Project Hope Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jennifer French
The Project Hope Podcast is for families and friends with a loved one in a group of high demand / high control. Our aim is to provide hope through the stories of people who have both left such groups, as well as families, partners and friends who have struggled with the loss or distance of a loved one to such a group. We interview experts on psychological and social patterns that are found within these dynamics. In both round table and interview discussions we explore and debate some of the baffling and challenging issues that arise for both those leaving these groups, and those on the outskirts, wondering what to do.
New podcast episodes are released on the first and 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Jennifer is the host and owner of Jennifer French. She is a mental health counselor serving clients across the United States. Her primary modality of psychotherapy used with clients is Internal Family Systems. Jennifer also has first hand experience having been in a cult for 11 years. This deeply affected her relationships outside of the organization and she now hopes to help those who are suffering with the issues and considerations that arise from being distanced from loved ones. To know more about Jennifer and her offerings, please visit jennifer-french.com. You can also find her on facebook and instagram!
Robert Menna shares his story from the perspective of his own history growing up with a father in the advertising industry, of the ‘Mad Men’ era, and then through the lense of a father himself. Bob is also a former international model with a career spanning over 25 years in addition to being Director of Elite Men, a division of Elite Model Management in NYC for several years.
In 1990, through a confluence of experiences, Bob found himself in a rapid change of personality and thought processes. Around the same time, his then 16 year old daughter was involved in a group called "Ramtha's School Of Enlightenment". Some of you may be familiar with JZ Knight, who claimed to channel Ramtha, a 35,000 year old enlightened being. Bob’s daughter, was involved with this group for over 10 years.
From the time of his daughter’s involvement, and continuing on, Bob as a non- academic has been involved in researching various aspects of the cultic phenomena. With his deep dive into the field, drawing on his own experiences and that of his daughter and others he has been able to assist others, including families and former members, in a role that he refers to as an Influence Analyst. In this position, he helps individuals gain insight into the influence at work in their particular situation, and how those influences may be affecting them.
*Bob does selective pro-bono work.
Bob's personal interests besides cultic research include people watching, swimming, tennis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, tap dancing, waveski surfing and roller skating.
Link to Bob’s story on Enlighten Me Free: http://enlightenmefree.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=115
Link to Bob’s 2023 ICSA Conference presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=q3h5P1MvfjE%22
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.
Robert Menna shares his story from the perspective of his own history growing up with a father in the advertising industry, of the ‘Mad Men’ era, and then through the lense of a father himself. Bob is also a former international model with a career spanning over 25 years in addition to being Director of Elite Men, a division of Elite Model Management in NYC for several years.
In 1990, through a confluence of experiences, Bob found himself in a rapid change of personality and thought processes. Around the same time, his then 16 year old daughter was involved in a group called "Ramtha's School Of Enlightenment". Some of you may be familiar with JZ Knight, who claimed to channel Ramtha, a 35,000 year old enlightened being. Bob’s daughter, was involved with this group for over 10 years.
From the time of his daughter’s involvement, and continuing on, Bob as a non- academic has been involved in researching various aspects of the cultic phenomena. With his deep dive into the field, drawing on his own experiences and that of his daughter and others he has been able to assist others, including families and former members, in a role that he refers to as an Influence Analyst. In this position, he helps individuals gain insight into the influence at work in their particular situation, and how those influences may be affecting them.
*Bob does selective pro-bono work.
Bob's personal interests besides cultic research include people watching, swimming, tennis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, tap dancing, waveski surfing and roller skating. Link to Bob’s story on Enlighten Me Free: http://enlightenmefree.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=115 Link to Bob’s 2023 ICSA Conference presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=q3h5P1MvfjE%22
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.
Joseph Kelly & Patrick Ryan have given decades of their life to helping families and loved ones who find themselves in an unhealthy group of high control / high demand. They are both internationally renowned cult mediation specialists, and have also been known as cult intervention specialists, thought reform consultants, or exit counselors. Joseph F. Kelly, a graduate of Temple University (focus in religion), spent 14 years in two different eastern meditation groups (TM, International Society of Divine Love). He contributed a chapter to Captive Hearts, Captive Minds. He was (2010-2014) the News Desk Editor of ICSA Today. Patrick Ryan (BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maharishi International University) is the founder and former head of TM-Ex, the organization of one-time members of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement. He is also one of the AFF associates whose advice to law enforcement officials might, had it been heeded, have helped avert the Waco debacle. He also shares part of his experience in “Recovery from Cults”, edited by Michael D. Langone. Both Pat and Joe have facilitated many ICSA workshops for ex-members and families (1996-2018). They both lecture extensively on cult-related topics and have also contributed to writing about related topics amidst which is their co-authoring of “Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants,” published in ICSA’s Cultic Studies Journal. Check out the Cult Mediation website at: cultmediation.com I also came across a VICE article which is where the social media post images came from: March 2021These Former Cult Members Now Help Others Escape:https://www.vice.com/en/article/3anxnw/former-cult-members-help-escape-exit-counsellor-intervention-conspiracy-theories 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.
Joseph Kelly & Patrick Ryan have given decades of their life to helping families and loved ones who find themselves in an unhealthy group of high control / high demand. They are both internationally renowned cult mediation specialists, and have also been known as cult intervention specialists, thought reform consultants, or exit counselors. Joseph F. Kelly, a graduate of Temple University (focus in religion), spent 14 years in two different eastern meditation groups (TM, International Society of Divine Love). He contributed a chapter to Captive Hearts, Captive Minds. He was (2010-2014) the News Desk Editor of ICSA Today. Patrick Ryan (BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maharishi International University) is the founder and former head of TM-Ex, the organization of one-time members of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement. He is also one of the AFF associates whose advice to law enforcement officials might, had it been heeded, have helped avert the Waco debacle. He also shares part of his experience in “Recovery from Cults”, edited by Michael D. Langone. Both Pat and Joe have facilitated many ICSA workshops for ex-members and families (1996-2018). They both lecture extensively on cult-related topics and have also contributed to writing about related topics amidst which is their co-authoring of “Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants,” published in ICSA’s Cultic Studies Journal. Check out the Cult Mediation website at: cultmediation.com I also came across a VICE article which is where the social media post images came from: March 2021These Former Cult Members Now Help Others Escape:https://www.vice.com/en/article/3anxnw/former-cult-members-help-escape-exit-counsellor-intervention-conspiracy-theories 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 Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, and academic. Her debut nonfiction, Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unravelling, a memoir about the legacy of her father’s addictions was The Spectator and The Guardian Best Nonfiction Book, 2022. Her forthcoming book: Into Being: The radical craft of memoir and its power to transform is due to be published by MUP in 2025. She is also author of a work of fiction, Shadowing the Sun (Portobello Books, 2007), and co-editor of A Wild and Precious Life (Unbound, 2021), an anthology of stories on recovery from mental illness and addiction. She teaches narrative nonfiction and memoir at Bath Spa University and co-runs London Lit Lab. You can find Lily at: Twitter: @LilyDunnWriterInstagram: @LilyDunnWritingSubstack: https://lilydunn.substack.com/ Website: https://lilydunn.co.uk/ 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 Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, and academic. Her debut nonfiction, Sins of My Father: A Daughter, A Cult, A Wild Unravelling, a memoir about the legacy of her father’s addictions was The Spectator and The Guardian Best Nonfiction Book, 2022. Her forthcoming book: Into Being: The radical craft of memoir and its power to transform is due to be published by MUP in 2025. She is also author of a work of fiction, Shadowing the Sun (Portobello Books, 2007), and co-editor of A Wild and Precious Life (Unbound, 2021), an anthology of stories on recovery from mental illness and addiction. She teaches narrative nonfiction and memoir at Bath Spa University and co-runs London Lit Lab. You can find Lily at: Twitter: @LilyDunnWriterInstagram: @LilyDunnWritingSubstack: https://lilydunn.substack.com/ Website: https://lilydunn.co.uk/ 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.
