Truth 2x2 Cult Kids

Kyle Hanks, host of Cowtipper Vern and a moderator of the ex 2x2 Facebook group, dives deep into the complexity of 2x2 culture. He examines the impact of language and storytelling on personal journeys of deconstruction and recovery from high-control communities. Kyle also discusses the emotional toll of leaving such tightly-knit environments, the importance of shared experiences for validation, and the need for supportive spaces in processing trauma. His insights challenge listeners to reflect on the nuances of joy, faith, and resilience in their own lives.

Renee Spencer is a cult survivor advocate and creator of a Cult Rubric, while Clare Heath McIvor, daughter of a cult leader, uses comedy to navigate her trauma. They discuss the newly announced parliamentary inquiry into cults in Victoria and the formation of the Victorian Cult Survivors Network. Engaging personal stories reveal the emotional struggles of relationships torn by cult involvement, while humor serves as a coping mechanism in the face of trauma. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, advocacy, and identifying red flags in cult behaviors.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on racism and white saviourism experienced by a survivor of a strict religious group. Explore the fascinating complexities of navigating different faiths, from compulsory heterosexuality to queerphobia. Hear humorous yet serious reflections on cultural expectations, particularly surrounding women's attire and family rituals. Delve into the emotional weight of transitioning beliefs and the struggles of personal identity amidst love bombing in church communities. It's a raw and honest exploration of faith, identity, and cultural perceptions.

Candice Curran, a teacher who grew up in the Bob Barlow Group in Queensland, discusses her concerns about the treatment of women and children in high-control groups. She draws striking parallels between the Truth 2x2s and the Barlow Group, emphasizing the risks of creating new sects without addressing old ideologies. The conversation touches on themes of coerced marriage, purity culture, and emotional struggles faced by those leaving such communities. Candice advocates for better support and understanding for individuals trying to break free.

TW: This episode contains references to CSA.Maria Hutchison is a survivor of the Truth 2x2's from New Zealand. She now lives in Melbourne Australia. She founded With Freedom Coaching, working as an addiction counsellor and coach. She experienced abuse inside Truth 2x2's, which was swept away and silenced. Maria works with trauma survivors, leveraging her deep lived experience of trauma and recovery. She wrote a book on her experiences and her work, Facing Maria.In this episode Maria shares some of her experiences inside Truth 2x2s, her experience of speaking up about abuse and how it wassubsequently silenced for decades. She shares how she spoke with Australian Overseers (lead clergy) about trauma informed care of Truth 2x2 survivors,offering to provide them with support. Sadly, she never heard back from them to take her up on the offer. Maria is generous in her story telling and sharing, humorous and kind. I’m grateful she trusted me (and you) with her story of surviving the Truth 2x2s and building a beautiful life post-leaving. Maria's work can be found as follows:Facing Maria: https://www.amazon.com.au/Facing-Maria-HutchisonWith Freedom Coaching: https://withfreedomcoaching.com.au Show Notes:Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truth2x2survivorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramc.au/Website: https://www.lauramcconnell.com.au/ Links to Support: LBH good trauma informed, cult sensitive therapists and supportare hard to find. Please persist and try to find one that works for you. Ifyou’re in a tough spot right now, please know you’re not alone.                                                                                Here are some links to AU NZ supports and therapists which mightbe useful. https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/ As an Australian CSA survivor, the best support I’ve accessed atmy lowest points, has been through Survivor Hub - https://www.thesurvivorhub.org.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is an introduction to the Truth 2x2 cult, an overview of group, its history, culture and behaviours.This episode is broadly based on a presentation that I gave at DeCult conference in Christchurch in October 2024. Information about that conference, access to resources and information can be found on the Decult website, which I’d recommend as a good resource for cult survivors in general, not just from the Truth 2x2s.A copy of my presentation at DeCult can be found on substack, link in the show notes. This presentation was written and designed to be used as a resource for 2x2 Truth survivors, so they could share information with therapists, new partners, outsider family and friends. Because the group is so secretive, and resources not easily accessible for survivors, I wanted the DeCult presentation to be available in a digestible, accessible format that could be shared to support survivors and raise awareness of the cult and our lives.There are several books on the Truth 2x2 history which have been published. These are referenced in this podcast and in the DeCult presentation. Im grateful to the authors who’ve written, published and made other resources available. I also want to acknowledge that their historical work underpins the historical information I have shared, in particular Cherie Kropp Erigs work.Shownotes - Introduction Episode:Decult Website: https://decult.net/My presentation at Decult: https://lauramcconnell.substack.com/p/decult-2024-presentationPreserving The Truth Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Preserving-Truth-without-Founder-WilliamElizabeth Coleman Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Cult-Christ-Church-Witness-Doctrine-ebookKids book - Little Mouse Purple Door: https://www.amazon.com.au/Little-Mouse-Purple-Meliesa-TigardFBI form: https://forms.fbi.gov/2x2Links to my work:Substack: https://substack.com/@fierceladyfeministTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truth2x2survivorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramc.au/Website: https://www.lauramcconnell.com.au/Links to Support:Good trauma informed, cult sensitive therapists and support are hard to find. Please persist and try to find one that works for you. If you’re in a tough spot right now, please know you’re not alone. Here are some links to AU NZ supports and therapists which might be useful.https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/As an Australian CSA survivor, the best support I’ve accessed at my lowest points, has been through Survivor Hub - https://www.thesurvivorhub.org.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Truth 2x2 Cult Kids Podcast, by your host Laura McConnell ContiThis is a short intro to the podcast, what you can expect and some background on your host.The next eposide will be focused on the background of the Truth 2x2 Cult.Show Notes:Links to my work:Substack: https://substack.com/@fierceladyfeministTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truth2x2survivorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramc.au/Website: https://www.lauramcconnell.com.au/Links to Support:LBH good trauma informed, cult sensitive therapists and support are hard to find. Please persist and try to find one that works for you. If you’re in a tough spot right now, please know you’re not alone.                                                                                Here are some links to AU NZ supports and therapists which might be useful.https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/As an Australian CSA survivor, the best support I’ve accessed at my lowest points, has been through Survivor Hub - https://www.thesurvivorhub.org.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.