My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 490 - Trust Me
Jul 24, 2025
Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth, survivors of high-control groups and hosts of the podcast Trust Me, delve into their harrowing experiences with cults like Heaven’s Gate and NXIVM. They explore the psychology behind cult allure and the dangers of social media misinformation. Personal anecdotes reveal how emotional vulnerability can lead to manipulative relationships, including love bombing. The conversation highlights the significance of empathy for those exiting cults, emphasizing the transformative power of connection and understanding in breaking free from indoctrination.
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Internet Meta-Cult Phenomenon
- Internet culture can mimic cult dynamics, with people obsessively labeling online groups as cults.
- This leads to a meta-cult phenomenon where the "anti-cult" crowd forms its own cult-like community.
Comfort in Routine Rituals
- People form rituals and habits for comfort, sometimes resembling cult-like behavior.
- Even small routines provide control and predictability, easing the chaos of life.
Lola Blanc's Family Cult Experience
- Lola Blanc's mother was manipulated into a cult by a man posing as a prophet exploiting Mormon beliefs.
- Dreams and cultural emphasis on signs helped the man indoctrinate her and isolate Lola's family.