Forgive Me For I Have Followed

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Latest Episodes:

BONUS: The Raids at Shekinah Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this special bonus episode, Jessica and Kailea respond to the recent federal raids at Shekinah Church. They unpack what these developments could potentially mean, not just for the investigation, but for the survivors, the families, and the current members. Previous guest Angela joins to share her thoughts as well.

Forgive Me For I Have Followed continues the exploration from Netflix’s hit Dancing for the Devil documentary series by delving deeper into the personal stories of those affected by Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. We will focus on the experiences of victims and their families, address urgent questions raised in the documentary, and gather insights from former members and dancers. Our goal is to uncover strategies for combating abuse and ensuring that controlling, cult-like communities are held accountable for their actions.

*The following is based on actual events. Certain composite and representative materials and characters have been used for dramatic purposes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Team" May 15, 2025

Show notes

Jess and Kailea are joined by producers Leo, Aaron, and Sophie for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the podcast and its exploration of the ongoing impact of Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. The team discusses the challenges of reaching out to victims, the emotional discoveries made during production, and the ethical considerations of handling such sensitive stories. They also reflect on the broader patterns of abuse in cult-like groups, such as Shen Yun and high-control acting teachers, and share insights on how these communities can be held accountable. Listen in for an honest conversation about the evolution of the series, the personal revelations along the way, and what’s next for the podcast.

*The following is based on actual events. Certain composite and representative materials and characters have been used for dramatic purposes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Melanie Lee Part. 2” May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this second episode with Melanie Lee, Jess joins Kailea in their sit-down with the key figure from Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult documentary. They discuss the critical split in the early days of Shekinah church between leaders Robert and Catherine, an event that left a lasting impression on Melanie Lee. Melanie shares what it was like to be raised in the church, and how even the seemingly simplest choices, like deciding what coffee to order, felt overwhelming after she left. She opens up to Jess about the conflict with her sister in Korea and how their relationship has evolved. They also discuss Kelly and Dean Wilking, and how best to support the families of those involved in high-control groups.