WhaTheFlok?! “Cult Survival Stories” 

Hoyt Richards & Chele Roland
WhaTheFlok?! “Cult Survival Stories” 

Cultic relationships are EVERYWHERE! We’ve all been affected at some point by a controlling or abusive group or person, and Hoyt and Chele are the perfect examples of what it means to go from “victim to survivor to thriver.” Our hosts were both leaders in their different, but equally destructive cults, and between them, they have 37 years worth of harrowing tales and vantage points. Not only will they bring on experts and courageous guests to share their own cult survival stories, but they will be peeling back all the messy layers, to expose the underbelly of how cults use indoctrination. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

  1. After Hours Edition | The Right Alice Part 2

    JUL 18

    After Hours Edition | The Right Alice Part 2

    We thought that in describing this particular episode, we would give you updates on the lawsuits happening against the ICOC and the ICC cults. First, the Los Angeles ICOC and the ICC said they were “Shocked and Appalled,” and that if any ‘alleged’ abuse happened, it was a long time ago and they knew nothing about it. Which were blatant and cowardly lies, as so many of the leaders in the ICOC & ICC have been involved, or had multiple cases of abuse reported to them over the course of decades. Then as more and more cases were reported and filed, they said that they were ‘looking into matters’ and would get to the bottom of it and were putting together a “task force.” Next, the LA ICOC hired a strategic “third-party investigator,” which was actually an Orange County lawyer that they had also hired three years ago to once again squash sexual abuse cases that were being reported to them in 2021. This was just more despicable and strategic smokescreens. As all of their deceit and coverups were failing, they were also filing motions to attack the legally filed cases and the victims, claiming statute issues, and trying to get the cases thrown out. Only further traumatizing their victims. Do they think that the 2000 people who have reported abuse are all lying? Do they have zero conscience left? The LA ICOC board of directors and their bogus “Task Force” have been reached out to repeatedly to fill them in on more abuse that was currently happening in their group, and not one of them responded. We have also called CPS/Law Enforcement and informed them about what was being reported. This is how the ICOC and ICC cults treat victims of sexual abuse and all truth-tellers. There have been zero apologies and zero responsibility taken by either group. Instead of making efforts to address the systemic cover-ups, or make things right with the survivors, they just continue to lie and try to get the lawsuits dismissed. Proving that they are nothing like Jesus, whom they claim to follow. Therefore, we will never stop using our voices to shout out what they have done, and we will prevail. #IGotOut #FreeFromICOC Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards, and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Richard Robson Website: Melissa McKeehan  *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms, and websites do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    47 min
  2. After Hours Edition | The Right Alice Part 1

    JUN 8

    After Hours Edition | The Right Alice Part 1

    Well, the WTF crew has been gone for a minute due to all of the lawsuits against the ICOC/ICC cult that Chele was in. In this episode, Chele and Justine discuss these particular lawsuits, which are all based on rampant sexual abuse (of mostly minors) and failure to report and systemic cover-ups within both iterations of the cult. Even after the law team has received over 2000 phone calls of abuse from survivors of these two cults, it’s interesting to note that both the ICOC and the ICC have used similar (and unGodly) deception tactics—First, they claimed to be shocked and appalled, then after that didn’t work they pretended to care, and now they are fighting the lawsuits by claiming “time statute” issues. At NO point have they acknowledged one single victim, given one apology, or behaved as Jesus commands—clearly showing that they only care about preserving their organization, and not the victims. This is similar to how all religious organizations and cults try to deny and refuse to take any responsibility when abuse is exposed. Part of the anatomy of a cult is to victim shame and blame and vilify anyone holding them accountable, and claim they are being persecuted. The ICOC and the ICC continue to prove that they are willing to destroy innocent souls to protect themselves. But we have a funny feeling that the real God of this universe is not done with them yet. #IGotOut #FreeFromICOC Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Richard Robson Website: Melissa McKeehan  *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    58 min
  3. After Hours Edition | What About the Leprechauns?!

    11/03/2022

    After Hours Edition | What About the Leprechauns?!

