PODCAST · education
Project Hope Podcast
by Jennifer French
The Project Hope Podcast is for families and friends with a loved one in a group of high demand / high control. Our aim is to provide hope through the stories of people who have both left such groups, as well as families, partners and friends who have struggled with the loss or distance of a loved one to such a group. We interview experts on psychological and social patterns that are found within these dynamics, as well as families and survivors.New podcast episodes are released on Wednesdays.Jennifer is the host and owner of Jennifer French. She has an advanced degree in coercive control and serves clients across the world. She is also a research associate at Salford University, England. Please note, Jennifer is not a licensed psychotherapist and is not licensed by any California Regulatory Agency.Jennifer has first hand experience having been in a cult for 11 years. This deeply affected her relationships outside of the organization and she now hopes to help those who are suff
Episodes
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S2 Ep. 37: Robert Menna (P2) on Ramtha's School Of Enlightenment, his daughter's involvement, and his role as an 'Influence Analyst'.
Robert Menna shares his story from the perspective of his own history growing up with a father in the advertising industry, of the 'Mad Men' era, and then through the lense of a father himself. Bob is also a former international model with a career spanning over 25 years in addition to being...
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S2 Ep. 36: Robert Menna (P1) on Ramtha's School Of Enlightenment, his daughter's involvement, and his role as an 'Influence Analyst'.
Robert Menna shares his story from the perspective of his own history growing up with a father in the advertising industry, of the 'Mad Men' era, and then through the lense of a father himself. Bob is also a former international model with a career spanning over 25 years in addition to being...
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S2 Ep. 35: Jospeh Kelly & Patrick Ryan (P2) on their histories that brought them to Cult Mediation
Joseph Kelly & Patrick Ryan have given decades of their life to helping families and loved ones who find themselves in an unhealthy group of high control / high demand. They are both internationally renowned cult mediation specialists, and have also been known as cult intervention specialists,...
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S2 Ep. 34: Jospeh Kelly & Patrick Ryan (P1) on their histories that brought them to Cult Mediation
Joseph Kelly & Patrick Ryan have given decades of their life to helping families and loved ones who find themselves in an unhealthy group of high control / high demand. They are both internationally renowned cult mediation specialists, and have also been known as cult intervention specialists,...
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S2 Ep. 33: Dr. Lily Dunn (P2) on "Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unraveling"
Dr Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, and academic. Her debut nonfiction, Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unravelling, a memoir about the legacy of her father's addictions was The Spectator and The Guardian Best Nonfiction Book, 2022. Her forthcoming book: Into Being: The radical craft...
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S2 Ep. 32: Dr. Lily Dunn (P1) on "Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unraveling"
Dr Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, and academic. Her debut nonfiction, Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unravelling, a memoir about the legacy of her father's addictions was The Spectator and The Guardian Best Nonfiction Book, 2022. Her forthcoming book: Into Being: The radical craft...
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S2 Ep. 31: Ryan Hernandez (P3) on his Catholic sect as an End Times Cult & "The Truth That Heals Podcast".
In 2004, Ryan Hernandez joined a Catholic religious community to live a life of prayer, education, and charity. He was just 17 at the time that he left his life in Los Angeles to follow "The Call" and to follow Christ. Many years later, he would refer to this Catholic sect as an End Times Cult....
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S2 Ep. 30: Ryan Hernandez (P2) on his Catholic sect as an End Times Cult & "The Truth That Heals Podcast".
In 2004, Ryan Hernandez joined a Catholic religious community to live a life of prayer, education, and charity. He was just 17 at the time that he left his life in Los Angeles to follow "The Call" and to follow Christ. Many years later, he would refer to this Catholic sect as an End Times Cult....
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S2 Ep. 29: Ryan Hernandez (P1) on his Catholic sect as an End Times Cult & "The Truth That Heals Podcast".
In 2004, Ryan Hernandez joined a Catholic religious community to live a life of prayer, education, and charity. He was just 17 at the time that he left his life in Los Angeles to follow "The Call" and to follow Christ. Many years later, he would refer to this Catholic sect as an End Times Cult....
