How We Escaped

Rob Drake
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Bimonthly

How We Escaped is a podcast about leaving and becoming. Our compelling interviews highlight the quiet decisions, the breaking points, and the brave exits that changed everything—and will inspire others to take control of their own lives. Visit www.HowWeEscaped.com for more episodes.

Episodes

  1. It Will Be Worth It All: Nate Shares His Story of Growing Up in IBLP

    1d ago

    It Will Be Worth It All: Nate Shares His Story of Growing Up in IBLP

    Nate's parents loved him. They weren't abusive. Nobody was drinking. Nobody was yelling. From the outside — and often from the inside — it looked like a good home. But IBLP had quietly shaped everything about it: what they studied, how they spoke, how morality was defined, and who held authority over whom. As the oldest child, Nate learned from an early age to keep the peace, perform goodness, and make sure everyone was happy. If something went wrong, it was probably his fault. If something felt wrong, it was probably a spiritual attack. Nate didn't know how much that mindset had cost him until decades later, when Shiny Happy People — the documentary about the Duggar family — cracked something open that he didn't even know was there. This episode is about what was buried, how it got there, and what it has taken — slowly, imperfectly — to dig it back out. And what he would say now to that little boy who spent his whole childhood performing goodness for a watching world — if only that boy could hear him. ACA WebsiteThe How We Escaped Podcast Website: ⁠HowWeEscaped.com⁠Music Credits: Please ⁠click here ⁠with a special thanks to Kevin McleodIt Will Be Worth It All Clip - Click Here Church Bells at Blauvac, France by iainmccurdy -- https://freesound.org/s/768840/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Approx 5000-Crowd Noise.wav by lonemonk -- https://freesound.org/s/100840/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    1h 24m
  2. We Are Not Alone - Mini Episode - A Brief Chat with Ufologist Kathleen Marden

    May 14 ·  Bonus

    We Are Not Alone - Mini Episode - A Brief Chat with Ufologist Kathleen Marden

    Kathleen Marden joins me for this mini episode to discuss how UFO research has evolved since the landmark Betty and Barney Hill abduction case of 1961. She shares what it takes to become a UFO investigator and we explore whether we're getting closer to uncovering the truth about extraterrestrial life and unidentified aerial phenomena — especially in light of President Trump's executive order to declassify top secret UFO files. If you haven't heard our episode on the Betty and Barney Hill UFO Abduction, please click here to listen to it now. Click here to visit Kathleen Marden's website. Click here to visit the How We Escaped Website. Instagram Facebook Youtube Music credits and licenses are here. A special thanks to Kevin Mcleod for his awesome collection of music which you can see at http://incompetech.com./

    10 min
  3. Abducted! The Betty & Barney Hill UFO Story

    May 8

    Abducted! The Betty & Barney Hill UFO Story

    What really happened on that New Hampshire  dirt road in 1961? Kathleen Marden — niece of Betty Hill and leading UFO researcher — joins us to unpack one of the most investigated and contested UFO abuction cases in history. Drawing from her book and a lifetime of personal access to her aunt’s testimony, letters, and memories, Kathleen shares details that never made the headlines — and why she believes the Hills’ account deserves to be taken seriously. If you’ve ever been curious, skeptical, or simply fascinated by the unknown, this conversation will leave you questioning what you thought you knew.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ --------------------------------------------------------- Kathleen's Book (Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience): https://amzn.to/4d1h2ty Kathleen's Website: Kathleen-Marden.com The How We Escaped Podcast Website: HowWeEscaped.com Music Credits: Please click here with a special thanks to Kevin Mcleod Sound Effects: Space Interferance by LaurenPonder -- https://freesound.org/s/635663/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 ufo_atmosphere.wav by Erratic -- https://freesound.org/s/235/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Tv_radio_static.wav by OwennewO -- https://freesound.org/s/524109/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

    1h 23m
  4. Mini Episode with Amanda Briggs - Working in the IBLP Training Centers

    Apr 23 ·  Bonus

    Mini Episode with Amanda Briggs - Working in the IBLP Training Centers

    In ⁠Episode 7 (Burning the Cabbage Patch Kids),⁠ Amanda shared her story of growing up in the world of Bill Gothard and the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). In this mini episode, she shares a story that was cut for time in Episode 7—about her time working in IBLP training centers, from Oak Brook, Illinois, to the Northwoods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You can listen to Amanda's podcast - The Cult I Left Behind - ⁠here⁠. Amanda's website is ⁠here⁠. Visit ⁠HowWeEscaped.com⁠ for more episodes. Credits: "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Please note that AI generated images may be used in some of our episode cover art

