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DisAllusioned Podcast

by Ari Sherwood

Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a variety of viewpoints, discussions, and survivor testimonies. Watch every Sunday

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Episodes

  1. The Cult of Mike Woroniecki: Beyond Andrea Yates

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with David De La Isla about his experiences with Michael Woroniecke, the leader of a cult that has been linked to the tragic case of Andrea Yates, as well as Ari Sherwood's family. David shares his journey of being drawn into...

  2. Censored by Chaos: Free Speech in a Climate of Violence?

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and Jay discuss a range of pressing issues, including the state of press freedom, government censorship, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. They explore the implications of algorithms on information control…

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  3. Adopted into Control: Growing Up in a Family Cult

    In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Taylor Lucas, a survivor of a small family cult. Taylor shares their complex journey of being adopted by the same family she was born into, the psychological and emotional abuse she endured, and their path to understanding...

  4. Unraveling: The Andrea Yates Case and the Cult Behind the Killer

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood delves into the harrowing case of Andrea Yates, who infamously drowned her five children in 2001. The discussion centers around the influence of cult leader Mike Woroniecki on Yates and the broader implications of cult dynamics on...

  5. I Married a Guru: Surviving a Yoga Cult

    In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, join host Ari Sherwood as she sits down with Joelle Tamraz, author of the book "The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga". Joelle shares her experience joining a yoga cult, and marrying the guru. She details the manipulative tactics...

  6. Elise's Journey from Assemblies of God: Institutional Corruption and Her Fight for Change

    Join Ari Sherwood on the DisAllusioned Podcast as she interviews Elise Delamare, a former minister and survivor of the Assemblies of God Church. Elise shares her compelling journey from feeling called to ministry at a young age, facing challenges within the church, such as negative perceptions of...

  7. Cult Survivors and Storytelling: Pressures, Ethics, and Perfectionism

    In the season 3 premiere of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound responsibility of sharing cult survivor stories. As podcasters and producers, it's crucial to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our guests, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for them...

  8. Who am I? Figuring out your Identity after a Cult Experience

    In the season 2 finale of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound challenges cult survivors encounter as they strive to reclaim their identities. Through personal reflections and insightful interviews, Ari explores the journey from indoctrination to self-discovery,...

  9. Unveiling the Cult of North Korea

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest-host Jay dive into the complex and often disturbing realities of North Korea, exploring its history, the rise of Kim Il-sung, the impact of the Korean War, and the ongoing cult of personality surrounding its leaders. They...

  10. Exposing the City Builders Cult: The Road to Advocacy

    Join host Ari Sherwood in a compelling conversation with Clare Heath-McIvor, a survivor of the City Builders Church and a passionate advocate for cult survivors. Clare shares her journey growing up in a high-control religious group as the daughter of leader Brian Hearth. Her story is incredible…

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  11. The Cult of Eugenics: Historical Roots and Modern Implications

    On this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay dive into the complex and troubling history of eugenics, exploring its roots in ancient philosophy, the uprise of the eugenics movement in America, and its resurgence in modern advertising. They discuss the ethical...

  12. Church Abuse Survivor's Day: A Call to Solidarity

    In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Geoff Etherton, a former youth pastor in the Church of England, about his experiences in the church and the creation of Church Abuse Survivor's Day. Geoff was a pioneer in the church, and with creative freedom, he was able to...

  13. The Child Who Survived: Jeremy's Cult Experience

    TW: This episode of DisAllusioned Podcast covers extreme and distressing themes, such as CSA, Child abuse, neglect, and torturous conditions. Viewer Discretion is strongly advised. In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood interviews Jeremy Paskell, a survivor of the cult…

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  14. Kingdom Kids: Inside the ICOC Cult

    Join host, Ari Sherwood, for a compelling episode diving into the multifaceted experiences of growing up in the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Podcaster and cult survivor, Roy Clemens, opens up about the struggles of life as a "Kingdom Kid," grappling with the realization that the ICOC…

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  15. Rhetoric and Persuasion in Cult Dynamics

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay continue the Philosophy Behind Cults series, focusing on the role of authority, persuasion, and manipulation of language. They explore the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, and logos, and how these elements are…

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  16. Inside the Jehovah's Witness Organization: David's Journey from Believer to Musician

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with David Quesada, a former Jehovah's Witness and musician. David shares his journey growing up in a strict, multi-generational Jehovah's Witness family, detailing the intense control and hierarchy within the organization. He...

  17. Breaking Free from a Generational Cult: The Hidden Truths of the Jehovah's Witness Organization

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Amber, a fifth-generation ex-Jehovah's Witness. Amber shares her unique journey growing up in the organization, the complexities of baptism, disfellowshipping, and the impact of COVID-19 on the community. She discusses…

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  18. The Philosophy Behind Cults: Are Cult Leaders a Legitimate Authority?

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood continues her series into the philosophy behind cults, focusing on the concepts of authority and autonomy, tackling some foundational questions: What makes authority legitimate? Why should we obey authority? And can a cult be a...

