, she finally made the courageous decision to leave, despite the enormous personal cost of losing everyone she knew.

Now, Brooke has transformed her painful experiences into a powerful message of healing and resilience. She hosts the podcast "How to Leave a Cult," where she delves deeper into her story and helps others navigate the difficult path of deconstruction. Brooke’s advice is clear: ask the right questions, ensure your relationships are healthy, and take baby steps toward healing without triggering yourself.

Join us as Brooke Walker reveals the dark underbelly of the Church of Immortal Consciousness, her path to freedom, and the steps she’s taken to rebuild her life outside the cult.

Brooke's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@brookewalker9118

Brooke's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/how_to_leave_a_cult/

Brooke's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtoleaveacult

Brooke's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/howtoleaveacult

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Ep #37 Holy Hell Unveiled: Inside The Buddafield Cult

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In this episode of the 'Cultimatum podcast, hosts Anonymous Andrew and Melody introduce their new segment of reviewing cult documentaries. They discuss the documentary 'Holy Hell,' focusing on a manipulative cult led by Jamie Gomez, a failed Hollywood actor. The hosts analyze how the cult, initially portraying peace and love, descended into manipulation, control, and non-consensual sexual activities. They debate whether the viewers should watch it, despite unanswered questions about the cult's current status. The episode ends with an invitation for audience interaction and a suggestion to explore similar shocking documentaries.

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#36 Carol Merchasin: Advocating Justice for Cult Survivors

In this episode of the Cultimatum podcast, host Andrew and co-host Melody engage with Carol Merchasin, an expert in cult law, discussing her journey into representing victims of cults and the complexities of legal advocacy in this field. They explore the challenges faced by survivors in recognizing their abuse, the slow legal processes involved, and the need for reform in laws surrounding coercion and consent. The conversation highlights the psychological impact of cults on individuals and the importance of community support in helping survivors navigate their experiences. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of cult leadership, the emotional and legal challenges faced by survivors, and the importance of community support and awareness in preventing cult involvement. They discuss the manipulative tactics used by cult leaders, the long journey of healing for survivors, and the legal processes involved in holding cults accountable for their actions. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and the role of support systems in the recovery process.

takeaways

Takeaways Carol Merchasin transitioned from a corporate lawyer to advocate for cult survivors. Many people have stereotypes about cult survivors that hinder understanding. Legal systems often struggle to address abuses within cults due to their religious cloaking. The process of bringing cases against cults is slow and complicated. Consent in cult situations is often not informed due to coercion. Human trafficking laws may provide a new avenue for addressing cult abuses. Survivors often need time to recognize their victimization due to brainwashing. The civil justice system is primarily about monetary compensation, complicating cases. There is a need for legal reform to better protect cult survivors. Community support is crucial for survivors to regain their agency. The manipulation tactics of cult leaders often change to fit their agenda. Survivors may take years to recognize the abuse they endured. Legal action against cults can be complicated and requires specific evidence. Community support is crucial for survivors seeking justice. Awareness and education can help prevent future cult involvement. Healing is a personal journey that varies for each survivor. Survivors often experience shame due to societal misconceptions about cults. Multiple survivors coming forward can strengthen a legal case. The legal system is slowly evolving to better support survivors. Raising awareness is key to holding cults accountable.

Carol's Bio Page: https://mcolaw.com/team/carol-merchasin/

McAllister Olivarius Lawyer & Law Firm Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/mcallisterolivarius?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Carol's X Link: https://x.com/CarolMerchasin

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Ep. #35 Breaking the Chains: Heidi's Journey Out of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the life of Heidi Odell, a fourth-generation former member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Heidi's lineage traces back to the very origins of the church, with her great-great-great-grandmother, Ellen White, present at the infamous "Great Disappointment" on October 20, 1844. This event, marked by the failed prophecy of Christ’s return, became a pivotal moment in the church's history.

Heidi shares the complexities of her family's deep-rooted connection to the church, including Ellen White’s controversial visions, which some believe were influenced by mercury poisoning due to her father's occupation as a hatter. These visions, which sought to rationalize the failed prophecy, laid the foundation for what would become a global religious movement.