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.orgSEEK 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.orgSEEK 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 GroupFor 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 Fearhttps://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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 InstagramYouTube 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 investigationClick here for the award winning podcast produced by News24Click 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 InstagramYouTube If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
Lorna & Bill Goldberg have been working in the field of helping both those who have left cults as well their family members, for almost 50 years now. In this episode, you will hear both how they got into the field, as well as insights and anecdotes regarding their work with those navigating the challenging time of having a loved one in a group of high control or high demand. Bill and Lorna have the longest-standing cult support group in the world, which began in 1976 and continues to this day. In 1999, they received the Leo J. Ryan Award from the Leo J. Ryan Foundation. Lorna and Bill have contributed to the cultic studies field with numerous articles published in professional journals as well as other writings that can be found in the links below. Lorna Goldberg, has been a board member and past president of ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association), is a clinical social worker and psychoanalyst in private practice, and Director of the Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies. In 2009, she received the Margaret T. Singer Award from ICSA. Lorna joined ICSA’s Board of Directors in November 2003. She co-chaired ICSA’s Mental Health Committee until her term as President of ICSA from 2008 to 2012. Bill Goldberg is a clinical social worker and psychoanalyst in private practice. He is also an adjunct professor in the Social Work and Social Sciences Departments of Dominican University, where he teaches courses on Social Work Methods, Social Problems, Ethnicity, and the Sociology of Religion. Bill has testified before the New York State Assembly Committee on Child Care, The New York State Social Service Committee, The New Jersey State Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Connecticut State Judiciary Committee. He has served as an expert witness in several cult-related cases. Article referenced from the Goldberg website called: Lessons Learned: Therapy With Former Members of Cultic Groups or Relationships Co-edited by Lorna & Bill Goldberg:Cult Recovery. A Clinician’s Guide To Working with Former Members and Families. For Lorna & Bill’s chapters in the above book as well as other written resources from them, check out their website here. Click here for more on ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association)
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 InstagramYouTube If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
Kathleen was a part of Maum Meditation from 2015-2017. She reached level 4 when she decided to leave the organization. It was the gift of someone sharing information with her, that allowed her to identify that something was very wrong and it is from this spirit that Kathleen is now giving back, in hopes that what she shares, might allow others to be free as well. For those seeking information on Maum Meditation, Kathleen’s Instagram account, @MaumCult is a hub for all information she has gathered on the organization. You will also find information on the Maum Meditation locations across the world. Follow Kathleen on Instagram @MaumCult 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 InstagramYouTube If you would like to be on the Project Hope Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
Kathleen was a part of Maum Meditation from 2015-2017. She reached level 4 when she decided to leave the organization. It was the gift of someone sharing information with her, that allowed her to identify that something was very wrong and it is from this spirit that Kathleen is now giving back, in hopes that what she shares, might allow others to be free as well. For those seeking information on Maum Meditation, Kathleen’s Instagram account, @MaumCult is a hub for all information she has gathered on the organization. You will also find information on the Maum Meditation locations across the world. Follow Kathleen on Instagram @MaumCult 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.
In this episode, Joyce & Nina join us to take a deep dive into understanding the importance of defining consent in our legislation and the widespread impact this could have upon important causes that uphold our humanity and autonomy.
Joyce Short is the founder and Chief Executive of the Consent Awareness Network (CAN) and a TEDx Talk Presenter. She has been an expert witness and the architect of several legislative bills that can radically change how consent is dealt with by our justice system. She is a sexual assault survivor and the author of 4 books that can turn our human right to consent into a civil right backed by law. Joyce has been featured on Nightline, CBS News, BuzzFeed, Inside Edition, the NY Times, and more, and she’s been quoted in books and journals, including “The Moment” by Andrea Constand, and has been honored as a 'Woman of Distinction" by the NY State Assembly.
Nina Lucas serves as Chief of Staff and a Consent Outreach Ambassador for the Consent Awareness Network (CAN). She is also a member of Never Alone Advocacy, which was founded to fight back against abuse of power in the military. As a classically trained singer, Nina's secret superpower is opera and she is dedicated to applying her robust voice to inform, educate and empower however she can in all efforts to #CodifyConsent Please join us in using #CodifyConsent and #FGKIA to spread awareness to define consent as “Freely Given, Knowledgable Informed Agreement" (by a person with the capacity to reason). Consent Awareness Network Website Click here for Joyce's TEDx Talk Joyce's Book: Your Consent: The Key to Conquering Sexual Assault (revised edition) Sign & support the NY petition Donate to the Consent Awareness NetworkBecome a Consent Ambassador! Video for kids about consent Follow Joyce on Instagram Follow Nina on Instagram Other References from the Interview: Listen to Joyce & Nina’s Interview on A Little Bit Culty Jess Hill wrote the book See What You Made Me Do & there is a documentary by the same name.Eve Wiley has helped change laws regarding consent. Check out Andrea Constand’s work.Iron Jawed Angels. Movie of the true story of suffragist Alice Paul and the defiant young activists who re-invigorated the women's suffrage movement before the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920.Our Father. Documentary about the abuse of Dr. Cline
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.
Debby Schriver is a cult survivor advocate, author, and human rights activist. A native of Chicago, Debby earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Tennessee. Her career led her to serve new students, parents, and undergraduates in the Student Conduct and Orientation Department. Debby spent the last part of her career at the University leading employee training and organizational development. Her focus on children led her to work as a community volunteer with the Foster Care Review Board, Girl Scouts, YWCA, and American Red Cross. Debby has written a number of books, and she cites as most life-changing her experiences learning from cult survivors while writing Whispering in the Daylight, The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and their Journey to Freedom. Alamo’s story is chronicled in the Sundance TV docuseries “Ministry of Evil: The Twisted Cult of Tony Alamo,” in which Debby appears as their cult expert (NBC Peacock Productions and World of Wonder Productions, February 2019). Presently, Debby serves as the president of the International Cultic Studies Association and founder and executive director of Keys to Me. Whispering in the Daylight: The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and Their Journey to Freedom Keys To Me Ministry of Evil: The Twisted Cult of Tony Alamo. Found on Amazon here and also on Peacock. International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) Follow Debby on Social Media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debby.schriver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbyschriver/
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.
