Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 weeks ago

IndoctriNation - Unveiled: A Story of Surviving Gloriavale with Theophila Pratt In this episode, Rachel interviews Theophila Pratt, a Gloriavale survivor now based in Auckland, New Zealand, nearly 10 years out and working as an occupational therapist with youth. Born into Gloriavale as “Honey Faithful,” Theo describes a highly controlled life of constant surveillance, strict dress rules, relentless labor from age five, long sermons, and routine public shaming, alongside family hardship. At 18, Theo refused to sign the “Commitment” document, was told to leave, and was sent out with minimal money, using a hidden business card to reach her mother’s friend for help. She recounts early adjustment challenges, fear, naivety, and learning autonomy, later pursuing occupational therapy through disability work and a focus on human rights. Theo discusses limited but evolving family contact. Theo shares her experiences in her book “Unveiled.” Theophila’s Links Website and Book: (https://www.theopratt.com/)https://www.theopratt.com/ (https://www.theopratt.com/) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/lifeischoicenz)https://www.instagram.com/lifeischoicenz (https://www.instagram.com/lifeischoicenz) Connect with us on social media: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indoctrination⁠⁠ (https://linktr.ee/indoctrination) Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS) Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination⁠ (https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination) Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION (https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIO) Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation: https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm (https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm) Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4) Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore: https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign (https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign) Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html (https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html) IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant: ⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about (https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands (https://redcircle.com/brands) Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32003795?utm_source=youtube

"Unveiled: A Story of Surviving #Gloriavale with Theophila Pratt"
IndoctriNation
4 Mar 2026 [1:20:36]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/zYl1Gzqt1E2938hxEIrz2A

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

4 weeks ago

Lilia Tarawa: Escaping the Gloriavale Cult What happens when the only world you’ve ever known tells you who you are allowed to be? In this episode we talk with Lilia Tarawa, who was born and raised inside the isolated Gloriavale Christian Cult in New Zealand — a place built on strict obedience, gender hierarchy, and total control over daily life. After leaving, Lilia went on to share her story publicly, including a TEDxTalk viewed by millions around the world. Lilia shares what it’s like growing up where questioning authority isn’t just discouraged, it’s unthinkable. We talk about how belief systems become identity, how doubt slowly forms even when you don’t have language for it, and what it costs to walk away when leaving means losing your family, your community, and your entire framework for reality. But this isn’t only a story about leaving. It’s about rebuilding a self from scratch. We discuss fear, freedom, guilt, autonomy, and the strange experience of learning how to make choices for the first time as an adult. Lilia also reflects on speaking publicly after escape, and why telling the story matters — not just for survivors, but for anyone trying to untangle belief from control. If you’ve ever wondered how someone leaves a closed religious system, or what comes after — be sure to listen.  Theme Music: Jenni Potts Follow Lilia Tarawa: @liliatarawa

"Lilia Tarawa: Escaping the #Gloriavale #Cult"
Exodus Brothers: Deconstruction & Healing
28 Feb 2026 [1:19:27]
#EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/uWrHMseW5k_7D25mw_gIgA

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

1 month ago

Timesuck Podcast | The Gloriavale Cult: Hell Disguised as Heaven In this episode of Timesuck, we’re heading to New Zealand to explore Gloriavale - a so-called “Heaven on Earth” founded by charismatic preacher Neville Cooper, where obedience to God somehow turned into obedience to one very, VERY creepy man. What began as a utopian Christian commune devolved into total control, forced labor, a lot of creepy sexual stuff., and generations raised to believe submission was salvation. It’s Eden… if Eden had dress codes, unpaid work, and a cult leader who absolutely should not have been anywhere near anyone’s bedroom. Merch and more: www.badmagicproductions.com Timesuck Discord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89v Want to join the Cult of the Curious PrivateFacebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" to locate whatever happens to be our most current page :) For all merch-related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste) Please rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and elsewhere and follow the suck on social media!! @timesuckpodcast on IG and http://www.facebook.com/timesuckpodcast Wanna become a Space Lizard? Click here: https://www.patreon.com/timesuckpodcast. Sign up through Patreon, and for $5 a month, you get access to the entire Secret Suck catalog (295 episodes) PLUS the entire catalog of Timesuck, AD FREE. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch.

