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.
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 Mar 24, 2018
Leah Remini Talks Scientology and Cult Recovery
Saturday Mar 24, 2018
Saturday Mar 24, 2018
This week I have very special guest Leah Remini on board to talk about Scientology, a little about the upcoming Season 3 of Scientology and the Aftermath, her personal transition and recovery from her old group and a lot more. Leah is the star of King of Queens and Kevin Can Wait and the co-creator of the Emmy-award winning TV series Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E which has just been renewed for a third season.
Aftermath Foundation: http://theaftermathfoundation.org/
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #134: Leah Remini Talks Scientology and Cult Recovery appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Mar 17, 2018
The Collateral Damage of Scientology
Saturday Mar 17, 2018
Saturday Mar 17, 2018
This week, on location in Minneapolis, I conducted an interview with Penny Mixhau, the widow of a former Scientologist whose death had a great deal to do with the anti-psychiatry phobia induction which Scientology engages in. Perhaps one of my most personal podcasts to date, Penny’s story is a lesson for us all in the collateral damage that destructive cults wreak on those who are connected to their members. These groups are not just destructive to their individual members, but to everyone around them.
Penny’s blog: http://scientologywidow.wordpress.com/
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #133: The Collateral Damage of Scientology ft. Penny Mixhau appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Mar 03, 2018
The Three Apostates Part 2 - Child Sex Abuse in Cults
Saturday Mar 03, 2018
Saturday Mar 03, 2018
This week, it’s the return of the Three Apostates, as I welcome Lloyd Evans (former JW) and Jonathan Streeter (former Mormon) to talk about what goes on in destructive cults towards children and how these groups act to cover it up rather than admit to wrongdoing.
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #132: The Three Apostates Part 2 – Child Sex Abuse in Cults appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Feb 24, 2018
Vaccines, Anti-Vaxxers and Other Nonsense ft. Karen Ernst
Saturday Feb 24, 2018
Saturday Feb 24, 2018
This week I talk with Karen Ernst of Voices for Vaccines and creator of the Vax Talk podcast. Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease. We discuss the safety and efficacy of vaccines, what the anti-vax movement is all about and Scientology even enters into the mix in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Website: https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/
Podcast: https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/podcast/
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #131: Vaccines, Anti-Vaxxers and Other Nonsense ft. Karen Ernst appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Feb 17, 2018
Helping Someone in a Narcissistic Relationship ft. Rachel Bernstein
Saturday Feb 17, 2018
Saturday Feb 17, 2018
This week, Rachel Bernstein and I discuss what to do if you know or suspect someone you know is in a narcissistic relationship. What’s the right thing to do or not do?
Rachel Bernstein’s website: http://rachelbernsteintherapy.com
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #130: Helping Someone in a Narcissistic Relationship appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Feb 10, 2018
Anonymous vs Scientology 10th Anniversary Protest Episode
Saturday Feb 10, 2018
Saturday Feb 10, 2018
February 10, 2018 is the 10th anniversary of the first international protest of Scientology by Anonymous. Sparked by the Church’s attempt to censor the internet by removing a Tom Cruise video, Anonymous declared war and Scientology has never been the same since.
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #129: Anonymous vs. Scientology Tenth Anniversary Protest Episode appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Feb 03, 2018
Scientology’s Dirty Tricks Bureau - What Can We Do?
Saturday Feb 03, 2018
Saturday Feb 03, 2018
This week, Dr. Jeff Wasel and I follow up on our video from a few weeks ago to further discuss Scientology’s dirty tricks bureau, the Office of Special Affairs. We go over the strategy and tactics that former and non-Scientologists should engage in to have the best results in exposing Scientology’s abuses and human rights violations.
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #128: Scientology’s Dirty Tricks Bureau – What Can We Do? appeared first on The Sensibly Speaking Podcast.



Saturday Jan 27, 2018
Scientology, Courageous Followership and More ft. Jon Atack
Saturday Jan 27, 2018
Saturday Jan 27, 2018
Jon Atack guests this week to talk about Scientology, destructive cults, courageous followership and much more.
The post Sensibly Speaking Podcast #127: Scientology, Courageous Followership and More ft. Jon Atack 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.







