Let's Talk About Sects

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Let's Talk About Sects is an award-winning monthly podcast focusing on a different cult each episode. Sarah takes a storytelling, deep dive approach, looking at the history of a sect's leaders, the recruitment of members, their experiences, psychological aspects, and notable incidents during its existence.

You can support us on Patreon, with a one-off donation, or grab some merch. Sarah Steel's debut book Do As I Say is available now.

“A fascinating and well-researched look into cults and the charismatic leaders behind them.” Peter Wells, The Sydney Morning Herald

“A fantastic examination of sects, cults, and religion… a fact-based program that’ll hook you in and keep you coming back for more.” Zach Johnston, Uproxx

“Cleverly named, meticulously researched.” Elena Nicolaou, Refinery29

“The best podcast of its kind – I can’t wait for another episode!” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener

“I study cults and sects and for this reason listen to many podcasts on these subjects. This one is by far the best.” Apple Podcasts review from a US listener

“Best podcast about cults I’ve found.” Apple Podcasts review from an Australian listener

Subscribe and support the production of this independent podcast, and you can access early + ad-free episodes at https://plus.acast.com/s/lets-talk-about-sects.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Recent Reviews
  • SRPokorny
    WOW!!!
    Fascinating, informative, well made! I just can’t stop listening. Thank you for doing all the work and producing such great shows!!!
  • soul24
    Solid
    Probably the most comprehensive research into various cults that I’ve seen. I really like how the podcast covers the smaller sects as well as the larger more well-known ones. It’s not just Heaven’s Gate, Jim Jones and David Koresh. There are hundreds of smaller groups and this show provides a lot of info on them, bringing to light the scope of cults around the globe.
  • Almost had it !!!!
    Fantastic
    An amazing podcast! Can’t thank you enough for such interesting content presented so empathetically. Please don’t listen to the anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic voices who try to conflate Zionism with Judaism. There’s a reason some of the cultiest people of all religions are fans of the settler-colonial genocidal Zionist project. Those of us not still in that cult support your great work!
  • jarbradbury
    Fascinating
    Fascinating material. A truly good empathetic person presenting. Thank you.
  • Robbed for monthly premiums
    Only into second season and really appreciate the great listen!
    These are great listening nuggets of info on cults, perfect way to learn while on a commute, cleaning, or crocheting on a rainy afternoon.
  • tommyo300000000
    Great cult info
    Love to listen about various weirdo cults. Thank you for a great pod
  • cptnabil
    Don’t sleep on this
    This podcast is incredibly well researched, written, and narrated.
  • Groveorange
    Amplifying Anti-Semitic Voices without facts
    YOU HAVE LOST A LISTENER. I have bern a devoted listener for many years. But I will no longer be listening due to your amplifying the anti Jewish and anti semitic voices of those 2 on your last episode. You were incredibly naive to fall for those 2. The false equivalencies you allowed them to draw, the wild exaggerations and total untruths your show allowed them to give voice to (unchallenged) are anti-Semitic. And then you allowed them to diminish anti-semitism! Where’s your fact checking? Anti Zionism is anti-semitism. A simple google search would show you the incredible rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in your country. Go listen to Sam Harris’ “Making Sense” “The Sin of Moral equivalency”. TO SAY IM DISAPPOINTED AND HURT IS NOT ENOUGH. I feel betrayed and scared. These untruths and distortions you amplified will only foster more Jew Hate. I trusted you, Sarah. I no longer do.
  • poppyseedmoon
    Great show, excellent research
    Very well done show, well researched, really looks at all sides of the issues. It’s obvious how much work and academic thought is put into each episode. It’s basically a free university-level course on cults and related issues. Great work, much appreciated!
  • RapMon3
    Guinevere Turner
    “I got details wrong but I’m not going to fix it because it’s true for me” sounds a lot like making things up…If someone tells you that you got important facts wrong, you should probably fix it instead of sinking deeper into the sunk cost fallacy of your life, lady. Maybe take the time to get things correct, especially when someone tells you you’re wrong
  • ye erduo
    A lifeline.
    Just wanted to say. I’m a long time listener. This podcast has helped me so much with my faith deconstruction and reconstruction. And so we’ll researched. As a former teacher I appreciate it.
  • Secondbornhoward
    Just started listening
    As a lover of all things cult/true-crime, this podcast is awesome! Well produced, good music, we’ll researched. Sarah’s voice is super great too!
