Decult Talks
Host: Various
Categories: Learning Centre
Languages: English
Plains Media
Produced By: Plains FM
Programme Website
The Decult Conference was held in Otautahi / Christchurch New Zealand as a two-day symposium dedicated to addressing the pressing issues surrounding cults and coercive control. This unique gathering had 570 attendees and 40 speakers, featuring local and international experts, academics, authors, researchers, victim advocates, and mental health specialists. As organisers, we aimed to meet the acute and long-term needs of cult survivors by providing support, education, empowerment, and visibility.
All Episodes
Decult Talks: Ep 6 - The truth about The Truth: Secrets and cover-ups of the 2x2s with Laura McConnell Conti
Published: 12/5/2025 11:00 a.m.
In this gripping episode of Decult Talks, Laura McConnell Conti shares her personal story of growing up in the secretive sect “The Truth” (or 2x2s), a group currently under investigation by the FBI for pedophilia. Laura takes us through her journey of leaving the cult, shedding light on the control tactics and the psychological impact of being raised within such a closed and abusive environment. Recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand and produced as a podcast by Plains Media. Say in touch with what is happening at Decult via: https://decult.net/
Decult Talks: Ep5 - Rabbit Hole Resistance: Cults, disinformation and online radicalisation
Published: 05/5/2025 11:00 a.m.
What is the overlap of disinformation, cults and online radicalisation? Stephen Judd from FACT Aotearoa leads a compelling panel discussion on Decult Talks, joined by experts in cult dynamics and extremism: Prof Ekant Veer (University of Canterbury), Austrian cult expert Ulrike Schiesser, Australian-Egyptian human rights activist Adam Elmasri and Auckland psychotherapist Paul Wilson. Together, they unpack the social and psychological forces that pull people into dangerous rabbit holes, offering insights into how individuals and societies are affected.
Decult Talks: Ep 4 - Toxic tantra: Surviving and suing MISA’s yoga guru by Bec Sonnkila
Published: 28/4/2025 11:00 a.m.
In this powerful episode of Decult Talks, Bec Sonkkila, a survivor of the esoteric tantra yoga school MISA, shares her incredible journey and the vital role she played in bringing their controversial guru, Gregorian Bivolaru, to justice. Bivolaru was arrested in 2023, and Bec’s courage and perseverance were instrumental in exposing the truth behind the Romanian cult that hides behind different names across Europe.
Decult Talks: Ep 3 - Bible study with a hook: Shincheonji’s recruitment with Laura Muir
Published: 21/4/2025 11:00 a.m.
In this eye-opening episode of Decult Talks, we hear from Laura Muir, a former member of the Korean Bible cult Shincheonji. Laura shares her personal experience and provides an in-depth look at the cult's recruitment tactics, shedding light on the psychological manipulation and strategies used to draw people in. This powerful presentation was recorded live at the first Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, and produced as a podcast by Plains Media. Tune in for a thought-provoking presentation that will challenge what you know about how cults operate in our communities.
Decult Talks: Ep 2 - Kids in Cults: From damage and silence to justice and repair
Published: 14/4/2025 11:38 a.m.
Join Dr. Caroline Ansley from the Centrepoint Restoration Project, Maria Esguerra, a psychologist and Children of God survivor, Luke Hollis, a former Jehovah’s Witness, and Dr Janja Lalich, a leading US cult expert, as they delve deep into the personal and psychological impacts of cults on children born or raised in them. This conversation brings together powerful stories of survival, recovery, and expertise in the fight against coercion and manipulation. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode that will leave you with a new perspective on complex human rights and mental health issues.
