A podcast about cults, extreme belief, and manipulation – from two hosts who’ve actually lived it. Hosted by Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth. Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or manipulation? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at Trust Me Pod @gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast
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The Matadoras; Break free from toxic relationships, abuse, and manipulation
Elizabeth Jane and Deana Lynn
Two unlikely friends who were married to the same man share their stories about sexual addiction, lying, cheating, financial abuse, betrayal, manipulation , narcissistic behavior, and living a double life.
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Welcome to 'Manipulation Games: Psychology & Marketing,' a podcast that explores the intricate dance between the human psyche and the world of marketing. Join hosts Gene and Darren as they explore how psychological principles influence marketing strategies, and vice versa, revealing the subtle art of persuasion that shapes our decisions and behaviors. Each episode of 'Manipulation Games' will take you on a journey through fascinating topics at the intersection of psychology and marketing. Fr ...
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Carolyn Costin - The Link Between Cults and Eating Disorders
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FOR OUR 200th EPISODE, we are joined by eating disorder therapist, author, and expert Carolyn Costin to discuss her own experiences that led to her starting her practice, why so many cults control the eating habits of their members, why having an eating disorder is like having a little cult leader in your brain, and how Carolyn helped Meagan with h…
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Have you ever grieved over a situation or a loved one and wished so badly that you would have done things differently? Do you agonize that maybe another choice would have changed this terrible situation? In this episode, Lizzie and Deana discuss some real life situations, analyzing the ways that unhealthy grieving can keep you stuck, and stall the …
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Starting a Cult: The Psychological Tactics High Control Groups Use To Terminate Thought
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We explore cults and the thought terminating tactics they use to manipulate and control those trapped within them. You'll learn about red flags to look out for, and how to draw the line between a dangerous cult tactics or cultish behavior. You'll also learn to answer the simple question, "Are you in a cult?" by outlining the cult tactics that cause…
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Yoni Shrira, Part 2 - Hard Labor, Isolation, Running Away, and a Dark Legacy
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Today is part 2 of our interview with Yoni Shrira, former student at the Family Foundation School, also known as Allynwood, the remote troubled teen program known for a series of lawsuits brought against it as well as over a hundred deaths from overdose or suicide by its former attendees. Last week, we talked about how and why Yoni ended up in the …
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Today our guest is Yoni Shrira, friend of the show and survivor of the Family Foundation School, a troubled teen sobriety school that became notorious for how many of its former students died after going through the program. In part one today, he’s going to talk about what he was like as a teenager, how he was genuinely out of control when it came …
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Join us today with special guest Bre Wolta who became a Relationship Clarity Coach, and began "Lucid Living" after her own difficult journey with a toxic narcissist. In today's episode, Bre will highlight the 3 elements women need in their life when healing from narcissistic abuse to go from feeling confused and full of guilt to confident and deser…
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Tory Hess - From Second Life to Wilderness Commune
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Today our guest is Tory Hess, former member of a small rural group in upstate New York she calls Crazyland. She tells us about how she always loved reading and fantasy growing up, never went to public school, and didn’t connect easily with folks in real life when she was young, and how she found connection in the online gaming community Second Life…
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Join Lizzie and Deana as they address the challenges faced during the holiday season, particularly for those in abusive relationships, those who are separated, and those with blended families. We discuss the increase in domestic violence during the holidays, the importance of emotional and physical safety, and how to help your children during the s…
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REWIND: Jay Van Bavel - Groupthink, Social Identity, and Cult Psychology
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Groups!... I did it again. Jay Van Bavel, NYU Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, Director of the Social Identity and Morality Lab, and co-author of The Power Of Us, discusses how our social identities change depending on our environment and context, how the groups we identify with affect our decisions and perception, and the impo…
