Project Hope 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.

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.

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.

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 & Control.

In Part 1 of this 3 Part interview we primarily cover the subject matter of Centrepoint. Part 2 has a focus on the neo-Tantric community of Agama. Part 3 is primarily a discussion about Gloriavale.

Cult Trip is described as “a leading journalist’s personal, intense and riveting investigation into the worlds of cults.

At a new age festival in Byron Bay, Australia, German journalist Anke Richter is finding her spiritual awakening when she meets a woman (a survivor of the Centrepoint cult) who will change the course of her life and career. Over the next ten years, Anke pursued a labyrinthine investigation into how and why cults attract, entrap and destroy otherwise ordinary people, asking what the line is between tribe and cult, participant and perpetrator, seduction and sexual abuse.

From the emotional and criminal carnage of Centrepoint in Auckland, New Zealand, to an anti-cult conference in Manchester, the infamous Osho’s ashram in India, the tantric Agama Yoga school in remote Thailand and culminating in a visit to Gloriavale on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Anke uncovers a disturbing pattern of violence and suffering.

International bestseller Cult Trip is a powerful exploration of what really goes on inside the groups we call cults, and how to reckon with their aftermath.”

I am so grateful for Anke’s body of work raising awareness for cult survivors and also her advocacy to protect the public and educate about these abusive groups.

Please listen with care as these episodes deal with the subject matters of sexual abuse & child abuse.

“Cult Trip. Inside the world of coercion & control.”
Purchase on Kindle with special discount code:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cult-Trip-Inside-Coercion-Control-ebook/dp/B0BYGPCP66

Anke Richter's website: www.ankerichter.net
FACT Aotearoa Fight Against Conspiracy Theories (New Zealand):
https://factaotearoa.nz/
Cultic conversations NZ. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/839211113870029

Documentary mentioned about Centerpoint.
Heaven and Hell. The Centrepoint Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3qA_X7E0BM
For more on the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust:
https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/
For more on the Centrepoint Restoration Project: https://www.centrepointrestorationproject.com/

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.

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 & Control.

In Part 1 of this 3 Part interview we primarily cover the subject matter of Centrepoint. Part 2 has a focus on the neo-Tantric community of Agama. Part 3 is primarily a discussion about Gloriavale.

Cult Trip is described as “a leading journalist’s personal, intense and riveting investigation into the worlds of cults.

At a new age festival in Byron Bay, Australia, German journalist Anke Richter is finding her spiritual awakening when she meets a woman (a survivor of the Centrepoint cult) who will change the course of her life and career. Over the next ten years, Anke pursued a labyrinthine investigation into how and why cults attract, entrap and destroy otherwise ordinary people, asking what the line is between tribe and cult, participant and perpetrator, seduction and sexual abuse.

From the emotional and criminal carnage of Centrepoint in Auckland, New Zealand, to an anti-cult conference in Manchester, the infamous Osho’s ashram in India, the tantric Agama Yoga school in remote Thailand and culminating in a visit to Gloriavale on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Anke uncovers a disturbing pattern of violence and suffering.

International bestseller Cult Trip is a powerful exploration of what really goes on inside the groups we call cults, and how to reckon with their aftermath.”

I am so grateful for Anke’s body of work raising awareness for cult survivors and also her advocacy to protect the public and educate about these abusive groups.

Please listen with care as these episodes deal with the subject matters of sexual abuse & child abuse.

“Cult Trip. Inside the world of coercion & control.”
Purchase on Kindle with special discount code:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cult-Trip-Inside-Coercion-Control-ebook/dp/B0BYGPCP66

Anke Richter's website: www.ankerichter.net
FACT Aotearoa Fight Against Conspiracy Theories (New Zealand):
https://factaotearoa.nz/
Cultic conversations NZ. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/839211113870029

Documentary mentioned about Centerpoint.
Heaven and Hell. The Centrepoint Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3qA_X7E0BM
For more on the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust:
https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/
For more on the Centrepoint Restoration Project: https://www.centrepointrestorationproject.com/

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.

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 & Control.

In Part 1 of this 3 Part interview we primarily cover the subject matter of Centrepoint. Part 2 has a focus on the neo-Tantric community of Agama. Part 3 is primarily a discussion about Gloriavale.