"Timesuck Podcast | The #Gloriavale #Cult: Hell Disguised as Heaven"
Timesuck with Dan Cummins
9 Feb 2026 [2:38:24]
#EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/_oSY1GAqIkqcnTIRH1mNUg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

2 months ago

Raised in a Cult: The Lasting Impact of Religious Trauma Follow ⁠@liliatarawa⁠ on Spotify: https://pod.liliatarawa.com/spotify Follow ⁠@liliatarawa⁠ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liliatarawa/ Follow ⁠@liliatarawa⁠ on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@liliatarawa Follow ⁠@liliatarawa⁠ on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liliatarawa Send questions to: media@liliatarawa.com Leaving a religious cult, fundamentalist church, or high-control faith environment doesn’t always bring the relief people expect. For many people raised in evangelical, fundamentalist, or authoritarian religious systems, the effects of religious trauma, church harm, and faith-based harm don’t show up right away. They often surface years later, when life finally slows down enough for the body and mind to catch up. In this episode, cult survivor and bestselling author, Lilia Tarawa, responds to listener questions about religious trauma, belief, and healing after faith-based harm. These are questions asked repeatedly by people trying to make sense of themselves after leaving religion, especially those who grew up in religious cults or rigid church systems. This conversation focuses on what happens after you leave. ❓ How do you navigate belief after psychiatric and psychological harm linked to religion? ❓ Why do so many capable, self-aware people still struggle long after walking away from church or faith? In this episode, we discuss: ❓ Why religious trauma lingers even when you’re no longer part of the church or cult ❓ What makes church harm and faith-based harm so hard to explain to others ❓ Why being told to forgive, move on, or have more faith can make things worse ❓ What happens when professionals acknowledge harm, but there is no clear pathway for repair or justice ❓ Why asking for help can feel complicated after religious cults or fundamentalist environments ❓ How faith, doubt, and curiosity change after harm ❓ What makes church harm and faith-based harm so difficult to explain to others ❓ Why asking for help can feel complicated after religious cults, evangelical churches, or fundamentalist environments This episode is for people who: 👉 Were raised in religious cults or high-control faith environments 👉 Experienced religious trauma, church harm or faith-based harm 👉 Left an evangelical or fundamentalist church but still feel affected 👉 Are trying to figure out what they believe without being pressured 👉 Are navigating belief, doubt or spirituality without wanting to be preached at 👉 Feel family or community pressure to conform to religious beliefs or ideologies Listener care note This episode discusses religious trauma, church harm, and faith-based harm. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you. Lilia not a medical professional. She is sharing lived experience and general support. If you need additional help, we encourage you to reach out to qualified mental health professionals or local support services. New Zealand National Helplines Need to Talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Youthline – 0800 376 63 (24/7) or free text 234, webchat at youthline.co.nz, DM on Instagram @youthline, message on WhatsApp 09 886 56 96 Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 (24/7) or free text 4202 Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (24/7) Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (7am - midnight)

"Raised in a #Cult: The Lasting Impact of #ReligiousTrauma"
Lilia Tarawa
25 Jan 2026 [0:21:37]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/jjg-kAq7cEG-5Y0L7Simfg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

2 months ago

She Escaped Gloriavale Cult & Found Her Voice as a Woman: Lilia Tarawa | The Kotodama Podcast Ep. 21 What happens when the place that raised you also abused and silenced you? In this deeply moving episode of the Kotodama Podcast, I sat down with Lilia Tarawa — bestselling author, brand coach, and former member of the infamous Gloriavale cult. Born into a highly controlling, cult environment, Lilia shared what it’s really like to grow up believing this world is all there is. She opened up about the emotional conflict of belonging and oppression, the cost of losing your voice, and the terrifying freedom that comes with leaving everything you’ve ever known. Together, we explores: - What life inside a cult really feels like - and why it can be both heaven and hell - The hidden trauma of control, shame, and suppressed identity - Reclaiming femininity, sexuality, and self-worth after indoctrination - Why your story doesn’t need to be sensational to be powerful - How storytelling can heal trauma and build authentic personal brands - Treating your energy like a multimillion-dollar asset - Why healing begins the moment you stop waiting for permission This conversation is honest, and deeply empowering — whether you’ve experienced religious trauma, left a high-control environment, or are simply learning to trust your own voice again. ✨ You are the permission you’ve been looking for. ✨ Your story matters. ✨ And healing starts with the choices you make today. Watch until the end for profound insights on boundaries, mindset, money, identity, and creating a life that actually feels good. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe to watch more conversations like this!! 💞 Check out Lilia's work and follow her on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCeX_SmMBGyhqukRBKr8LICQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liliatarawa/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liliatarawa TEDTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS7mBbXxJYA Book: https://books2read.com/u/4NOd1N 👉 What part of this episode resonated with you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear your opinion! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lilia Tarawa's Journey 03:16 Life in Gloria Vale: A Cult Experience 09:23 The Turning Point: Realisations and Escape 15:22 Reclaiming Femininity and Identity 21:37 Healing and Empowerment Through Storytelling 36:19 The Power of Storytelling 37:48 Transforming Personal Stories into Business Strategies 43:06 Crafting Compelling Narratives for Impact 48:07 Authenticity in Sales and Connection 51:13 Healing and Boundaries in Personal Growth 55:12 Mindset and Choices in Achieving Success 01:01:49 Creating a Life of Balance and Energy #LiliaTarawa #Gloriavale #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #EscapingACult #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #Storytelling #SelfDiscovery #Femininity #TraumaHealing #BrandStorytelling #TheKotodamaPodcast #HumanResilience #Cult #Authenticity