Despite her empathy and understanding for those still within the church, Heidi recounts her personal struggles, including enduring abuse at the hands of her father, who suffered from untreated mental illness. Kicked out of her home at 13 after speaking out about the abuse, Heidi began a long journey of self-discovery and deconstruction, ultimately leaving the church in 2012.

Heidi’s story is one of resilience and healing. After divorcing in 2015 and facing backlash from the church for becoming a surrogate in 2018, she has turned to yoga, hypnotherapy, and deep research into the church's history as part of her recovery. Today, she fully disbelieves in the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is passionate about helping others on their journey of self-discovery.

In this episode, Heidi emphasizes the importance of leaving when the time is right for you and encourages listeners to trust themselves, do their own research, and build communities outside of religious institutions. Her insights into the Seventh-day Adventist Church and her own personal evolution make this a must-listen episode for anyone interested in religious deconstruction and healing.

Heidi's TikTok Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@heidi.leanne_._

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To contact the Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios

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Ep# 34 Cult Anatomy -Unmasking Control, Manipulation & Brainwashing

In this episode of Cultimatum, co-hosts Anonymous Andrew and Melody dive deep into the anatomy of cults, exploring how manipulation, control, and brainwashing tactics are used across different settings—religious groups, MLMs, and even spiritual or wellness movements. They break down the nuances of high-control groups, revealing how cult-like tactics often appear in unexpected places, from yoga classes to multi-level marketing schemes.

Using real-life examples from previous episodes, such as Mandy’s experience with Potter’s House (Ep. #6) and Kim Peirano’s journey (Ep. #28), the hosts illustrate the subtle and overt methods used to manipulate followers. They also introduce Steven Hassan’s BITE Model, explaining how cults control behavior, information, thoughts, and emotions to keep members loyal and dependent.

Whether it's the behavior control seen in MLMs or the emotional manipulation in religious cults, Melody and Andrew equip listeners with critical thinking tools to recognize red flags. From love-bombing to guilt and fear tactics, they highlight the dangers of groups that demand unquestioning loyalty and isolate followers from the outside world.

By the end of this episode, listeners will not only have a deeper understanding of what defines a cult but will also be armed with knowledge to spot cult-like manipulation in everyday life.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining cults: Moving beyond stereotypes of religious zealots.
• The BITE Model: Understanding how high-control groups manipulate behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
• How MLMs mirror cult-like structures and the dangers of wellness movements.
• Real-life examples from former cult members featured on Cultimatum.

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about the subtle yet powerful tactics cults use and learn how to protect yourself from falling victim to their control.

I personally want to that Melody for putting this episode together. She produced this episode. She has become the Producer of Cultimatum Podcast!-Anonymous Andrew

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Ep. #33: Escaping The Chains – Suzanne Accardo's Journey from Trafficking Survivor to Advocate

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Suzanne Accardo, a human trafficking survivor and the founder of the Facebook group Modern Day Slavery, Creating Awareness about Human Trafficking in the USA. Suzanne begins by challenging a common misconception: that slavery was ever truly abolished. As a single mom to a 9-year-old boy, Suzanne shares her deeply personal story, which began when her mother married into a secretive "brotherhood" in Montgomery County, Texas.

Suzanne opens up about the horrifying experiences she endured, beginning at age 13 when she was molested by a man involved in organized crime, who married her mother. She shares the chilling belief that both her uncle and grandmother may have been poisoned, and how she was manipulated and slowly drugged while in a fake relationship with her trafficker. Her ordeal escalated to the point where she was chained in an RV for months, forced to live in a drug-induced haze, unsure of what she was being given.

A moment of clarity came when she saw a video of herself, realizing the extent of her situation. She seized a rare opportunity to escape when her captor left the chains off and the door unlocked. But the nightmare was far from over. Suzanne was treated as a criminal, even being committed to a mental hospital when she should have been recognized as a victim.

Suzanne’s fight for survival continues today, as she raises awareness of the dangers of human trafficking and the systems that fail its victims. She discusses how her home has been broken into, her pets killed, and the ongoing fear for her life. Suzanne’s advice to those targeted: never be alone and surround yourself with trusted people. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and a determined mission to expose the truth behind modern-day slavery in America.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode of Cultimatum as Suzanne reveals the shocking realities of human trafficking and the resilience of the human spirit.