Cult Trip is described as “a leading journalist’s personal, intense and riveting investigation into the worlds of cults.

At a new age festival in Byron Bay, Australia, German journalist Anke Richter is finding her spiritual awakening when she meets a woman (a survivor of the Centrepoint cult) who will change the course of her life and career. Over the next ten years, Anke pursued a labyrinthine investigation into how and why cults attract, entrap and destroy otherwise ordinary people, asking what the line is between tribe and cult, participant and perpetrator, seduction and sexual abuse.

From the emotional and criminal carnage of Centrepoint in Auckland, New Zealand, to an anti-cult conference in Manchester, the infamous Osho’s ashram in India, the tantric Agama Yoga school in remote Thailand and culminating in a visit to Gloriavale on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Anke uncovers a disturbing pattern of violence and suffering.

International bestseller Cult Trip is a powerful exploration of what really goes on inside the groups we call cults, and how to reckon with their aftermath.”

I am so grateful for Anke’s body of work raising awareness for cult survivors and also her advocacy to protect the public and educate about these abusive groups.

Please listen with care as these episodes deal with the subject matters of sexual abuse & child abuse.

“Cult Trip. Inside the world of coercion & control.”
Purchase on Kindle with special discount code:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cult-Trip-Inside-Coercion-Control-ebook/dp/B0BYGPCP66

Anke Richter's website: www.ankerichter.net
FACT Aotearoa Fight Against Conspiracy Theories (New Zealand):
https://factaotearoa.nz/
Cultic conversations NZ. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/839211113870029

Documentary mentioned about Centerpoint.
Heaven and Hell. The Centrepoint Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3qA_X7E0BM
For more on the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust:
https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/
For more on the Centrepoint Restoration Project: https://www.centrepointrestorationproject.com/

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.

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 and is the author of Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their Religion. Dr. Winell directs the organization, Journey Free, with services for recovery from harmful religion. In 2011, she named "Religious Trauma Syndrome." Marlene is also a filmmaker, photographer, mother, and grandmother.

Marlene’s book: Leaving the Fold. A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion.

For what Jennifer read in the introduction about Religious Trauma Syndrome

For more on the Helping Professionals Group
For more about the Journey Free June Retreats

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.

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 expressing her experience through Eastern melodies, unusual tunings, and percussion on the body of her guitar and banjo. The first chapter of her music career took place in her twenties touring the folk circuit year-round in a veggie-grease powered rig. During this time she released 3 albums w Vagabond Records.

After a heartbreaking personal experience just prior to the release of her 4th studio recording, Strawberry Hat with Producer Perry Margouleff (PIE Records) in 2007, Jaia let go of all musical pursuits and joined a Monastic-Christian Mystic Order where she spent the next 7 years intensively practicing meditation and prayer and eventually ministering as an ordained priest. Finding the work deeply gratifying, though in the end pretty cult-ish, she left that path and began another more supportive inner path which continues to fuel her life’s work of spiritual development.

​​Her official return to songwriting and recording was prompted by an undeniable passion for expressing beauty, meaning, and authenticity. She shares that coming back to music was in some ways a coming back to herself.

Please consider supporting Jaia in her musical endeavors by joining her Patreon subscribers

Jaia's website
Follow Jaia on social media at:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Spotify

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Dan Shaw’s book: Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear
Kathy Ziola & non-violent communication

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research-based. 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.

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 expressing her experience through Eastern melodies, unusual tunings, and percussion on the body of her guitar and banjo. The first chapter of her music career took place in her twenties touring the folk circuit year-round in a veggie-grease powered rig. During this time she released 3 albums w Vagabond Records.

After a heartbreaking personal experience just prior to the release of her 4th studio recording, Strawberry Hat with Producer Perry Margouleff (PIE Records) in 2007, Jaia let go of all musical pursuits and joined a Monastic-Christian Mystic Order where she spent the next 7 years intensively practicing meditation and prayer and eventually ministering as an ordained priest. Finding the work deeply gratifying, though in the end pretty cult-ish, she left that path and began another more supportive inner path which continues to fuel her life’s work of spiritual development.