"She Escaped #Gloriavale #Cult & Found her Voice as a Woman: Lilia Tarawa | The Kotodama Podcast Ep. 21"
The Kotodama Podcast
21 Jan 2026 [1:07:50]
#EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/X3q7Wz0F3ky1N3-umbMtAA

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

2 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 83 - Sandy Toes & Beachside Reflections Why are the Cult Chat trio recording this week's episode on a beach? What have glamping and fire-dancing got to do with cults? Something? Nothing? Join us as we chat from a summer beach location while reflecting on our learnings from 2025. We get an update from Liz on the Gloriavale School closure and the criminal conviction of the cult’s leader, and we share our hopes for the 2026 NZ cult awareness movement. Show Notes Interview: RNZ Doomsday Comedy with Jonas Skogstroll and NZ Tour Dates Interview: Get a Life Podcast with Steve Simmons (Ex Exclusive Brethren - Lindy’s Dad). Article: Convicted sex offender Howard Temple attends the community market while on bail Article: RNZ What Will Happen to Gloriavale’s students over the school closes?

"Sandy Toes & Beachside Reflections"
Cult Chat
13 Jan 2026 [0:57:56]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia #PBCC #PlymouthBrethren #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/q_R0eE-V0ki5KD6rPnEJAw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

Escaping New Zealand’s Gloriavale: Cult Leader’s Granddaughter Exposes ALL Following up our incredible interview with Lilia Tarawa, today we go LIVE with her to further discuss what it was like escaping the Gloriavale cult. Founded by her grandfather, who was inspired by the Amish in the US, Gloriavale became an isolated community in New Zealand that implemented communal living, strict gender roles and even identical uniforms for its members. The numbers grew rapidly, especially since birth control wasn’t allowed. Lilia showed promise in leadership skills as a chiId, but was quickly shot down in an hours long public shaming by her own grandfather. When her friends were being arranged to marry men they didn’t know or like, she realized she needed to escape. Learn how her whole family was able to leave Gloriavale and struggled they faced afterwards. Watch our initial interview with Lilia: https://youtu.be/ZYLd7JxLZKU?si=T0zaq8KxQa3KnqZW Book: “Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult” https://amzn.to/3MUD7zd Find Lilia on social media! Podcast: “Brandbreaker with Lilia Tarawa” https://open.spotify.com/show/3IM81LperO0ILaN5SPdPca?si=45a433c9b4c54448 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@liliatarawa FB: https://www.facebook.com/msliliatarawa IG: https://www.instagram.com/liliatarawa/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon

"Escaping New Zealand's #Gloriavale: #Cult Leader's Granddaughter Exposes all"
Cults to Consciousness
29 Dec 2025 [1:08:38]
#EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/noFmqu-OP06JITLwkCYgFw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult Lilia Tarawa was raised in an isolated community in New Zealand started by her grandfather, called Gloriavale. Inspired by the Amish in the US, he implemented communal living, strict gender roles and even identical uniforms for its members. The numbers grew rapidly, especially since birth control wasn’t allowed. Lilia showed promise in leadership skills as a chiId, but was quickly shot down in an hours long public shaming by her own grandfather. When her friends were being arranged to marry men they didn’t know or like, she realized she needed to escape. Learn how her whole family was able to leave Gloriavale and struggled they faced afterwards. Book: “Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult” https://amzn.to/3MUD7zd Find Lilia on social media! Podcast: “Brandbreaker with Lilia Tarawa” https://open.spotify.com/show/3IM81LperO0ILaN5SPdPca?si=45a433c9b4c54448 TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@liliatarawa FB: https://www.facebook.com/msliliatarawa IG: https://www.instagram.com/liliatarawa/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:52 Gloriavale explained 00:06:24 Life in the commune 00:13:11 Positive experiences growing up 00:19:27 Seeing problems in retrospect 00:25:40 Justifying ab*se within the group 00:31:13 Hierarchy within the group 00:35:13 Healthcare within the community 00:42:38 Education 00:53:57 Arranged marriage 01:01:35 Why her family decided to leave 01:07:27 Deconstruction after leaving 01:13:57 Backlash after leaving 01:17:24 What helped Lilia become who she is today 01:19:58 Triggers 01:27:28 What brings Lilia joy today 01:29:52 Linda, listen **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

"Daughter of #Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious #Cult"
Cults to Consciousness
26 Dec 2025 [1:32:27]
#EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/lfvrzrOTRkqY4g8T-2rHoQ