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Ever thought about the role an abuser's friends and family play in the cycle of harm? Join us with returning guests Tiffany and Alexis as they reveal their powerful stories of re-victimization—not just from the abuser, but from those who stood by their side. Check out our website! Thematadoras.com Drop us a line, anytime! Thematadoras@gmail.com Lik…
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Bethany Joy Lenz - One Tree Hill, a Secret Cult, and Living a Double Life
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Today our guest is actor, musician, and now author Bethany Joy Lenz, whom we will just call Joy. Joy was the star of hit TV show One Tree Hill, and today she’s going to talk to us about how she was in a Christian cult the whole time she was filming the show. She’ll tell us about her upbringing and her career as a young actor, living in LA on her ow…
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Episode #36:Bright Minds, Dark Deceptions: How Even the Smartest Get Fooled by Narcissists
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Join us today for Jen's story. Jen is a highly accomplished, ultra bright PH.D educator who fell for a Narc. Her message to you is that it doesn't matter how smart or educated you are....we all have vulnerabilities! Oh, and stick around for the SURPRISE REVEAL at the end!!! Check out our website! Thematadoras.com Drop us a line, anytime! Thematador…
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Today, our guest is a friend who we'll call Anne. We discuss the connection between psychosis and cults, the mental changes Anne experienced when her episode started, the delusions that grew stronger, how she felt like she was communicating with spirits, the paranoia that grew inside her, and how a psychiatric mental health professional helped pull…
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Unlocking Charisma: How Power and Warmth Can Develop Irrational Influence Through Emotional Resonance
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We discuss the psychology of charisma on the topic of "Becoming Magnetic" We break down the enigmatic qualities that make some people irresistibly charismatic and others struggle to connect, despite being equally capable or talented. Emotional Resonance & Charisma, the art of influence isn't always logical! If you've ever wondered why certain indiv…
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REWIND: Jitarth Jadeja - Former QAnon Believer
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Episode 15: Lola and Meagan interview Jitarth Jadeja, former QAnon believer. He tells the girls about how, despite being Australian, he first was a Bernie supporter, then shifted his support to Trump before becoming obsessed with conspiracy theories. They discuss the two years of his life in which he believed in Q, the moment he realized it was all…
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Gareth Gore - Opus Dei, Human Trafficking, & Project 2025
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Today our guest is Gareth Gore, journalist and author whose new book Opus is about Opus Dei, an ultra-conservative Catholic sect, its harmful practices, its history of dark money, and its connections to modern day right-wing American politics. Gareth shares how he came to this story while investigating the shady practices at a bank in Spain, the hi…
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What gives you value? What makes you feel proud of yourself? What do you do that makes you feel confident? What actions in your life cause you to hate who you are? Are there areas in your life that rob you of becoming your ideal self? Join Lizzie and Deana for some thoughtful musings about becoming the best version of yourself, versus giving in to …
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Norah - Girls Night In: L.A. Facebook Group Gone Culty
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Today our guest is a woman whom we’ll call Norah. She tells us about a Facebook group for women in Los Angeles that ended up getting very culty. We’ll talk about why it was exciting in the beginning to connect with other women in a new way, how other subgroups began to form (including one secret, exclusive one) and how the admin, who we’ll call Viv…
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Demetria, Part 2 - Twin Ray Mysticism, Spiritual Retreats, and the Necessity of Rage
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Today is part two with Demetria, survivor of the Oregon new age cult, Twin Ray. This week she shares more about the wild claims that the leaders made about their mystical backgrounds, how deeply rooted the culture of self blame was (including blaming one woman for her own cancer), and the massive property they purchased in Oregon which was financed…
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Becoming Someone Else: Personas, Alter Egos, Masquerades, and Playing the Fool
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We dig deep into the transformative power of personas, masks, and alter egos. Discover how becoming someone else can actually lead you to your most authentic self and help you break through psychological barriers holding you back. Episode Highlights: 1. Ego Protection & Freedom from Being Yourself - Historical Significance of Masks: Explore how mas…
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Join Lizzie and I with our special guest Trish from "The TLC". Trish shares her story about being in an abusive relationship, and having to plan her exit for years in order to leave safely, and with the ability to support herself & her family. After leaving, Trish started her new life and a valuable mission helping women start their own businesses …