Link to Suzanne's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1456062254920275

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To contact the Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios

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Ep. #32 Swindled By Faith with Richard Kiers

In this episode, we delve into the harrowing journey of Richard Kiers, who grew up in a little-known but insidious cult called The Move of God, founded by Sam Fife in the 1960s. The Move, an offshoot of the Baptist church, gained traction for its charismatic leader and promise of discovering the "truth." Richard’s father, in his search for spiritual fulfillment, uprooted their family to join a communal farm in Canada when Richard was just 10 years old.

Life in The Move was one of strict control and isolation. Members were required to sever ties with extended family, and every aspect of their lives was dictated by the cult’s teachings—down to the clothes they wore and how they groomed themselves. The commune prided itself on self-sufficiency, but this came with significant hardships. Living without running water, electricity, or proper sanitation, members hauled water from a nearby spring and used outhouses. The cabins they lived in were built by the community, and while some members had access to money and cars, these were communal property, used solely for the benefit of the group.

As Richard grew older, he began to see the cracks in the cult’s façade, especially when his father fell ill. Despite his father’s suffering, the group refused to seek outside medical help, insisting that any failure to recover was a result of weak faith. This incident deeply shook Richard’s belief in the group. Life in the commune was harsh, with children put to work on the farm and forced to contribute to building the community. The food was scarce and of poor quality, and the environment was far from nurturing.

Years later, Richard penned a book titled Swindled by Faith, chronicling his experiences. He waited until after his parents passed away to publish the book, out of respect for their memory, despite the pain they endured within the group. As his parents aged and became less useful to the cult, they were discarded—no longer of value without money or income.

In closing, Richard offers a poignant piece of advice for those questioning whether a group might be a cult or dangerous: observe how they treat the children. It is a revealing indicator of the group’s true nature.

Link to Richard's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/ucdvn73Rt5w2X6qn/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Link to Richard's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Swindled-Faith-Reconciliation-Richard-Kiers-ebook/dp/B07RWTKQ73/ref=sr_1_1?crid=104DCBNYZCZGT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EWwNrojphJ7nZqnPOSSQOfU36BIzaDHLWfoHDzxRcYg.FuYwEUjPKtHhD2vmcWNxZcPWJyT5iBgRUn-mRqgYuRs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Swindled+by+faith&qid=1723493728&sprefix=swindled+by+faith%2Caps%2C408&sr=8-1

Link to the Documentary Richard was in : https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/id-shows/6-cults-featured-in-next-season-of-people-magazine-investigates-cults

Cultimatum podcast Contact Info:

Email: cultimatumpodcast@gmail.com

Episode #31 Justine For Justice - Escaping the ICOC

In this episode, we hear from Justine, a survivor of the International Church of Christ (ICOC), as she bravely shares her experience of growing up in a controlling religious group. The ICOC is known for its extreme control over members, including enforcing a strict purity culture and dictating every aspect of members' lives.

Justine's story is one of resilience and survival. At age 16, she left the group to seek treatment for an eating disorder, which marked the beginning of her journey to recovery and freedom. Now, 20 years later, Justine is thriving—she’s married and has three children. Her journey to healing began when she started a blog, sharing her experiences and helping others come forward with their own stories.

The ICOC's influence extended far beyond spiritual matters, impacting every aspect of Justine's life. Members were required to make significant financial contributions and were often given recruitment quotas, effectively turning them into unpaid laborers. Justine’s family joined the ICOC when she was just three years old, seeking a supportive environment after her father’s struggles with alcoholism. However, the reality was far from what they expected. Justine endured multiple forms of abuse and struggled with isolation, believing that everyone outside the group was doomed.

The turning point came when Justine’s family learned about the systemic abuses within the ICOC, which eventually led them to leave the group. Today, Justine is a vocal advocate for those harmed by controlling religious groups, using her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of cults and importance of mental health. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to break free from such environments and the importance of supporting survivors.

This episode is a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand the psychological impact of cults and the path to recovery for survivors

Justine's Contact Info:

Justine's website for details on cases: https://open.substack.com/pub/justicejustine

Justine's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/justineforjustice/

Justine's TikTok account: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineforjustice

For Anyone Harmed By the ICOC contact : https://www.instagram.com/free2b_org/

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