Aftercult

About

Conversations with former cult members, by a former cult member. Aftercult takes listeners inside some of the world’s secretive cults and religious sects through the eyes of believers who saw them up close. Aftercult is hosted by Dave Mullins, a former cult member who left Australia as a young man on an evangelical mission to Canada. Mullins walked out of the cult after ten years, together with his wife and young child, and arrived home confused and disillusioned. Two decades later, he’s coming to terms with the experience with rare honesty and clarity, with the help of other surv...

Episodes

• 8: Craig Hoyle & The Exclusive Brethren 2026-04-06

  In this episode of Aftercult, Dave interviews Craig Hoyle, who shares his experiences growing up within The Exclusive Brethren. The discussion covers the church's history, its practices of separation and shunning, and its global structure…

• 7: Maria Esguerra & Children of God 2026-03-30

  Dave talks with psychologist Maria Esguerra about her upbringing within the Children of God cult, founded by David Berg. Esguerra shares her experiences, particularly after leaving the group, and discusses relevant psychological concepts f…

• 6: Lara Kaput & Jehovah's Witnesses 2026-03-23

  Dave speaks with Lara Kaput about her experiences growing up as a Jehovah

• 5: Ben Shenton & The Family 2026-03-16

  Ben Shenton shares his experiences growing up in The Family, a cult led by Anne Hamilton-Byrne. He discusses the cult's influences and his life within and after it, including the impact of the 1987 police raid and discovery of illegal adop…

• 4: Laura Muir & Shincheonji 2026-03-10

  Dave speaks with Laura Muir about her five years in the Korean doomsday church Shincheonji, founded by Lee Man Hee. Laura reflects on the deceptive recruitment process, her time as an evangelist, and discarding her former beliefs.

• 3: Carli McConkey & Universal Knowledge 2026-03-02

  Carli McConkey discusses her extensive involvement with Universal Knowledge, formerly Life Integration Programmes, founded by Natasha Lakaev. She recounts personal experiences of abuse and her subsequent legal efforts to hold Lakaev accoun…

• 2: Sarah Blasko & Pentecostalism, Hillsong, etc 2026-02-18

  Dave interviews Sarah Blasko about her formative experiences in Pentecostal churches like Hillsong and her subsequent music career, which began within the church environment.

• 1: Dave Mullins & The Gnostic Movement 2026-02-11

  Host Dave Mullins shares his decade-long experience with The Gnostic Movement (approx. 1996-2006), discussing its history and influences. He also touches on the series' goals and lessons learned from interviewing former members of other cu…