From Devotion to Deconstruction: Laci Bean’s Journey Out (Part 1)

Jul 21, 2025

Laci Bean, host of the podcast Deadly Faith, shares her harrowing journey out of a cult-like Christian ministry that ensnared her as a teenager. She recounts the emotional hooks and strict rules that governed her life. Laci discusses the psychological impact of systemic control and the complexities of deconstructing deep-seated beliefs. With candor, she reflects on the unexpected kindness that aided her escape and the bittersweet nature of leaving a so-called spiritual family. Her story resonates with anyone who has felt trapped by a manipulative belief system.

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ANECDOTE

Laci's Immersion in Cultic Ministry

Laci Bean dove headfirst into a strict Christian ministry at 16 for emotional connection and belonging missing from her family life.
She signed a covenant with strict rules and lived fully immersed under the pastor's control for three years.

INSIGHT

Fear as Control Tactic

Fear of eternal damnation was a powerful manipulative tool used to keep members compliant.
The pastor blamed Laci for her family's spiritual fate if she left, creating intense guilt and pressure.

INSIGHT

Skepticism of Organized Religion

Laci views organized religion as prone to manipulation and abuse due to inherent power structures.
She sees some hope in progressive Christians but remains skeptical of religion's overall corruption.

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This week on A Little Bit Culty, we’re getting holy uncomfortable. Our guest is Laci Bean, host of the podcast Deadly Faith, for the first of a two-part conversation about her time in a cult-like Christian ministry that pulled her in as a teenager and tried to own her soul.

From ages sixteen to nineteen, Laci lived under strict rules that dictated what she could listen to, who she could talk to, and even how she thought about her family. The group promised love and belonging but delivered fear, isolation, and spiritual manipulation, all under the guise of faith.

We talk about the emotional hooks that pulled her in, the control tactics that kept her there, and the unexpected kindness that helped her break free. Laci doesn’t hold back as she reflects on what it meant to walk away from her so-called spiritual family—and how leaving God didn’t mean leaving truth. This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by a belief system that promised love but delivered control.

Also… let it be known that:

The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.

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CREDITS:

Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames

Production Partner: Amphibian.Media

Co-Creator: Jess Tardy

Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media

Audio production: Red Caiman Studios

Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin

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