Debby Schriver is a cult survivor advocate, author, and human rights activist. A native of Chicago, Debby earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Tennessee. Her career led her to serve new students, parents, and undergraduates in the Student Conduct and Orientation Department. Debby spent the last part of her career at the University leading employee training and organizational development. Her focus on children led her to work as a community volunteer with the Foster Care Review Board, Girl Scouts, YWCA, and American Red Cross. Debby has written a number of books, and she cites as most life-changing her experiences learning from cult survivors while writing Whispering in the Daylight, The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and their Journey to Freedom. Alamo’s story is chronicled in the Sundance TV docuseries “Ministry of Evil: The Twisted Cult of Tony Alamo,” in which Debby appears as their cult expert (NBC Peacock Productions and World of Wonder Productions, February 2019). Presently, Debby serves as the president of the International Cultic Studies Association and founder and executive director of Keys to Me. Whispering in the Daylight: The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and Their Journey to Freedom Keys To Me Ministry of Evil: The Twisted Cult of Tony Alamo. Found on Amazon here and also on Peacock. International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) Follow Debby on Social Media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debby.schriver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbyschriver/
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.
Ashlen Hilliard is a cult intervention specialist helping families with loved ones in cultic or high-control groups or relationships through her organization, People Leave Cults. She completed her MSc in the Psychology of Coercive Control in early 2022 and conducted research on the relationship between reproductive coercion, psychologically abusive environments, and the extent of group identity in a sample of those who have left cultic groups. Ashlen has previous experience working for multiple non-profit settings in the field of cult recovery. Most recently, this has included working as Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA). During that time, she facilitated workshops, webinars, and conferences for those in touch with multiple aspects of the cult phenomenon including therapists, former members, legal professionals, media representatives, academics, and others. Prior to her work with ICSA, she worked as a case manager in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the non-profit Holding Out Help, where she was involved on the front lines of helping individuals leaving diverse polygamist communities out West. She currently enjoys living in Portland, Oregon where she is a volunteer co-organizer of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) Meetup for those who have left or are considering leaving high-demand religious groups in the local community. Find Ashlen on social media at: https://www.peopleleavecults.com/ https://linktr.ee/peopleleavecultshttps://www.instagram.com/peopleleavecults/https://www.facebook.com/peopleleavecultshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/people-leave-cults-llc/ Email address: ahilliard@peopleleavecults.com The Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) is a regular meetup in Portland, Oregon for those who have left or are considering leaving high-demand religious groups. https://www.safeportland.org/
Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants
Article: Exit Counseling and the Decline of Deprogramming Cultic Studies Review, Volume 1, Number 3, 2002, 249-291
Research Presented by Ashlen Hilliard, MSc Psychology of Coercive Control: Understanding Reproductive Coercion and Cults in a Destructive Group Setting:
Warren Jeffs FLDS documentary we referred to called, “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey”. https://www.netflix.com/title/81292539
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.
Amanda Redwine joins us as both a cult survivor and whistle-blower. She is exposing the cultic environment of her former Church known as Revival for Christ Club in Moore, Oklahoma. This group also owns and operates the Yellow Rose Dinner theater. The leader of the group is Timothy Vanover, accompanied by his wife, Jennifer Vanover. Amanda shares her experience regarding what it was like growing up in this group, and the impact it’s had on her family. After 35 years she has decided to speak out after losing her mother and being distanced from her eldest daughter. Although her story carries pain, Amanda has found new purpose as she fights to expose the group, the leadership, the destruction of families, and religious abuse. 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 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 this part 2 episode of my interview with my brother, we take a deep dive into the stories around what my family was going through as I entered deeper into the group. We also discuss my getting out and what was happening for him as all of that unfolded. 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 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.
For the official Season 2 launch of the Project Hope Podcast, I speak with my brother about the experience he had as his awareness began to unfold regarding my involvement in what we referred to as “The Order”. In this episode, he shares the challenges of realizing what was happening and what the red flags were. He shares about attempts to dissuade or inform me and efforts that went public. As we dive into part 2, he shares more about the decision my family made to work with exit counselors, the intervention they attempted, the struggles, and then my getting out.
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 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 this pre-season 2 launch bonus episode we get to spend time with singer-songwriter, Jaia Suri, the musician whose song, “Leaving the Cult” is featured on Season 2 of the Project Hope Podcast. We sit down to discuss her musical journey and the evolution of this song.
The full song is played at the end of the episode for all of you to enjoy in its entirety!
Alongside music from Jaia’s 4 other albums, you can find the song on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1
A huge thank you to Jaia for allowing us to enjoy this gift alongside Season 2 of Project Hope.
Please also consider supporting Jaia in her musical endeavors by joining her Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/JaiaSuriMusic For more about Jaia: https://www.jaiasuri.com/ Follow Jaia on Social Media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jaia.Suri.Music Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaiaSuri/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYIprmmyZUnJ1eCrkISno6g Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0d8WYUM6qo8LEO5mviIauB?si=cuDxfcBmQPeutbg153oeWg&nd=1
The throwback YouTube Video I refer to of Jaia in the early days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQmuC3qzlyU
For more about Jennifer: 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.
Many of you may know Sarah and Nippy from Season 1 of The Vow, the critically acclaimed HBO documentary series on NXIVM. The Vow shows real time and historical footage of the group and documents Sarah and Nippy, amidst others, revealing the emotional toll of unfolding events that transpire and the bravery of this core group that’s resulted in the NXIVM leader, Keith Raniere, being convicted of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and other crimes. Season 2 of The Vow is set to release in October 2022.
Sarah’s memoir on this topic is called Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life. In it, she shares her story from the moment she takes her first seminar to her harrowing fight to get out of NXIVM, collaborate with the FBI, help others, and heal.
Sarah and Nippy are also actors. You can find Sarah on the Hallmark Channel and Nippy’s latest appearance on the Good Doctor. You can also join Sarah and Nippy at SXSW this March of 2022. They will be doing a live show of their podcast, A Little Bit Culty. If you haven’t checked it out, please do… Sarah and Nippy host survivors, experts, and help their audience understand, heal from, and avoid abusive situations, one little red flag at a time.
In this discussion, Sarah and Nippy share about their family dynamics both during and post NXIVM amidst other related topics! Join us!
