Cult Survivors Share Their Stories in New Podcast

Dave Mullins, a former cult member, reflects on his decade-long involvement in a gnostic sect that emphasized strict control over thoughts and behaviors. At 19, Mullins was drawn to a workshop on out-of-body experiences in Sydney, where he encountered a charismatic leader who claimed to possess mind-reading abilities. Under this leader's influence, Mullins and other followers adhered to prohibitions against alcohol, drugs, and sexual expression, believing these were barriers to spiritual enlightenment. The group engaged in rituals aimed at achieving higher consciousness, including collective astral projection sessions. Mullins recalls the urgency of their beliefs, particularly when the leader predicted an apocalyptic event that prompted the group to relocate to Melbourne.

The Guardian

Mullins eventually left the sect after being demoted by its leader, leading to a tumultuous period of self-reflection. He oscillated between feelings of anger towards the manipulation he experienced and guilt for abandoning the group. Mullins has since launched a podcast, featuring conversations with other former cult members, including musician Sarah Blasko and Ben Shenton, a survivor of the notorious Australian cult known as the Family. Through these discussions, Mullins has come to understand that his experience, while not physically abusive, was still profoundly damaging. He emphasizes the insidious nature of cult dogmas, which can erode personal autonomy and self-trust.

The Guardian

Sarah Blasko, who also appears on Mullins' podcast, shares her experiences growing up in a Pentecostal church that she describes as "cultish." Blasko recalls being subjected to emotionally charged praise and criticism from powerful leaders, which left her feeling conflicted and vulnerable. She reflects on the long-lasting impact of these experiences, noting that she was told she would not live past 30, which affected her educational pursuits and personal development.

The Guardian

Both Mullins and Blasko express lingering feelings of embarrassment and confusion about their pasts. They grapple with the notion that their struggles in adjusting to life outside the cult may be linked to their former beliefs. Blasko has faced challenges such as depression and substance abuse, while Mullins turned to stand-up comedy as a means of reclaiming his social life and self-worth.

The Guardian

Mullins identifies common traits among cults, including charismatic leadership, apocalyptic threats, and a promise of an afterlife that overshadows earthly existence. His podcast aims to shed light on the psychological toll of such high-control environments, encouraging listeners to recognize the subtle ways in which cult ideologies can infiltrate personal beliefs and behaviors.

The Guardian

• “I gave up my 20s for him … I was angry that they had manipulated me and fooled me and lied.” — Dave Mullins, Psychologist and Podcast Host

The Guardian

• “When I think back to it, I’m horrified … I should have hated him, really, but I actually was sort of attracted to him, not sexually, but emotionally,” — Sarah Blasko, Musician

The Guardian

Through their stories, Mullins and Blasko highlight the complexities of recovering from cult experiences and the ongoing impact these high-control environments can have on individuals long after they leave.

The Guardian