WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics including cult dynamics, manipulation, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

You won't believe what she survived. 🚨 This week, get ready for a raw, eye-opening conversation as we welcome special guest Alisha, a brave survivor who was born and raised in a cult-like religious environment!

You might know Alisha from TikTok, where she fearlessly shares her story. Now, she's "Spilling the Kool-Aid" with us, detailing the chilling manipulative practices of the cult leader and the emotional and mental struggles she endured for years.

Hear her gripping account of:

• Her initiation into the controlled world of the cult.
• The pivotal moments that sparked her awakening.
• The incredible, harrowing journey to her eventual escape and reclaiming her freedom.

Alisha's mission today? To bring urgent awareness to those still trapped in similar communities and to help countless others heal from their experiences. This isn't just a story; it's a powerful look into the dark realities of cult dynamics and the inspiring path toward recovery and self-discovery.

Don't miss this essential episode! Share it to help others break free.

#CultSurvivor #CultAwareness #ReligiousCult #MindControl #Escape #Freedom #TraumaHealing #SelfDiscovery #Podcast #TrueCrime #Manipulation #SpillingTheKoolAid #TikTokSurvivor #HealingJourney #BreakFree #UnbelievableStory #MustWatch #SEO

You won't believe this story. 🚨 This week on Unholier Than Thou, we're honored to welcome special guest Kim Kelley, a courageous survivor who was born and raised inside an international religious cult notorious for severe child abuse and trafficking.

Kim pulls back the curtain on the chilling reality of growing up in a highly controlled environment, the shocking abuse she and her siblings endured, and the incredible true story of how she ultimately escaped.

Today, Kim dedicates her life to combating child exploitation and trafficking, working directly with law enforcement and implementing vital training programs. In this powerful conversation, Kim provides:

• Unflinching insight into the prevalence of child abuse within religious organizations.
• The immense challenges of addressing these hidden issues.
• Practical steps communities and individuals can take to protect children, especially in the vulnerable digital realm.

This episode is a raw, eye-opening look into the ongoing fight against child exploitation in the United States. Prepare to be informed, inspired, and moved to action by Kim's unwavering resilience and hope.

#CultSurvivor #ChildAbuseAwareness #ChildTrafficking #ReligiousCults #KimKelly #UnholierThanThou #Podcast #TrueCrime #Advocacy #ChildProtection #SurvivorStory #MentalHealth #JusticeForChildren #EndChildExploitation #SafeChurch #DigitalSafety #MustListen #Clickbait #SEO #HumanRights

In this captivating episode, we welcome Tamara Buchanan, known as Jezebel on social media, sharing her extraordinary journey from life in a strict Apostolic Pentecostal cult to becoming an advocate and speaker. Tamara recounts her upbringing, the moment she decided to reclaim the name Jezebel to empower herself, and the harrowing experiences of sexual and domestic abuse she endured. She discusses the control mechanisms within the religious cult, the manipulation of biblical scriptures, and the absence of support from her family and church community. Tamara’s resilience shines as she describes her fight for freedom, the traumatic impact on her mental health, and her relentless quest for personal healing and empowerment. Despite losing contact with her family, Tamara found liberation and now uses her platform to shed light on the issues of trauma, patriarchy, and misogyny. She also shares her journey of weight loss and self-discovery, showing that survival can lead to thriving. Her powerful poems and reflections underscore her unwavering spirit and commitment to helping others find their voice and freedom from abusive environments. #jezebel #unholier #healing #religion #religioustrauma #trauma #church

In this deeply moving and powerful episode, hosts Susie and Jenny sit down with Brad, a former IFB member and pastor's kid, to delve into his harrowing experiences of abuse and his long journey towards healing. Brad shares his story of being molested by a church deacon's son, the denial of justice by his own father, and the subsequent challenges he faced growing up in such a troubling environment. He opens up about the trauma, the impact on his relationships, and how he found his path towards recovery with the support of compassionate figures in his life, including an understanding pastor and a dedicated therapist. Brad also discusses his eventual departure from the IFB and how he rebuilds his faith and finds peace. His story is not just about enduring great pain but also about finding resilience and hope. This episode is a beacon of support for survivors and a call to action for those entangled in abusive environments. Tune in to hear Brad's courageous journey and his message of healing and strength.

