Are you concerned that you or a loved one might be in a cult? High Control is a podcast about identifying, leaving, recovering from high-demand, high control groups (cults). Hosts Ally Henny and Scot Loyd share their experiences with high-demand religious groups, how they got free, and their journey of disentangling from toxic groups.
In this season finale episode, Scot and Ally discuss the residue that remains in their lives after leaving high-control groups. They reflect on the “positive” residue of skills learned within their high-control groups as well as the residue of trauma that they still cope with. They explore the loss of identity and the struggle to find a sense of self outside of the cult. Scot and Ally also discuss the struggles and complexities of leaving and how they found closure. Questions? Comments? Ideas for the show? Email us at highcontrolpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highcontrolpod TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube: @highcontrolpod
Hosts discuss detoxing and recovering from their experiences with high-demand, high-control groups and their faith journey after the cult. In this episode, Scot and Ally discuss the process of picking up the pieces on the other side of high control religion. They explore the feelings and emotions experienced after leaving cult-like groups, including the loss of community and identity. They also discuss the importance of grieving and lamenting the losses while also finding gratitude for any positive aspects of the experience. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, seeking therapy, and finding support groups. Questions? Comments? Ideas for the show? Email us at highcontrolpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highcontrolpod TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube: @highcontrolpod
In this episode, Ally and Scot discuss their experience of leaving cults. Scot shares about leaving the United Pentecostal Church (UPC), which he was born into. Ally's experience of leaving the UPC was more combative, as her entire church left due to disagreements with the organization's teachings. Ally and Scot share personal stories and offer advice for those who have experienced high-control groups. They also address the consequences of leaving, including being labeled as bitter and the loss of relationships. They emphasize the importance of recognizing unhealthy practices and questioning beliefs. They also discuss the appeal of charismatic leaders and the deceptive tactics they employ. The episode highlights the abusive history of Mike Bickle and the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) as an example of how charismatic leaders can deceive their followers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the cult-like nature of multi-site churches and the reduction of people to consumers in the cult of capitalism. Questions? Comments? Ideas for the show? Email us at highcontrolpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highcontrolpod TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube: @highcontrolpod
In this episode, Ally and Scot discuss the concept of 'cult math,’ that is, the rules and practices within high control groups that don’t make sense and are often flat out hypocritical. They share examples of cult math from their experiences in high-control groups. They highlight the ways that cult math shapes the mindsets and behaviors of individuals in high-control groups. Ally and Scot also discuss how cult math is used to reinforce beliefs and establish norms within cults. Here's a video of one of the kind of altar calls that Scot was talking about...Ally is somewhere in this crowd at Missouri Youth Convention 2009: https://youtu.be/CDfoACUmXA8?si=5kcYX2tpbmaEIQM9 Questions? Comments? Ideas for the show? Email us at highcontrolpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highcontrolpod TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube: @highcontrolpod
THIS VERSION REPLACES AN EARLIER VERSION WITH MISSING AUDIO Ally shares her experiences of joining multiple high-control groups and the trauma she faced. She talks about her involvement with the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) and the strict standards and control imposed by the church. Despite initially joining with a passion for Jesus, Ally found herself conforming to the church's rules and regulations. Eventually, she and her church decided to leave the UPC. This episode highlights the harmful effects of high-control groups and the need to recognize and address them. Ally also highlights the connection between the white Charismatic prayer movement and white Christian nationalism, as well as the thought control and radicalization that can take place in those spaces. Ally encourages listeners to ask questions, deliver pushback, and prioritize their own safety and well-being. Questions? Comments? Ideas for the show? Email us at highcontrolpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highcontrolpod TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube: @highcontrolpod