• The Indoctrination of America: Facing the Normalization of Violence and Extremism
    Sep 13 2025

    In this pop-up episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood discusses the recent wave of violence in the United States, particularly focusing on school shootings and the radicalization of youth. She reflects on the emotional toll of these events, the normalization of violence in schools, and the role of educators in crisis situations. Ari further emphasizes the need to address extremism and the importance of maintaining humanity in the face of political division. She calls for a collective effort to protect children's rights and to rise above hate and division in society.



    #cultsurvivor #radicalization #change #extremism



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    32 mins
  • Who am I? Figuring out your Identity after a Cult Experience
    Aug 24 2025

    In the season 2 finale of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound challenges cult survivors encounter as they strive to reclaim their identities. Through personal reflections and insightful interviews, Ari explores the journey from indoctrination to self-discovery, highlighting the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs and embrace one's true self. She explores the deep impact of coercive control on personal identity, and the struggle to reclaim decision-making abilities. Ari emphasizes the importance of individual stories while reminding listeners that they are so much more than their past experiences.


    Thank you for watching season 2 of DisAllusioned Podcast! If you are a survivor of coercive control and ready to share you story, please feel free to contact Ari Sherwood at: DisAllusionedPodcast@gmail.com.


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    29 mins
  • Unveiling the Cult of North Korea
    Aug 17 2025

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest-host Jay dive into the complex and often disturbing realities of North Korea, exploring its history, the rise of Kim Il-sung, the impact of the Korean War, and the ongoing cult of personality surrounding its leaders. They discuss the Songbun system that categorizes citizens based on loyalty and the role of propaganda in maintaining isolation. The conversation also touches on the future of the regime, particularly in light of Kim Jong-un's lack of heirs, and the chilling parallels between North Korea's control mechanisms and those of cults. Ari and Jay discuss various themes including the historical context of racism and child marriage, the role of lawmakers in perpetuating these issues, and the authoritarian control seen in different societies. They explore the manipulation of food as a control tactic, the impact of propaganda on public perception, and the importance of freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.


    Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe to watch compelling interviews with survivors of cults and coercive control.


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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • Exposing the City Builders Cult: The Road to Advocacy
    Aug 10 2025

    Join host Ari Sherwood in a compelling conversation with Clare Heath-McIvor, a survivor of the City Builders Church and a passionate advocate for cult survivors. Clare shares her journey growing up in a high-control religious group as the daughter of leader Brian Hearth. Her story is incredible as she details her deconstruction from evangelical fundamentalism, to becoming a whistleblower and advocate for legislative reform. Clare, along with other cult survivors, have been leading advocates on the parliamentary inquiry into cults and fringe groups in Victoria, Australia, which aims to address coercive control in cults and high-control groups, marking a pivotal step in recognizing and legislating against such behaviors. Clare emphasizes the psychological impact of cults and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights within religious contexts, highlighting the need for awareness and legislative action, and the importance of survivor-centered advocacy. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe to hear more incredible stories of coercive control, survival, and advocacy!

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    https://www.tiktok.com/@clareheathmcivor


    Unchurchable Podcast:

    https://open.spotify.com/show/0l3gXv1VUjU4AkGoxXv8Ov


    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/unchurchablepod/


    Victoria Cult Survivor's Network Facebook Group:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1207865294020176/


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    Parliamentary Inquiry into Cults and Fringe Groups Victoria:https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/cofg

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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • The Cult of Eugenics: Historical Roots and Modern Implications
    Aug 3 2025

    On this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and guest Jay dive into the complex and troubling history of eugenics, exploring its roots in ancient philosophy, the uprise of the eugenics movement in America, and its resurgence in modern advertising. They discuss the ethical implications of eugenics, the nature vs. nurture debate, and the cultural biases that have shaped perceptions of intelligence and worth. They also examine the impact of eugenics on immigration policies and economic inequality, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these issues in contemporary society. Ari and Jay talk about the intersections of religion, history, and politics, exploring how belief systems can shape societal narratives and influence actions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness and responsibility in understanding the patterns of history and their relevance in contemporary society.


    Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe to hear incredible stories from survivor's of cults and coercive control.


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    Eugenics Crusade PBS documentary:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmRb-0v5xfI

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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Church Abuse Survivor's Day: A Call to Solidarity
    Jul 27 2025

    In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Geoff Etherton, a former youth pastor in the Church of England, about his experiences in the church and the creation of Church Abuse Survivor's Day. Geoff was a pioneer in the church, and with creative freedom, he was able to establish a coffee shop in the church as a means for meaningful engagement with the public, regardless of religious beliefs. With a sudden change in leadership, he was quickly thrown into coercive dynamics. He discusses the challenges faced within church leadership, the failure to address abuse cases, and the church's perspectives and criticisms of mental health, detailing his experiences being pushed out of ministry for having depression. Geoff shares his personal journey of deconstruction and the significance of community support for those who have experienced church abuse. This led Geoff to start Church Abuse Survivor's Day, in order to give recognition, validation, and solidarity to those who have survived religious abuse. Show your own solidarity and support for fellow survivors by lighting a candle on March 20th at 7:00 pm.


    Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Subscribe for more stories by survivors of coercive control, high control religions, and cult dynamics.


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    48 mins
  • The Child Who Survived: Jeremy's Cult Experience
    Jul 20 2025

    TW: This episode of DisAllusioned Podcast covers extreme and distressing themes, such as CSA, Child abuse, neglect, and torturous conditions. Viewer Discretion is strongly advised.

    In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood interviews Jeremy Paskell, a survivor of the cult led by Ariel Ben Sherman. Jeremy gives an open and honest account of growing up in the cult, detailing the leader's long history of cons and manipulative tactics, and the severe punishments inflicted on children. Being raised within the confines of a compound, he reflects on the isolation from the outside world, the limited education provided, and the emotional trauma that resulted from his upbringing. As the conversation unfolds, Jeremy discusses the eventual collapse of the cult and his journey towards healing and recovery. He discusses the aftermath of the cult, including life in foster care, the challenges of reintegration into society, and the journey of healing through writing a book about his experiences.


    Jeremy's story gives incredible insight into the dangers and destruction of growing up in a cult. He tells his story with courage and strength, recounting his painful experiences, while offering valuable advice for anyone who has been through such experiences. Show Jeremy support on his journey by supporting his art, https://paskellcreativepainting.com/


    Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe for more interviews with cult survivors and their incredible stories of survival and corruption.


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    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_am_art_jeremypaskell


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    https://www.instagram.com/i_am_art_jeremypaskell/


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    Shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeremypaskell/


    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/greenfinhawk/


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    2 hrs and 17 mins
  • Kingdom Kids: Inside the ICOC Cult
    Jul 13 2025

    Join host, Ari Sherwood, for a compelling episode diving into the multifaceted experiences of growing up in the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Podcaster and cult survivor, Roy Clemens, opens up about the struggles of life as a "Kingdom Kid," grappling with the realization that the ICOC is more than just a church—it’s a cult. We explore the lasting impact of purity culture on adulthood, from internalized shame to relationship challenges. Discover how storytelling becomes a powerful tool for healing, as Roy shares his journey of reclaiming his narrative and finding empowerment through sharing his experiences on his podcast, Clemenz with a Z. This episode offers a profound look at resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of giving voice to one's story.

    Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Like and subscribe for more compelling interviews with survivors of coercive control who are using their voices and reclaiming their power.


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    Clemenz with a Z website:

    https://www.clemenzwithaz.com/


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    Substack:

    https://substack.com/@clemenzwithaz


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    1 hr and 13 mins