Speaking of Cults

A podcast about cults, coercive control and recovery. Formerly called the Sensibly Speaking podcast, in this weekly show host Chris Shelton interviews cult survivors, psychologists and other professionals and specialists about the topics of cult recruitment, retention and recovery. This also includes non-religious cults and extreme political movements including the more divisive elements of MAGA and left-wing culture war issues. There is nothing off-limits but we always try to be respectful of the people involved even if we do not respect the beliefs or actions involved.
Episodes
Episodes



Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Speaking of Cults...Good Sex and Bad Groups
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
This week, I welcome Cara Cordoni, a sex-positive coach, and Dave Booda, to discuss how groups such as the tantric sexual healing group ISTA use the same cult-like tactics known as Large Group Awareness Training. We go into a lot of detail on this. Enjoy!
Cara's website: https://caracordonicoaching.com
Dave's article: https://boodaism.com/ista/
3SC Community: https://3sc.community
NY Magazine article: https://archive.md/SxPTQ



Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Speaking of Cults...Writing Your Cult Trauma Away with Gerette Buglion
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
This week, I welcome cult survivor, author and consultant Gerrette Buglion to discuss her work, cults in general, and the healing power of writing. This is a wide-ranging conversation which I hope you'll check out. Enjoy!
Gerette's website: https://www.gerettebuglion.com/



Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Speaking of Cults...The Myth of Personal Transformation
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
This podcast was meant to be posted on March 22 but somehow disappeared from the audio lineup, so I'm re-posting it now. This very short episode focuses on an important point in today's self-help-filled world: the myth of instant personal transformation. You may feel you're above such obvious cons, but why do self-help gurus make billions every year peddling life coaching and personal transformation? Someone believes this stuff! Enjoy!



Saturday Apr 05, 2025
Speaking of Cults...Is the United States a Cult Now?
Saturday Apr 05, 2025
Saturday Apr 05, 2025
This week, we are back to a very short show as I decided that I would put my expertise to work to try to give some very practical advice on what to do in our current outrageous social/political environment here in the US. I hope it helps. Enjoy!



Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Speaking of Cults...What the Mormons Can Teach Us about Organizing a Cult
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
One thing I know my audience appreciates is the fact we are not afraid to go deep into the details of what goes on in cults and today is a big one. We are looking at the problem of cult leader succession, so let's look at how the Mormons did it. Bryce Blankenangel and Shannon Grover join me and provide a wonderful and nuanced insight into the full history of this topic. Enjoy!
Glassbox podcast: https://glassboxpodcast.com/



Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Speaking of Cults...Let's Talk about Grant Cardone
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
This week by request I am interviewing Ben John, an entrepreneur and social media personality who was taken in by Grant Cardone's 10X MLM-like scheme, paid in hundreds of thousands for class and coaching work which resulted in absolutely nothing and when he tried to seek recourse, he was ghosted and "disconnected." Sometimes the business world can be just as shady as the religious one. Enjoy!
Ben's channel: @TodaysMisguidedMentors
Note: sorry for any delays in the last few episodes getting out there. The technical issues have now been resolved!



Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Speaking of Cults...Is Wokeism a Cult?
Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Saturday Mar 08, 2025
By popular demand, I am taking this week to honestly but maybe with a little snark look at the question of whether "wokeism" is a cult. Let's be honest about the problems and bad behavior on the Left, and let's take a look at whether a real cult exists there or not. I look forward to seeing your comments on this one! Enjoy!



Saturday Mar 01, 2025
Speaking of Cults...Is America Becoming a Cult of Obedience?
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
This podcast is NOT a rant about any cult of Trump, but the fact I even have to lead with that is a sign of what this podcast is all about. This week I present 10 points of how obedience is coerced in any group (religious, political, sports, etc) and specifically how I see this playing out in Western politics, kind of cult behavior hiding in plain sight. This historically always results in pretty horrible lives for a lot of people and I hope this can help open some eyes. Enjoy!

Your Host
Hello, my name is Chris Shelton and I am an author, consultant, podcaster, videographer, and former cult member. Welcome to my podcast!
Who is Chris Shelton?
Chris started a YouTube channel which has over 45,000 subscribers, produces the Sensibly Speaking podcast each week and has produced hundreds of videos laying out the scam of Scientology, educating on critical thinking and interviewing former members of Scientology and other destructive cults, as well as a range of therapists, cult exit counselors, educators and media personalities. Chris has also given talks and presentations around the United States about his experiences and has been featured on numerous podcasts and television shows. He was featured on Leah Remini’s Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E and served as a consultant to the show for its first two seasons. He has also written a critical analysis of Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard called Scientology: A to Xenu – An Insider’s Guide to What Scientology is Really All About, available on Amazon in printed form, e-book format and as an audio book.