1 day ago

Ep.63 The Saints

In Toowoomba, Australia, a small Christian sect led by Brendan Stevens rejected medicine in favour of divine healing. In January 2022, those beliefs ended in tragedy when nine-year-old Elizabeth Struhs died after her insulin was withheld. This episode examines the rise of The Saints, life inside the group, Elizabeth's death, and the extraordinary trial that saw all fourteen adult members convicted of manslaughter. Part 1 – Brendan Stevens: Pentecostal Roots, the Break from RCI, and the Formation of The Saints Part 2 – Becoming the True Family: Recruitment, Baptism, and Separation from the Outside World Part 3 – Elizabeth Struhs: Diabetes, the 2019 Warning, and the Escalation After Kerrie’s Release Part 4 – Six Days Without Insulin: Elizabeth's Death and the Thirty-Six-Hour Wait for Resurrection Part 5 – Fourteen Defendants: The Supreme Court Trial, Manslaughter Convictions, and the End of The Saints From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

2 days ago • Subscribers Only

Ep.63 The Saints

In Toowoomba, Australia, a small Christian sect led by Brendan Stevens rejected medicine in favour of divine healing. In January 2022, those beliefs ended in tragedy when nine-year-old Elizabeth Struhs died after her insulin was withheld. This episode examines the rise of The Saints, life inside the group, Elizabeth's death, and the extraordinary trial that saw all fourteen adult members convicted of manslaughter. Part 1 – Brendan Stevens: Pentecostal Roots, the Break from RCI, and the Formation of The Saints Part 2 – Becoming the True Family: Recruitment, Baptism, and Separation from the Outside World Part 3 – Elizabeth Struhs: Diabetes, the 2019 Warning, and the Escalation After Kerrie’s Release Part 4 – Six Days Without Insulin: Elizabeth's Death and the Thirty-Six-Hour Wait for Resurrection Part 5 – Fourteen Defendants: The Supreme Court Trial, Manslaughter Convictions, and the End of The Saints From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults.

12 Jul

Ep.62 Lev Tahor

Founded in Israel in 1988, Lev Tahor presented itself as a return to pure Judaism under the leadership of Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans. Over the following decades, the group crossed continents, relocating from Israel to the United States, Canada, Guatemala and beyond as legal pressure and child welfare investigations followed. Members described a world of extreme isolation, rigid religious rules, arranged child marriages, severe punishments and complete separation from mainstream society. As survivors escaped and spoke publicly, allegations of abuse, neglect, kidnapping, human trafficking and child exploitation led to international investigations involving authorities across multiple countries. Today, Lev Tahor remains one of the most controversial and heavily investigated ultra-Orthodox sects in the modern world, with its leaders facing criminal convictions while former members continue helping authorities expose what they say happened behind the community's closed doors. Part 1 – Shlomo Helbrans: Jerusalem, Religious Conversion, and the Birth of Lev Tahor Part 2 – America, Kidnapping, Prison, Canada, and the Growth of the Sect Part 3 – Child Welfare Investigations, International Flight, and Criminal Investigations Part 4 – Nachman Helbrans, International Raids, Convictions, and the Collapse of the Leadership From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

11 Jul • Subscribers Only

Ep.62 Lev Tahor

Founded in Israel in 1988, Lev Tahor presented itself as a return to pure Judaism under the leadership of Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans. Over the following decades, the group crossed continents, relocating from Israel to the United States, Canada, Guatemala and beyond as legal pressure and child welfare investigations followed. Members described a world of extreme isolation, rigid religious rules, arranged child marriages, severe punishments and complete separation from mainstream society. As survivors escaped and spoke publicly, allegations of abuse, neglect, kidnapping, human trafficking and child exploitation led to international investigations involving authorities across multiple countries. Today, Lev Tahor remains one of the most controversial and heavily investigated ultra-Orthodox sects in the modern world, with its leaders facing criminal convictions while former members continue helping authorities expose what they say happened behind the community's closed doors. Part 1 – Shlomo Helbrans: Jerusalem, Religious Conversion, and the Birth of Lev Tahor Part 2 – America, Kidnapping, Prison, Canada, and the Growth of the Sect Part 3 – Child Welfare Investigations, International Flight, and Criminal Investigations Part 4 – Nachman Helbrans, International Raids, Convictions, and the Collapse of the Leadership From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families. Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations. The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse. Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education. FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities. United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors. Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org Phone: 📞 514-274-2333 Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse. Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control. Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families. Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support. Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://ww

