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
May 9, 2026
May 9, 2026
1hr 45 min
This week I welcome back former Scientologist Natalia Hirsch, originally from Ecuador but who had a wide-ranging life and Scientology experience she is sharing with us. In today's show we cover a lot more about WISE, her time as a Golden Age of Tech trainee at Flag and what happened when she became a poor Scientologist in Clearwater along with her family. It takes a heartbreaking twist.
May 2, 2026
May 2, 2026
1hr 53 min
Today I welcome back Jon Atack to continue our series of podcasts to debunk the "basics" of Scientology, one bit at a time. This is a wide-ranging and hopefully interesting discussion where we pull no punches on how we see Scientology. Enjoy!
My new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GWJ2VXWV
The workshop page: https://ilumn8.life/op/reclaiming-your-mind-and-life-chris-shelton/
Jon's channel: @jonatackfamilyfriends6176
Apr 25, 2026
Apr 25, 2026
1hr 34 min
This week I welcome former Scientologist Natalia Hirsch, originally from Ecuador but who had a wide-ranging life and Scientology experience she is sharing with us starting in today's first part. We cover her beginnings in the mission of Ecuador and run-ins with "higher level" Scientology in Venezuela and with WISE. More to come - enjoy!
Apr 18, 2026
Apr 18, 2026
1hr 50 min
This week I welcome back former Scientologists and musician Geoff Levin to discuss a period of time in Scientology when L. Ron Hubbard was fascinated with and was producing music for PR purposes back in 1974. Geoff has an on-the-ground perspective of Hubbard and the Sea Org at that time which I think you'll find very interesting and entertaining too. Enjoy! G
eoff's website: https://geofflevin.com
Apr 11, 2026
Apr 11, 2026
26 min
Today I am sharing some recent observations and learning on the subject of narcissism - a timely topic given our current world situation - and relate observations of political philosopher @VladVexler to cult leaders and why things are always so madhouse insane around them. Enjoy!
Apr 4, 2026
Apr 4, 2026
1hr 12 min
Today I welcome back author and cult survivor Tia Levings, who discuses her upcoming book "I Belong to Me" about her recovery journey and advice for anyone on the same path. Enjoy!
Tia's website: https://tialevings.com
Mar 28, 2026
Mar 28, 2026
1hr 13 min
Today I welcome Melissa Duge Spiers, author of the new book Holy Disobedience, which is her story of being raised in and dealing with the religious abuse of the 7th Day Adventist cult. We discuss how this group was founded by a literal insane person and how the values of 1850 have NOT translated well to today's world, or to how to raise children in it. Her new book will be releasing in just a few days. I hope you check it out.
Melissa on social media: @TheGloryWhole
Mar 14, 2026
Mar 14, 2026
1hr 10 min
Today I welcome back musician and artist Geoff Levin, former Scientologist, who has produced a new feature-length documentary, Brothers Broken, telling his story of Scientology abuse and disconnection, and the happy ending he got after escaping the cult. The movie itself is releasing in the next week or so. Enjoy!
Geoff Levin website: http://geofflevin.com
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.