Ep. 17: Anna Fienbork on Her Experience in an Emotionally-Spiritually Based Group.

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.

While in the group he had been a devoted follower and loyal member but there was also abuse and brainwashing taking place and it was this abuse and growing shame that became an unbearable burden for him to bear. After years of bullying, physical abuse, humiliation, psychological abuse, and even solitary confinement, Ryan decided to leave the community.

Outside of the cult, Ryan found that his mind was still under their influence and negativity. After years of being brainwashed that life outside of the community would mean being cursed by God Ryan found himself in deep depression, loneliness, and shame. With the help of some true friends and a supportive family, Ryan was able to find the healing that he needed and to free himself from the cultic influences that had entrapped him.

Ryan is now working to bring awareness to cult abuse and other important issues through his project called "The Truth That Heals Podcast". It is available on major podcast platforms.

The Truth That Heals Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDspcPEdITAadgtJGBMvzZA

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic

Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists

If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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.

While in the group he had been a devoted follower and loyal member but there was also abuse and brainwashing taking place and it was this abuse and growing shame that became an unbearable burden for him to bear. After years of bullying, physical abuse, humiliation, psychological abuse, and even solitary confinement, Ryan decided to leave the community.

Outside of the cult, Ryan found that his mind was still under their influence and negativity. After years of being brainwashed that life outside of the community would mean being cursed by God Ryan found himself in deep depression, loneliness, and shame. With the help of some true friends and a supportive family, Ryan was able to find the healing that he needed and to free himself from the cultic influences that had entrapped him.

Ryan is now working to bring awareness to cult abuse and other important issues through his project called "The Truth That Heals Podcast". It is available on major podcast platforms.

The Truth That Heals Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDspcPEdITAadgtJGBMvzZA

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic

Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists

If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 SEEK Safely Inc.’s website, social media, brand outreach, and legislative efforts. Jean lived in Thailand and has traveled extensively, including treasured memories of traveling with her sister Kirby. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her family. She loves dogs, karaoke, cooking, and ordering in when she doesn't feel like cooking!

Book link to This Sweet Life: https://www.amazon.com/This-Sweet-Life-lived-after/dp/0578708795/
SEEK Safely Website: https://www.seeksafely.org
SEEK Safely Podcast: https://seeksafely.podcastpage.io

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic

Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists

If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 SEEK Safely Inc.’s website, social media, brand outreach, and legislative efforts. Jean lived in Thailand and has traveled extensively, including treasured memories of traveling with her sister Kirby. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her family. She loves dogs, karaoke, cooking, and ordering in when she doesn't feel like cooking!

Book link to This Sweet Life: https://www.amazon.com/This-Sweet-Life-lived-after/dp/0578708795/
SEEK Safely Website: https://www.seeksafely.org
SEEK Safely Podcast: https://seeksafely.podcastpage.io

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic

Jennifer specializes in working with survivors of coercive control. She is trained in a specialized approach that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists

If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 outlets such as The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Salon. She’s currently revising her debut memoir, “Child Bride: My Marriage at 12”.

Tamara’s website: https://tamaramc.com/

Follow Tamara on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraMCPhD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramcphd/

 Links to Tamara’s articles mentioned in the pod:
Article in Ms. Magazine: “’Uncultured’: The Intergenerational Trauma of Girls Growing up in Cults”:

https://msmagazine.com/2022/09/23/uncultured-book-review-children-of-god-cult-girls-women/

Essay in Motherwell: “I was a child bride. It’s time to stop teaching young girls to stay sweet”:

https://motherwellmag.com/2022/08/10/i-was-a-child-bride-its-time-to-stop-teaching-young-girls-to-stay-sweet/

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists

If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 outlets such as The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Salon. She’s currently revising her debut memoir, “Child Bride: My Marriage at 12”.

Tamara’s website: https://tamaramc.com/

Follow Tamara on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraMCPhD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramcphd/

 Links to Tamara’s articles mentioned in the pod:
Article in Ms. Magazine: “’Uncultured’: The Intergenerational Trauma of Girls Growing up in Cults”:

https://msmagazine.com/2022/09/23/uncultured-book-review-children-of-god-cult-girls-women/

Essay in Motherwell: “I was a child bride. It’s time to stop teaching young girls to stay sweet”:

https://motherwellmag.com/2022/08/10/i-was-a-child-bride-its-time-to-stop-teaching-young-girls-to-stay-sweet/

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research-based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6Ufd0I7My6dumbTpQwn8A/playlists

If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 posted a blog. Soon, Cult Confessions, a CD of ten original songs, followed.

Every time she spoke or sang out, she felt calmer and clearer. She started an “edu-tainment campaign” presenting her misadventure to private audiences.  Releasing secrets freed her voice and mind. The Gentle Soul personality profile and a mission to empower other empaths unfolded. She published, The Gentle Souls Revolution, a memoir, a public service announcement, and recovery guide and template to help Gentle Souls navigate exploitative relationships. 

Today, her story and songs are weaving together into a mini-musical. She has a full time therapy practice for all survivors of narcissistic abuse.  