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

Theo Pratt - Blue Dresses, Smacking Ladies, and an Isolated Compound: Surviving Gloriavale This week’s guest is Theo Pratt, survivor of Gloriavale, an isolated Christian cult hidden deep in rural New Zealand, and author of Unveiled: A Story of Surviving Gloriavale. She’ll talk about being raised on the strictly controlled commune where people were assigned new names, women wore identical dresses and head coverings, and children weren’t taught the real days of the week—or even where they were in the world.Theo shares about the leader Neville Cooper’s self-proclaimed divine authority, how “smacking ladies” kept the kids in line—and guards kept the compound controlled, and her rebellious streak that led her to planning an escape attempt on a tandem bicycle. And of course, the moment she realized she couldn’t stay, and what it felt like to step into the outside world she’d been taught would destroy her. SOURCES: Unveiled: A Story of Surviving GloriavaleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Theo Pratt - Blue Dresses, Smacking Ladies, & an Isolated Compound: Surviving #Gloriavale"
Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, & Manipulation
17 Dec 2025 [1:14:32]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/HLuuvsy7Ck_DtzEbAXWJBw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

From Cult Escape to Building Healthy Communities | Israel Cooper “A house becomes a home when it is in relationship to other homes” From escaping a closed religious community as a child to co-founding a nationally recognised housing group, Israel's story is one of resilience, purpose, and deep care for human flourishing. As Co-Founder of the Home Group, Israel has spent over 15 years building housing ecosystems that prioritise dignity, community, and long-term wellbeing. In this conversation, Israel shares how his lived experience shaped his commitment to stable housing, why mixed-tenure communities matter, and what it takes to lead purpose-driven organisations without burning out. He reflects on transitioning from founder CEO to governance, measuring impact beyond numbers, and why generosity and integrity are non-negotiable values. About Israel Cooper Israel Cooper is the Co-Founder of the Home Group, a conglomerate of vertically integrated commercial organisations working across the housing value chain, including capital, land development, construction, tenancy, and property management. The Home Group entities are owned by a charitable trust, the Home Foundation, which stewards the mission and reinvests returns to build healthy, resilient, and inclusive communities in New Zealand and overseas. Israel has over 20 years of governance experience and serves on multiple mission- and housing-focused charitable trust boards. He has previously held senior leadership roles in financial advisory, management consulting, and the tech sector. Israel holds a Bachelor of Business Management, a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, and a Graduate Diploma in Theology. He is a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and a full member of CPA Australia. Israel shares insights on: • Escaping Gloriavale and rebuilding life from scratch • Why stable, secure housing changes everything • Building mixed-tenure, inclusive communities • Designing housing for dignity, health, and belonging • Measuring impact through systems and human outcomes • Leading for purpose without burnout • Transitioning from founder CEO to trustee and governance • The role of generosity and integrity in leadership • Why how we do things matters as much as what we do 0:00 Introduction and Israel’s story 1:15 Growing up in a closed community 4:20 Freedom, agency, and dignity 7:30 Running away in the middle of the night 10:50 Starting again with nothing 14:30 Why stable housing changes everything 18:10 Christchurch earthquakes and starting a construction business 22:40 From builder to developer to housing ecosystem 27:30 “A house becomes a home in relationship to other homes” 31:40 Why mixed-tenure communities matter 36:20 Measuring impact beyond houses and numbers 40:30 Leadership lessons and letting go as a founder 44:10 Burnout, rhythms, and sustainability 47:20 The two values: generosity and integrity 49:20 Final reflections Learn more about Israel and his work • Home Capital Partners: https://www.homecapital.co.nz/ • Home Foundation: https://homefoundation.org.nz/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelcooper/ Learn more about Azoora and her work • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azooraali/ • Website: https://www.accountingandtax.co.nz/ Listen to Care Beyond Profits on Spotify and YouTube. ❤️ If Israel’s story resonated with you… Please like, share, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders who prove that care and profits can grow together. #Leadership #Housing #SocialImpact #PurposeDriven #CommunityHousing

"From #Cult Escape to Building Healthy Communities | Israel Cooper"
Care Beyond Profits
16 Dec 2025 [0:50:08]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/TqZVlPcFaEOYl-Fgzhxesw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

5 Servings of Truth - Pearl Valor - Gloriavale leaver and advocate. Episode content - leaving a high control group and entering a new community. - Gloriavale Leavers Trust. - New experiences. - How anyone can help those who have left high control environments. - What do you love about life. - A piece of helpful advice. Thanks for listening and watching 🙏😎

"5 Servings of Truth - Pearl Valor - #Gloriavale Leaver & Advocate."
Advocacy & Melodies 🫂🎶
2 Nov 2025 [0:21:58]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/m4OKzYyzBk_q8JMF7Nvn-w

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

7 months ago

Episode 70: From Pulpit to Prosecution - Gloriavale's Leader in the News Gloriavale again! We come back to talk about the other reason that the closed West Coast community is in the news again - this time because the Overseeing Shepherd - the community’s leader, Howard Temple - has just been convicted of indecent assault of numerous girls and women at Gloriavale. Our hosts discuss the culture that allowed his public behaviour to become normal, the impossibility of speaking up as a victim in this community, and what lies behind the entitlement of his actions.

