Let's Talk About Sects is an award-winning monthly podcast focusing on a different cult each episode. Sarah takes a storytelling, deep dive approach, looking at the history of a sect's leaders, the recruitment of members, their experiences, psychological aspects, and notable incidents during its existence.
You can support us on Patreon, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available now.
“A fascinating and well-researched look into cults and the charismatic leaders behind them.” Peter Wells, The Sydney Morning Herald
“A fantastic examination of sects, cults, and religion… a fact-based program that’ll hook you in and keep you coming back for more.” Zach Johnston, Uproxx
“Cleverly named, meticulously researched.” Elena Nicolaou, Refinery29
“The best podcast of its kind – I can’t wait for another episode!” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener
“I study cults and sects and for this reason listen to many podcasts on these subjects. This one is by far the best.” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener
“Best podcast about cults I’ve found.” Apple Podcasts review from an Australian listener
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The Let's Talk about Sects podcast investigates cults that have ruined lives forever. What is a cult, and how does one become a member or leader? What kind of charisma does it take to get people to follow one beyond the limits of normal society? Host Sarah Steele answers these questions. She also authored Do As I Say, which explores cult leadership and communities.
Entering a cult or meeting its leader can mean encountering never-seen-before evil. As a detective stated about the leader of Children of God and later The Family, "she was the most evil person that I've ever met." Some former members might recall her in different ways. Yet, The Family left destruction, psychological trauma, and even suicide in its wake. Daniella Mestyanek Young grew up in it and compared living in a cult to being in the army. Obedience is part of survival, and breaking the rules causes expulsion. One's identity feels inextricable from the group, and leaving it is a painful rebirth. This podcast tells these stories.
Many cults seem benign enough. The Gloriavale Christian Community promoted the common good and true equality. When police arrested their leader for sex crimes, it outraged followers. Those who left remember a life lived in fear with endless labor. In one Let's Talk about Sects episode, Matthew Klein, a former member of the Twelve Tribes, shares his story to promote change. He saw how cults affects children. The Twelve Tribes is notorious for abusing children and advocating racist beliefs.
The problem a cult poses is not always obvious. The Brisbane Christian Fellowship, for example, seems innocent. Its members live their lives according to Christ and the Bible. Its survivors, however, remember a life ruled by cruelty and pain. They talk of broken families and how the organization weaponizes emotional abuse.
The truth behind many cults remains a mystery. Their appeal is psychological, and their methods exploitative. Yet people continue to join them. Let's Talk about Sects explains why. Listeners can enter the enticing and often dangerous world of cults on this well-researched podcast.
Episodes