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    Society & Culture

    Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

    Trust Me is a weekly interview podcast about cults, extreme belief, and the fine line between devotion and delusion—told through firsthand accounts from the people who lived it. Hosted by two women who’ve been in cults themselves, Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth, the show features survivors from groups like Heaven’s Gate, the Manson Family, NXIVM, OneTaste and more–sharing personal stories of how they got in, how they got out, and everything in between.

    Each week, they invite these guests alongside experts who can dive deep into seductive leaders, the darker aspects of organized religion, and the subtler shades of groupthink and the psychology of influence. Trust Me explores it all with unfiltered honesty, dark humor, and a lot of heart. This isn’t a sensationalized deep dive into cults—it’s a compassionate, first-person exploration of what it means to believe, to belong, and to break free. At the end of the day, wanting to believe in something bigger than yourself is one of the most human instincts there is.

    Advertise

    Copyright: 2025 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

    • Apple Podcasts
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    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    Jenna Miscavige, Part 2 - Escaping Scientology Feb 07, 2024
    Show notes

    Former Sea Org member and niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige, talks about leaving "The Ranch" in order to join the Sea Org, getting involved in higher level management, how she barely knew her own parents, the constant level of paranoia she saw from everyone at all levels, what it was like to date within the Sea Org, how she threatened to kill herself to get her partner out of highly controlled isolation, the potential whereabouts of her Aunt Shelly, how a trip to Australia served as the catalyst for her to leave, and was threatened with family separation and followed by private investigators.

    Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month!

    CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER / X?:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Jenna Miscavige, Part 1 - Growing up in Scientology's Sea Organization Jan 31, 2024
    Show notes

    Former Scientology Sea Org member and niece of current Scientology leader David Miscavige, Jenna Miscavige, talks about being a third generation member, growing up in the infamous Sea Organization, doing child labor in a place called The Ranch, the strong snitching culture and knowledge reports that made it hard to trust anyone, bizarre educational system that punished kids for not knowing words, the fear Scientology stoked in her of the outside world, and how people felt about her Uncle David growing up.

    Check out our great sponsors!

    Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month!

    ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE!

    CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER / X?:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Crystal Hefner - Surviving The Playboy Mansion Jan 24, 2024
    Show notes

    Crystal Hefner, former Playboy Playmate, Hugh Hefner's widow, author of Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself shares how she ended going to the Playboy Mansion for the first time, getting invited by Hef to stay, her tightly controlled lifestyle and the weekly rituals that were designed to please Hef and no one else, how she felt about filming Girls Next Door, how she escaped and why she came back, marrying Hef and the complicated feelings she had after his death.

    Check out our great sponsors!

    Prose: Go to Prose.com/trust for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 50% off your first subscription order PLUS 15% off and free shipping every subscription order after that!

    Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme

    CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Michelle Dowd, Part 2 - From the Mountain to the Hospital to Forging Her Own Path Jan 17, 2024
    Show notes

    In part two of their conversation with Michelle Dowd, Lola & Meagan dig into when Michelle and her family moved to the mountain, why discomfort was considered a virtue, getting sick with an autoimmune disease at the age of ten, spending many months in the hospital away from The Field and her family, what happened after her cult leader grandfather passed away, and how she left the group.

    Trust Me is sponsored by June's Journey! Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android.

    Learn more about Michelle's work here! https://mdowd.substack.com

    Follow Michelle here! https://www.instagram.com/michelledowdz

    CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Michelle Dowd, Part 1 - Becoming a Forager in The Field Jan 10, 2024
    Show notes

    Professor, survivor of The Field, and author of Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult, Michelle Dowd, discusses growing up in the cult founded by her grandfather in the 1930s, how it started as an after school program for boys and evolved into something more sinister, the wild claims that her grandfather made, traveling to perform plays while serving as a magician's assistant and poodle conductor, how children were trained to talk to authorities and outsiders, and being taught to prioritize survival above all else.