Purchase “The Gentle Souls Revolution”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2ZM3SQ?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Help fund the Audio version of “The Gentle Souls Revolution”: https://shoutout.wix.com/so/8aOeE98-I?languageTag=en

Esther’s website: https://www.gentlesoulsrevolution.com/therapy

Blog post reference in P2 interview: The Mass Exodus.
https://www.cultconfessions2.com/2013/04/04/the-january-2012-mass-exodus-repost/

For more on the cult & Esther’s writings: www.cultconfessions2.com

Esther’s profile on the igotout.org website. Support the hashtag survivor movement & share your story: https://www.igotout.org/new-collaborators/esther-friedman

Follow Esther on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.friedman.16100
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherruthfriedman2021/

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here.

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her at Patreon.

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 posted a blog. Soon, Cult Confessions, a CD of ten original songs, followed.

Every time she spoke or sang out, she felt calmer and clearer. She started an “edu-tainment campaign” presenting her misadventure to private audiences.  Releasing secrets freed her voice and mind. The Gentle Soul personality profile and a mission to empower other empaths unfolded. She published, The Gentle Souls Revolution, a memoir, a public service announcement, and recovery guide and template to help Gentle Souls navigate exploitative relationships. 

Today, her story and songs are weaving together into a mini-musical. She has a full time therapy practice for all survivors of narcissistic abuse.  

Purchase “The Gentle Souls Revolution”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2ZM3SQ?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Help fund the Audio version of “The Gentle Souls Revolution”: https://shoutout.wix.com/so/8aOeE98-I?languageTag=en

Esther’s website: https://www.gentlesoulsrevolution.com/therapy

For more on the cult & Esther’s writings: www.cultconfessions2.com

Esther’s profile on the igotout.org website. Support the hashtag survivor movement & share your story: https://www.igotout.org/new-collaborators/esther-friedman

Follow Esther on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.friedman.16100
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherruthfriedman2021/

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here.

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her at Patreon.

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 gives to the pain of this experience. We journey through the impact on her family and their attempts to take action over the almost 2 decades of losses alongside beautiful things that also arose.

Sally was born and raised in a university town in the Midwest. She graduated from the University of Illinois with both a BA and then a Masters Degree in Education. She also graduated with a Master’s of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. For many years, Sally taught elementary school and also served alongside her husband, Dennis as Parish Ministers at their church. They have three children and are also founders and directors of the Lullabye Foundation.

Please check out or contribute to the Lullabye Foundation whose mission statement is:
Community by community, the Lullabye Foundation partners with schools and others to identify, lift up, and “level the playing field” for children and youth, enabling them to have experiences which would otherwise – for them – be only a dream.   
https://www.lullabyefoundation.org/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelullabyefoundation

Purchase link for “Ordinarily Sarah”:
https://www.amazon.com/Ordinarily-Sarah-Elizabeth-Rose/dp/1620205653/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V51HREPY72OX&keywords=ordinarily+sarah&qid=1690385037&sprefix=ordinarily+sarah%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

Purchase link for “Ordinarily Sarah: Book II: Relentless”:
https://www.amazon.com/Ordinarily-Sarah-Book-Ii-Relentless-ebook/dp/B0899XFR2Y/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ordinarily+sarah+book+ii+relentless+kindle+edition&qid=1690384910&sr=8-1

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here.

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her at Patreon.

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.

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 gives to the pain of this experience. We journey through the impact on her family and their attempts to take action over the almost 2 decades of losses alongside beautiful things that also arose.

Sally was born and raised in a university town in the Midwest. She graduated from the University of Illinois with both a BA and then a Masters Degree in Education. She also graduated with a Master’s of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. For many years, Sally taught elementary school and also served alongside her husband, Dennis as Parish Ministers at their church. They have three children and are also founders and directors of the Lullabye Foundation.

Please check out or contribute to the Lullabye Foundation whose mission statement is:
Community by community, the Lullabye Foundation partners with schools and others to identify, lift up, and “level the playing field” for children and youth, enabling them to have experiences which would otherwise – for them – be only a dream.   
https://www.lullabyefoundation.org/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelullabyefoundation

Purchase link for “Ordinarily Sarah”:
https://www.amazon.com/Ordinarily-Sarah-Elizabeth-Rose/dp/1620205653/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V51HREPY72OX&keywords=ordinarily+sarah&qid=1690385037&sprefix=ordinarily+sarah%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

Purchase link for “Ordinarily Sarah: Book II: Relentless”:
https://www.amazon.com/Ordinarily-Sarah-Book-Ii-Relentless-ebook/dp/B0899XFR2Y/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ordinarily+sarah+book+ii+relentless+kindle+edition&qid=1690384910&sr=8-1

Our podcast features a beautiful song by Jaia Suri called, “Leaving the Cult”. Subscribe to Jaia Suri on Spotify and access the song here.

If you feel moved to support Jaia’s music, please join her at Patreon.

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research based and rooted in the work of Dr. Gillie Jenkinson. She has a Masters in the Psychology of Coercive Control and functions as an expert witness in such cases. Jennifer is also a research associate at Salford University.  For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.

Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.