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Demetria, Part 1 - Online Gurus, Mysterious Elixirs, and Joining the Twin Ray Cult
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Today we're joined by Demetria, survivor of an Oregon new age group called Twin Ray (not to be confused with Twin Flames). She describes the beginning of her spiritual journey including reading the works of Eckhart Tolle, how one specific online guru captured her imagination, and how this guru's partner made the claim that they were Twin Rays with …
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Joelle Tamraz, Part 2 - Meeting The Elders, Emotional Manipulation, and Moving On
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This week is part two of a fascinating discussion with Joelle Tamraz, author of The Secret Practice: 18 Years on the Dark Side of Yoga. The story gets more wild! Joelle shares how her spiritual partner, Arun, became her husband, and how he brought her deeper into his world, including the strange visions he revealed to her. PLUS, the financial abuse…
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Joelle Tamraz, Part 1 - Traveling to India, Meeting a Swami, and "Past Lives"
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Today is part one of our interview with Joelle Tamraz, author of the book The Secret Practice: 18 Years on the Dark Side of Yoga. She will tell us about her introduction to different yoga practices at a young age including TM, or transcendental meditation, the hunger she felt for a deeper spirituality that landed her in India when she was fresh out…
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Lizzie and Deana chat about what they have been up to, special guests that have been on the show, and some exciting upcoming events for our listeners! Check out our website! Thematadoras.com Drop us a line, anytime! Thematadoras@gmail.com Like and follow us on YouTube, Tik Tok, and Instagram @thematadoras We would love to have you join us on our pu…
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Sara Teitelman - The Culty Elements of Technology
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Today’s guest is Sara Teitelman, tech consultant and author of a forthcoming book about tech who’s going to talk to us about the culty elements of technology. While Sara’s specialty lies more in optimization of the nonprofit workplace, we’re going to have more of a philosophical discussion about how we’re expected to just trust in our tech overlord…
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In part 2 of our interview with Min Zhou, survivor of the Cultural Revolution and Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies at UCLA, we’re going to talk more about Professor Zhou’s personal experience. We’ll discuss why her dad was a target of the Red Guards, what it felt like knowing her family was in danger at such a young a…
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Episode #32: My Ex Tracked Me, Stalked Me, And Hired People To Hurt Me (So Why Am I Thankful?)
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Join Lizzie and I to uncover Sally's riveting story of the Ex who did everything he could to isolate, dominate, and control her, even hiring a hit man posing as a landscaper, to end her life. After all of this horrible-ness, Sally is actually thankful for the experience, as she re-framed it, saw it for what it was, and used this as the foundation f…
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Unlocking Hypnosis: Influence and Marketing Techniques Using the Power of Descriptive Language
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Gene and Darren explore the real-world impact of hypnosis, explaining how it works and how it's used in both therapy and marketing. We look into the science behind neuroplasticity and show how vivid, descriptive language can guide people into certain emotional states, making them more open to suggestions and influence. We also discuss how hypnosis …
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Today is part one with Min Zhou, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies at UCLA, who also grew up during the Cultural Revolution: a decade of social chaos in China in the 1960s and 1970s where intellectuals, artists, and anyone perceived as representing capitalism or the "old ways" were persecuted and murdered in the hundre…
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Today's special guest is Sam from SafeHeart Connections. Sam shares her deeply painful story of low self-esteem and vulnerability, which led her to continually choose unhealthy, abusive relationships. Join us for this beautiful tale of how we can all change our choices, and begin to embrace the beautiful, safe, loving path that waits for us. Check …
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Tia Levings, Part 2 - Questioning Fundamentalism, Motherhood, and the Dangers of Christian Nationalism
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In part 2 with Tia Levings, author of A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, Tia she discusses how, in the midst of a church-sanctioned abusive relationship, motherhood began to change her beliefs - at first making her more zealous. She’ll talk about how her time trying to save her baby in the children’s hospital, plus working wi…
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