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Hidden Cults

Hidden Cults

By: Nik Hunter
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About this listen

 From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources
  • International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
    https://www.icsahome.com
    Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
  • Open Minds Foundation
    https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
    Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
  • The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)
    https://www.thehotline.org
    📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
  • Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
    https://freedomofmind.com
    Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
  • FaithTrust Institute
    https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
    Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
  • Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
    📞 1-239-514-3081
    Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    https://www.rainn.org
    📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canada
  • Cult & Trauma Support Resources 🧠
  • Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org
  • Phone: 📞 514-274-2333
  • Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
  • Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
  • Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom
  • The Family Survival Trust
    https://familysurvivaltrust.org
    Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
  • Cults Information Centre and Family Support
    https://cults.org.uk
    UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
  • Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
    https://www.mind.org.uk
    📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia
  • Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
    https://www.cifs.org.au
    National support for individuals and families affected by cults.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.Copyright Nik Hunter Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Ep.16 Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

    Ep.16 Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
    Aug 24 2025
    The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or FLDS, is one of the most secretive and controversial offshoots of Mormonism. Built on the practice of polygamy long after the mainstream church abandoned it, the FLDS created isolated communities where obedience to leaders was absolute and individuality was erased. Under the rule of Warren Jeffs, the group became synonymous with forced marriages, child brides, and an authoritarian system that demanded complete loyalty. In this episode, we trace the history of the FLDS from its 20th-century roots to its transformation into a rigid theocracy. We’ll explore how its members were cut off from the outside world, how fear and devotion kept families in line, and how Jeffs rise to power ended with a dramatic downfall that exposed the inner workings of the sect. This is the story of a community built on faith, secrecy, and control, and the human cost of unquestioned devotion.Part 1 – Roots in the DesertPart 2 – The Prophet’s WordPart 3 – Building the KingdomPart 4 – Life Behind the WallsPart 5 – Cracks in the FoundationPart 6 – Fall of the ProphetFrom silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weeklyListener stories always welcomeAnonymity guaranteed.Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.comInternational ResourcesInternational Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)https://www.icsahome.comProvides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundationhttps://www.openmindsfoundation.orgOffers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)https://www.thehotline.org📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)https://freedomofmind.comResources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institutehttps://www.faithtrustinstitute.orgSupport and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United StatesCult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)📞 1-239-514-3081Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.rainn.org📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.United KingdomThe Family Survival Trusthttps://familysurvivaltrust.orgSupport and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Supporthttps://cults.org.ukUK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support)https://www.mind.org.uk📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.AustraliaCult Information and Family Support (CIFS)https://www.cifs.org.auNational support for individuals and families affected by cults.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.
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    47 mins
  • Ep.15 The 7M TikTok Cult

    Ep.15 The 7M TikTok Cult
    Aug 17 2025
    What looks like a dance collective on TikTok is, according to former members and family, something much darker. Behind the viral choreography and millions of views lies 7M Films, a management company run by Robert Shinn, a self-proclaimed pastor with a long history of spiritual control. Dancers who signed with 7M found their lives increasingly directed not just on stage, but in every personal decision, from finances and friendships to faith. Families watched their loved ones disappear into a world of rehearsals, prayers, and contracts that blurred the line between religion and business. In this episode, we trace how a Pentecostal church in Los Angeles transformed into a social media empire, why allegations of exploitation and manipulation continue to surface, and what the 7M story reveals about the rise of digital-age cults.Part 1 – Before the SpotlightPart 2 – The Rise of 7M on TikTokPart 3 – The Control Behind the ChoreographyPart 4 – Public Scrutiny and InvestigationsPart 5 – Cracks in the FacadePart 6 – Legacy, Fallout, and Cultural ImpactFrom silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.comInternational ResourcesInternational Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)https://www.icsahome.comProvides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundationhttps://www.openmindsfoundation.orgOffers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)https://www.thehotline.org📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)https://freedomofmind.comResources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institutehttps://www.faithtrustinstitute.orgSupport and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United StatesCult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)📞 1-239-514-3081Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.rainn.org📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.United KingdomThe Family Survival Trusthttps://familysurvivaltrust.orgSupport and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Supporthttps://cults.org.ukUK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support)https://www.mind.org.uk📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.AustraliaCult Information and Family Support (CIFS)https://www.cifs.org.auNational support for individuals and families affected by cults.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Ep.14 The Process Church of the Final Judgment

    Ep.14 The Process Church of the Final Judgment
    Aug 10 2025
    In the 1960s, a strange and secretive movement emerged from the fringes of Scientology and began preaching an apocalyptic message unlike anything the world had heard before. The Process Church of the Final Judgment mixed elements of Christianity, Satanism, and occult mysticism, attracting celebrities, counterculture wanderers, and eventually the attention of law enforcement. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we trace the Church’s shadowy origins, explore its controversial beliefs, and uncover how it became entangled with some of the most notorious crimes of the era.Part 1 – Before the ProcessPart 2 – The Scientology YearsPart 3 – Birth of the ProcessPart 4 – The Height of the ProcessPart 5 – Decline and DissolutionPart 6 – Legacy and EchoesFrom silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.comInternational ResourcesInternational Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)https://www.icsahome.comProvides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundationhttps://www.openmindsfoundation.orgOffers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)https://www.thehotline.org📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)https://freedomofmind.comResources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institutehttps://www.faithtrustinstitute.orgSupport and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United StatesCult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)📞 1-239-514-3081Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)https://www.rainn.org📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.United KingdomThe Family Survival Trusthttps://familysurvivaltrust.orgSupport and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Supporthttps://cults.org.ukUK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support)https://www.mind.org.uk📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.AustraliaCult Information and Family Support (CIFS)https://www.cifs.org.auNational support for individuals and families affected by cults.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
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