Check out A Little Bit Culty: https://www.alittlebitculty.com/
For more on Sarah’s book, Scarred: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/book
Join Sarah & Nippy at SXSW 2022: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2022/events/PP119952
Check out The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2022 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
Adam Jones is a 27 year old former Seventh-Day Adventist, and theology student. He runs a ministry called “That Awkward Space” where he criticizes and critiques religious and political ideas. He is currently in school for social work and hopes to graduate soon. He is newly married and is currently enjoying a quiet life in upstate New York with his wife.
Follow Adam on social media at:
Instagram: @that.awkwardplace
Twitter: @space_awkward
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 1974, at twelve years old, Deb Donner’s mother joined what she thought was loving, trusting, close-knit Christian Fellowship, committed to helping anyone in need called, The Ingleside United Methodist Church. They called themselves The Fellowship, and they were pastored by a man named Lou Hillendahl who touted an ‘inner healing ministry’ that 'helped hundreds of people with all kinds of problems'.
TW: adult & child abuse & sexual abuse
Lou infused his version of biblical teachings with pseudo-psycho beliefs, constantly creating new “therapies” to “deal with the personal, family and sexual” problems he identified within his parishioners. In 1976, Lou began teaching that “sex is a myth in our culture” and developed bizarre therapies to prove his theory. At 14, against Deb’s will, she was involved in several of the therapies. Knowing she wasn’t supposed to talk about what she had experienced, she also knew it wasn’t right, and told someone. The media got hold of the information and started bombarding Lou for interviews. When the church found out, they decided to take action and hold him accountable. On March 21, 1977, Lou submitted his resignation to the Methodist church to avoid a heresy trial.
Lou and several of his devoted followers decided to create their own community, and eventually purchased a 58-acre plot of land on Vashon Island in Washington State where they lived in big green army tents for years while the community built homes, and a couple buildings. They called themselves The Wesleyan Community, officially called, The Wesleyan Christian Community Church and Retreat Center. Deb shares the story of her time in Ingleside and on Vashon Island until she eventually escaped in February of 1981, when she was 19 years old.
Follow Deb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkcults/
To find out more about #igotout, please visit: https://www.igotout.org/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 1974, at twelve years old, Deb Donner’s mother joined what she thought was loving, trusting, close-knit Christian Fellowship, committed to helping anyone in need called, The Ingleside United Methodist Church. They called themselves The Fellowship, and they were pastored by a man named Lou Hillendahl who touted an ‘inner healing ministry’ that 'helped hundreds of people with all kinds of problems'.
TW: adult & child abuse & sexual abuse
Lou infused his version of biblical teachings with pseudo-psycho beliefs, constantly creating new “therapies” to “deal with the personal, family and sexual” problems he identified within his parishioners. In 1976, Lou began teaching that “sex is a myth in our culture” and developed bizarre therapies to prove his theory. At 14, against Deb’s will, she was involved in several of the therapies. Knowing she wasn’t supposed to talk about what she had experienced, she also knew it wasn’t right, and told someone. The media got hold of the information and started bombarding Lou for interviews. When the church found out, they decided to take action and hold him accountable. On March 21, 1977, Lou submitted his resignation to the Methodist church to avoid a heresy trial.
Lou and several of his devoted followers decided to create their own community, and eventually purchased a 58-acre plot of land on Vashon Island in Washington State where they lived in big green army tents for years while the community built homes, and a couple buildings. They called themselves The Wesleyan Community, officially called, The Wesleyan Christian Community Church and Retreat Center. Deb shares the story of her time in Ingleside and on Vashon Island until she eventually escaped in February of 1981, when she was 19 years old.
Follow Deb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkcults/
To find out more about #igotout, please visit: https://www.igotout.org/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 1974, at twelve years old, Deb Donner’s mother joined what she thought was loving, trusting, close-knit Christian Fellowship, committed to helping anyone in need called, The Ingleside United Methodist Church. They called themselves The Fellowship, and they were pastored by a man named Lou Hillendahl who touted an ‘inner healing ministry’ that 'helped hundreds of people with all kinds of problems'.
TW: adult & child abuse & sexual abuse
Lou infused his version of biblical teachings with pseudo-psycho beliefs, constantly creating new “therapies” to “deal with the personal, family and sexual” problems he identified within his parishioners. In 1976, Lou began teaching that “sex is a myth in our culture” and developed bizarre therapies to prove his theory. At 14, against Deb’s will, she was involved in several of the therapies. Knowing she wasn’t supposed to talk about what she had experienced, she also knew it wasn’t right, and told someone. The media got hold of the information and started bombarding Lou for interviews. When the church found out, they decided to take action and hold him accountable. On March 21, 1977, Lou submitted his resignation to the Methodist church to avoid a heresy trial.
Lou and several of his devoted followers decided to create their own community, and eventually purchased a 58-acre plot of land on Vashon Island in Washington State where they lived in big green army tents for years while the community built homes, and a couple buildings. They called themselves The Wesleyan Community, officially called, The Wesleyan Christian Community Church and Retreat Center. Deb shares the story of her time in Ingleside and on Vashon Island until she eventually escaped in February of 1981, when she was 19 years old.
Follow Deb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkcults/
To find out more about #igotout, please visit: https://www.igotout.org/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
Melissa was raised in a conservative, cult-like faction of the fundamentalist Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
She left the church when she turned 18 and it was the late 80’s. At the time, she was thinking she was out, done, through. Throwing herself into "the real world" she modeled, acted, earned an Ivy League degree, worked in politics, finance, and high tech. She also married twice and had two children. In addition, she also did a lot of exploring of all that had been forbidden! And always...she wrote.
In her 30’s she found out that various male members of her family had been abusers within the church. This sent her on a decades-long discovery process: confronting family members and tracking down and speaking to the victims. She formed an unlikely bond with one of the victims, and this led her to uncover and address her own trauma from purity culture, the patriarchal stranglehold, and church abuse.
The Glory Whole is the name of her instagram account which she refers to as “a work in progress that chronicles her story”. If you follow her, you will occasionally see excerpts from her memoir, which is in process.
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_glory_whole/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
Naomi Van Winkle was born into a religious group (King’s Chapel) in Connecticut which was essentially a Christian cult. The group had a female leader who was based at their headquarters in England (Mansfield Woodhouse) and dictated much of the community’s ongoings as well as individual lives, with the use of fear & high pressure tactics to interrogate and manipulate.
After many years and as part of her own healing journey of discovery and exploration, Naomi and others are telling their stories through a podcast series that Naomi created, called Cult in Connecticut. In it, Naomi shares about her experience of being born and raised in this cult, and the journey of healing from the pain and confusion she experienced growing up. At eighteen, Naomi left the church and everything she had ever known to begin a new life. We discuss her process of leaving, healing, experiencing life and much more!
Naomi is also a Nashville creative artist and business owner!
To listen to Cult in Connecticut: https://anchor.fm/cultinconnecticut
To follow Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomivanwinkle/
For those interested, Naomi's group was also formerly known as Dayspring, King’s Chapel, Bethel, Peniel, and International Church.
