EPISODE · Oct 2, 2025 · 1H 8M
Michelle Dowd - Forager in an Apocalyptic Cult
from If I’m Really Honest · host jamincoller
This episode features an honest, moving conversation with author and educator Michelle Dowd, whose memoir Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Cult explores growing up inside a high-control religious community and building a new life beyond it. We discuss her forthcoming book A Prodigal Daughter, her Substack newsletter where she engages with readers, and her pilot series based on the stories of people who lived in and left the group. Michelle shares her experience of leaving the community, raising four children differently, navigating relationships with family who stayed, and the long process of healing from attachment loss and indoctrination. Connect with Michelle Dowd: Forager: Field Notes on Surviving a Cult on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Forager-Field-Notes-Surviving-Cult/dp/164375308X Michelle Dowd’s Substack newsletter: https://IfImReallyHonest.com Superfan page: https://JaminColler.com/iirh_Superfans #IfImReallyHonest #TeamPossiblyWrong
What this episode covers
Michelle Dowd grew up in a separatist religious group and went on to become a college professor, writer, and advocate for those leaving high-control communities. In this candid discussion we unpack her story, her writing process, and how she is helping others tell theirs.
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Michelle Dowd - Forager in an Apocalyptic Cult
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