"From Pulpit to Prosecution - #Gloriavale's Leader in the News"
Cult Chat
19 Aug 2025 [0:50:00]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/smJaJJwj7UuzsL2NKKhiSQ

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

7 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 69 - Beyond Repair? Gloriavale’s Broken Education System Gloriavale is all over the news again, and for the wrong reasons. This week our hosts talk about the recent Education Review Office report which revealed that the Gloriavale School has failed yet again to meet the basic requirements expected to function as an education provider. Liz explains the background to this report and asks the question, at what point is there enough evidence that this school cannot provide the necessary ingredients to educate children well and safely?

"Beyond Repair? #Gloriavale's Broken Education System"
Cult Chat
12 Aug 2025 [0:56:05]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/dRx4RmQjrUiXuqV7t-SChw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

7 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 68 - ICSA Cult Conference Highlights Part 2 This week we have a bonus episode - part 2 of our conversational expose about the International Cultic Studies Association Conference which Caz went to in Montreal in July. We wrap up our conversation by talking about emerging evidence on child abuse in cults, the relationship between sacred values and the extreme actions a person is willing to take for their group, male experience of cultic abuse, collective narcissism and healing the spiritual self after it has been abused in in a cult.

"ICSA #Cult Conference Highlights (Part 2)"
Cult Chat
5 Aug 2025 [0:52:40]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia #PBCC #PlymouthBrethren
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/XIpQws-RtkiByoXNlbNQ0Q

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

8 months ago

Liz Gregory On Gloriavale Leader Howard Temple’s Indecent Assault Charges Michael Laws talks to Liz Gregory from Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust about Gloriavale Leader Howard Temple’s indecent assault charges. Watch the full interview at https://theplatform.kiwi/ Support The Platform & become a YouTube VIP! - https://www.youtube.com/@theplatformnz/join Support The Platform by joining Platform Plus: https://theplatform.kiwi/platform-plus Download The Platform app for free: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-platform/id1596882626 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kiwi.theplatform.android Call 0800 DEBATE or text us at 5050 (Standard SMS text charges will apply) Listen to The Platform's straight-talking, free-thinking hosts every weekday. Sean Plunket: 7am - 10am Michael Laws: 10am - 1pm Leah Panapa: 1pm - 4pm #ThePlatformNZ

"Liz Gregory on #Gloriavale Leader #HowardTemple's Indecent Assault Charges"
The Platform NZ
29 Jul 2025 [0:11:24]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/En9jmcy1g0_osIoXV60PgQ

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

8 months ago

Nationwide nurses strike and Gloriavale verdict | NZ Herald afternoon news update: July 30, 2025 Nurses strike nationwide today to protest their staffing levels and wages. Gloriavale member Howard Temple found guilty of indecent assault. Subscribe and be notified of breaking news: https://goo.gl/LP45jX Check out our playlists: https://goo.gl/Swd249 NZ Herald Facebook: https://goo.gl/tUC4oq NZ Herald Instagram: https://goo.gl/oLicXe NZ Herald Twitter: https://goo.gl/Wi6mbv

"#Gloriavale Verdict | NZ Herald Afternoon News Update: July 30, 2025"
nzherald.co.nz
30 Jul 2025 [0:02:56]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/mwa2tX_mWUulZpe8WNB08Q

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

8 months ago

Gloriavale’s Howard Temple on trial on 24 charges of indecent assault against women | Stuff.co.nz WARNING: This story contains details some people might find distressing. The trial of the head of Gloriavale began today in Greymouth with Howard Temple facing 24 charges of indecent assault. The charges all relate to inappropriate touching of women within the community, but the defence says it was all part of Temple’s pastoral care. Senior reporter Juliet Speedy was in court. | Subscribe: https://bit.ly/2JPg8oB Read more: For full coverage visit www.Stuff.co.nz Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/2JPg8oB ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stuff is New Zealand's largest and most popular news site. With more than 500 journalists spread from Northland to Southland, we cover breaking news, politics, business, sport, crime, the environment, health, education, home and property, food, lifestyle, entertainment, weather, travel, technology, motoring, farming and much more. As well as covering the stories of the day, we specialise in investigative journalism, opinion and analysis, and long-form writing and visual storytelling. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social media channels: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nzstuff Twitter: https://twitter.com/NZStuff

"#Gloriavale's #HowardTemple on Trial on 24 Charges of Indecent Assault Against Women"
Stuff
28 Jul 2025 [0:03:16]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/J9fHrPSyLU2t-6Ru_VF0-Q

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

8 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 67 - ISCA Cult Conference Highlights with Maria Esguerra (Part 1) You'll love this pot luck session! Caz has just returned from the International Cultic Studies Association conference in Montreal, Canada. We’re joined in this episode with ‘friend of the show’ Maria Esguerra who also went to the conference. Maria and Caz fill Lindy and Liz in on their learnings from the conference, covering topics such as neurodiversity, financial abuse, cult apologists, the power of social media for cult survivor activism. We talked so much we had to do a second episode! Show Notes Website: International Cultic Studies Association Website: Get A Life Podcast Instagram: Ben Woodbury excultboy LinkedIn: Maria Esguerra LinkedIn: Heidi Clemons LinkedIn: Omar Saldana