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
Janice Selbie was born and raised in a charismatic Christian home, attending Pentecostal, Vineyard, and other Evangelical churches before eventually marrying a man who would become a pastor. In her 30s she became ultraconservative, wearing a head-covering, homeschooling their children, and rejecting any vestiges of secular life ( including TV, radio, music, newspapers, magazines, etc.). “I referred to myself as ‘Mennocostal,’ frequently attending closed Mennonite churches run by the Holdeman Mennonites.”
It wasn’t until her 40s that Janice began experiencing doubts about her deeply held faith. As her marriage unraveled, her questions grew. She found herself wondering about the impact of religion on sexuality, gender roles and equality, social justice, and more.
“Not permitted to explore these questions, I felt like a beach ball held beneath the water for too long. My sadness, confusion, and anger threatened to explode if something didn't change.”
After ending her decades-long marriage, Janice went back to school to attain her Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counseling.
“My passion is to help others who are experiencing the multiple significant losses associated with religious de-conversion. My own journey could have been easier if I had been able to connect with even one other person who had walked away from their faith and built a healthy life afterward.”
These painful experiences influenced Janice to develop the Divorcing Religion Workshop so that others could gain knowledge and tools to help with their own journey out of fundamentalist religions.
In May of 2021, Janice hosted the inaugural on-line 'Conference on Religious Trauma' (CORT), with over 20 speakers providing education & insight into RTS & recovery.
For more information about Janice and her offerings: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/
You can still purchase access to recordings of all CORT speakers by purchasing a Resources ticket: https://pheedloop.com/CORT/site/home/
To find Janice on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janice.selbie/
To find Janice on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcCYdtSFUDK896rMRi7J_w
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
Kenneth Garrett is currently the senior pastor of Grace Church, located in Portland, OR. He is the founder of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education, and he is also a member of the advisory board of ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). Ken and Sharon (his wife) have 3 daughters and four grandchildren whom they see often. Ken has written a book called, “In the House of Friends. Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian Churches”. You will hear a little bit about the book during our discussion but if you’d like to know more, you can find the book at the Amazon link below.
From 1984-1996, Ken and Sharon were part of an abusive church with a pastor who is still in an ongoing legal case. However, on January 23 2020, a jury found the pastor guilty of the sexual abuse of a minor, and sentenced him to 160 months without the possibility of parole. Ken’s book is a wonderful preventative resource that I would recommend for all who are or want to be part of a church community. In addition, for those serving Christian communities, this is also an excellent resource for leadership.
Ken's book, "In the House of Friends": https://www.amazon.com/House-Friends-Understanding-Spiritual-Christian/dp/1725266024
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
Kenneth Garrett is currently the senior pastor of Grace Church, located in Portland, OR. He is the founder of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education, and he is also a member of the advisory board of ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association). Ken and Sharon (his wife) have 3 daughters and four grandchildren whom they see often. Ken has written a book called, “In the House of Friends. Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian Churches”. You will hear a little bit about the book during our discussion but if you’d like to know more, you can find the book at the Amazon link below.
From 1984-1996, Ken and Sharon were part of an abusive church with a pastor who is still in an ongoing legal case. However, on January 23 2020, a jury found the pastor guilty of the sexual abuse of a minor, and sentenced him to 160 months without the possibility of parole. Ken’s book is a wonderful preventative resource that I would recommend for all who are or want to be part of a church community. In addition, for those serving Christian communities, this is also an excellent resource for leadership.
Ken's book, "In the House of Friends": https://www.amazon.com/House-Friends-Understanding-Spiritual-Christian/dp/1725266024
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
After the passing of both her parents in her early 20’s, Kelly Alder joined a Neo Native American tribe, marrying its leader and becoming one of his many wives. Red Bear was the spirit name given to Kelly during a ceremony held by the tribe’s founder, John Twobirds. She began writing her memoir about six years ago when a little voice started persistently nagging her to, “Write this crazy stuff down!” And so, she gave into this call, grabbing moments where she could in between the cooking, laundry and school runs. And now, to our benefit, she shares her story in this beautifully written memoir. Kelly has received many accolades for the book and also has a blog that you can find at her website where she writes about life experiences and the topics of femininity, vulnerability and belonging.
Purchase Kelly's incredible book at: https://www.amazon.com/Fourteenth-Wife-search-belonging/dp/0620913134/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AH8YZSGG6EU6&dchild=1&keywords=the+14th+wife&qid=1623207549&sprefix=the+14th+wife%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1
Check out Kelly's website at: https://kelly-alder.com
Follow her on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/iamredbear/
Follow her on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/TheFourteenthWife
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Jen Kiaba is an artist and educator who grew up in the infamous Unification Church, a religious group referred to by popular media as “the Moonies” and a primary example of a cult.
After escaping a forced arranged marriage, she fought her way out in her early twenties and went on to earn her BA in Art History at Bard College.
As an artist she uses photography to explore the failure of faith and the resulting loss of identity that occurs. Her work has been exhibited internationally, was a third place winner of the Julia Margaret Cameron Award, a top 200 finalist in Critical Mass, and an Honorable Mention in the 13th Pollux Award.
Since 2014 she has worked as an educator and mentor with various non-profits that seek to empower youth. She also writes and speaks about art, healing and their intersection.
To view Jen’s artwork & writing: https://www.jenkiaba.com/
Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenkiaba/
Follow Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenkiaba
Other organizations Jen mentions:
Unchained At Last: https://www.unchainedatlast.org/
The Resilience Foundation: https://resiliencefoundation.org/
Trigger Warning: Topics of abuse
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Megan and Dom Benninger speak about their religious backgrounds and their journeys together through a religious cult, a charismatic nondenominational church, and a Southern Baptist church that all exhibited signs of spiritual abuse. As survivors, they have dedicated their lives to preventing spiritual abuse in institutional settings and serving others who have also been abused under the guise of Christianity. They hope to provide a safe place for victims of spiritual abuse to share their stories without judgement. They want to identify spiritually abusive wolves within organized religion, to protect others from harm. To find out more about this part of their mission, go to https://baptistaccountability.org/. They want to help others identify the signs and symptoms of spiritual abuse through their written works and educational resources, as well as through speaking engagements. Megan and Dominique shared their story with the USA Today, which was published online on February 13, 2020. The article, along w Megan & Dom’s writings can be found on their website at https://churchtrauma.org.
To view writings about Oakwood and the letters Megan referred to in the podcast: https://churchtrauma.org/category/oakwood/
To view Dom’s Narrowgate blog: https://churchtrauma.org/category/narrowgate-cult-series/
To visit Megan and Dom’s website Baptist Accountability: https://baptistaccountability.org/
USA Today featuring Megan and Dom’s story: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/02/13/southern-baptist-sex-abuse-pastors-history-divided-church/4586698002/
Rachel Denhollander quote & website: https://rachaeldenhollander.com/
“A review of protestant insurance companies found MORE reports of clergy sexual abuse than a review of Catholic insurance companies, even though Catholics actually keep better track.