    7 min
  5. Burning the Cabbage Patch Kids - Growing Up in the World of Bill Gothard and IBLP

    Apr 17

    Burning the Cabbage Patch Kids - Growing Up in the World of Bill Gothard and IBLP

    In this episode, I interview Amanda Briggs, co-host of The Cult I Left Behind, about her childhood inside IBLP — the controlling fundamentalist organization led by Bill Gothard and tied to the Duggar family. Amanda shares jaw-dropping stories of growing up under its fear-driven rules, including being made to burn her Cabbage Patch dolls in a backyard barrel and enduring years of abuse. Listener discretion is advised. You can listen to Amanda's podcast - The Cult I Left Behind - here. Amanda's website is here. Visit HowWeEscaped.com for more episodes. Credits: AI was used to generate the cover image. "SpringThaw" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License "TranquilityBase" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License "SpacialHarvest" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Despair andTriumph" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  "Rites"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Crypto"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  "Rites"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  "Thunderbird"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  "Dragon and Toast" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  "March of the Mind" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Colorless Aura" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  "Garden Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Promises to Keep" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Water Lily" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  "Reawakening" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Sardana" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Leaving Home" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Concentration"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Heart of Nowhere" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Decisions" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “Ether Vox” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “ComfortableMystery 3” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind — https://freesound.org/s/341541/ — License: Attribution 4.0 Brief Cabbage Patch music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRhc5Pima10 Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    1h 31m
  6. In the Wolf's Den: Ten Years Inside a Canadian Cult

    Apr 3

    In the Wolf's Den: Ten Years Inside a Canadian Cult

    Alexandra Amor spent nearly a decade inside a high-control group in Vancouver, Canada — one that began, innocently enough, as a meditation class. In this episode, Alexandra recounts how a charismatic Austrian leader named Limori slowly tightened her grip on the group's members, manipulating their relationships and decisions. Drawing from her memoir, Cult: A Love Story, Alexandra traces her years within the group and the long road that eventually led her to freedom. Alexandra's Book: https://amzn.to/4v4zB73 Show Website: HowWeEscaped.com ------------------------------------------------- Credits: AI was used to generate the cover image. Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 "Lightless Dawn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Bittersweet" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Rites" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Thunderbird" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Concentration" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Crypto" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Soaring" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Shores of Avalon" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Spacial Harvest" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Private Reflection" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Come Play with Me" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Despair and Triumph" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Anguish" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Rumination" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Tranquility Base" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Almost Bliss" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Mesmerize" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Dark Fog" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind -- https://freesound.org/s/341541/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    1h 17m
  7. The 13-Year-Old and the Big Wave: Surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

    Mar 20

    The 13-Year-Old and the Big Wave: Surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

    We are joined by Monica Connelly, who survived one of the most devastating natural disasters in modern history. At just thirteen years old, while vacationing with her family in Thailand, Monica found herself on the beach as the Indian Ocean tsunami struck—nearly losing her life to the massive wave. Tragically, more than 250,000 people would perish on that day. In this episode, Monica shares her experience as we discuss her book, Surviving a Tsunami at Thirteen. Get Monica's book here: ⁠⁠ https://amzn.to/47bpjYs (affiliate link). Visit our show's website: ⁠⁠⁠HowWeEscaped.com⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------- Credits: AI was used to generate the cover image. "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind -- https://freesound.org/s/341541/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Dramatic Ambient.mp3 by SoundFlakes -- https://freesound.org/s/435766/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Windy Dramatic Drone Cinematic Atmo.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/585148/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 relaxation music #2.mp3 by ZHRØ -- https://freesound.org/s/520674/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Jungle tribal hut - Jungle Cinematic Tribal Drums Cajon Synth Atmo Music Background Drama.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/595750/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Sad Alone Orchestra Strings Vocal Choir Drama Noise music Mood Surround.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/609647/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 "Constance" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Decisions" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Heavy Heart" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Constancy Part Two" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Lonesome Angel by SondreDrakensson -- https://freesound.org/s/543623/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 harp heaven.wav by X3nus -- https://freesound.org/s/476782/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Long Time Waiting - Strings String Solo Orchestra Orchestral Sad Dark Mood Drama Synth Atmo Music Surround.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/610996/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 "Ascending the Vale" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Dark loops 213  piano without melody long loop 60 bpm.wav by josefpres -- https://freesound.org/s/586138/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Dark Night - Piano Sad Mood Drama Slow Chill Thriller Cinematic Experimental Modern Atmo Music Surround.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/610640/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Dramatic hopeful guitar by Destructo20 -- https://freesound.org/s/714392/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 "Angel Share" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Sea waves on the beach, some seagulls in background by felix.blume -- https://freesound.org/s/500171/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Please note that AI generated images may be used in some of our episode cover art