"ICSA #Cult Conference Highlights with Maria Esguerra (Part 1)"
Cult Chat
29 Jul 2025 [0:56:47]
#ChildrenOfGod #CultApologists #Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia #SCJ #Shincheonji #Centrepoint #PBCC #PlymouthBrethren #Scientology
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/AFRGnBe0OE6PgPxHLHJ-qg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

8 months ago

223 - Gloriavale Lauren and Christy deep dive the New Zealand cult Gloriavale. Christy's research reveals the founder changing the rules to serve himself, SO many cases of abuse, and a suspicious death the cult tried to hide! So grab a drink, put on some pjs, and join this duo for a true crime slumber party!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"223 - #Gloriavale"
True Crime & Cocktails
15 Jul 2025 [2:04:46]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/nbDqSOg0vE6sR_StNWzgBg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

9 months ago

Acknowledging The Invisible Wound Of Being A Cult Survivor 1 Spiritual abuse leaves hidden scars. Dr. Lissa Rankin, Dr. Jeffrey Rediger, and Anke Richter explore cult recovery, childhood indoctrination, and the lifelong wounds caused by coercive spirituality. Resources: https://lissarankin.com

"Acknowledging the Invisible Wound of being a #Cult Survivor 1"
Lissa Rankin, MD @lissarankin.bsky.social
26 Jun 2025 [0:28:17]
#IBLP #Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia #ChildrenOfGod #Centrepoint
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/ndxbog7DqU_1GBUOgV52RA

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

9 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 64 - The Rewards of Leaving a Cult (Mini Series Part 3) Today our Cult Chat hosts share what listeners have told them are the best things about life after leaving a cult. From finding space to be who you truly are, to getting the chance to make mistakes, and to being allowed to have the full range of human emotions, this episode digs right down into the wonderful things that leavers can experience once they set out on their new post-cult lives. Be prepared to be moved to tears in this hopeful episode about what you might find on the other side. Show notes Website: The Religious Trauma Collective Annual Event - 19-21 June, web-based conference Website Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups - Parliament of Victoria Website: Decult Book: Take Back Your Life - Janja Lalich Song: What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong Resource: Thinking of Leaving - Olive Leaf Network Article: 10 Reasons People Should Leave Gloriavale Article: 10 Reasons People Remain at Gloriavale

"#Cult Chat Episode 64 - The Rewards of Leaving (Mini Series part 3)"
Cult Chat
17 Jun 2025 [0:59:08]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/05kMJlrBXkS6GKPQD1Ps9g

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

9 months ago

BAD CULTS: The Red House Children's Home, plus the cult of Gloriavale | Eavesdroppin' It's a rough ride on Eavesdroppin’ comedy podcast this week, as Geordie and Michelle look at bad cults… If you were a child with scholastic issues or behavioural problems in the early 1980s in the UK, you might have been sent to a Red House alternative education facility. The brochures told of an idyllic boarding school where children who had suffered abuse or neglect at home could thrive in an environment where sailing and horse riding were interspersed with reading, writing and arithmetic. The reality was that the Red House schools were institutions where children were regularly beaten, humiliated, sexually abused and forced into slave labour. Listen now for Geordie's deep dive into Red House schools, the Danish founding organisation Tvind and a discussion about why it was a cult hiding in plain sight... Michelle follows with a look at a harrowing New Zealand cult called Gloriavale. Tucked away on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island is a religious group that was meant to be a spiritual utopia - the men worked, the women raised kids and everyone lived by the word of god and shared the spoils of communal labour. On paper, Gloriavale sounds like a dream - but it's a cult, where men are in control and women are trained to submit, serve and stay silent. Who started this cult? How is it off the international radar? And is the cult still going now? Listen to find out. So pop on your headphones, grab a brown lemonade and join Geordie & Michelle for this week’s episode, plus chit-chat about Steiner Schools, Geordie's celeb Young Ones moment, Michelle's celeb encounter with a top pop star at LAX, a guardian angel encounter from Eavesdropper Steph, plus a near miss love triangle with a Hollywood A-Lister from Eavesdropper Roxanne and more, only on Eavesdroppin’ podcast. And remember, wherever you are, whatever you do, just keep Eavesdroppin’! *Disclaimer: We don’t claim to have any factual info about anything ever and our opinions are just opinions not fact, sooorrrryyy! Don’t sue us! Please rate, review, tell your friends and subscribe in all the usual places – we love it when you do! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eavesdroppin (https://www.patreon.com/eavesdroppin) Do write in with your stories at hello@eavesdroppinpodcast.com (mailto:at%20hello@eavesdroppinpodcast.com%20or) or send us a Voice Note! Listen: www.eavesdroppinpodcast.com (http://www.eavesdroppinpodcast.com/) or https://podfollow.com/eavesdroppin (https://podfollow.com/eavesdroppin) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcuzv-EXizUo4emmt9Pgfw (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcuzv-EXizUo4emmt9Pgfw) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eavesdroppinpodcast (https://www.facebook.com/eavesdroppinpodcast) #cults #gloriavale #redhouse #schoolcult #steiner #reallife #newzealand #eavesdroppin #eavesdroppinpodcast #eavesdroppincomedypodcast #podcast #comedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27571990?utm_source=youtube (video made with Headliner.app)

