FULL SERIES - THE INSTASCAMMERNo one expected it to happen online.This is where the story begins: how a wellness figure built a devoted following through juice cleanses, food protocols, and private groups full of encouragement and before-and-after photos. What started as health advice quietly became something people trusted with far more than their diets. In this opening episode we trace that rise — the language, the promises, and the community that formed around a single voice — and set out how the series approaches what came next.Sources & credits:Short third-party clips are used as brief excerpts for the purpose of criticism, comment and review under fair dealing (UK) / fair use (US). Each copyright holder is credited below.• Archive from Liana Shanti, Deep Throat: And By That I Mean Throat Chakra(“Episode One: Intro”), 2022. • Archive from ABC News (WABC-TV), World News Now, 2016.• Archive from Fox Business Network, Stossel, 2014.• Archive from Joe Cross, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, 2010.About this series:THE INSTASCAMMER is an audio documentary based on interviews, recordings, documents and public records. The experiences you hear are the accounts of the people who lived them. Where possible we distinguish personal testimony from expert opinion and verified records. Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect contributors and third parties. Any ongoing legal matters referenced are just that — ongoing; we do not speculate on outcomes, and nothing in this series should be understood as a statement of criminal guilt. When we use the term  “InstaScammer” we are not alleging a criminal conviction.Have you experienced something like this?Support & resources:If anything in this episode resonates with your own experience, you are not alone, and help is available.• Recovering from a cult or coercive group: R.A.I.S.E. CIC (UK) — cultic-abuse support and peer-led recovery — recoverautonomy.org.• Internationally: the International Cultic Studies Association — internationalculticstudies.org, [email protected].• If you’ve lost a loved one to a cult or coercion: The Family Survival Trust (UK) — thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/support.• Childhood or sexual abuse: US — RAINN, 1-800-656-4673 (24/7). UK — NAPAC, 0808801 0331.• In emotional distress or crisis (including suicidal thoughts): UK & ROI — Samaritans,free on 116 123, 24/7. US — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988, 24/7.• Domestic abuse or coercive control: UK — National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge),0808 2000 247, 24/7. US — National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233.(If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.)Verification & evidence: Much of what is described in this series is supported by recordings, documents, court filings and public records. If you are a journalist, researcher, or someone personally affected and you would like to verify what you’ve heard, you can reach the production at [email protected] note on names:To protect the privacy and safety of contributors and their families, some names and identifying details have been changed. Where individuals appear under their real names, they have consented to do so.

In this week's episode, host Kacey interviews cybersecurity professional Cheryl (Cyber Chick Boston) about her family’s experience when her niece became involved in the Twin Flames Universe. Cheryl explains the group’s origins under Jeff (Jeff Allen/Jeff Devine) and Shaleia (Megan), its online course-and-coaching business model likened to an MLM, escalating paid tiers, free labour, a “church” for tax advantages, and coercive tactics including forced pairings and gender transition.Cheryl’s family hired a cult consultant, contacted ex-members, police, FBI, and journalist Alice Hynes, and used supportive contact to keep ties. Cheryl's niece suffered severe mental and physical decline, before returning home in 2022–2023, stayed partly involved until stopping completely in 2025; Cheryl now runs a YouTube channel to raise awareness and advise families to stay connected and nonjudgmental.Cheryl's Channel - http://www.youtube.com/@CyberchickBostonAmazon Series - Watch Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe - Season 1 | Prime VideoCrimecon UK - www.crimecon.co.uk (use code CULT for a 10% discount!)

In today's episode, Kacey interviews first-time podcast guest Stella, a US Army sexual assault victim advocate and US Navy reservist who began sharing her story on TikTok and wrote a memoir, Deliver Us From Mother: Faith, Fear, and the Family Cult That Broke Me.Stella describes being raised in a “single family cult” led by her mother, defined by extreme control consistent with Steven Hassan’s BITE model, including severe physical punishment, psychological and information control, financial abuse, surveillance and “snitching,” parentification, and extreme evangelical purity culture, racism, and homophobia, alongside foster care and adoption in a nine-child household.She explains how writing from journals and collaborating with her sister was healing, discusses no-contact with her parents, complex feelings about her father’s complicity, and realising the dysfunction after joining the military. Stella outlines her advocacy work, PhD research on juvenile reoffending, a planned second book, and the book’s release details and goals: recognize and label abuse, and keep talking to break secrecy.Stella's TikTok - McCormick House Press (@stella_mccormick) | TikTokStella's Book - Amazon.com: Deliver Us From Mother: Faith, Fear, and the Family Cult That Broke Me eBook : McCormick, Stella: Kindle StoreCrimecon UK - www.crimecon.co.uk (use code CULT for 10% discount!)

