Let's Talk About Sects

18/12/2025

Harry Rob Bruner took his time in Sri Chinmoy – from the age of 12 to 30 – and turned it into a solo stage show. He found this to be so healing that he wanted to help others do the same thing.

18/12/2025

A big win for the safety and education of children in Gloriavale.

Education Secretary Ellen MacGregor-Reid said the school has failed to meet compliance standards despite two years of support, citing ongoing risks to students' physical and emotional safety.

16/12/2025

After leaving Sri Chinmoy, Harry Rob Bruner heard stories of sexual misconduct perpetrated by his former guru – who had been incredibly strict with his devotees around celibacy. Instead of putting them down to slander, Harry chose to go directly to the sources.

In spite of the numerous credible allegations, with many more since, just last week the New York Times crossword referred to the leader only as a '20th-century Indian spiritual leader' in a clue.

Harry spoke with LTAS about his experiences and how converting them into a solo stage show helped him to reckon with his past.

08/12/2025

“Ms Hishon has devoted hundreds of hours listening to an estimated 280 victims of historical child sexual abuse from within the church she grew up in.

“Her hotline, The Brave Truth, was set up in 2023 and claims to have identified over 200 alleged perpetrators across Australia and New Zealand…

“The FBI's Omaha Field Office is now leading an international investigation into abuse allegations across the sect's global network.”

07/12/2025

‘In court, the victim said the church taught that the man was the head of the household and that God required them to be “absolutely obedient to their father”.

“The family was not permitted to read anything other than JW literature and they were forbidden from associating with people outside the JW community,” the court heard…

Judge Weinstein said the victim’s upbringing in the church was “cult-like”.’

04/12/2025

A very important topic explored here.

“Decult was powerful in that it gave people a bit of a network to say I won’t be alone if I do this” - Laura McConnell Conti

A powerful conversation around masculinity, mental health and, some beautiful words about Decult: we recommend listening to this conversation between podcast host Laura McConnell and her latest guest Tristan Phipps.

To hear Tristan speak about being a speaker at the previous Decult conference and then morphing into his journey becoming one of supporting others feels like a perfect affirmation of why we do what we do.
Thank you for your words, Laura and Tristan! 🧡

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/25y8IWrCxKJVB9VKSj3m7W?si=4425aa439f554dfb

28/11/2025

Attending an Anti-Slavery Forum recently, I learned about the non-punishment principle that forms part of the UN's Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. It really had me thinking about people who commit crimes while they are indoctrinated and under the sway of highly controlling cult leaders. The idea behind the principle is protecting victims and ensuring they are not further victimised by the legal system for actions taken under duress. There's a tricky line there, and there does still need to be accountability for crimes that adults commit that harm other people (following orders is no excuse for certain acts, of course). But there is some food for thought here.
– Sarah

25/11/2025

A part of me was hesitant to listen to Allison After NXIVM, and that was for the same reasons host and writer Natalie Robehmed was initially hesitant to be involved with the project. But it was speaking with Allison Mack herself that changed Natalie's perspective. Natalie spent some time talking to me about the ethical considerations in making the podcast, what it taught her about victims and perpetrators, and her thoughts about why this is still an important story to tell.
– Sarah

21/11/2025

“The leaders of extremist religious sect the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church this week tightened their grip over every aspect of their members’ lives and finances, while rejecting the prime minister’s accusation that they’re a cult.” – Michael Bachelard for The Age

21/11/2025

Joining a cult that focuses on the female or**sm may sound pretty out-there, but Ellen Huet's work on OneTaste taught her that it's really not as unlikely a scenario as people may think. Even though OneTaste's teachings will likely always remain fringe, there was a lot in there that even those who were damaged by it still believe has value. 's book, Empire of Or**sm, offers an incredible insight into this organisation and how any why people became enmeshed in it. She spoke with Sarah about this and so much more.

18/11/2025

Ellen Huet's new book about OneTaste, Empire of Or**sm, is out today. It was such a pleasure to speak with about her work and her insights into Nicole Daedone's start-up centred on the female or**sm. Ellen has spoken with numerous former members and watched endless hours of footage of the group's teachings, and her book is riveting. For those who listened to the LTAS deep dive back in 2020, a lot has happened since then, so this was also a great opportunity to catch up on the FBI investigation and trial of Nicole and her second-in-command, Rachel Cherwitz.