    Learn more about Michelle's work here! https://mdowd.substack.com

    Follow Michelle here! https://www.instagram.com/michelledowdz

    Check out our great sponsors!

    Quince: Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!

    Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month!

    Shopify: Run your own business? Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/trustme

    CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Thomas & Micah, Part 2 - Mormon Mission, Scientology, & Disney Adults Dec 27, 2023
    Show notes

    Two formerly closeted religious men, Thomas and Micah, share how they came out to their families and left their beliefs behind. Thomas talks about going on a Mormon mission as a gay man, Micah shares how learning about scientology was a turning point in his life, the group shares their thoughts on #DISNEYADULTS, and Thomas and Michah give their advice to anyone struggling with their sexuality and religion.

    Check out our great sponsors!

    MasterClass: Get Two Memberships for the Price of One at MasterClass.com/trust - Offer terms apply.

    Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust to get 10% off your first month!

    CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Thomas & Micah, Part 1 - God, Goofy, and Growing Up Gay in Religion Dec 20, 2023
    Show notes

    One is a former Mormon. The other was a child of evangelical missionaries teaching a doctrine called Accelerated Christian Education. Both of them were closeted gay men growing up in strict religious households. Today, Thomas and Micah share about their upbringings, how they met working at Disneyland (a type of cult unto itself), the personalized Book of Mormon that Thomas bought for Micah, and growing up in cultures that stigmatize homosexuality.

    Check out great sponsors!

    Shopify: Run your own busines? Sign up for a $1 per-month trial period at shopify.com/trust

    Progressive: Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself!

    NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Marji Mozart, Part 2 - Life After the FLDS Dec 13, 2023
    Show notes

    Musician and former FLDS member, Marji Mozart, discusses her wedding day as an underage bride who had never been taught about sex, her multiple marriages including one to her sister's husband, the pain of feeling that her dreams of becoming a musician were dead, how spending time in the hospital with her child led staff to suspect that she was in an unhealthy relationship, and how she eventually left rekindled her life of pursuing music.

    Check out our holiday deals!

    Trust Me is sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit BetterHelp.com/trust for 10% off your first month!

    MasterClass: Give One Annual Membership and Get One Free at MasterClass.com/trust

    ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/trustme and download the Zocdoc app for FREE!

    Progressive: Quote today at Progressive.com to try the Name Your Price® tool for yourself!

    NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Marji Mozart, Part 1 - Growing up in the FLDS Dec 07, 2023
    Show notes

    Musician and former FLDS member, Marji Mozart, shares about her childhood in Colorado City, living with a rebellious mother within a high control community, how she dreamed of being a musician instead of someone's wife, getting married to a grown man when she was only 17, and how that impacted her relationship with her mom.

    Check out our holiday sponsors!!

    Quince: Love affordable luxury? Go to Quince.com/trust for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!

    Shopify: Run your own busines? Sign up for a $1 per-month trial period at shopify.com/trust

    Progressive: Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive!

    NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


    Barak Hardley - Where Belief Intersects Creativity Nov 29, 2023
    Show notes

    Lola's friend, actor, artist, director, and the next Bob Ross, Barak Hardley talks about his previous life as an evangelical pastor, getting kicked out of the church, and transitioning to life as an actor in LA. Lola and Barak dive into the philosophy of art, the creative process, skepticism, self reflection, and how art can inform your beliefs about the world.

    Give the gift of MasterClass! Get TWO memberships FOR THE PRICE OF ONE at MasterClass.com/trust

    Trust Me is sponsored by Progressive! Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive!

    NEED GIFT IDEAS?? CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!! bit.ly/trustmemerch

    Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM:

    @TrustMePodcast

    @oohlalola

    @meaganelizabeth11

    TWITTER:

    @TrustMeCultPod

    @ohlalola

    @baberahamhicks

    TIKTOK:

    @TrustMeCultPodcast

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


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