And those predators are often being shielded by more pastors.
This isn't a few random wolves.”
Other people Megan and Dom mentioned:
Jimmy Hinton: https://jimmyhinton.org/
Christa Brown: https://christabrown.me/ & Stop Baptist Predators: http://stopbaptistpredators.org/index.htm
Ashley Easter: https://www.ashleyeaster.com/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.
Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcombInstagram: 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.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Megan and Dom Benninger speak about their religious backgrounds and their journeys together through a religious cult, a charismatic nondenominational church, and a Southern Baptist church that all exhibited signs of spiritual abuse. As survivors, they have dedicated their lives to preventing spiritual abuse in institutional settings and serving others who have also been abused under the guise of Christianity. They hope to provide a safe place for victims of spiritual abuse to share their stories without judgement. They want to identify spiritually abusive wolves within organized religion, to protect others from harm. To find out more about this part of their mission, go to https://baptistaccountability.org/. They want to help others identify the signs and symptoms of spiritual abuse through their written works and educational resources, as well as through speaking engagements. Megan and Dominique shared their story with the USA Today, which was published online on February 13, 2020. The article, along w Megan & Dom’s writings can be found on their website at https://churchtrauma.org.
To view writings about Oakwood and the letters Megan referred to in the podcast: https://churchtrauma.org/category/oakwood/
To view Dom’s Narrowgate blog: https://churchtrauma.org/category/narrowgate-cult-series/
To visit Megan and Dom’s website Baptist Accountability: https://baptistaccountability.org/
USA Today featuring Megan and Dom’s story: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/02/13/southern-baptist-sex-abuse-pastors-history-divided-church/4586698002/
Rachel Denhollander quote & website: https://rachaeldenhollander.com/
“A review of protestant insurance companies found MORE reports of clergy sexual abuse than a review of Catholic insurance companies, even though Catholics actually keep better track.
And those predators are often being shielded by more pastors.
This isn't a few random wolves.”
Other people Megan and Dom mentioned:
Jimmy Hinton: https://jimmyhinton.org/
Christa Brown: https://christabrown.me/ & Stop Baptist Predators: http://stopbaptistpredators.org/index.htm
Ashley Easter: https://www.ashleyeaster.com/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.
Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcombInstagram: 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 Podcas or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Gabrielle Locke graduated from Seattle University in 2019 for Journalism and has been actively reporting as a freelance writer. She is currently getting her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as she feels called to bring others healing. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her parents and two sisters close by. Along with painting, meditating, hiking, and writing poetry and stories, Gabrielle is a singer/song-writer. She started going by the stage name, Goldi, when she joined the record label, Witch Wood Music, and she has released two songs available on Apple Music and Spotify.
You can find her music here: https://www.witchwoodmusic.com/goldi
Or via Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/goldi.locke/ (music link in bio)
In her podcast episode you will hear Gabrielle describe her experiences in the organization that began as the Order of Christ / Sophia and then morphed into 2 separate organizations run by each leader independently. We will join her as she describes this journey weaving in and out of relationship with these leaders and groups. When Gabrielle left the last group she was a part of, she wrote her first music single, “7:30” about the struggle of finding herself. In the song she says “I want to know who I am” and “sometimes I don’t feel right in my skin”. This song is about the beginning of her liberation.
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Debbie is the first parent and family member with a loved one in a group of high demand, that I’ve had the opportunity to interview on the Project Hope Podcast. Debbie is not just a mother but also served as a United Methodist minister for 40 years. She is currently retired and lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband John. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading to children through the SMART reading program, as well as making quilts to give away. She is in the process of planning, together with John, as they build a net-zero house in Bend. It was such a pleasure to speak with Debbie and receive her story around the heartache and considerations that a parent specifically can experience when their child is in a group of high control / high demand. If you would like to hear her son, Joel Pitney speak to his experience, please refer to episode 11. Especially for those family members and friends with loved ones close to you heart who are in such groups, I hope you find that our discussion leaves you feeling not so alone.
The below article that is an interview that Joel conducted with Debbie. I believe it will provide further context to Debbie as it includes some references to how she has been a trailblazer in her own right.
https://religiondispatches.org/of-god-but-not-god-a-methodist-minister-speaks-about-churchs-refusal-to-open-its-doors-to-lgbt/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Anna Fienbork was born in Austria, grew up and lived in Germany and the US, and is currently living in Bavaria. Her career has led her from studying Art History, to theatre, to studying again with a focus on education and working with the hearing impaired and children with special needs. What initially drew her to the group of high control that she became deeply involved with was the emotional-spiritual paradigm, that allowed her to take a deeper dive into working with inner parts, and further opening up spiritually. In that context she worked as an emotional facilitator in one on one sessions as well as in groups with both adults and children. She also gave seminars on the human psyche and how the structure of emotions can be explained within the paradigm of these teachings. During this time, Anna also learned emotional and energetic body work, helping others to release old patterns, in order to help people open up to their own potential.
Anna is now a practicing psychotherapist (Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie). She also does online work as a coach with her main focus on helping couples find their way from struggles and a sense of having lost one another to healing communication and fulfilling closeness. Her passion to support people in learning to feel self love again, and relating to themselves and others from that place stems from her belief that relationship w oneself and others is one of the most important aspects to life.
Please find Anna at the links below:
Website: https://www.annafienbork.de/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/annafienbork
Facebook group: http://bit.ly/NäheinderPartnerschaft
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_fienbork/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
In this episode you will heard Mari speak about life after leaving the Ruach Center community. She also shares about her journey of emotionally leaving the group, beyond the physical leaving, and how she built a new life with creativity, community, and a commitment to integrating grief.
As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Mari was raised in Miami, and currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Her career has taken her from social worker to midwife, to her current role as a registered nurse and grief revolutionary. Mari is passionate about breaking down the social barriers around grief & the stigma attached to it. Over the last two decades, she has had the privilege of ushering hundreds through the passage of life and death.
Mari is a co-founder and editor of the Grief Rites Foundation, where art is used as agency to live boldly with grief. By curating monthly readings, publishing articles, & facilitating workshops, Grief Rites creates the space for grief stories to be witnessed.
Join Mari's free beta program called, "Reconnecting with Yourself After a Major Loss":
https://marialiciagonzalez.typeform.com/to/XRkv8z
To further inquire about grief programs: Mari@TheGriefRevolution.com
Follow Mari and her work on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsMariGonzalez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmarigonzalez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefrevolution/
Grief revolution website: https://www.thegriefrevolution.com/
Grief Rites on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefRites
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
I initially met Michael Maciel when he packed up his things and joined us in Oakland, CA to become a part of the Order of Christ Sophia (aka. OCS and the Centers of Light). Unique to Michael’s story is that he had already been ordained a priest in an mystical school that was the predecessor to the OCS, called the Holy Order of MANS (aka. HOOM). In this discussion, we dive into his history prior to the OCS, as well as how he came to join, and the unravelment of his experience with Peter Bowes.