    Whaaat?…Did the ICOC even claim to be saving leprechauns in India?!! Well, listen in to find out!! ☘️ Welcome to the second part of the conversation about the ICOC pyramid and how it was used to control and micromanage every single thought and action of its members. But here in part 2, Chele & Nixie discuss how the leadership structure was weaponized & mobilized to deploy the rules and regulations of the ICOC cult—Which masqueraded as the only true church of disciples on the planet. Yep, if you don’t go to the ICOC, sorry to tell you—according to them, you are Hell bound. So, just how did this cult convince its over 150,000 die-hard members that their only job on earth was to go out and make other disciples and bring them into the ICOC so that they could be saved and go to heaven?! Well, the short answer is through the leadership—who claimed that the Bible was their rulebook—but in reality, it was the leaders functioning as Wizard of Oz type characters, hiding behind a curtain of ego, fear, and manipulation. Which was deeply damaging because we never knew who the “enemy” was. The people we were supposed to trust the most, were actually the ones carrying out or fostering the abuse. And a special shout out to Dr. Edith Eger’s podcast on Super Soul called ”The Choice,” as she shares about her experience in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Dr. Eger says the only workable thing about the type of abuse she endured in the concentration camp is that she always knew who the enemy was. She knew who she was fighting. We thought that was a profound comment, as most of the ICOC defectors struggled with identifying all the insidious ways that they were spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, (and some sexually) abused, until many years later. I highly recommend Dr. Edith Eger’s podcast on Super Soul titled The Choice, listening to it humbled me and changed me! Thank you Dr. Eger! #IGotOut #FreeFromICOC Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Fritze Website and Graphics: Melissa McKeehan and Mike McKeehan *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    51 min
  4. After Hours Edition |The ICOC Pyramid$

    10/26/2022

    After Hours Edition |The ICOC Pyramid$

    In the next several After Hours episodes, Chele and Nixie are focusing on the group they escaped from, the ICOC. Chele felt it was important to take a deep dive into the control & mobilization structure of the cult, which the ICOC called a “discipleship tree.” It’s not by accident that even religious statisticians labeled the ICOC as the ‘fastest growing church in the world’ for three years in a row. There is a reason the ICOC, which masqueraded as a church, was able to accomplish this: Looking back, it’s easy to now identify this structure as an insidious pyramid scheme, designed to micromanage and manipulate every thought and move (and finances) of its members. This pyramid helps to explain how the ICOC was so effective at controlling every single member. You see, in becoming a member of this group, EVERYONE was assigned a handler, which they called a “discipler.” The discipler was initially explained as a spiritual mentor and helper, but nothing could be further from the truth. And it didn’t end there, as you went up the discipleship tree (pyramid), the groups were divided, and then subdivided, and then subdivided more. To a point where everybody always knew what everybody else was doing, and would report each other, if anyone thought there was sin or dissent. The members also had to get permission and ask advice on even the smallest aspects of their lives, and weren’t able to make any personal decisions on their own. Supposedly, the Bible was the rule book—but it was simply a game of “Fear & Consequence,” and the leaders of the ICOC played it masterfully. Chele breaks down the disturbing ecosystem of this cult, and we think this is a fascinating episode. #IGotOut #FreeFromICOC Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Fritze Website and Graphics: Melissa McKeehan and Mike McKeehan *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    54 min
  5. 09/15/2022

