The week of 22–28 June brought cult and high-control-group news across Europe and the UK: Sweden's first Maniac Murder Cult terror conviction and expert warnings about online extremist hubs; Pope Leo ...

A cult leader calling himself “Little Pebble” faces trial in Sydney for allegedly grooming a girl from age six to sixteen to become his wife and mother of forty-five children, claiming divine mission under messages from Jesus and Mary. His wife, Sandra Mathison, stands accused alongside him, with prosecutors revealing coded communications and breaches of supervision orders. The girl testified she believed her role was ordained from childhood, and her mother dismissed her discomfort, insisting Kamm had no impure thoughts. Despite being released from prison in 2014 under strict contact bans, Kamm allegedly continued communicating with her — even predicting she’d bear forty-five children. Both deny guilt, with Kamm’s defense claiming no physical contact and his wife’s defense tying her case to his. The trial continues, unraveling a disturbing tale of manipulation, faith, and control. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1226333dc1c361a3

A convicted paedophile and cult leader known as 'Little Pebble' has walked free after being cleared of child-grooming charges. The court heard he told a young girl she would become his queen and bear 45 of his children, but the Judge could not be convinced it was clear when he would carry out his plan. Join the conversation and follow us on: X: https://x.com/10NewsAU Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/10NewsAU/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/10NewsAU/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@10NewsAU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10newsau 10 News airs at 5pm, seven nights a week in your local market on Network 10. Missed the bulletin? Catch up at https://10.com.au/news 10 News is based in Australia and is a division of Paramount.

From the infamous Manson family, to the Orange People of Western Australia or the Cult of the Family, these are some of the most mysterious stories of cults and religions from 60 Minutes Australia. ► Subscribe: http://9Soci.al/chmP50wA97J ► WATCH Full Episodes on 9NOW: https://9now.app.link/uNP4qBkmN6 *Contents* Devil's Playground (2004) The Family (2004) Sinful Acts (2005) The Family (2009) John of God (2014) Sins of the Father (2017) (Independent Baptists) Charlie's Devils (2019) (Manson Family) The Truth Hurts (2019) (The Truth) Mind Games (2021) (QAnon) Under the Influence (2023) (Potter's House) Big Little Pebble Lies (2023) (Little Pebble) Tough Titties (1985) (Orange People) FOLLOW 60 Minutes Australia ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/60minutes9 ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@60minutes9 ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/60Minutes9 ABOUT 60 Minutes Australia 60 Minutes Australia have been telling the world’s greatest stories for over 40 years. Reporters Tara Brown, Amelia Adams, Adam Hegarty, Dimity Clancey and Nick McKenzie look past the headlines to show the bigger picture. Watch the latest from 60 Minutes Australia every Sunday on Channel 9 and 9Now. #60Mins

In this powerful and deeply moving interview, Claire McAuliffe shares her story of surviving life inside a cult — from the slow process of indoctrination to the psychological manipulation that kept her trapped. She speaks candidly about the fear tactics, the role of apocalyptic predictions, and how societal shifts impacted the cult's grip on its members. Claire opens up about her personal struggles with identity, faith, and family after leaving a strict religious community. She reflects on the mental health challenges caused by religious trauma and the process of rebuilding her life as a mother, a woman of faith, and a survivor. Through heartfelt reflections on grief, education, and the healing power of nature, Claire reveals the resilience she discovered in the face of adversity. She discusses how sharing her story through her book and podcast appearances has helped others find hope—and how it continues to help her find peace. This is more than a story about escaping a cult—it's a journey of transformation, self-discovery, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. What you'll learn: People often underestimate how they can end up in a cult. Cult involvement is often a gradual process rather than a sudden decision. Vulnerability can lead individuals to latch onto manipulative figures. Submissive upbringing can condition individuals to accept abusive dynamics. Fear of modernism was prevalent in cult environments. Cult leaders often use predictions to maintain control over members. Narcissism plays a significant role in the behavior of cult leaders. Fear mongering in media can mirror cult-like manipulation. Personal experiences can shape one's understanding of societal changes. Leaving a cult often requires a significant psychological shift. The struggle with faith can deeply affect family life. Leaving a religious community often involves a complex identity journey. Finding comfort in spirituality can take many forms. Relationships can be challenging after leaving a strict community. Resilience is often born from grief and personal challenges. Education plays a crucial role in personal growth and understanding. Religious trauma can manifest in various ways, impacting mental health. It's important to confront and understand one's past to heal. Maintaining connections with family can be difficult after leaving a community. Personal experiences can enrich academic pursuits and understanding. Claire's relationship with her parents has been troubled, impacting her sense of support. Resilience has been a key theme in Claire's journey, shaping her as a mother. The importance of sharing personal stories to help others is emphasized. Reflecting on life experiences can lead to personal growth and understanding. Embracing uniqueness is crucial for self-acceptance and identity. Hardship and struggle are essential for building resilience. Connecting with nature can provide therapeutic benefits and joy. Simple pleasures in life, like baking, can bring happiness and fulfillment. Teaching children self-sufficiency is vital for their independence. Finding joy in everyday moments is essential for a fulfilling life. Keywords cult survivor, psychological manipulation, religious movements, personal experience, fear mongering, predictions, narcissism, emotional abuse, modernism, societal changes, faith, family, identity, spirituality, resilience, education, religious trauma, personal growth, community, healing, family dynamics, resilience, personal growth, life lessons, nature, simplicity, hardship, personal stories, self-sufficiency, joy

In this episode, I sit down with author and TED X speakers, Claire McAuliffe. Claire shares her experiences as a cult survivor, discussing the gradual process of becoming involved in a cult, the psychological manipulation at play, and the personal struggles she faced. She highlights the role of predictions made by cult leaders, the fear instilled in members, and the societal changes that influenced cult dynamics. Claire emphasizes the importance of understanding vulnerability and the impact of fear on decision-making, as well as her journey towards reclaiming her identity and voice after leaving the cult. If you’re liking the podcast, please subscribe, rate, follow, and share it with others. 🚀Claire's book - https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Cult-Survivor-Claire-Ashman/dp/0648263401Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membershipDark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannelDark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTjThe Journey of a Cult SurvivorUnraveling Cult DynamicsFrom Submissiveness to EmpowermentThe Psychology Behind CultsFear and Control in Religious MovementsUnderstanding Vulnerability in CultsThe Role of Predictions in Cult LeadershipBreaking Free from ManipulationThe Impact of Modernism on CultsReclaiming Identity After Cult LifeNavigating Faith and Family Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.