5 Jul

Ep.61 The Superior Universal Alignment

The Superior Universal Alignment began in Brazil in 1981 as a small UFO-inspired religious movement led by the self-proclaimed prophet Valentina de Andrade. Promising spiritual enlightenment, extraterrestrial salvation, and escape from an approaching apocalypse, the group rejected traditional Christianity and embraced increasingly extreme beliefs that isolated its followers from the outside world. When a series of horrific crimes shocked the city of Altamira. Between 1989 and 1993, young boys began disappearing before many were found brutally mutilated and murdered, while others survived unimaginable attacks. As investigators searched for answers, attention turned toward respected local professionals connected to the Superior Universal Alignment and the movement's disturbing teachings about children born after 1981. Part 1 – Valentina de Andrade: Prophecy, UFO Beliefs, and the Birth of a New Religion Part 2 – Building Superior Universal Alignment: Doctrine, Followers, Rituals, and Isolation Part 3 – The Altamira Child Emasculations Part 4 – Trials, Convictions, Acquittals, and the Search for Justice Part 5 – Decline, Dissolution, and the End of Superior Universal Alignment From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

28 Jun

Ep.60 Colonia Dignidad

Colonia Dignidad began as a secluded German religious settlement in rural Chile, promising faith, hard work, and a better future. Behind its fences, however, Paul Schäfer built one of the most abusive cults of the twentieth century. Families were separated, children were systematically abused, members endured forced labor and psychological control, and the colony became a fortress ruled through fear and absolute obedience. During Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship, Colonia Dignidad evolved into something even darker, serving as a secret detention and torture site where political prisoners disappeared beneath the colony while Schäfer maintained his grip over hundreds of followers. Decades of secrecy eventually gave way to survivor testimony, international investigations, criminal prosecutions, and the fall of the man who had controlled the settlement for more than forty years. Part 1 – Paul Schäfer: War, Religion, Abuse, and the Road to Chile Part 2 – Building Colonia Dignidad: The Promised Land and the Fortress Colony Part 3 – Pinochet, DINA, Torture, and the Secret Prison Beneath the Colony Part 4 – Escapes, Exposure, International Scandal, and the Fall of Paul Schäfer From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

21 Jun

Ep.59 The Sullivanians

The Sullivan Institute began in New York during the 1950s as an unconventional psychotherapy movement that promised personal liberation, emotional growth, and freedom from traditional social constraints. Under the leadership of Saul Newton and Jane Pearce, it attracted artists, intellectuals, therapists, and idealistic young people searching for a new way of life. Over time, however, the movement evolved into a tightly controlled community where therapy became a tool of authority, family bonds were discouraged, sexual relationships were regulated, children were raised communally, and members increasingly surrendered personal autonomy to the group's leadership. Former members would later describe an environment shaped by manipulation, coercion, financial control, sexual exploitation, and psychological dependency. This episode explores the rise of the Sullivanians, the ideology that rejected the nuclear family, the community that grew on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the survivors who eventually spoke out, and the collapse of one of America's most unusual and controversial psychotherapy cults. Part 1 – Saul Newton: War, Radical Politics, Psychoanalysis, and Reinvention Part 2 – Founding the Sullivan Institute: Therapy, Authority, and the Rejection of the Family Part 3 – Children, Custody, and the Cost of the Anti-Family Ideology Part 4 – Exposure, Defections, Lawsuits, and Professional Collapse Part 5 – Dissolution, Survivor Reckoning, and the Legacy of the Sullivanians From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

14 Jun

Ep.58 The Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult

In 2010, a recently released ex-convict named Larry Ray moved into his daughter’s dormitory at Sarah Lawrence College. What began as friendly dinners, life advice, and mentorship slowly evolved into one of the most shocking cult cases in modern American history. Over the next decade, Ray manipulated a group of students through psychological coercion, isolation, humiliation, forced confessions, financial exploitation, sex trafficking, and fear. This episode explores the rise and fall of the Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult, examining how a charismatic predator gained extraordinary control over intelligent young adults, the devastating impact on his victims, the survivors who ultimately exposed the abuse, and the federal trial that ended with Ray receiving a 60-year prison sentence. It is a disturbing story of manipulation, dependency, and the dangers of coercive control hidden in plain sight. Part 1 – Larry Ray: Brooklyn, Lies, Crime, and Reinvention Part 2 – The Dorm Room: Sarah Lawrence and the First Circle Part 3 – Manhattan, Pinehurst, and the Expansion of Abuse Part 4 – Sex Trafficking, Extortion, Exposure, and Arrest Part 5 – Trial, Sentencing, Survivors, and Legacy From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed. Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com International Resources International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.United States Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.Canada Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French. United Kingdom The Family Survival Trust https://familysurvivaltrust.org Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support https://cults.org.uk UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support) https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.Australia Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) https://www.cifs.org.au National support for individuals and families affected by cults. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Hidden Cults

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Ep.63 The Saints

Ep.63 The Saints

Ep.62 Lev Tahor

Ep.62 Lev Tahor

Ep.61 The Superior Universal Alignment

Ep.60 Colonia Dignidad

Ep.59 The Sullivanians

Ep.58 The Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult

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Hidden Cults

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Ep.63 The Saints

Ep.63 The Saints

Ep.62 Lev Tahor

Ep.62 Lev Tahor

Ep.61 The Superior Universal Alignment

Ep.60 Colonia Dignidad

Ep.59 The Sullivanians

Ep.58 The Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult

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