Intersectional feminist perspectives on digital societies
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A podcast about cult hacking! Cracking the cult code to understand what they are, how they work, how people leave and how to make sense of the world after leaving. Father and daughter team, media graduate Celine, and former cult member now organizational psychologist Stephen, explore how cults work, why they are so dangerous and the experience of leaving and making sense of the world. They speak to cult hackers from all over the world, from ex members to academics, from writers to filmmakers ...
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Dave Roberts talks with tech leaders from across the industry, exploring their insights, sharing their experiences, and offering valuable advice to help guide the next generation of technology professionals. This podcast gives you practical leadership tips and the inspiration you need to grow and thrive in your own tech career.
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Cracking the Coding Interview - Expert Insights from Author Mike Mroczka on Tech Hiring Success
23:48
23:48
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23:48I'm thrilled to share the latest Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast episode featuring Mike Mroczka, a former software engineer at both Google and Salesforce. Mike is the best-selling author of "Cracking the Coding Interview" and the newly released follow-up, "Beyond Cracking the Coding Interview", both essential reads for anyone preparing for software …
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Inside the Cyber Battlefield - Red, Blue, and Purple Teams Explained
8:37
8:37
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8:37Are you building a fortress while hackers are finding the back door? In the latest episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I take a closer look at Red Teams, Blue Teams, and the increasingly vital Purple Teams that are reshaping cybersecurity strategy for forward-thinking organisations. As a CIO or CISO, you are not just protecting assets, y…
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The AI Showdown - Comparing Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, DeepSeek, and Manus. Who’s Leading the Future?
11:38
11:38
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11:38In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, understanding the nuances between various AI assistants is crucial for technology professionals. In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I review a number of prominent AI tools, offering insights into their unique strengths, limitations, and optimal applications. The compariso…
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Cyberattacks hit M&S, Co-Op, and Harrods – What Tech Leaders need to learn from these incidents and how to prepare before a crisis hits
11:41
11:41
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11:41The recent wave of sophisticated cyber attacks targeting iconic UK brands like Marks & Spencer, Co-Op, and Harrods serves as a stark wake-up call for all technology professionals. Ransomware groups like DragonForce, operating via a concerning Ransomware-as-a-Service model, have exposed critical vulnerabilities, causing millions in damages and sever…
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The Tech Leadership Pipeline – Insights from Romy Tuin and Mitch Islin on Foundry’s NextCIO programme
20:53
20:53
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20:53This episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast features an insightful conversation with Romy Tuin, Foundry's Global Director of Events Content, and Mitch Islin, Head of IT & InfoSec at MOTORS and NextCIO 2024 cohort member. We discuss the innovative NextCIO programme and how it is a career-defining initiative that is shaping the future of tech …
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How CXO Portals is Helping Tech Leaders Connect and Grow
26:00
26:00
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26:00In this week’s episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I’m joined by Glenn Hapgood and Charmaine Baker, the co-founders and co-CEOs of CXO Portals. CXO Portals is an innovative events company dedicated to creating meaningful, engaging experiences for senior leaders, businesses, and partners. We explore their inspiring journey around building…
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The Global Tariff Storm is Here – Is Your Tech Strategy Ready?
13:28
13:28
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13:28New US-China tariffs are reshaping IT budgets, supply chains, and the global technology landscape. In this week’s episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I dive into how global tariffs are impacting the tech sector, from hardware and cloud to AI and digital transformation. Topics discussed include: 💡 The latest 145% US tariffs and China’s 12…
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Manus AI Review – My First-Hand Experience of using the General AI Agent
10:45
10:45
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10:45I’m excited to kick off a brand-new season of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast! Over the past four seasons, I’ve explored the breakthroughs shaping our digital world, and this season, I hope to go even further. Expect fresh perspectives, insightful conversations, and the latest in tech leadership and innovation. This latest episode is hopefully n…
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Elon Musk’s AI Empire – The xAI and X Merger
15:02
15:02
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15:02The AI landscape is shifting fast. In just a matter of days, Elon Musk has made two massive strategic moves that could reshape the tech industry! xAI Joins the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP) – Backed by Microsoft, Nvidia, BlackRock, and other major players, this consortium aims to raise up to $100 billion to fund the next generation of AI data…
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OpenAI ChatGPT vs Google Gemini – Which AI Chatbot Should You Choose?