#ReligiousTrauma #Exvangelical #Deconstruction #ChurchToo #IFB #PastorKids #SurvivorStory #ChildAbuse #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #SpiritualAbuse #BetrayalTrauma #BreakingTheSilence #TraumaRecovery #UnholyTruths #FaithAfterTrauma #Advocacy

In this episode, we delve into Samantha's powerful and heart-wrenching story at New Beginnings Girls Academy. Samantha recounts her journey from a troubled childhood, marked by familial conflicts and self-harm, through her traumatic experiences at the academy. She speaks candidly about the abuse and mistreatment she endured, the flawed educational system, her multiple attempts to escape, and the unrelenting emotional struggles she faced. Despite her suffering, Samantha's resilience shines through as she now dedicates her time to researching and raising awareness about the abusive practices in similar institutions. Join us as we hear Samantha's story of survival and her ongoing fight to shut down these harmful establishments.

#NewBeginningsGirlsAcademy #TroubledTeenIndustry #SurvivorStory #InstitutionalAbuse #ChildAbuse #TeenAcademy #BoardingSchoolSurvivors #TraumaHealing #BreakingTheSilence #AbuseAwareness #MentalHealth #Resilience #Podcast #UnholierThanThou #HelpSurvivors #ShutThemDown #EscapeStory #SelfHarmAwareness

In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Dan Engleman, a former cadet of Bethel Boys Academy. Dan shares his deeply personal and harrowing experiences from his time at the academy between 1995 and 1997. Adopted at a young age due to his biological parents' struggles with addiction, Dan details the challenges he faced in his early years, leading to his placement in Bethel Boys Academy. He recounts the severe mistreatment and violence he endured and the impact it had on his adolescent and adult life. Dan also discusses the importance of parental support and the lasting trauma from feeling abandoned. Tune in to hear Dan's story of resilience and how he and fellow survivors support each other through a dedicated Facebook group. This eye-opening conversation sheds light on the shocking realities of the troubled teen industry and the need for better alternatives and thorough research for any parents considering such programs. #BethelBoysAcademy #TroubledTeenIndustry #SurvivorStory #ChildAbuse #InstitutionalAbuse #BoardingSchoolSurvivors #TraumaHealing #Podcast #TrueCrime #YouthPrograms #ParentalWarning #Resilience #BreakingTheSilence #AbuseAwareness #TeenAcademy

In this powerful episode, we welcome special guest Blue to share their deeply personal and transformative story. Blue delves into their upbringing in a strict evangelical household and discusses how growing up in a religious cult setting shaped their early life experiences. This conversation explores Blue's journey through deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs, coming to terms with their non-binary identity, and #managing dissociative identity disorder (DID). Highlights include discussions on overcoming a fear-based religious upbringing, the importance of open and accepting dialogue about gender and sexuality, and learning to love oneself amid #trauma and societal pressure. Blue's insights offer a beacon of hope and understanding for those navigating similar paths. Tune in for an enlightening and heartfelt discussion on embracing one's true self.

#powerful #religion

In this emotional yet sometimes funny and light-hearted episode, we sit down with Johnna, a survivor from Happiness Hill, a troubled teen home. Johnna shares her harrowing experience of growing up in an abusive household, dealing with undiagnosed ADHD, and the challenges she faced at Happiness Hill. From being misdiagnosed and unjustly labeled as a drug addict to enduring horrific abuse and strict religious oppression, Johnna’s story is a powerful testament to resilience. She discusses the psychological trauma, the rigid rules, and the forced labor that the girls at Happiness Hill endured. Now pursuing a career in psychiatric nursing, Johnna is dedicated to helping others by conducting an in-depth survey on the impacts of institutionalization on mental health. This episode is a deeply moving exploration of survival, accountability, and the journey toward healing. #trauma #sobriety #religion #tti #religioustrauma