"Bad Cults: The Red House Children's Home, Plus the #Cult of #Gloriavale | Eavesdroppin'"
Eavesdroppin' Podcast
11 Jun 2025 [1:11:23]
#EscapingUtopia #TroubledTeenIndustry
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/YCq1FecJn0OmJSCs_jyp7g

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

9 months ago

- Courage and action: What to do about Gloriavale? Gloriavale - or Gloriafail: The infamous New Zealand cult has been in the courts and in the headlines recently. For how much longer can it keep going? In this powerful episode of Decult Talks, Liz Gregory from the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust hosts a moving panel with lawyer Dennis Gates and Gloriavale survivors Pearl Valor and Virginia Courage. Together, they explore the complex legal, emotional and social challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives after leaving the fundamentalist Christian community.Recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and produced as a podcast by Plains Media.Tune in for a heart-wrenching yet hopeful discussion about survival, justice, and the journey to freedom.Stay connected with Decult!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠, and visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about our next conference in 2026 by ⁠⁠⁠preregistering⁠ now⁠⁠, check out all the ⁠Decult 2024 highlights⁠, and stay tuned for our documentary!Decult is a small charity run by volunteers. You can help us immensely by supporting our work with a ⁠⁠⁠donation⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for your support!

"Courage & Action: What to do about #Gloriavale?"
Decult Talks - Breaking the Silence on Cultic Harm @decult.bsky.social
6 Jun 2025 [0:56:00]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/6iqxIQ6YW0KeE-sFoN3mgw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

9 months ago

DECULT VOICES – BEYOND BELIEF | Trailer The upcoming 20-minute documentary DECULT VOICES – BEYOND BELIEF, filmed during the first Decult conference in Christchurch (New Zealand) in 2024, weaves together raw, unscripted insights from cult survivors, mental health professionals, human rights advocates and academic experts. They present their deeply moving reflections and bold public calls to action, challenging long-held assumptions about people who left cults. From stories of exit and recovery to a united push for systemic reform, this fully crowdfunded film is a rallying cry for accountability, awareness, compassion and justice. Film production by Caleb MacDonald and Robyn Jordaan Stay updated about the film release and the Decult 2026 conference on decult.net!

"Decult Voices – Beyond Belief | Trailer"
Decult New Zealand @decult.bsky.social
5 Jun 2025 [0:02:36]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia #2x2s #TwoByTwos #IBLP #PBCC #PlymouthBrethren #JW #ExJW #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/l8JHN5eT9U2GCKWQL-lW4Q

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

10 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 62 - Leaving a cult with Theophila Pratt (Mini Series Part 1) Theophila Pratt, author of “Unveiled - A Story of Surviving Gloriavale” joins the team for our first of three episodes about leaving cults. This compelling conversation explores the immediate challenges, discusses identity construction, and the difficulties of finding people to help along the way. Theo and our hosts explore these topics and more, with a focus on those born and raised in a cult, inviting those thinking of leaving to sit up and listen.

"Leaving a #Cult with Theophila Pratt (Mini-Series part 1)"
Cult Chat
20 May 2025 [0:58:13]
#Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/XWcwrCgeEUKrFNhUq3o4Mg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

10 months ago

Gloriavale Unveiled with Theophila Pratt In this episode of Untidy, Matilda and Hannah speak with Theophila Pratt, a Gloriavale cult survivor, qualified paediatric occupational therapist, author, and fierce advocate for freedom and healing. Theo, formerly known as Honey Faithful, grew up in Gloriavale, an isolated and highly controlled Christian community on the West Coast. At 18, she was cast out after challenging the regime, with nothing but a suitcase, a ticket to Auckland, and little understanding of how the outside world worked.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of religious trauma, psychological abuse, coercive control, childhood neglect, and sexual abuse. While we approach these topics with care and sensitivity, some content may be distressing for listeners. Please take care while listening and prioritise your wellbeing. Theo shares what life inside Gloriavale was really like — from the oppressive rules that haunted every moment, to the calculated psychological control that deprived people of their individual identities, especially for girls and women. Theo talks about the subtle acts of rebellion that sparked her path to freedom, what it took to start again from scratch, and how she’s now helping others do the same. Theo reflects on trauma, therapy, rage, spirituality, and walking a determined road to self-trust and reclaiming her voice and identity. Her memoir, ‘Unveiled: A Story of Surviving Gloriavale’ exposes the realities of life inside the cult and offers hope to those seeking freedom from high-control environments. Links as mentioned in the show: Buy Unveiled by Theophila Pratt from https://www.theopratt.com/ Gloriavale Leavers’ Trust: https://gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/ Follow Theo on Instagram @lifeischoicenz Watch TVNZ documentary, Escaping Utopia If you’re enjoying Untidy, the best way to show your support is by tapping the ‘+ follow’ button in your podcast app and subscribing on YouTube! That way, fresh episodes will always be ready and waiting for you. Help us to keep building this supportive community — share an episode with a mate, and chuck us a 5-star review — it helps more people find our Untidy, unfiltered, and relatable chats. Thank you for listening, contributing and supporting this independent production! We’re grateful to have you here! — Hannah & Matty xx Don’t forget! Untidy is made for YOU — the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Follow the show and DM us on Instagram @untidypodcast or email hello@untidypodcast.com. Your stories and ideas to help shape the show! Find us online at Untidy podcast. Find Matilda at @matootles and get your copy of The Feel Good Guide. Find Hannah at @hannahedavison and her My Big Moments children’s books at @mybigmoments. Enter code UNTIDY at checkout for 10% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"#Gloriavale Unveiled with Theophila Pratt"
Untidy
16 May 2025 [1:04:29]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/8AFj5Jsaakaqb0yr672sPQ