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S2 Ep. 28: Jean Brown (P2) on her sister, Kirby Brown, James Arthur Ray, & SEEK Safely.
Jean Brown is a writer, podcaster, and mom to two young children. She has Bachelor's degrees in political science and writing from Loyola University Maryland, and a Master's in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University in Montreal. She is active in creating content for…
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S2 Ep. 27: Jean Brown (P1) on her sister, Kirby Brown, James Arthur Ray, & SEEK Safely.
Jean Brown is a writer, podcaster, and mom to two young children. She has Bachelor's degrees in political science and writing from Loyola University Maryland, and a Master's in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University in Montreal. She is active in creating content for…
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S2 Ep. 26: Dr. Tamara MC (P2) on the Sufi based cult she grew up in which has led her to advocacy work & writing on child marriage, & human trafficking.
Dr. Tamara MC is a cult, child marriage, and human trafficking survivor. She advocates worldwide for girls and women to live free from gender-based violence. Her Ph.D. is in Applied Linguistics, and she researches how language manipulates vulnerable populations. She's published in prestigious...
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S2 Ep. 25: Dr. Tamara MC (P1) on the Sufi based cult she grew up in which has led her to advocacy work & writing on child marriage, & human trafficking.
Dr. Tamara MC is a cult, child marriage, and human trafficking survivor. She advocates worldwide for girls and women to live free from gender-based violence. Her Ph.D. is in Applied Linguistics, and she researches how language manipulates vulnerable populations. She's published in prestigious...
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S2 Ep. 24: Esther Friedman (P2) on her book, "The Gentle Souls Revolution", both memoir & healing guide for recovery.
Esther Friedman is a licensed mental health counselor, expressive art therapist, songwriter, author, and ex-cult member. In 2006, a "new friend" introduced her to an "esoteric school." In 2011, she left a secret cult. Afterwards, she researched, obsessively, and recognized "school" as a cult. She...
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S2 Ep. 23: Esther Friedman (P1) on her book, "The Gentle Souls Revolution", both memoir & healing guide for recovery.
Esther Friedman is a licensed mental health counselor, expressive art therapist, songwriter, author, and ex-cult member. In 2006, a "new friend" introduced her to an "esoteric school." In 2011, she left a secret cult. Afterwards, she researched, obsessively, and recognized "school" as a cult. She...
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S2 Ep. 22: Sally M. Meyer (P3) on her books, "Ordinarily Sarah" & "Ordinarily Sarah: Book II: Relentless" & her perspective as mother & grandmother.
Sally M. Meyer (Pen name: Sarah Elizabeth Rose) documented her experience as she discovered that her daughter had joined a pseudo-Christian cult. Her heartbreak, considerations, doubts, questions, and inner turmoil were captured in her journal, resulting in her books and the powerful voice she...
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S2 Ep. 21: Sally M. Meyer (P2) on her books, "Ordinarily Sarah" & "Ordinarily Sarah: Book II: Relentless" & her perspective as mother & grandmother.
Sally M. Meyer (Pen name: Sarah Elizabeth Rose) documented her experience as she discovered that her daughter had joined a pseudo-Christian cult. Her heartbreak, considerations, doubts, questions, and inner turmoil were captured in her journal, resulting in her books and the powerful voice she...
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S2 Ep. 20: Sally M. Meyer (P1) on her books, "Ordinarily Sarah" & "Ordinarily Sarah: Book II: Relentless" & her perspective as mother & grandmother.
Sally M. Meyer (Pen name: Sarah Elizabeth Rose) documented her experience as she discovered that her daughter had joined a pseudo-Christian cult. Her heartbreak, considerations, doubts, questions, and inner turmoil were captured in her journal, resulting in her books and the powerful voice she...
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S2 Ep.19: Anke Richter (P3) on her book, "Cult Trip. Inside the World of Coercion & Control" & her life as a cult journalist.
Anke Richter is a columnist and reporter. Her investigative and personal features have been published in Die Zeit, Spiegel, FAZ, taz, New Zealand Geographic, North & South, The Spinoff, Canvas and others. Her most recent and fourth book is called, Cult Trip. Inside the World of Coercion &…
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S2 Ep.18: Anke Richter (P2) on her book, "Cult Trip. Inside the World of Coercion & Control" & her life as a cult journalist.
