Phenomenon of High Control Religion - UK Cult Hackers Podcast
Channel: Witness Underground
Date: 18/04/2024

UK Cult Hackers Podcast co-host, joins Witness Underground to do a retrospective look at "season one" with 267 episodes! Explore the phenomenon of High Control religion. We're diving into what organizational psychologist, Stephen Mather, has learned from hosting 267 episodes with former cult members, and cult experts around the world, with deep journalistic and academic integrity.

Check out Cult Hackers Podcast:
https://www.culthackers.com 
https://pod.link/1540824671
https://cultpodcasts.com/podcast/Cult%20Hackers

Watch their Evil Sheep Productions film DISSONANCE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUczuvL_zKw [45 min]

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Dive in with Witness Underground Podcast as we uncover the intriguing world of global cults, exploring cults in America and the UK, guided by none other than Stephen Mather, the co-host of the acclaimed UK podcast, Cult Hackers.

Cult Hackers Podcast has always focused on trying to understand the phenomenon of cults and High Control religions, as well as listening to people’s stories. Stephen isn't an activist against any one particular group. His goal is to understand the psychological processes at work and help people understand what happens, as well as think about how people make sense of their lives after they leave. We dive into what sense-making means, how to find your identity, the meaning of truth, the challenges of determining what is real, and break down a couple of conspiracy theories.

He's hoping to start a PhD this year to get even deeper into the processes at work behind the cult and high control phenomenon on the rise. Listen in to find out what his deeper goals and motivations are.

In this episode, I interview the host of Cult Hackers Podcast, Stephen Mather, an organizational psychologist. He delves into the complex dynamics of cults, based on 267 episodes that he and his co-host Celine Mather, his daughter, conducted in what they are calling, "season one" of Cult Hackers. 12+ episodes for a season is typical. 267 episodes is next level! Delve into the psychological dynamics behind these groups with insights from an organizational psychologist. 

Stephen Mather spent a lot of his adult life, and also running Cult Hackers, exploring the complexity of personal identity for new leavers, those who have exited a cult recently. The cult teaches members who they are and what their purpose is/was. At this point in your life, you need to form your own identity. That topic is deeply fascinating to me and essential for everyone, to form your own identity, or risk one being given to you. We get into the topic of behavior and identity guiding you to the authentic version of you. Stephen shares his personal path to his authentic curiosity.

From chilling tales of cults in America and UK, to the lesser-known groups emerging today in many countries. Gain insight into church cults which we reveal on the show. Stephen Mather is cult expert with a personal background growing up in one global high-control cult, the Jehovah's Witnesses, just like the host of Witness Underground Podcast, Scott Homan.

Stephen and Celine have been excellent partners in helping to get the cult documentary "Witness Underground - Escaping a Cult" out into wide release with the unique global outreach starting way back in 2022. We discuss their early work on thier debut film, Dissonance, a narrative film on how to change people opinions. This video offers real stories that will leave you captivated. 

Whether you're a fan of cult podcasts or simply curious about the high control phenomenon, don't miss out on this enlightening exploration with an expert. Subscribe now for the best insights into cults, hosted by the one and only, Stephen Mather!

Documentaries on cults 2023 and 2024.