Michelle Dowd

Michelle Dowd, a professor of journalism born into a cult, shares her upbringing in 'The Field' and struggles with cult dynamics. She discusses trauma, body image pressures, and the importance of education and access to birth control in preventing unwanted pregnancies. The podcast also explores the interpretation of religious stories and the impact of cult experiences on familial relationships.

Author Michelle Dowd discusses the intersection of patriarchy and authoritarianism in high-demand religions, the impact of trauma from cult experiences on the body, and the lifelong journey of healing from self-distrust. They also explore gendered oppression within family cults, challenges of forming relationships after leaving, and ways to engage with the speaker via Substack and Instagram.