6:16
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6:16AI chatbots are becoming essential tools for work, study, and everyday problem-solving. But with so many options available, which one should you trust? In the latest episode of Inspiring Tech Leaders, I dive deep into the battle between ChatGPT and Google Gemini, comparing their features, strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases. ChatGPT (GPT-4o):…
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Is Manus the Future of AI Agents or is it just Hype?
6:28
6:28
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6:28China’s latest AI sensation, Manus, has been making waves globally. Some call it a game-changer, an autonomous AI agent capable of planning, making decisions, and executing real-world tasks, which is a step beyond traditional AI assistants. But is it truly revolutionary, or just clever marketing? In the latest episode of Inspiring Tech Leaders, I d…
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Elisa is co-founder of SUPERRR, a lab for feminist futures that Elisa founded together with Julia Kloiber. SUPERRR deals with traditional questions of digital rights and understands feminism as inherent intersectional feminism. Our guest Elisa works to create a base where different expertise can come together and have fruitful conversations about d…
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AI vs Creators - The Fight for Fair Copyright
5:55
5:55
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5:55The UK government is proposing a radical change to copyright law, which could reshape the creative industry forever! There is a proposal to allow AI companies to train models on copyrighted material by default, unless creators actively opt out. But what does it mean for musicians, writers, artists, and filmmakers who rely on their work to make a li…
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Privacy vs Security - The Apple Encryption Standoff
5:33
5:33
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5:33Big Tech is making headlines again! Apple has removed Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for UK users after refusing to comply with a UK government request for access to encrypted data. 💡 Where do we draw the line between privacy and security? 💡 Should tech companies have the power to withdraw security features instead of cooperating with governments? …
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Elon Musk vs. OpenAI - The Billionaire Battle for AI’s Future and the Global Regulation Dilemma
7:37
7:37
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7:37It has been another week of high-stakes drama in the AI world! On February 14, OpenAI rejected a massive $97.4 billion bid from an investor group led by Elon Musk. But was it ever a serious offer? Or just a strategic move to disrupt OpenAI’s for-profit shift? Meanwhile, the Paris AI Summit saw world leaders signing a pledge for ethical AI, but the …
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Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) from generative design to AI-driven robotics and predictive analytics. But what is next? In the latest episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I explore the following: 💡 AI tools like Autodesk Fusion and Forma optimising design and workflows 💡 Predic…
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Introducing Matter Over Mind. Former Cult Hackers host, Stephen has let his daughter Celine have some time off, and instead has recruited her fiancé, Thomas to explore the mysteries of the Universe through physics and psychology. Thomas is an experimental physicist and Stephen is a Business Psychologist, so they quiz each other about hot topics in …
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Are we witnessing the biggest shake-up in AI history? In this episode of Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I dive into the rise of DeepSeek, the Chinese AI app that’s taking the world by storm! 💡 How did DeepSeek surpass ChatGPT as the #1 downloaded app in the U.S.? 💡 Why is DeepSeek's cost-effective AI model a game-changer? 💡 What does DeepSeek's su…
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In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders Podcast, I explore how Generative AI has evolved and discuss the latest breakthroughs with the technology, as well as the ethical and social challenges that we need to tackle. From creating immersive, multimodal experiences to transforming industries like entertainment, healthcare, education, and busine…
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Martina researches the use of digital technologies in rural indigenous communities in the Puna of Jujuy, Northwest Argentina. The Jujuy Puna is part of the so-called Lithium Triangle, a high-altitude desert area where lithium – one of the most important minerals for the production of digital technologies – is mined and processed, leading to the pol…
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Privacy Enhancing Technologies with Dr. Ellison Anne Williams, CEO of Enveil
22:01
22:01
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22:01In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I speak with Ellison Anne Williams, CEO of Enveil, about her journey as a startup founder building a market around Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs). A mathematician turned entrepreneur, discover why Ellison Anne thinks secure and private data usage is the foundational capability driving ma…
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The 20th November 2024 is International GIS Day. To celebrate this day we have focused the latest episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast around the transformative world of Geographic Information Systems. In this episode I will discuss the evolution of GIS, from ancient maps to cutting-edge AI and IoT applications. We will explore real-world …
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How to Navigate the First 100 Days in a Technology Leadership Role
8:42
8:42
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8:42Are you stepping into a new technology executive role? Wondering how to make an impact in those crucial first 100 days? In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I break down the essentials every tech leader needs to know for a successful start: Build a Foundation of Trust: Understand your team, listen to stakeholders, and create stron…