  • BrookeAB17
    The best
    Ever.
  • SoCal IE Teacher
    Great Listen if You Are Fascinated by Cults
    As a person who is fascinated by cults, I totally recommend this podcast! The episodes are great and well researched. There have been several episodes that focus on well known cults like Jonestown, The Branch Davidians, and NXIVM. But, there are also several episodes that focus on lesser know cults that have truly unsettling and disturbing stories that rival the well known cults. Listen! You won’t be disappointed!
  • Liz959522
    Bland
    If you’re looking for a deep dive into these cults, this isn’t it. It’s an overview—I think of it as “Cults: The Gist.” There’s no conversation, we aren’t “talking about” cults, we are listening to what feels like an entry in an encyclopedia. The focus isn’t on the beliefs, but rather the historical doings of the cults. In this year, they moved here. In this year, they published this. Boring stuff. The host reads her copy in a soporific voice that has very little modulation. It’s fine if you’re just mildly curious about a cult—look elsewhere for information that is complete or specific.
  • P.TwoBears
    BEST cults podcast by far
    I can back up my headline, b/c I've listened to a few episodes of nearly every "cults" podcast…so, The Wondery shows are too perfectly scripted & perfectly overproduced; the one by Ms. Pickup is good, but just too talky and sloppy, Cultish is too Jesusy, etc etc. **This is the excellent center— superb Research but human sounding. Keep it up— you are the best!
  • 0027JP
    Well researched and compassionate
    This is one of the best cult podcasts there is! So we’ll researched with in depth discussion and analysis. I appreciate the deep dives into different groups.
  • Jay DeeNola
    Misinformed research
    I liked this podcast a lot until I started noticing the research was off. MOVE being classified as a cult and not an advocacy group that was BOMBED by the US Govt is not only inaccurate but it’s also incredibly harmful rhetoric.
  • Seraphim R. Bauer
    The hosts are funny
    great listen 🎧
  • Megan D 45
    Great Podcast
    Love this podcast! It is very informative and well done!
  • Feral Dog Mom
    Fantastic Podcast!
    This is such a thoughtful, well-researched podcast and each episode is a deep dive into a wide variety of cults. Sarah covers lesser known cults across the world, including a defunct turn-of-the-century cult in my home state of Florida I had never heard of, and she is one of the few who has covered the cult I was in (the New Kadampa Tradition)! Sarah is an adept storyteller with an endless supply of empathy for survivors.
  • hshsebev
    Carly McConkey. Universal Knowledge
    Been loving this podcast. I was born and raised in the Children of God. It’s one thing to join a cult of your own free will. Another to drag your children through this abuse. Carly’s episode was very triggering for me. As she seems to feel like such a victim. With not much mentioned about what she did to her children. I’m happy she was a let to leave and figure life out. But one must remember you did join of your own free will.
  • Dirtgurl88
    Boo
    Your content has really suffered. When there’s a new episode it’s some retake or “bonus” episode
  • nattyg1978lovespodcasts
    Author of Cult Girls loves this podcast & Sarah’s book!
    Cult awareness is so important!!! I am a cult survivor of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and I just released the first graphic novel for the anti-cult community. It’s a colorful, beautiful, educational comedy of being born, raised in a cult. Thank you Sarah for your amazing content and book. My graphic novel is Cult Girls, by Natalie Grand (Available on Amazon, Barnes, Walmart, Thiftbooks)
  • Maryleelou
    Great podcast
    I think this is an interesting podcast and is very well done. The host has such a soothing voice.
  • Ranger Boyd
    Excellent presentation
    Excellent presentation of relevant and important information of various cults around the world.
  • margureat
    THIS IS THE PODCAST ABOUT CULTS
    You’ve been looking for. Real information without a lot of salacious dramatic voicing. And you don’t need it these sects are ....whoa ....enough to learn about with her calm down-under voice. Man what power does to damaged people. Truly terrifying! And also a great insight into human behavior for anyone who has been under the sway of a controlling person.
  • The Cracker Emcee
    This is how it’s done
    Interesting topics, well-ordered, clear, intelligent narration, and an unbiased, no-hype, approach. LTAS takes a topic that could be spun into all kinds of hysterical nonsense and tells it like it is (or was). A great poddie and a highly skilled podcaster.
  • divebookreader
    Great podcast
    Look forward to each episode.
  • Agayle77
    Definitely recommend!
    I dont know why there are only 307 reviews! I just started listening & so far, so good. Im really enjoying it & I definitely recommend.
  • totznihlz
