Episode 203: Lindy Jacomb

Every so often, you meet someone whose life story doesn't just make you pause—it demands that you look closer at the invisible structures of power, control, and resilience operating right in our backyard. Lindy Jacombwas born into a world defined by strict boundaries. Growing up multi-generational in the Exclusive Brethren—now known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church—her childhood in Auckland was built around daily chapel services, a clear-cut sense of 'us versus the world', and an expectation of absolute compliance. But at age 19, she did something dangerous: she started reading the teachings of Jesus directly from a tattered Bible and asking questions of her leadership. By age 20, the verdict was handed down. She was excommunicated and cast out. Overnight, she faced total familial shunning—losing her parents, siblings, friends, and the only reality she had ever known, left to survive in a 'worldly' society she had been taught to fear. But she didn’t just survive; she rebuilt. Today, she is a Bachelor of Theology graduate, a former Baptist pastor, a co-host of the Cult Chat Podcast, and a leading speaker at New Zealand’s premier cult awareness conference, DECULT. As the founder of the Olive Leaf Network, she has dedicated her life to providing a lifeline, advocacy, and practical aid to those escaping high-control religious groups. She is also organising this amazing event on 28 October: WELLINGTON - Cult Awareness & Recovery Evening with Rachel Bernstein Support the show