    51 min
  8. The Hole in The Plane: Escaping a Terrifying In-Flight Incident

    Mar 6

    The Hole in The Plane: Escaping a Terrifying In-Flight Incident

    This episode features Shari Peterson, author of The View from 13F. She shares her powerful story of surviving a terrifying 1989 in-flight incident when a cargo door ripped off the aircraft, tearing a massive hole near her seat and tragically claiming the lives of nine passengers. Remarkably, she boarded the same model of aircraft the very next day to continue to her destination and complete her work assignment. -------------------------------------------- Get Shari's book here: ⁠https://amzn.to/3MLWZoF (affiliate link) Visit Shari's website: ⁠https://sharipetersonauthor.com/ Visit our show's website: ⁠⁠HowWeEscaped.com⁠⁠ -------------------------------------- Credits: "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind -- https://freesound.org/s/341541/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Airplane security announcement right before taking off by bassimat -- https://freesound.org/s/826388/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

    1h 45m
  9. An Everyday Cult: Eighteen Years Inside a High-Control Group

    Feb 20

    An Everyday Cult: Eighteen Years Inside a High-Control Group

    Gerette Buglion spent eighteen years searching for meaning within a manipulative, controlling group led by a man who claimed he could see into her soul through her dreams. She shares her story in her book An Everyday Cult. In this episode, Gerette opens up about her experience inside the group and reveals how she finally found the strength to break free. -------------------------------------------- Get Gerette's book here: https://amzn.to/4rSPQl8 (affiliate link) Visit Gerette's website: https://www.gerettebuglion.com/ Visit our show's website: ⁠HowWeEscaped.com⁠ -------------------------------------- Credits: "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind -- https://freesound.org/s/341541/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Farm Land Ambiance in Morning 0957 150405_0586 by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/813489/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    1h 48m
  10. Campfire Girl: Escaping the 2018 California Camp Fire

    Feb 6

    Campfire Girl: Escaping the 2018 California Camp Fire

    Erin Rhatigan was living and working in Paradise, California, when the most devastating wildfire in California history, the Camp Fire, tore through the town in 2018. In this episode, she shares her harrowing story of escape, as recounted in her book Campfire Girl: My Story of Survival and Recovery from the Deadly 2018 Wildfire Called the Camp Fire Get Erin's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bBqEuA (affiliate link) Visit our show's website: ⁠HowWeEscaped.com⁠ -------------------------------------- Credits: "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind -- https://freesound.org/s/341541/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

    1h 39m
  11. The Nameless Church: Born into a High-Control Group with No Name

    Feb 4

    The Nameless Church: Born into a High-Control Group with No Name

    Deborah was born into a nameless church — a high-control group that rejected labels, claiming they were simply “saints gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” In this episode, Deborah recounts her years inside this insular community and traces the difficult path that ultimately led her to freedom. Visit our show's website: HowWeEscaped.com -------------------------------------- Credits: "Ether Vox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed underCreative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "ComfortableMystery 3" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Beautiful AmbientMelody by PatrickLieberkind -- https://freesound.org/s/341541/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Escape to a Peaceful World with Sunny Dream: A warm, Relaxation Song by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/532935/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 CALL FROM JAPAN AIRLINES IN LAX AIRPORT by _CAZAPROD_ --https://freesound.org/s/432060/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

    1h 58m
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

How We Escaped is a podcast about leaving and becoming. Our compelling interviews highlight the quiet decisions, the breaking points, and the brave exits that changed everything—and will inspire others to take control of their own lives. Visit www.HowWeEscaped.com for more episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Drake
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rob Drake
  • Show Website
    How We Escaped

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