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

10 months ago

Cult Chat Episode 61 - What's happening in the Cultiverse May 2025 There’s a lot going on in the cultiverse! We thought it time for an update on the culty happenings in our neck of the woods. In this episode you'll hear more than you want to know about chickens, rats, and mice, and heaps about cults. From news from the Olive Leaf Network, to Caz's connections with professionals & researchers, to Liz sharing culty tree metaphors with professionals on the West Coast. This episode has everything, including some really odd census data about Gloriavale! Show notes: Webpage: Olive Leaf Network and how to donate Webpage: International Cultic Studies Association home page and Montreal annual conference Podcast: Cult Chat Episode 58: 2x2s and Survivor Advocacy with Tristan Phipps and Kyle Eggleton Podcast: Cult Chat Episode 55, 56 and 57 - Are the Jehovah Witnesses a Cult? (Parts one and two) and Waking Up - with Dr Andre Jackson Article: One News coverage of Two By Twos Article: Inquiry into cults prompted by media attention on Geelong Revival Centre in Victoria. Facebook group: Stop Religious Coercion Australia run by Ryan Carey Podcast: Secrets We Keep - Pray Harder - series about Geelong Revival Centre Article: BBC - Japan court dissolves controversial 'Moonies' church Article - The Saints cult and the convictions for the manslaughter of 8 years old Elizabeth Struhs - Brisbane Religious Trauma Collective and the on-line conference Webpage: Theophila Pratt - Unveiled - A Story of Surviving Gloriavale Article: Press - Gloriavale population falls while 100 babies born, census shows

"What's Happening in the Cultiverse May 2025"
Cult Chat
6 May 2025 [0:58:12]
#GeelongRevivalCentre #Gloriavale #EscapingUtopia #2x2s #TwoByTwos #JW #ExJW #Moonies #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/A7cohFP6Pk6faMqLOQ4BdA

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

10 months ago

Heaven and Hell: The Dark Truth Behind NZ’s Centrepoint & Gloriavale Cults Step inside two of New Zealand’s most notorious communities—Centrepoint and Gloriavale. This video explores the disturbing realities behind their promises of utopia, revealing stories of control, manipulation, and abuse from those who lived through it. Featuring survivor testimonies and documentary footage from Heaven and Hell: The Centrepoint Story, Gloriavale (2022), and Escaping Utopia (2025). Trigger Warning: This video discusses themes of child abuse, sexual abuse, and religious exploitation. Viewer discretion is advised. #CentrepointNZ #Gloriavale #HeavenAndHellDocumentary #NZDocumentary #CultSurvivors #RealStories #ExposingTheTruth #ReligiousAbuse #SurvivorVoices #EscapingUtopia #NewZealandHistory #TrueCrimeDocumentary #CultDocumentary #GloriavaleExposed #CentrepointCult

"Heaven & Hell: The Dark Truth Behind NZ's #Centrepoint & #Gloriavale Cults"
Event Horizon
3 May 2025 [1:35:23]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/3vuM0ZRmTUy6al1T8hZy8g

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

1 year ago

Unveiled: Theophila Pratt's story of surviving Gloriavale At 18, after a life of servitude and subserviance, Theophila Pratt was dropped at a bus stop and left to fend for herself. She tells her story of surviving Gloriavale  

"Unveiled: Theophila Pratt's Story of Surviving #Gloriavale"
Nine To Noon @ninetonoonrnz.bsky.social
2 Mar 2025 [0:25:34]
#EscapingUtopia #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/D8H_Vj4aEkm8_dvw9w3hYw

jaaahnathan!

@throwingpotatoes.bsky.social

1 year ago

Got a couple of days off recuperating so watching #EscapingUtopia about the Gloriavale community. Still not sure how countries that consider themselves 'civilised' can fully support patriarchal sex cults for decades