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Aftercult

Aftercult

By: Dave Mullins
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Conversations with former cult members, by a former cult member. Aftercult takes listeners inside some of the world’s secretive cults and religious sects through the eyes of believers who saw them up close. Aftercult is hosted by Dave Mullins, a former cult member who left Australia as a young man on an evangelical mission to Canada. Mullins walked out of the cult after ten years, together with his wife and young child, and arrived home confused and disillusioned. Two decades later, he’s coming to terms with the experience with rare honesty and clarity, with the help of other survivors.

© 2026 Aftercult
Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • 8: Craig Hoyle & The Exclusive Brethren
    Apr 6 2026

    Dave speaks with Craig Hoyle, who was raised in The Exclusive Brethren, a church infamous for its separation from the world and shunning of ex-members. The church was established in London in 1848 by John Nelson Darby, and has undergone four major schisms. In recent times, The Exclusive Brethren have been managed by the Hales family in Sydney. Bruce Hales, known as "The Elect Vessel", has been the global leader since 2002. The church has around 50,000 members across the world, mainly Australia, New Zealand, UK, and North America.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 7: Maria Esguerra & Children of God
    Mar 30 2026

    Dave speaks with psychologist Maria Esguerra who was raised inside the Children of God, founded by David Berg. Berg claimed to be an apocalyptic prophet and professed a doctrine that led to widespread sexual abuse within the group, including against children. Maria reflects on her experiences, especially after the cult, and touches on key psychological concepts relevant to post-cult recovery.

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • 6: Lara Kaput & Jehovah's Witnesses
    Mar 23 2026

    Dave speaks with Lara Kaput, who was raised in Jehovah's Witnesses. Lara is a determined advocate against religious abuse. Like many Christian sects, Armageddon and the book of Revelation are a huge influence here, with the belief that a limited number of places exist in paradise. Lara reflects on her experiences in the church, including the impact of "shunning" and "disfellowshipping". Ostracism is a powerful controlling mechanism within many cult settings.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
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