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Introducing Challenging Leadership, a new podcast with Stephen and Jared. Check out Season 1 now - Season 2 coming soon. https://pod.link/1712306504By Cult Hackers
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Unlocking Human Potential - How Tech is Redefining What It Means to be Human
8:00
8:00
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8:00Listen to the latest episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast where I dive into one of the most transformative—and controversial—topics in tech today: Human Augmentation. From wearable exoskeletons that boost physical strength to brain-computer interfaces that allow control with thoughts, technology is pushing the boundaries of human potential…
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After a long summer break, we are back with a new exiting guest: Clara Herrmann. Since 2019, Clara has headed the JUNGE AKADEMIE, the international artist-in-residence program of the Akademie der Künste, Berlin. For JUNGE AKADEMIE she developed the program HUMAN MACHINE and initiated and curated the project AI ANARCHIES with a fellowship program an…
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Fostering Diversification and Gender Equity in Technology Teams
6:28
6:28
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6:28In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I delve into the importance of diversification and gender equity within technology teams. Discover how diverse perspectives fuel creativity, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation, leading to more effective solutions and a fairer workplace. Learn practical strategies to create an inclusive…
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In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I dive into the topic of how Artificial intelligence is both transforming but also impacting the sustainability landscape. From climate modelling and resource management to the reduction of carbon footprints and the circular economy, AI is reshaping how we think about the future of our planet. …
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The End is Nigh: Our last ever Cult Hackers Podcast.
34:44
34:44
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34:44This is our last ever Cult Hackers podcast. We say goodbye and thank you to all our listeners and supporters over the years We also explore our final topic of the podcast, that of tribes, and ask whether we are experiencing the cultification of the internet through social media platforms. If you'd like to keep in touch you can contact us at: https:…
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The UK has seen a week of rioting and civil disorder. What is the background, why are people rioting? And reflections from the previous episode about whether culture needs defending in light of these events. Contact us: https://www.culthackers.com/contactBy Cult Hackers
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Was my upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness a multicultural one? Does culture need defending? Should we accept all cultural differences? Is the UK an Islamic country as is claimed by J D Vance? Can different cultural practices live side by side? What is the link between culture and cults? Do businesses have cultures? All questions discussed in today's…
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Rituals are powerful. They have been a part of our shared culture since the beginning - why? And how do cults use them? To talk to us: https://www.culthackers.com/contact To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/posts References: The Psychology of Rituals: An Integrative Review and Process-Based Framework Video of Speaker being dragg…
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Getting pushed around: A tyranny of nudges
23:20
23:20
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23:20Today's episode explores Nudge Theory, more correctly Behavioral Economics and how too many nudges can start to make us feel pushed around. Referenced paper https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w20007/w20007.pdf Contact us: https://www.culthackers.com/contactBy Cult Hackers
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Quitting is often treated as a sign of a weak character, but for those of us who quit a toxic cultic group it was one of the best things we've ever done. In this episode Stephen looks at some of the research on quitting and why we need to get good at knowing when to do it. Stephen also uses the topic to consider the fallout from the first US Presid…
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In this episode Stephen reflects upon what it's like to be prevented from voting, the psychological consequences of being a social bystander and having no stake in society, and the feeling of then being able to be part of the democratic process. Also reflections on democracy under attack. Contact us https://www.culthackers.com/contact…
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With Aida Eyvazzadeh and Sakine M. Bozorg
1:24:15
1:24:15
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1:24:15Aida Eyvazzadeh and Sakine M. Bozorg are former content moderators in Berlin who worked for a global social media platform. The are both from Iran and in this episode, they talk about why and how migrant workers in Germany constitute as a crucial labor supply to the global platform economy. They explain what content moderation is, how it is labor i…
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The Infected Blood Scandal: Reflections of an Ex Jehovah's Witness
44:40
44:40
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44:40Stephen reflects upon the infected blood scandal affecting thousands of people and how it relates to his own former religious beliefs, conspiracies and questions about institutions. Kacey's Research Questionnaire and Information BBC Reporting into children being exposed to infected blood Copy of letter talking about uninfected patients being expose…
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Insights into the World of Tech Recruitment with James Perry, Founder of Osmium Partners