In this episode, Kacey interviews journalist Harrison Hill about his first book, The Oracle’s Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult.Hill describes The Aggressive Christianity Missionary Training Corps (ACMTC), founded in the early 1980s by ex-hippies Jim and Deborah Green, with Deborah claiming prophetic status and building a militarized “spiritual army” using broadcasts and leaflets, later fleeing legal trouble and ending up on a remote New Mexico compound raided in 2017.The book’s through line is their daughter Sarah Green, who grew up in the group, later escaped at 26, and faced an impossible choice involving her children; it also examines who joins extremist groups, how people leave, and broader American religious history. Hill recounts meeting Sarah via his brother, expanding a 2021 Cut article into a book through extensive interviews, travel, and documents, handling hostility from the still-active group, and using its website as a key archive. He discusses balancing perspectives on Deborah, Sarah, and early member Maura, aiming to portray Deborah as a complex, tragic figure. Hill shares that Stephen King praised the book on Twitter, that he narrated the audiobook himself, and that he is returning to magazine work while considering another book.Harrison Hill | Author of The Oracle’s DaughterAggressive Christianity--Home of Shim Ra Na Holy Tribal NationCrimecon UK - www.crimecon.co.uk (use code CULT for a 10% discount!)

On today's episode of the Cult Vault podcast, Kacey interviews actor/filmmaker and screenwriter Adam Burke and actor Mike about their indie feature Wet Paper Bag, set at a couples wellness retreat that functions as a coercive, cult-like environment and slow-burn psychological thriller.Adam explains the film’s origins in a story of an abusive relationship, his experiences starting screenwriting in prison, and research drawn loosely from real-world cult material, aiming to depict manipulation ethically and relatably.Mike discusses preparing to play cult leader Don Haberman, referencing cult figures and trauma-driven narcissism, and the emotional toll of performance.The film secured distribution via X4 and streams on Amazon, FandangoAtHome, and YouTube Movies, with DVD/Blu-ray available.Wet Paper Bag: No One Goes Home The SameIt is now streaming on Amazon, Fandango at Home, Youtube Movie and people can follow the project on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wetpaperbag_film/CRIMECON UK - USE CODE CULT FOR 10% DISCOUNT!

The Cult Vault returns with an interview featuring John Anderson, a survivor of William Branham’s cult of personality known as “The Message.”John describes the movement’s post–World War II revival roots, its Latter Rain influence, and how Branham’s teachings seeded splinter groups worldwide, including extreme offshoots. He recounts being raised in the church, early memories dominated by fear and doomsday prophecy, and daily life centered on constant rule-following, listening to Branham’s tapes, and financial control through tithes and offerings. John details misogyny, demonisation tactics, and leaders’ prosperity while members struggled.He and his wife deconstructed together, attempted to help family leave, then faced threats, excommunication, and shunning. John discusses writing a 542-page critique, American Made Volume 2 (publishing Sept. 18), offering it free to help others, and his focus on freedom, recovery, and the challenges of retaining faith after trauma.John's Linktree - https://linktr.ee/johnandersonbookworks Crimecon UK - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/

In this compelling interview, actor and filmmaker Emrhys Cooper shares his personal journey through childhood experiences with high-control groups, his role in Coronation Street portraying a cult leader, and his advocacy work with the Family Survival Trust. Discover insights into coercive control, the psychology of cults, and how storytelling can raise awareness and inspire change.www.crimecon.co.uk - USE CODE CULT FOR 10% OFF!Emrhys' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emrhyscooperThe Family Survival Trust - Support for cult victims - The Family Survival TrustPetition for Changing Legislation - Petition - The Family Survival Trust

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey engages with Lucas Wilson, a researcher and author, to discuss his experiences with white Christian nationalism, conversion therapy, and the complexities of queer identity within evangelical contexts. Luke shares insights from his book 'Shame Sex Attraction', highlighting the emotional and psychological struggles faced by individuals subjected to conversion therapy. The conversation also touches on the current political climate regarding LGBTQ rights, the importance of community support, and the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals. Luke emphasises the need for acceptance and understanding, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities and seek supportive communities.Luke's Book - https://amzn.eu/d/ipnKyiH

In this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey speaks with Brittany, a writer who shares her journey of overcoming dyslexia to write her book, 'Whispers in the Cradle.' Brittany discusses the dark origins of nursery rhymes, the true crime elements intertwined with children's stories, and the challenges she faced during her writing process. The conversation also touches on the importance of research, the support from her family, and advice for aspiring writers.Brittany's Book Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Michael shares his journey from a seeker of spirituality to becoming involved in a cult. He discusses his life before the cult, the allure of enlightenment, and the psychological manipulation involved in cult dynamics. Michael emphasises the importance of trusting oneself and recognising personal wins and losses, while also reflecting on the challenges of leaving a high-control group and the impact on individuality and family dynamics. He concludes with a powerful message about the significance of self-trust and the journey of personal growth after such experiences.Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: [email protected]