Since leaving the OCS, Michael has taken up the HOOM name and is carrying it forward with others. Present day, Michael Maciel is a priest and teacher in the Holy Order of MANS, which is categorized as an esoteric school of initiation. He is the author of The Mystical Christ, an online journal of reflections on contemporary spiritual life. He has written two books, The Five Vows - Raising Your Spiritual Commitment to the Next Level and World Priest - Bringing Heaven to Earth, and is also the creator of The Mystical Christ Academy, a series of online tutorials for personal spiritual development. Michael has two YouTube channels, The Mystical Christ and Lectures and Interviews, a collection of discussions on mystical Bible interpretation and esoteric symbolism. You can also connect with Michael on Facebook.
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
I have known Marialicia Gonzalez for 22 years. She was the person who invited me to my very first Order of Christ Sophia event. When the teachers leading the group divided, she went with Peter Bowes who renamed his group, Ruach Center. This group is still functioning and Peter Bowes continues to lead the organization. Mari’s story around her leaving is both heartbreaking and eye opening as it provides insight into the psychological torment that all too often happens in groups of high control.
As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Mari was raised in Miami, and currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Her career has taken her from social worker to midwife, to her current role as a registered nurse and grief revolutionary. Mari is passionate about breaking down the social barriers around grief & the stigma attached to it. Over the last two decades, she has had the privilege of ushering hundreds through the passage of life and death.
Mari is a co-founder and editor of the Grief Rites Foundation, where art is used as agency to live boldly with grief. By curating monthly readings, publishing articles, & facilitating workshops, Grief Rites creates the space for grief stories to be witnessed.
Thank you for your amazing work Mari!
Follow Mari and her work on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsMariGonzalez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmarigonzalez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefrevolution/
Grief revolution website: https://www.thegriefrevolution.com/
Grief Rites on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefRites
Online lawsuit regarding Peter Bowes & his psychology license:
https://psychologist-reputation.com/States/Wisconsin/Board_Action_Documents/2001/ls010207psy-00074078.pdf
Article on why the Order of Christ Sophia (OCS) aka Center of Light is a cult:
https://cultnews.com/2012/07/order-of-christ-sophia-has-become-a-dangerous-and-destructive-organization/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Helen Zuman is the author of Mating in Captivity (She Writes Press 2018), a memoir of her five years, post-Harvard, at Zendik Farm, a cult with a radical take on sex and relationships. After leaving Zendik in 2004, she helped expose its twisted innards via her Zendik FAQ. More recently, she's shared her story at the conferences of the International Cultic Studies Association, the Communal Studies Association (which honored Mating in Captivity with its 2020 Timothy Miller Outstanding Book Award), and the International Communal Studies Association. She's also written about aspects of her cult and communal experiences for Communities and Livelihood magazines, and the Foundation for Intentional Community’s website. In all, she's visited or lived at more than a dozen co-ops, cults, communes, and intentional communities throughout the United States; she now homesteads with her husband on a steeply sloped quarter acre in Beacon, New York.
In this interview you will get a flavor of Helen’s writing and most importantly her spirit and journey out of Zendik and into the life she now lives.
Please check out Helen’s website where you can find out more about her memoir, Mating in Captivity: http://helenzuman.com/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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 PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Laura Hartzell Pitney was a part of Andrew Cohen’s following and the EnlightenNext community for 10 years. She also worked for EnlightenNext for those years in various roles, helping to launch their online audio offerings, fundraising, and her final role was functioning as Director of Development. I am so moved by Laura’s story and appreciative of all she’s shared so personally. Part of what I really appreciated was how she was able to describe the transformative experience of being drawn into new ideas and experiences, and how powerful this can be. Laura does a beautiful job of sharing multiple anecdotes that string together a clear tapestry of one’s inner process, the struggle along the way, and what keeps us tied. She really captures the power of persuasion and the complications within these groups that come with having deep and real experiences.
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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/
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Joel Pitney is a writer and founder of the company Launch My Book, Inc. He was a part of the EnlightenNext community and worked very closely with Andrew Cohen for 10 years. He also wrote for What Is Enlightenment? Magazine, a publication that was a widely distributed and highly renowned publication in it’s genre. Joel is currently writing a book about his experiences at EnlightenNext, tentatively titled, “Project Utopia”. He also lives in in Bend, Oregon with his wife, Laura (who will also be on the podcast!), and their son, Jackson.
In this podcast you will learn about how Joel and I met at a time when we were both in high demand groups but most importantly, you will hear about his experience in EnlightenNext as well as his thoughts about how and why it fell apart. This story is one that is not readily available online and yet Andrew Cohen’s following was substantial and then seemingly ended abruptly in 2013. Joel shares his observations and thoughts about all of this with a refreshing perspective and insight that only those who were part of the so called inner community of such groups might have.
To learn more about Joel’s company: launchmybook.com
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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/
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Victoria shares the story of her healing journey from the church she grew up in and the pastor currently leading Truth House Ministry Church.
Trigger warning: sexual abuse
I believe that one of the most powerful things about this interview is that, through Victoria’s sharing, we really get to understand the courage it takes to speak out as a survivor of sexual abuse but to also have the layer of spiritual abuse on top of that along with the excruciating rejection and inability to get through to those on the inside of a group who are under extreme manipulation and coercion.
In this interview, Victoria shares about being raised in the Truth House Ministry Church, run by the pastor, Dr. E.C. Fulcher, Jr. who Victoria says sexually assaulted her at least 15 times over the course of 3 years. Her story reveals the culture of fear and domination existent within this church that has allowed for this pastor to continue to run the church and carry on with business as usual even after authorities obtained a search warrant for Truth House Ministry Church on October 16, 2019, confiscating Fulcher’s mobile phone and conducting a forensic audit that reveals much about his sexual activities and appetites.
For more details, please refer to the article that has been written about Victoria’s story at: http://noedenelsewhere.com/the-truth-about-truth-house-ministry-church-dr-e-c-fulcher-jr/
We hope that this episode helps to get Victoria’s story out into the public sphere so that others know the truth and that authorities engage to stop the possible continued abuse that could be happening.
Please contact me with any helpful information or any inquiries regarding the show at projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com
To check out the Baptist Accountability tracking database:
https://baptistaccountability.org/
Check out our podcast affiliate Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Follow Jennifer on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermonica.holcomb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.french.jfh/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.
In 1989, at the age of 22, Alexandra Amor moved to Vancouver, BC and joined what she thought was a meditation class. Ten years later, she escaped what she describes as having become a mind control cult run by a self-serving guru.