  19. Raised in the Children of God Cult: Medical Neglect, Ethics, and Cult Dynamics

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Maria Esguerra, psychologist, advocate, and a cult survivor born and raised in the Children of God cult. Maria shares her experiences growing up in a highly controlled environment that limited her critical thinking and...

  20. The Philosophy Behind Cults: Exploring Authority and Autonomy in Relation to the Cult Experience

    In the first episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, season 2, host Ari Sherwood introduces a new series, The Philosophy Behind Cults. The conversation dives into the philosophy of authority and autonomy, examining what constitutes legitimate authority and how it relates to personal freedom. Ari shares...

  21. Exploitation and Coercion: Knights of the Crystal Blade, Dan Schneider, and P. Diddy

    In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay delve into the disturbing world of cults, focusing on the Knights of the Crystal Blade, a family cult involved in child grooming and abuse. They discuss the implications of child marriage laws, the cycle of abuse that...

  22. Manipulation in Research: Unmasking Twin Flame Universe MAP Therapy

    Ari Sherwood critically examines the claims made by the Mind Alignment Process (MAP) therapy associated with the Twin Flame Universe. She highlights the importance of identifying red flags in therapy claims, evaluating the validity of research, and understanding the implications of legal...

  23. From Jehovah's Witness to Filmmaker: A Discussion on Post Cult Societal Perspectives

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with filmmaker Scott Homan, cofounder of Banana Island Films and director of Witness Underground, about his experiences as a Jehovah's Witnesses and the impact of shunning and emotional abuse. They discuss the importance of...

  24. Swindled by Faith: Surviving the Move

    In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Richard Kiers, author of Swindled by Faith, cult survivor, and advocate, about his experiences in a cult called The Move of God. Richard shares insights into the origins of the cult, the recruitment process, and the harsh...

  25. The Truth That Heals: From Cult to Creativity

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Ryan Anthony Hernandez, a survivor of a Catholic cult ran by Edgardo Arellano, and the host of The Truth That Heals Podcast and Creativity Worth Expressing. Ryan shares his harrowing journey of being drawn into the cult…

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  26. Cults, High Control Religions, and Implications on People with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

    In this episode of the Disillusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood shares her personal journey with a rare genetic condition, hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy, and reflects on the implications of growing up in an evangelical environment and later being involved in a cult. She discusses the challenges...

  27. Breaking Free from the House of Yahweh: From Cult to Recovery

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Melody, Cohost of Cultimatum Podcast, cult survivor advocate, and a former member of the House of Yahweh cult. Melody shares her personal journey into the cult, her experiences with multiple marriages, and the challenges...

  28. Evolutionary Perspectives of Religiosity: Prosocial Cooperation, Environment, and Fascism

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay delve into the complex interplay between evolution, cult dynamics, and religiosity. They explore how critical thinking and education can help individuals recognize and escape cult-like environments, the role of...

  29. From Religious Trauma to Activism: Evangelicalism and Justice for Survivors of DV and SA

    Joy and Philip Hoover, co-founders of Esoes Cosmetics, share their journey of creating innovative safety solutions for women and discuss the impact of evangelical ideology on their beliefs and actions. They discuss their journey through the deconstruction of their fundamental evangelical beliefs...

  30. Doomsday Cult Survivors Reunite and Discuss

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood is joined by Kelsey and Abby to discuss their experiences in a shamanic doomsday cult led by Jeffrey Pierce. The conversation explores the blurred lines between belief and manipulation within the cult, as well as the impact of these...

  31. The Doomsday Trap: Recruitment and Escape from Fear Based Ideologies

    Abby shares her experience of being recruited into a cult led by Jeff Pierce, a shamanic cult leader. This resulted in her moving to the mountains of Tennessee in fear of dooms day, December 21st, 2012. She discusses her belief in a coming shift in the world and how she was drawn to Jeff's...

  32. Indoctrination and Escape: Fleeing to the Mountains and Arranged Soulmates

    In this episode of the Disallusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Kelsey Kay delve into Kelsey's harrowing experience as a survivor of a shamanic doomsday cult. They discuss Kelsey's recruitment, the indoctrination process, the cult's doomsday beliefs, and the manipulation tactics…

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  33. I Married a Cult Leader

    In this episode of Disallusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood shares a deeply personal account of her experience in a cult led by Jeffrey Pierce. Starting from her search for spiritual fulfillment after leaving Christianity, Ari recounts how she was drawn into the cult's teachings, the manipulative...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a variety of viewpoints, discussions, and survivor testimonies. Watch every Sunday

HOSTED BY

Ari Sherwood

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does DisAllusioned Podcast have?

DisAllusioned Podcast currently has 33 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is DisAllusioned Podcast about?

Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a...

How often does DisAllusioned Podcast release new episodes?

DisAllusioned Podcast has 33 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to DisAllusioned Podcast?

You can listen to DisAllusioned Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts DisAllusioned Podcast?

DisAllusioned Podcast is created and hosted by Ari Sherwood.
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