What happens when you leave a cult—but the cult is still running a program in your mind?

In this episode, Mark Vicente sits down with author and trauma educator Richard Grannon to explore the long tail of coercive control. They talk about the psychological residue that lingers after you’ve exited—whether it’s from a high-control group, a toxic relationship, or a narcissistic parent.

They dive into:
• Why so many survivors still feel loyal to their abuser
• How cult leaders get internalized as “voices” in your head
• The danger of anti-victim rhetoric and spiritual gaslighting
• Narcissistic defenses and why people minimize their own abuse
• The importance of grief, humility, and moral clarity in healing

This isn’t just about cults. It’s about how psychological manipulation rewires our sense of self—and what it takes to begin reclaiming it.

Richard Grannon
Youtube Channel
https://www.instagram.com/richard.grannon/

Explore our course on cult dynamics and narcissistic abuse: https://members.richardgrannon.com/narcissistic-cults-decoded-course

Listen to the episode with Karen, a former NXIVM member of 40 years: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtf-is-on-my-mind/id1646783869?i=1000710733086

The views and opinions expressed on WTF is on my Mind?! do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or Mark Vicente. Any content provided by guests are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.

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Leaving the Cult w/ Richard Grannon