Leaving behind all her friends, her spiritual community, her sense of self, and the man she loved, Alexandra moved out into the world searching for healing, and to understand what had happened to her.
“Cult, A Love Story” is the Amazon best-selling, award-winning memoir that shows by example how we are drawn into high-demand (cultic) groups. And what recovery from that experience looks like.
For me, this is one of those books that is helpful from every angle as Alexandra so beautifully writes about her experience and then gives us the bonus of seamlessly weaving it into her own learning about these patterns typically found in cultic groups and controlling leaders. I highly recommend this book for families and friends with a loved one in such a situation as well as those who have left such groups and want a really well written memoir that also serves to educate.
To learn more about Alexandra Amor and her career as a novelist and podcast host, please visit her website at: https://alexandraamor.com/
Check out "It’s a mystery podcast": https://alexandraamor.com/podcast-its-a-mystery/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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/
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
It was an absolute pleasure to discuss Jamie DeWolf’s lineage with Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard, his great grandfather. Jamie offers so much, guiding us through his history within his family and the incredible insights he’s developed throughout the years as he sorts through his own conclusions and decisions about life. This is part 2 of our interview at the Project Hope Podcast!
Check out Jamie’s website to find out about all the interesting projects he’s involved with.
https://www.jamiedewolf.com
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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/
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
It was an absolute pleasure to discuss Jamie DeWolf’s lineage with Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard, his great grandfather. Jamie offers so much, guiding us through his history within his family and the incredible insights he’s developed throughout the years as he sorts through his own conclusions and decisions about life. This is part 1 of our interview at the Project Hope Podcast!
Check out Jamie’s website to find out about all the interesting projects he’s involved with.
https://www.jamiedewolf.com
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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/
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Elise Borow shares her survivor story, shared verbally for the first time on this podcast and it is certainly filled with hope! Elise is a beautiful soul, mom of 3, and survivor of trauma and abuse. She was raised in a high demand religious environment, was sent to the New Haven Treatment Center as a teen, and found her way back home to herself through her own inner spiritual calling. In her own words, in her online survivor statement she says, “I'm breaking generational curses and speaking out in hopes that just one person finds the strength to face and conquer their own traumas.” There are many ways to listen to her story but at its essence you will feel her heart, her faith and the perseverance of the human spirit.
It’s possible that this episode may contain triggering content for listeners so please know that as you proceed.
Andey Fellowes came across Teal Swan during a vulnerable place in his life. In this 2 part interview, we explore Teal Swan's following as well as Andey's personal experience as part of the Teal Tribe. We begin to unpack how he became deeply involved as well as his path to leaving. Andey provides us with insight into the world of internet cults through his own experience and also speaks to many of the principals found in these groups.
Andey has a robust youtube following for those interested in, as he puts it, ‘cults, skepticism, and making sense of life after new age spirituality’.
Resources for Andey:
Subscribe to Andey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLC-0NwA1uJ_YpsyQFslJtg/
Follow Andey on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/AndeyTheFellow
Support Andey on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/andeyfellowes
Links for more inquiry into Teal Swan:
Andey Fellowes’s video playlist on Teal Swan and Teal Tribe: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVPWy3pctDske_mQ5T5clckZjAZy5X0lQ
A podcast docu-series called ‘The Gateway’ about Teal Swan and Teal Tribe:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/panoply/the-gateway-2
A short BBC video on Teal Swan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKsPnKlZRS0
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.
For more information on the Project Hope Podcast:
https://www.jennifer-french.com/project-hope-podcast
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Andey Fellowes came across Teal Swan during a vulnerable place in his life. In this 2 part interview, we explore Teal Swan's following as well as Andey's personal experience as part of the Teal Tribe. We begin to unpack how he became deeply involved as well as his path to leaving. Andey provides us with insight into the world of internet cults through his own experience and also speaks to many of the principals found in these groups.
Andey has a robust youtube following for those interested in, as he puts it, ‘cults, skepticism, and making sense of life after new age spirituality’.
Resources for Andey:
Subscribe to Andey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLC-0NwA1uJ_YpsyQFslJtg/
Follow Andey on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/AndeyTheFellow
Support Andey on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/andeyfellowes
Links for more inquiry into Teal Swan:
Andey Fellowes’s video playlist on Teal Swan and Teal Tribe: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVPWy3pctDske_mQ5T5clckZjAZy5X0lQ
A podcast docu-series called ‘The Gateway’ about Teal Swan and Teal Tribe:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/panoply/the-gateway-2
A short BBC video on Teal Swan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKsPnKlZRS0
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.
For more information on the Project Hope Podcast:
https://www.jennifer-french.com/project-hope-podcast
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Jennifer reads the story of how she got into the Order of Christ Sophia (OCS) aka Centers of Light. Jennifer brings her personal story to listeners so that you can get to know her as the host of the Project Hope Podcast and in hopes that her story might help others.
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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
Article on why the Order of Christ Sophia (OCS) aka Center of Light is a cult:
https://cultnews.com/2012/07/order-of-christ-sophia-has-become-a-dangerous-and-destructive-organization/
Click here for more information on the Project Hope Podcast.
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Pamela Dyson (aka Premka within the Kundalini Yoga community) released a book at the beginning of 2020 called Premka: White Bird in a Golden Cage. The book has since sent the Kundalini Yoga community into a time of reflection and story sharing as many accounts of abuse have been uncovered since Pamela opened up about her personal experience with Yogi Bhajan.
For more information on Pamela and her amazing memoir "White Bird in a Golden Cage. My Life with Yogi Bhajan": https://www.premkamemoir.com/
To read the letter that Tej Steiner wrote in 1998: https://www.docdroid.net/YkDxeMh/letter-to-yogi-bhajan-pdf
For more on the Diamond Approach, mentioned by Pamela in the interview: https://www.diamondapproach.org/
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. For more information, please visit her website, Jennifer-French.com.
Click here for more information on the Project Hope Podcast.
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench
Jennifer reads the story of how she got out of the Order of Christ Sophia (OCS) aka Centers of Light. Jennifer brings her personal story to listeners so that you can get to know her as the host of the Project Hope Podcast and in hopes that her story might help others.
Jennifer is a mental health counselor located in the Los Angeles area, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) as the primary modality of psychotherapy that she uses with clients. Jennifer will graduate with her second Masters degree in 2021 in the Psychology of Coercive Control. She works both across the US and internationally with those seeking insight and healing. 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
Article on why the Order of Christ Sophia (OCS) aka Center of Light is a cult:
https://cultnews.com/2012/07/order-of-christ-sophia-has-become-a-dangerous-and-destructive-organization/
Click here for more information on the Project Hope Podcast.
If you would like to be on the PH Podcast or have any inquiries regarding the show, please email, projecthopepodcast@jennifer-french.com.
To check out Pure Haven: https://purehaven.com/jenniferfrench