    snooze dogg
    snooze fest
  • SuSuBea
    Long Time US listener wishes for more new episodes.
    Have been a listener since the first episode. Anxiously awaiting a new season.
  • Sfrizzle
    Well done
    This podcast is very well researched and does a wonderful job at providing interesting and relevant information in regards to the various cults.
  • Kcmyway
    Well done , researched.
    Some podcasts sound like the host is reading the Wikipedia page. Let’s Talk About Sects is the opposite of that. Lots of background, lots of detail , very interesting I’ve listened to the first six episodes, and I will continue to binge this podcast . Thank you , Kevin
  • LimeyEmily1121
    Good stuff, Sarah!
    Listened on a recommendation from a friend and thought the pun was clever. Rarely has a title matched the tone so much, but in a positive way, as the eps show a great deal of respect for the survivors and stories. Sarah does get a bit tongue in cheek when editorializing though, and I love it when you can hear the smile in her voice. Excellent stuff
  • mattonacouch
    Fascinating and well researched
    The amount of samples and testimonials from the survivors and victims of these cults makes this podcast stand out. A true crime fan will enjoy this podcast.
  • Nikki: lala
    Fascinating
    A well researched and presented podcast. It has me hooked.
  • MBoudet
    LOL
    Out of jail already, Sarah Skibtower?
  • mmevnyc
    Such great interviews!
    I listen to sooo many cult podcasts. This is my new favorite! The episodes are well researched and best of all they feature interviews with ex-sect members. These interviews really get into the nitty gritty of the quotidian—details that I love but that are often missing from many podcast summaries of the cult experience. Thank you Sarah for always asking the questions on the tip of my tongue.
  • Asinger4
    Love it!
    Just found this podcast and it is fantastic! Great info! I also love her voice - it’s very soothing. 5 stars!
  • lilybasia
    my favorite cult podcast!
    thank you for doing such a fascinating and factual podcast! love it
  • nashlaw
    I just can’t
    It’s the hosts’ inflection. I’m SO bored listening..she’s really hard to listen too. I listen to podcasts while I’m running or walking the dogs. I just can’t take it. Sorry...
  • Dimichjohn
    Very hard to follow and bland
    If you like constant quotes and feeling like you are listening to book report from a student this would be the right podcast for you! I found the constant quote and end quote commentary extremely annoying! This had very little personality and the narrator injected little voice inflection or flare!
  • ShelP75
    Extensive research and compelling stories!
    As a cult survivor myself, it’s so important for me to learn about how different interpretations of the same tactics play on the human psyche. This is an invaluable resource of others’ experiences that aid in understanding my own journey. So we’ll done!
  • alice in wibderland
    Mesmerizing
    This well researched, well written set of stories provides fascinating insights into the world of cults, those most notorious and also smaller less well known cults. The author is very respectful of everyone involved, and the tone is somber, not sensational. Her voice is absolutely mesmerizing. I hope she keeps going with this series. Maybe she will tackle Scientology, the Mt Everest of modern cults.
  • athesist in the making
    So good
    Well researched and smart. The topics are interesting, and she is sensitive and thoughtful in presenting the information. Also, Sarah’s voice is adorable and I could listen to her talking about anything!
  • BeAlthAw
    Well Researched and Fascinating
    Well Researched and Fascinating
  • keriwozz
    really good, would recommend
    Very well researched and super informative. Is not overly opinionated and is usually very clear as to where strong opinions are at play. Makes strong efforts to explore all perspectives of the organizations discussed. The structure of how information is delivered takes a bit getting used to. The beginning episodes can feel as if they follow the same structure / story line but as the host develops the podcast and her own style it improves. Same goes for the music within the podcast and in more recent episodes i’ve come to truly appreciate the music as mental breaks and she even begins to experiment with sound effects to keep listener’s attention. Overall very well designed especially for being produced primarily by 1-2 people.
  • debonyx
    A hidden gem!
    Why is this not more well known?!?!? This is a great podcast! Very well researched and I’m so hooked! More please!!
  • sjane22
    Well researched
    Very well researched about very interesting subject matter! I like how she keeps to the facts, but it is a bit monotonous, like she’s just reading an essay she wrote into a mic. Despite the crazy stories she tells, I find myself having to rewind often bc I zone out and miss a bunch of information.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.