DisAllusioned Podcast

Ari Sherwood

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SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a variety of viewpoints, discussions, and survivor testimonies. Watch every Sunday

FEB 10

The Cult of Mike Woroniecki: Beyond Andrea Yates

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with David De La Isla about his experiences with Michael Woroniecke, the leader of a cult that has been linked to the tragic case of Andrea Yates, as well as Ari Sherwood's family. David shares his journey of being drawn into the cult during his college years, the psychological manipulation tactics employed, and the unique nature of his cult. Ari and David discuss the impact of Woroniecki's teachings on individuals, particularly women, and the ongoing influence of his family in perpetuating the cult's ideology. The conversation highlights personal experiences, the role of social media, and the necessity of community support for those recovering from cult influence. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Like and subscribe for more cult survivor stories. Reach out to David De La Isla: Instagram: https://instagram.com/DavidKDeLaIsla Follow DisAllusioned Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/ Follow Intrinsic Agency: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/ #cult #cultsurvivors #andreayates #evangelicalism

1h 31m
JAN 26

Censored by Chaos: Free Speech in a Climate of Violence?

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood and Jay discuss a range of pressing issues, including the state of press freedom, government censorship, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. They explore the implications of algorithms on information control, the social contract between citizens and their government, and the importance of self-defense and advocacy in maintaining rights in the age of ICE. The conversation also touches on the cult of personality in politics and the uncertain future of democracy in America. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more cult survivor stories. Follow DisAllusioned Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/ Follow Intrinsic Agency: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/ #cult #cultsurvivor #fascism #coercivecontrol #censorship

1h 2m
JAN 19

Adopted into Control: Growing Up in a Family Cult

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood speaks with Taylor Lucas, a survivor of a small family cult. Taylor shares their complex journey of being adopted by the same family she was born into, the psychological and emotional abuse she endured, and their path to understanding their identity and breaking free from the cult dynamics. The conversation delves into themes of narcissism, the impact of religion, and the struggle for self-expression in a controlling environment. Taylor's story highlights the challenges faced by those who grow up in such environments and the long-lasting effects of psychological manipulation. Tayler emphasizes the importance of awareness and education regarding cult dynamics, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ community. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Please subscribe for more cult survivor content. Follow Taylor Lucas: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tayler.lucas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayler.lucas.drag/ Follow DisAllusioned Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/ Follow Intrinsic Agency: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/#cultsurvivor #familydynamics #cults #dragqueen #lgbtq #coercivecontrol

1h 26m
JAN 12

Unraveling: The Andrea Yates Case and the Cult Behind the Killer

In this episode of the DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood delves into the harrowing case of Andrea Yates, who infamously drowned her five children in 2001. The discussion centers around the influence of cult leader Mike Woroniecki on Yates and the broader implications of cult dynamics on mental health and family structures. Sherwood shares personal insights from her own experiences with her parents being ex-members of this cult, emphasizing the need for awareness and discussion about the dangers posed by such groups. The episode also highlights the recent HBO Max documentary that sheds light on these issues, aiming to bring justice and closure to the victims and their families. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Please subscribe for more cult survivor content. Follow DisAllusioned Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/ Follow Intrinsic Agency: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/ #andreayates #coercivecontrol #cultleader #fundamentalism #cults #podcast #survivorstories

19 min
12/29/2025

I Married a Guru: Surviving a Yoga Cult

In this episode of DisAllusioned Podcast, join host Ari Sherwood as she sits down with Joelle Tamraz, author of the book "The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga". Joelle shares her experience joining a yoga cult, and marrying the guru. She details the manipulative tactics employed by her guru, and the complex dynamics of relationships within the cult. She discusses the unique practices of Agni Yoga, the indoctrination through meditation, and the financial exploitation that often accompanies such groups. Joelle reflects on her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of reclaiming her identity after leaving the cult, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and awareness in spiritual practices. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Subscribe for more stories of survival and recovering from coercive control. Follow Joelle Tamraz: Joelle's Website: https://joelletamraz.com/ Substack: https://joelletamraz.substack.com/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@joelletamraz Follow DisAllusioned Podcast:TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/Follow Intrinsic Agency:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/

1h 30m
12/14/2025

Elise's Journey from Assemblies of God: Institutional Corruption and Her Fight for Change

Join Ari Sherwood on the DisAllusioned Podcast as she interviews Elise Delamare, a former minister and survivor of the Assemblies of God Church. Elise shares her compelling journey from feeling called to ministry at a young age, facing challenges within the church, such as negative perceptions of women in ministry, leading to her involvement in the Assemblies of God church. Elise discusses the intensive ministry boot camp, demanding hours, and tactics of coercive control utilized within the church. Discover her path to healing and advocacy as she exposes the hidden truths and seeks change within religious institutions. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience and the pursuit of truth. Thank you for watching DisAllusioned Podcast! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more discussions with survivors of coercive control. Follow Elise Delamare: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truth.in.the.sanctuary AG Anonymous: AGAnonymous.com If you have been a victim of affiliates of Assemblies of God church and would like to submit your story, please contact Elise at AGanonymousstories@gmail.com Follow DisAllusioned Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/ Follow Intrinsic Agency: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/ #religiousabuse #religioustrauma #coercivecontrol #healing #resilience #womeninministry #religiouscult #survivorstories #podcast

1h 14m
12/07/2025

Cult Survivors and Storytelling: Pressures, Ethics, and Perfectionism

In the season 3 premiere of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound responsibility of sharing cult survivor stories. As podcasters and producers, it's crucial to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our guests, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for them to share their experiences. This episode explores the ethical considerations of interviewing survivors, emphasizing the importance of providing resources, respecting each individual's readiness to tell their story, and the importance for survivors to take care of their well being first. Join us as she discusses the delicate balance of advocacy, storytelling, and putting the survivor's needs first. #cultsurvivor #cults #podcast #coercivecontrol #cultrecovery #mentalhealth #survivorstories #survivor #ethics

18 min
08/24/2025

Who am I? Figuring out your Identity after a Cult Experience

In the season 2 finale of DisAllusioned Podcast, host Ari Sherwood dives into the profound challenges cult survivors encounter as they strive to reclaim their identities. Through personal reflections and insightful interviews, Ari explores the journey from indoctrination to self-discovery, highlighting the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs and embrace one's true self. She explores the deep impact of coercive control on personal identity, and the struggle to reclaim decision-making abilities. Ari emphasizes the importance of individual stories while reminding listeners that they are so much more than their past experiences. Thank you for watching season 2 of DisAllusioned Podcast! If you are a survivor of coercive control and ready to share you story, please feel free to contact Ari Sherwood at: DisAllusionedPodcast@gmail.com. Follow DisAllusioned Podcast: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@intrinsicagency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disallusioned_podcast/ Follow Intrinsic Agency: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicagency/ #cults #cultsurvivor #identity #philosophy #cultrecovery #autonomy

29 min

Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a variety of viewpoints, discussions, and survivor testimonies. Watch every Sunday

Creator

Ari Sherwood
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

33
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Ari Sherwood
Show Website

DisAllusioned Podcast