TV Star Bethany Joy Lenz On Lessons Learned Escaping A Cult & Narcissistic Abuse: “I Had To Forgive Myself”

One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz knows a lot about cults – from personal and professional experience. While she stared in a show about cults, Bethany found herself in the Big House Family church covenant, a bible study group-turned-cult that isolated her from her family

and peers.

Joining a cult is much easier than you might think, and incredibly smart people join cults often. According to Bethany, cults like the one she joined prey on your desire for community, approval, and deep conversation. They use these desires as tools to isolate. But any narcissist will use the same tools, so it’s important to recognize them at work, in family, and in relationships.

Hear Bethany’s journey to recovery in her faith and relationships, and learn how she redefined her life.

• 05:06 Craving Approval From Others
• 07:24 When Community Becomes A Cult
• 12:57 Isolation and Rebuilding Relationships
• 18:31 How Narcissists Gain Your Respect
• 22:13 Us vs. Them Mentality
• 26:35 Learning How To Apologize
• 29:33 Relearning Relationships
• 33:08 Brutal Honesty

For more from Joy, follow her at @msbethanyjoylenz or her podcast, Drama Queens, at @dramaqueensoth. Find her new memoir, Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!) where books are sold. 

Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz’s new book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now! 

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If you like this episode, check out How To Identify & Deal with Narcissistic Parents, Romantic Partners, Coworkers/Bosses & More with Dr. Ramani Durvasula.

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The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.

Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast. 

This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

The Liz Moody Podcast Episode 283.

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