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
Aug 5, 2023
Aug 5, 2023
1 hr 42 min
This week I am joined again by Scientology veteran and film maker Mitch Brisker to discuss something NO ONE has ever talked about before, at least not anywhere I could find: the confidential L. Ron Hubbard films on Scientology’s OT Levels. We go into some of the details of the films, what it took to restore them and a lot more from there. Enjoy!
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #398: From Clear to Eternity – Scientology’s OT Films appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jul 29, 2023
Jul 29, 2023
1 hr 16 min
Coercive control is not just isolated to cults. This week we go on a different tangent to explore coercive control in the adoption system and in unethical therapy – two areas that are hardly ever discussed but in which abuses happen daily. I am joined by Emma Stevens, who opens up about her experiences and shares why the coercion she had to grow up with have stayed with her to this day.
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #397: When Therapists are Predators ft. Emma Stevens appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jul 22, 2023
Jul 22, 2023
2 hr 40 min
This week I have Mitch Brisker back to discuss more of his work for the Church of Scientology as a professional film director and creative. Today, we go deep into Church propaganda, psychiatry, working at Golden Era Productions and a lot more. Enjoy!
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #396: The Art of Propaganda appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jul 15, 2023
Jul 15, 2023
57 min
This week I am joined by pyschologist and author Dr. Robin Stern to discuss her specialty, gaslighting. We cover how this is done, how to spot it when it’s happening to you (even if it’s from someone you like and admire) and how gaslighting is used in cults like Scientology to literally rewrite one’s memories. Enjoy!
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #395: Gaslighting In and Out of Cults ft. Dr. Robin Stern appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jul 8, 2023
Jul 8, 2023
2 hr 28 min
This week I am joined by long-time friend and researcher Jon Atack to discuss cancel culture, controversies, cult nonsense and science – a broad mix of topics about which Jon and I have many opinions. We hope you like our discussion as much as we did having it. Enjoy!
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #374: Controversies, Cults and Science appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jul 1, 2023
Jul 1, 2023
2 hr 23 min
This week I am joined by Mitch Brisker, a professional film maker who went to work as a non-Sea Org member back in the 1980s and worked for decades directly under David Miscavige. He has some very interesting things to say about his time, Scientology’s leader and the culture he observed. Enjoy!
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #393: Sex, Lies and Scientology Films ft. Mitch Brisker appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jun 24, 2023
Jun 24, 2023
1 hr 11 min
This week I am joined by Kate Amber, MSc educator and fellow graduate of the Salford Master’s program on the psychology of coercive control, to discuss what she has been doing to work with medical and law enforcement officials on coercive control and her unique model of that behavior. I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did putting it together.
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #392: A New Look at Coercive Control appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
Jun 17, 2023
Jun 17, 2023
1 hr 7 min
This week I am joined by Dr. Janja Lalich, sociologist and long-time cult warrior who has a great deal to say about her model of “bounded choice,” cultic influence in society, recovery from these groups and a lot more. Enjoy!
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #391: Cult Influence and Recovery appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.
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.