Anke Richter is a columnist and reporter. Her investigative and personal features have been published in Die Zeit, Spiegel, FAZ, taz, New Zealand Geographic, North & South, The Spinoff, Canvas and others. Her most recent and fourth book is called, Cult Trip. Inside the World of Coercion &…
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S2 Ep.17: Anke Richter (P1) on her book, "Cult Trip. Inside the World of Coercion & Control" & her life as a cult journalist.
Anke Richter is a columnist and reporter. Her investigative and personal features have been published in Die Zeit, Spiegel, FAZ, taz, New Zealand Geographic, North & South, The Spinoff, Canvas and others. Her most recent and fourth book is called, Cult Trip. Inside the World of Coercion &…
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S2 Ep. 16: Dr. Marlene Winell on Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) & "Leaving the Fold. A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion."
Dr. Marlene Winell is a licensed psychologist, educator, and writer in western Massachusetts. Her background includes 30 years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University...
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S2 Ep. 15: Jaia Suri (P2) on the Order of Christ / Sophia (OCS).
Jaia Suri is both the artist who provided the Project Hope Podcast with its Season 2 theme song, and a cult survivor of the Order of Christ / Sophia (OCS). Jaia is an accomplished singer-songwriter who has built her career on deeply personal and introspective lyrics and unwavering honesty in...
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S2 Ep. 14: Jaia Suri (P1) on the Order of Christ / Sophia (OCS).
Jaia Suri is both the artist who provided the Project Hope Podcast with its Season 2 theme song, and a cult survivor of the Order of Christ / Sophia (OCS). Jaia is an accomplished singer-songwriter who has built her career on deeply personal and introspective lyrics and unwavering honesty in...
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S2 Ep. 13: Marc-Henri Sandoz Paradella on his life, family legacy, & his book, "Toxic Jesus. My Journey from Holy Shit to Spiritual Healing."
Marc-Henri Sandoz Paradella is a writer, mentor, therapist, theologian, and teacher of meditation and tarot. He graduated in theology from the University of Geneva in 1987 and was a pastor for fifteen years. Then he radically reoriented his life. Years later, he fully realized and dealt with the...
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S2 Ep. 12: Erika Bornman (P2) on her life, advocacy work, & memoir, "Mission of Malice. My Exodus from KwaSizabantu."
When Erika Bornman was nine years old, her family joined and ultimately moved to, KwaSizabantu, a Christian mission in South Africa—a place touted as a multiracial nirvana, founded on egalitarian values. But life at KwaSizabantu was hard, especially because Christianity was used to justify harsh...
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S2 Ep. 11: Erika Bornman (P1) on her life, advocacy work, & memoir, "Mission of Malice. My Exodus from KwaSizabantu."
When Erika Bornman was nine years old, her family joined and ultimately moved to, KwaSizabantu, a Christian mission in South Africa—a place touted as a multiracial nirvana, founded on egalitarian values. But life at KwaSizabantu was hard, especially because Christianity was used to justify harsh...
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S2 Ep.10: Lorna & Bill Goldberg on Helping Families & Cult Survivors.
Lorna & Bill Goldberg have been working in the field of helping both those who have left cults as well their family members, for almost 50 years now. In this episode, you will hear both how they got into the field, as well as insights and anecdotes regarding their work with those navigating the...
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S2 Ep. 9: Kathleen (P2), on Maum Meditation.
Kathleen was a part of Maum Meditation from 2015-2017. She reached level 4 when she decided to leave the organization. It was the gift of someone sharing information with her, that allowed her to identify that something was very wrong and it is from this spirit that Kathleen is now giving back…
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S2 Ep. 8: Kathleen (P1), on Maum Meditation.
Kathleen was a part of Maum Meditation from 2015-2017. She reached level 4 when she decided to leave the organization. It was the gift of someone sharing information with her, that allowed her to identify that something was very wrong and it is from this spirit that Kathleen is now giving back…
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S2 Ep.7: Joyce Short & Nina Lucas on defining consent & the Consent Advocacy Network (CAN).