    Wear It Like A Badge

    Hosted By Hoyt Richards & Chele Roland Wow, we are at episode 20 already, so Hoyt and Chele wanted to spend the time to discuss some of their own take-aways from the WTF podcast thus far, as they have interacted with our amazing guests! And this episode’s quote, once again, sums things up perfectly: “To live in the body of a survivor is to never be able to leave the scene of a crime. I cannot ignore the fact that I live here.” By Blythe Baird. Anyone who has suffered trauma, and in our case trauma from any sort of cultic relationship, will understand this quote perfectly well— because trauma leaves a sort of imprint on our minds and in our bodies, synonymous to a crime scene that we endured. It becomes a part of us—And although we will never forget it or “get over it”— There are ways that we can “get through it.” But it’s also important to insert here, that there is no blueprint to getting through it, no one size fits all approach, no cookie-cutter solutions. We are all individuals, with individual experiences—resulting in a spectrum of traumas and pathways to recovery. We will all process our traumas and recovery journeys differently, and that is not only OK—it is expected and healthy! Some people find it healing and helpful to talk about their experience, but some find it triggering and feel it adds to their trauma—And that’s OK too. Everyone heals on a different time frame. Hoyt and Chele truly hope that everyone who has survived any sort of cultic relationship and trauma will someday arrive at the point of being able to share or express their trauma, and “wear it like a badge”—but that badge will look different for everyone. I think a perfect example of this is our friend Lisa who is one of the creators of the #IGotOut hashtag and platform. Lisa works passionately and tirelessly for the #IGotOut platform, and is helping countless people in their recovery, but she’s just not ready to publicly tell her own personal story yet… But she helps so many others in so many ways! I think that no matter where we are at in the spectrum of trauma and recovery, we are all an important “cog in the wheel,” so to speak, creating forward progress together! No matter where you are at in your road to recovery, you are all a part of our collective vehicle, driving us all to clarity, validation & continued freedom! 💓 #IGotOut #WearItLikeaBadge #TellYourStories #CultShit #TakeYourPowerBack Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Filmed, Recorded and Mixed: Pink Clouds Studio Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Camera: Vishvak Prakkruth Production Assistant: Joseph Russo Sound Recording: Gerardo Serrano; Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Fritze Website and Graphics: Melissa McKeehan and Mike McKeehan Social Media Team: Melody Joy Conte, Krystal Nunez and Kira Sutherland *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    41 min
  6. Holy Heaven | Guest Will Allen

    09/15/2022

    Holy Heaven | Guest Will Allen

    Hosted By Hoyt Richards & Chele Roland Our quote for Part 2 of of the conversation with the delightful Will Allen perfectly sums up one of the key resources that Will has brought to the table for all of us to partake in— “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is in itself, an act of communion.” By Bell Hooks Will’s documentary Holy Hell has been just such a tool for healing, for so many—Which in itself, and collectively, has functioned as an ‘act of communion.’ This film has allowed an endless number of trauma survivors to feel validation and clarity, by exposing the powerfully insidious nature of manipulative/indoctrinational and abusive relationships. But this episode is named Holy HEAVEN, as Will is also a powerful example of making it to the other side of his cultic experience with his compassion, brilliance, creativity, and humanity not only intact, but wearing it like a badge of honor…as we all should! People like Will are helping to “normalize trauma recovery,” and strengthening the ever-growing community of survivors! Conversing & communing with him was pure joy. Thank you Will Allen for providing all of us a timeless piece of your heart through your Holy Hell film—But equally as important, for sharing with us how you reclaimed your life and reinvented your passions! You truly are a beacon of hope, and a slice of Holy Heaven! So thrilled to have you as part of the #WhaTheFlok family! 😍 #HolyHell #IGotOut #TellYourStories #TakeYourPowerBack Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Filmed, Recorded and Mixed: Pink Clouds Studio Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Camera: Vishvak Prakkruth Production Assistant: Joseph Russo Sound Recording: Gerardo Serrano; Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Fritze Website and Graphics: Melissa McKeehan and Mike McKeehan Social Media Team: Melody Joy Conte, Krystal Nunez and Kira Sutherland *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    47 min
  7. Holy Hell | Guest Will Allen

    08/16/2022

    Holy Hell | Guest Will Allen

    Hosted By Hoyt Richards & Chele Roland We think you’re really going to enjoy the treat in store for you with Ep 18—the first part of our two episodes with the incomparable Will Allen—Creator, Producer, Director (“everythinger”) of one of our favorite documentaries about indoctrination and cultic relationships, titled Holy Hell. If you have not seen this documentary, we strongly recommend it to be on your ‘must watch’ list! Chele remembers watching Holy Hell, and it being one of the crystallizing moments when she realized that the indoctrination process has distinct markers, or a formula to it. It doesn’t matter what cult or abusive relationship you’ve been in—the mind control, centered in coercion and suppressed critical thinking is shockingly similar!  “Same party, different costume.” Will does such a spectacular job of highlighting this, with all of the original video footage that he had filmed and archived during his decades inside of the Buddahfield cult. Because of all of this footage, we get to peer into the very soul of this cult, and the cult leader—The way Will put this film together was compelling and groundbreaking—Seeing all the real time faces of the innocent members of the group was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time! We’ve talked to so many people who said that this particular documentary was an ‘Aha’ moment for them! Bravo Will! Can’t wait to see what Will Allen has in store for us next! #HolyHell #IGotOut #TellYourStories #TakeYourPowerBack Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Filmed, Recorded and Mixed: Pink Clouds Studio Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Camera: Vishvak Prakkruth Production Assistant: Joseph Russo Sound Recording: Gerardo Serrano; Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Fritze Website and Graphics: Melissa McKeehan and Mike McKeehan Social Media Team: Melody Joy Conte, Krystal Nunez and Kira Sutherland *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    46 min
  8. Girl Uninterrupted | Guest Ashleigh Freckleton