10:18
10:18
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10:18Joining us in this episode is James Perry, the founder of Osmium Partners. We explore his fascinating journey from starting a career in technology recruitment to establishing his own firm in the industry. James shares why he chose to specialise in technology and business change, offering a unique perspective on these critical areas. We dive into th…
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Cults, addiction, politics, religion, intrigue and big worms: Dune
42:36
42:36
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42:36This special episode is about the Frank Herbert story, Dune, including the recent film adaptation. This story covers many of the topics we've been interested in over the years doing the podcast and we hope you enjoy this discussion about a shared favourite of ours. More news to come soon about the future of the podcast. Links The latest movie direc…
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Exploring Effective Management of End User Computing with Lee Murray, CEO of ClearVisibility
9:08
9:08
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9:08In this episode, I speak with Lee Murray, CEO of ClearVisibility, about the challenges of End User Computing (EUC) and the strategies for managing it effectively. Discover why there is more to EUC than meets the eye, and learn how organisations can tame its complexities to unlock significant savings and enhance security. Lee provides invaluable ins…
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In this episode, we speak with Basma Mostafa, a journalist from Egypt living in exile in Germany. We speak about the role of journalism and the use of digital technologies including social media during and following the Egyptian revolution. We learn about the increasing threats to press freedom and military violence against journalists, lawyers and…
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The Importance of Having a Voice and Podcast News
46:35
46:35
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46:35After 267 episodes we've decided that's the end of season 1. In the final episode of the season Celine and Stephen explore why leavers of cults and coercively controlling religions feel the need to express themselves about their experience. To reach out to us: https://www.culthackers.com/ To become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/culthackers/post…
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Order, obedience, compliance and silence: Kendra Petty's story.
57:20
57:20
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57:20Our guest today is Kendra Petty, author of the memoir "I Can't Believe I'm Not Dead". Coercively controlled by her mother and a child member of a fundamentalist Christian group, only to leave and experience multiple threats to her life. It's an extraordinary story and Kendra is an engaging and fascinating guest. Kendra's website https://kendrapetty…
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Celine raises the question whether there is a link between religious belief and long life. Following the Netflix series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones the question of whether religious belief increases wellbeing is discussed by Stephen and Celine. Is there good data to suggest there is a link? If there is, is it a causal relationship or can…
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Filmmaker Carmel Mikol talks Apostate, her Short Documentary Film
1:05:00
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1:05:00This week Celine and Stephen's guest is Carmel Mikol, a filmmaker, musician, artist and former Jehovah's Witness. Carmel talks about her own experience as a young Witness finding herself in an abusive marriage and her difficulties escaping the relationship and then leaving the group. Carmel talks about the misogynistic attitudes and policies within…
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A high profile case of people behaving appallingly on behalf of an organisation is big news in the UK, known as the Post Office scandal. The question of why people do unethical things to support the business, religion or cult to which they belong, has been researched and is multi-faceted. Today Stephen and Celine explore the psychological research …
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Celine and Stephen are joined by Micki, AKA Apostate Barbie, from Instagram and Tic Tok. Micki tells us about her journey out of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Challenging an aunt about outlandish QANON conspiracy theories, made her consider her own beliefs - not the first time we've heard our guests speak of this type of exit, from Christian Fundamental…
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A follow-up to the conversation Stephen had with Spencer Watson from the Truth Unrestricted Podcast about magical thinking. This time Stephen was a guest on Spencer's show and this audio is brought to you by his permission. They discuss developmental psychology and how babies and children develop an understanding of a world apart from themselves an…
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Legal Fights: Jehovah’s Witnesses Vs Norway, with Jan Frode Nilsen
1:08:47
1:08:47
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1:08:47Jan Frode Nilsen has a long-form interview with Stephen about his work exposing the damaging shunning policies of Jehovah's Witnesses, and his appearance as a witness for the Norwegian government in recent court cases. He also talks about his own experience as a former member raised in the group. Documents related to the case on: Avoid JW website R…
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Finding Friends After Leaving a Cult; Patron Takeover
1:07:02
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1:07:02Losing friends, making new ones, reuniting with old ones, all at the same time as finding yourself. Friendships can be a tricky thing after leaving a cult. This week some of the Cult Hacker Patreon supporters join Celine and Stephen on a panel of former Jehovah's Witnesses, to explore the process of finding and making friendships outside a high-con…
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