In this episode, Joyce & Nina join us to take a deep dive into understanding the importance of defining consent in our legislation and the widespread impact this could have upon important causes that uphold our humanity and autonomy. Joyce Short is the founder and Chief Executive of the Consent...
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S2 Ep. 6: Debby Shriver (P2), ICSA President, on her most recent book, "Whispering in the Daylight, The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and their Journey to Freedom".
Debby Schriver is a cult survivor advocate, author, and human rights activist. A native of Chicago, Debby earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Tennessee. Her career led her to serve new students, parents, and undergraduates in the Student Conduct and Orientation...
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S2 Ep. 5: Debby Shriver (P1) on her life, career, and most recent book, "Whispering in the Daylight, The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and their Journey to Freedom".
Debby Schriver is a cult survivor advocate, author, and human rights activist. A native of Chicago, Debby earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Tennessee. Her career led her to serve new students, parents, and undergraduates in the Student Conduct and Orientation...
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S2 Ep. 4: Ashlen Hilliard on her life & career that led to her role as a cult intervention specialist with People Leave Cults.
Ashlen Hilliard is a cult intervention specialist helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships through her organization, People Leave Cults. She completed her MSc in the Psychology of Coercive Control in early 2022 and conducted research on the relationship...
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S2 Ep. 3: Amanda Redwine on her experience with & exposure of 'Revival for Christ Club' and its leader, Timothy Vanover.
Amanda Redwine joins us as both a cult survivor and whistle-blower. She is exposing the cultic environment of her former Church known as Revival for Christ Club in Moore, Oklahoma. This group also owns and operates the Yellow Rose Dinner theater. The leader of the group is Timothy Vanover,...
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S2 Ep. 2: My brother (P2) on his experience around my involvement in "The Order of Christ Sophia".
In this part 2 episode of my interview with my brother, we take a deep dive into the stories around what my family was going through as I entered deeper into the group. We also discuss my getting out and what was happening for him as all of that unfolded. Our podcast features a beautiful song by...
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S2 Ep. 1: My brother (P1), on his experience around my involvement in "The Order of Christ Sophia".
For the official Season 2 launch of the Project Hope Podcast, I speak with my brother about the experience he had as his awareness began to unfold regarding my involvement in what we referred to as "The Order". In this episode, he shares the challenges of realizing what was happening and what the...
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Season 2 Pre-Launch Bonus: Jaia Suri on her music & "Leaving the Cult", our Season 2 theme song.
In this pre-season 2 launch bonus episode we get to spend time with singer-songwriter, Jaia Suri, the musician whose song, "Leaving the Cult" is featured on Season 2 of the Project Hope Podcast. We sit down to discuss her musical journey and the evolution of this song. The full song is played at...
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Season 1 Bonus: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony "Nippy" Ames on NXIVM & family.
Many of you may know Sarah and Nippy from Season 1 of The Vow, the critically acclaimed HBO documentary series on NXIVM. The Vow shows real time and historical footage of the group and documents Sarah and Nippy, amidst others, revealing the emotional toll of unfolding events that transpire and…
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Ep. 32: Adam Jones on Growing Up Seventh Day Adventist and His Transition Toward Activism.
Adam Jones is a 27 year old former Seventh-Day Adventist, and theology student. He runs a ministry called "That Awkward Space" where he criticizes and critiques religious and political ideas. He is currently in school for social work and hopes to graduate soon. He is newly married and is…
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Ep. 31: Deb Donner (P3) on Growing Up in The Wesleyan Community Led By Lou Hillendahl.
In 1974, at twelve years old, Deb Donner's mother joined what she thought was loving, trusting, close-knit Christian Fellowship, committed to helping anyone in need called, The Ingleside United Methodist Church. They called themselves The Fellowship, and they were pastored by a man named Lou...
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Ep. 30: Deb Donner (P2) on Growing Up in The Wesleyan Community Led By Lou Hillendahl.
In 1974, at twelve years old, Deb Donner's mother joined what she thought was loving, trusting, close-knit Christian Fellowship, committed to helping anyone in need called, The Ingleside United Methodist Church. They called themselves The Fellowship, and they were pastored by a man named Lou...