    07/12/2022

    Girl Uninterrupted | Guest Ashleigh Freckleton

    Hosted By Hoyt Richards & Chele Roland Welcome to part two of our discussion with the exceptional Ashleigh Freckleton, all the way from Australia! In last week’s episode, Ashleigh sets the stage for what happened with a narcissistic and mentally disturbed “yogi guru,” whose main goal was manipulating and controlling women, for his own disturbed sexual desires and needs. So in this episode she eloquently brings us full circle, as to what broke things open for her, and how she escaped him and this group. But maybe more importantly, Ashleigh carefully lays the groundwork of why and how this type of indoctrination happens in the first place—And why people like this, who claim to be “gurus” and inspired or prophetic thought leaders, are effective at this type of dangerous coercion, and such intimate manipulation. It also became clear during our conversation, that being self-aware and in touch with her emotions, like Ashleigh was, allowed her to ultimately stand up to this depraved man, and escape relatively quickly, in the grand scheme of things. But I think it’s also important to note that it doesn’t matter if you’re in a destructive cult or cultic relationship for 2 years or 20 years…the damage and destruction can be equally as traumatic, regardless of the amount of years that you suffered. Ashleigh is such an inspiring example of taking challenging circumstances and allowing them to evolve into an experience that can ultimately serve yourself, but also serve those around you. She truly is a lighthouse and beacon of hope, willing to share her experiences, in an effort to warn and teach others about being exposed to any type of indoctrination or coercive control! Stay tuned, as we have no doubt that the world will be hearing a lot more from the wonderful Miss Ashleigh Freckleton! #IGotOut #TellYourStories #TakeYourPowerBack Visit our website at https://whatheflok.com Follow us on Social: Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatheflok Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatheflok Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whatheflok Twitter - https://twitter.com/WhaTheFlok Youtube - http://hyperurl.co/a1615r Executive Producers: Chele Roland, Hoyt Richards and Katheryne KTEE Thomas Production Partners: In Ohm Entertainment and Floating Downstream Inc. http://inohment.com Filmed, Recorded and Mixed: Pink Clouds Studio Theme song: “Get Me Through the Night,” provided by JES and Intonenation Records http://OfficialJES.com and http://intonenationrecords.com Director & Editor: Katheryne KTEE Thomas Camera: Vishvak Prakkruth Production Assistant: Joseph Russo Sound Recording: Gerardo Serrano; Additional Sound Editing and Re-Recording Mixer: Tom Fritze Website and Graphics: Melissa McKeehan and Mike McKeehan Social Media Team: Melody Joy Conte, Krystal Nunez and Kira Sutherland *The opinions and observations expressed on any WhaTheFlok recordings, channels, social media platforms and website do not reflect any official position or viewpoint of the podcast. Our guests and experts are simply exercising their right to freedom of speech and sharing personal opinions, based on their own individual experiences and/or formal training. None of the opinions or experiences shared are meant to offend or malign any individuals, organizations, businesses, or religions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

    49 min

Trailer

4.6
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Cultic relationships are EVERYWHERE! We’ve all been affected at some point by a controlling or abusive group or person, and Hoyt and Chele are the perfect examples of what it means to go from “victim to survivor to thriver.” Our hosts were both leaders in their different, but equally destructive cults, and between them, they have 37 years worth of harrowing tales and vantage points. Not only will they bring on experts and courageous guests to share their own cult survival stories, but they will be peeling back all the messy layers, to expose the underbelly of how cults use indoctrination. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatheflok/support

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