​​Her official return to songwriting and recording was prompted by an undeniable passion for expressing beauty, meaning, and authenticity. She shares that coming back to music was in some ways a coming back to herself.

Please consider supporting Jaia in her musical endeavors by joining her Patreon subscribers

Jaia's website
Follow Jaia on social media at:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Spotify

Links mentioned in Intro!
Dan Shaw’s book: Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear
https://www.innerpathcenter.org/
https://fatherpeterbowes.com/

Jennifer is a cult and religious recovery counselor. She is certified in a specialized approach working with survivors that is research-based. 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.

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 toxic dynamics that had been imprinted within him by his upbringing and religious commitment. He now dedicates most of his time to writing, individual counseling, teaching meditation, yoga nidra, and tarot.

Toxic Jesus is a thought-provoking book rooted in the author’s deep personal experience. It shows how every religion can become toxic and promote shame, guilt and repression. It exposes how the poison of toxic spirituality hides behind religious façades and affects every person exposed to it. Finally, it guides you through the path of recovering from the damages caused by toxic spirituality.

Click here to purchase Toxic Jesus. My Journey from Holy Shit to Spiritual Healing.

Check out Marc-Henri's website here.

Follow him on instagram here.

Reference to Podcast about the Missionaries of Charity, led by Mother Teresa: The Turning. The Sisters Who Left

Click here for information on the Cult & Religious Recovery Group Program that begins April 27, 2023.

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.

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 punishments and physical abuse. KwaSizabantu exerted emotional, psychological, and sexual control over her, until, finally, she escaped at the age of 21.

Escaping a restrictive religious community is difficult, but rehabilitation into ‘normal’ life after a decade of ritual humiliation, brainwashing, and abuse was much more painful. Erika could not ignore her knowledge of the grievous human-rights abuses being committed at KwaSizabantu, and so she embarked on a quest to expose the atrocities. With her help, News24 launched a seven-month investigation, culminating in a podcast that would go on to win the internationally renowned One World Media Award for Radio and Podcast in 2021.

In Mission of Malice: My Exodus from KwaSizabantu, Erika chronicles her journey from a fearful young girl to a fierce activist determined to do whatever it takes to save future generations and find personal redemption and self-acceptance. Erika has also carved a career for herself in magazine publishing as a writer and editor. Mission of Malice, her memoir, is her first book and an important element in her quest to make the world a safer place for children. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her two cats.

This podcast contains explicit content as well as sexual abuse and child abuse trigger warning.

Click here for Erika’s book: Mission of Malice: My Exodus from KwaSizabantu,
Click here for the News24 seven month investigation
Click here for the award winning podcast produced by News24
Click here for the YouTube video of Erika’s niece
Click her to check out the Gloriavale Leavers’ trust
Docuseries reference “My Lover My Killer” can be found on Netflix.

Click here for information on the Cult & Religious Recovery Group Program that begins April 2023.

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.

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 punishments and physical abuse. KwaSizabantu exerted emotional, psychological, and sexual control over her, until, finally, she escaped at the age of 21.

Escaping a restrictive religious community is difficult, but rehabilitation into ‘normal’ life after a decade of ritual humiliation, brainwashing, and abuse was much more painful. Erika could not ignore her knowledge of the grievous human-rights abuses being committed at KwaSizabantu, and so she embarked on a quest to expose the atrocities. With her help, News24 launched a seven-month investigation, culminating in a podcast that would go on to win the internationally renowned One World Media Award for Radio and Podcast in 2021.

In Mission of Malice: My Exodus from KwaSizabantu, Erika chronicles her journey from a fearful young girl to a fierce activist determined to do whatever it takes to save future generations and find personal redemption and self-acceptance. Erika has also carved a career for herself in magazine publishing as a writer and editor. Mission of Malice, her memoir, is her first book and an important element in her quest to make the world a safer place for children. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her two cats.

This podcast contains explicit content as well as sexual abuse and child abuse trigger warning.

Click here for Erika’s book: Mission of Malice: My Exodus from KwaSizabantu,
Click here for the News24 seven month investigation
Click here for the award winning podcast produced by News24
Click here for the YouTube video of Erika’s niece

Click here for information on the Cult & Religious Recovery Group Program that begins April 2023.

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.