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Ep. 29: Deb Donner (P1) on Growing Up in The Wesleyan Community Led By Lou Hillendahl.
In 1974, at twelve years old, Deb Donner's mother joined what she thought was loving, trusting, close-knit Christian Fellowship, committed to helping anyone in need called, The Ingleside United Methodist Church. They called themselves The Fellowship, and they were pastored by a man named Lou...
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Ep. 28: Melissa on Growing Up Seventh Day Adventist and Insights After Leaving.
Melissa was raised in a conservative, cult-like faction of the fundamentalist Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She left the church when she turned 18 and it was the late 80's. At the time, she was thinking she was out, done, through. Throwing herself into "the real world" she modeled, acted, earned…
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Ep. 27: Naomi Van Winkle on Growing Up in King's Chapel & her Journey Toward Healing.
Naomi Van Winkle was born into a religious group (King's Chapel) in Connecticut which was essentially a Christian cult. The group had a female leader who was based at their headquarters in England (Mansfield Woodhouse) and dictated much of the community's ongoings as well as individual lives…
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Ep. 26: Janice Selbie on her 'Mennocostal' Life and Divorcing Religion.
Janice Selbie was born and raised in a charismatic Christian home, attending Pentecostal, Vineyard, and other Evangelical churches before eventually marrying a man who would become a pastor. In her 30s she became ultraconservative, wearing a head-covering, homeschooling their children, and...
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Ep. 25: Ken Garrett (P2) on his book, "In the House of Friends. Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian Churches".
Kenneth Garrett is currently the senior pastor of Grace Church, located in Portland, OR. He is the founder of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education, and he is also a member of the advisory board of ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). Ken and Sharon (his wife) have 3 daughters and...
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Ep. 24: Ken Garrett (P1) on his book, "In the House of Friends. Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian Churches".
Kenneth Garrett is currently the senior pastor of Grace Church, located in Portland, OR. He is the founder of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education, and he is also a member of the advisory board of ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). Ken and Sharon (his wife) have 3 daughters and...
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Ep. 23: Kelly Alder on her Neo Native American Cult & "The Fourteenth Wife", her memoir.
After the passing of both her parents in her early 20's, Kelly Alder joined a Neo Native American tribe, marrying its leader and becoming one of his many wives. Red Bear was the spirit name given to Kelly during a ceremony held by the tribe's founder, John Twobirds. She began writing her memoir...
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Ep. 22: Jen Kiaba on Being Raised in the Unification Church (aka. The Moonies)
Jen Kiaba is an artist and educator who grew up in the infamous Unification Church, a religious group referred to by popular media as "the Moonies" and a primary example of a cult. After escaping a forced arranged marriage, she fought her way out in her early twenties and went on to earn her BA…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Project Hope Podcast is for families and friends with a loved one in a group of high demand / high control. Our aim is to provide hope through the stories of people who have both left such groups, as well as families, partners and friends who have struggled with the loss or distance of a loved one to such a group. We interview experts on psychological and social patterns that are found within these dynamics, as well as families and survivors.New podcast episodes are released on Wednesdays.Jennifer is the host and owner of Jennifer French. She has an advanced degree in coercive control and serves clients across the world. She is also a research associate at Salford University, England. Please note, Jennifer is not a licensed psychotherapist and is not licensed by any California Regulatory Agency.Jennifer has first hand experience having been in a cult for 11 years. This deeply affected her relationships outside of the organization and she now hopes to help those who are suff
HOSTED BY
Jennifer French
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Project Hope Podcast have?
Project Hope Podcast currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Project Hope Podcast about?
The Project Hope Podcast is for families and friends with a loved one in a group of high demand / high control. Our aim is to provide hope through the stories of people who have both left such groups, as well as families, partners and friends who have struggled with the loss or distance of a loved...
How often does Project Hope Podcast release new episodes?
Project Hope Podcast has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Project Hope Podcast?
You can listen to Project Hope 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 Project Hope Podcast?
Project Hope Podcast is created and hosted by Jennifer French.
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