.png)
Resources
Some of our favorite books, podcasts, documentaries, and websites.
This is a "living" list and we welcome submissions.
An Everyday Cult
Founder Gerette Buglion's memoir is written in an engaging, self-reflective style, full of insight into techniques common to cults the world over. An Everyday Cult increases the reader’s understanding of destructive dynamics that just might be closer to home than any of us ever imagined.
Take Back Your Life
Take Back Your Life explains the seductive draw that leads people into cultic annd coercive situations, provides guidelines for assessment, and hands-on tools for getting back on track. Written for the victims, their families, and professionals, Dr. Janja Lalich leads readers through the healing process and sets the stage for new beginnings.
Combating Cult Mind Control
Dr. Steven Hassan's seminal book, Combating Cult Mind Control teaches readers how to develop critical thinking skills, ask questions, and do the research needed to overcome coercion. This book provides guidance for both those looking to learn more about their own experiences and help loved ones who may be under coercive control.
Hey Hun
Hey, Hun is the eye-opening, funny, and dangerous personal story of Emily Lynn Paulson's rise to the top of the pyramid in the multilevel marketing (MLM) world, only to realize that its culture and business practices went beyond a trendy marketing scheme and into the heart of white supremacy in America.
Selling the Dream
Featuring in-depth reporting and intimate research, Selling the Dream reveals how MLMs, often owned by political and corporate elites, such as the Devos and the Van Andels families, have made millions in profit off of the desperation of the American working class.
The Gentle Souls Revolution
After a five-year cultic misadventure in a secret "school," Esther Friedman wrote her cautionary tale. The memoir led to research on narcissistic abuse and a recovery template for empaths. The Gentle Souls Revolution teaches people to self-protect by accepting the existence of and learning to identify pathological selfishness.
Cultish
Amanda Montell's book, Cultish delves into the linguistic techniques, emotional manipulation, and cultural influences that contribute to the allure of cults, drawing parallels to mainstream culture and marketing tactics.
Slomin Woods 9
Founding Board Member Daniel Barban Levin's memoir, written about a group of friends who were unknowingly part of a cult in which they were manipulated and abused by their friend's father, Larry Ray.
Scarred
"Scarred" the memoir by Sarah Edmondson of A Little Bit Culty podcast, recounts her experience as a high-ranking member of the NXIVM cult and her eventual escape from its grip.
Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames feature new guests weekly in this popular podcast which aims to educate and help survivors heal. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Candid conversations with cult survivors, advocates and experts as they share their stories of living in high control cults, groups or relationships. Host, fellow cult survivor, and LCF Board Director Shanny Payton, aka Shanny Pants, believes laughter is a big deal.
Dr. Rachel Bernstein covers cults, coercive control, and abuse. Includes interviews with experts and survivors. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
​
Dr. Ramani Durvasula talks to survivors and experts to help millions left reeling from narcissistic abuse and breaks down classic narcissistic patterns like manipulation, control, gaslighting, and love bombing and help unpack feelings of betrayal, shame, confusion, pain.
Host Kacey meets with experts and survivors to discuss all things cult-related. Website includes podblogs and other resources.
NXIVM survivor Marc Vicente unpacks a number of topics from narcissistic abuse to cult-busting and interviews experts and survivors along the way.
The Vow
Watch the trailer for this documentary which many survivors credit as being instrumental in recognizing coercive control and moving forward free from it.
LuLaRich
This series takes a deep dive behind the scenes at one of the fastest growing MultiLevel Marketing companies in America. Learn more about this grift and its victims here.
Keep Sweet Pray and Obey
Exercise caution when digging into this docuseries about the FLDS and Warren Jeffs. Check out the trailer to learn more about the brave women who walked away and stepped up to share their stories.
Seduced
This docuseries follows India Oxenberg, a survivor of the NXIVM cult as she embarks on her journey to freedom. The series also delves into the legal battles faced by leader Keith Raniere and other NXIVM leaders, as well as the efforts to bring them to justice.
Wild Wild Country
Controversial cult leader Osho, his assistant Ma Anand Sheela, and their followers established a utopian community in rural Oregon in the 1980s, leading to clashes between the Rajneeshpuram commune and the local residents. The series examines themes of power, religion, immigration, and the limits of tolerance in American society.
Escaping Twin Flames
This series reveals the horrifying coercion and exploitation taking place in the Twin Flames Universe. The series documents the active efforts of family members to rescue their loved ones from Jeff and Shaleia’s web, and includes stories from those who have escaped.