A glimpse into the complex lives of eight Australian former cult members – how they joined, what they were subjected to on the inside, and how they ultimately escaped. #YouCantAskThat
You Can’t Ask That — Stream all seasons on ABC iview:
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TV Series You Can’t Ask That asks outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.
Stream full episodes on our YouTube channel, Sundays 12pm.
Chaptering:
0:00 Introduction – Former Cult Members
0:22 How did you end up in a cult?
4:09 Was your cult leader a wack job?
7:45 What did they make you do?
11:32 Why are people in cults always smiling?
13:53 Were you forced to do sex stuff?
16:35 Didn’t you ever think it’s weird?
18:48 How did you escape?
22:11 How hard was fitting back into the real world?
26:18 What do you miss from the cult?
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Counselling Helpline: 1800 737 732
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This episode was filmed in 2018.
Production Credits:
Series Producers/Directors: Kirk Docker and Aaron Smith
Series Editors: Nick McDougall, Kenny Ang
Producers: Josh Schmidt, Jess Cohen, Scott Mitchell, Nick McDougall
Consulting Producer: Jon Casimir
Production Manager: Kieran Bycroft
Executive Producer: Lou Porter
Graphic Design: Shane Sakkeus
Title Music: “Soul Searching” By Amourouge
Format created by: Kirk Docker, Aaron Smith & Jon Casimir
Please note: On most of our videos, the captions/subtitles are auto-generated by YouTube. Comments are subject to moderation and may take some time to appear.
This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation YouTube channel. Contributions may be removed if they violate ABC’s Online Conditions of Use (Section 3).
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This short clip like editing is intolerable. Give them some time to talk ffs.
I didn't end up in a cult. I was born in it.
Incredible video, thank you all
"Good people make good victims." 😔 So sad, but so true.
This goes to show- people who get recruited into a cult (no one joins a cult) are normal, intelligent people- they may be seeking something spiritual and it is sold to them. Plus, of course, cult members are trained to "love bomb" new recruits and everyone can fall for "love bombing"- the need to feel connection with fellow humans is strong. One of the most common cults that most people know someone who has been a member is a multi level marketing company- you can watch in real time as your friends or family start posting endless toxic positivity on social media and go to meetings and buy products that they cannot sell so they start to try to recruit others.
I recognised one the members on this video that was in The Family run by Anne Hamilton Byrne. One of my neighbours who has since moved was also in The Family. Hamilton-Byrne was a nasty piece of work.
Obviously, children born into a cult have zero responsibility for their plight. However, I'm tired of hearing adults say they were looking for something spiritual and that they were religious and that's how they ended up in the situation. Religion is fairy tales for adults. The world now knows that religion is a scam for weak men to have power. And it doesn't matter what religion it is. It's all nonsense and a scam. So i have zero sympathy for adults who fall for them. The only difference between a cult and a religion is 100 years and a tax code. Get a hold of yourself and use your brain.
The first question made me so sad. Growing up in a cult, my parents were good people. They believed they were part of something that was saving the world. I was sexually abused as a child. Got out, with my kids eventually. Its difficult to integrate into the world after a lifetime in a cult.
The way the smiling then made multiple woman also sway is crazy
goodness whats with the annoying thumping
Thank you for being so brave to share your experience. It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it. Blessings 😊🙏♥️♥️♥️
Amazing people and testimonials
I'm so in awe of people who have the strength to leave cults… and I classify any abusive relationship is a type of cult. They're giving up their entire life, which usually includes all family and friends who stay. Their whole support system is gone and they have to fully restart life. I don't know how I would ever be able to do that.
Great content from our Aussie cousins. 🇨🇦👋🏽
0:45 "No one joins a cult." Honestly? Blew my mind. He's so right. People don't think their geoupnos a cult. If they did (or when they do), they leave.
Would be interesting to see one of these where former cult leaders themselves are interviewed. Because one doesn’t become a cult leader in a vacuum. It can be the circle surrounding the leader who are using the cult leader to wield the most power and influence.
Nothing but respect for all of you. I’m moved to tears because I’m so sorry and because I have had my own experiences that were not as severe, but similar. You all seem so beautiful.
So much mental illness combined with desperation in one video.
There is no evidence of a god. All people who believe in religion are idiots and this video shows that.
The biggest cult in mankind is all religions. As the first question asked “how can you be so stupid to believe in it”
what cults were they in?
I was born into an Opus Dei famliy. Opus Dei is a full-on cult of the personality of its narcissist "saint" founder which operates within the Catholic Church. They have managed to somewhat save face after all these years of wasting and destroying the lives of its members. Everything said here rings a bell. Most people inside are good people including my mom and brothers, but I cannot wait until the institution comes down in flames.
The editing of this is horrendous. Constant changes and subtitles in different colours. The video is for adults not trying to brainwash toddlers. The content is interesting without this crap. Give your heads a wobble
A lot of people are brought into cults.. cults allow their members to chase the dopamine of "im right, i feel good, im doing good and the right thing…"
It allows a feeling of justified power. Over ones self and others.
#F.U.AJMILLER&DIVINELOVEPATH
– a victim of the control that a person was granted
Most families, work places, communities, schools, friends are a type of cult. Everyone agreeing just to fit in. Be different and see what happens. Most want people to be as they want them to be… my hand is up for this, in the my past and now, I do my best to accept whatever/whomever is presented. The difference is, I choose my thoughts, actions and people in my life, regardless of what other's think. Those interviewed are such colourful people. They accept their life decisions, bravely share their vulnerability and keep going. Brava and Bravo !
Such a beautiful presentation and share. Raw, funny, contemplative. Know you are loved and that thoughts create reality… it's how control happens when one accepts (or not) what they are told. Blessings to all… I would enjoy the company of all of you. You're interesting, have wisdom and an unique edge. Love that! Cookie cutter done. Next. 🦋
kinda sketchy this channel posts people's full names
1/3 of America was in the MAGA cult.
Now they are finally waking up.
Most of them were emotionally exhausted at the end of this. A cult leaves it's devastating mark.