Truth 2x2 Cult Kids

Raised to be a 2x2 Worker, Rell Oliver-Braddock has found faith big enough for her queer family, feminism and in a compost heap. Join us for a conversation with Rell that meanders down the many paths of a rich life, and that follows Rell's quest to find where faith sits within her values of community and justice. Learn about Rell's journey out of the Two by Twos/2x2s in Australia.Truth 2x2 Cult Kids SocialsTiktokInstagramWebsiteSupportLet's be honest; good trauma informed, cult sensitive therapists and support are hard to find. Please persist and try to find one that works for you. If you’re in a tough spot right now, please know you’re not alone.                                                                          Links:The Religious Trauma CollectiveAs an Australian CSA survivor, the best support I’ve accessed at my lowest points, has been through Survivor HubQLife support the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest things that my healing journey entailed was actually learning this body belongs to me. I belong to me.Kristin Warnaca is a sex therapist and a former member of the 2x2s. She joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on sex and relationships: how they are constrained within the 2x2s; the effect that has on former members; and the wide world of pleasure that is waiting for anyone who cares to look.This conversation includes Kristin's experiences of being assaulted both as a child and as an adult, so please go gently and slowly with these stories. It's okay to come back another time if today you're feeling fragile.ResourcesLinks to Kristin's work:www.wilderintimacy.comhttps://www.instagram.com/wilderintimacy/Link to Substack, where we will later release a list of books and recommended resources:https://lauramcconnellau.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsFurther reading:Kissing: A Field Guide — Violet BluePolywise — Fern & CooleyIt’s Called Polyamory — Tamara Pincus & Rebecca HilesSex — Ali PaulEmbracing Queer Family — Laura ChiaramonteRadical Intimacy — Sophie K. RosaSlow Pleasure — Euphemia Russell101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do — Kate SloanHow to Have Feminist Sex — Flo PerryGetting It — Allison MoonWith Pleasure — Juno Roche (note: spine shows McLaughlin & Dawson as publisher)Pleasure — Betony VernonButt Seriously — Dr. Evan GoldsteinSlutdom — Dr. Hilary CaldwellTurn Yourself On — Ami Spencer, Mushka, Paul Keogh, Billie QuinlanThe Feminist Porn Book — Tristan Taormino, Celine Parreñas Shimizu, Constance Penley, Mireille Miller-YoungRadical Relating — Cassidy (full author name not visible on spine)Indie Porn — Edited by Dylan Ryan, David S. Hall, and others (spine shows Stardust, Duke as publisher)Porn — Polly BartonThe Ethical Slut — Dossie Easton & Janet W. HardyTruth 2x2 Cult Kids SocialsTiktokInstagramWebsiteSupportLet's be honest; good trauma informed, cult sensitive therapists and support are hard to find. Please persist and try to find one that works for you. If you’re in a tough spot right now, please know you’re not alone.                                                                          Links:The Religious Trauma CollectiveAs an Australian CSA survivor, the best support I’ve accessed at my lowest points, has been through Survivor HubQLife support the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The groundbreaking Victorian inquiry has enabled cult survivors to pinpoint common experiences despite diverse beliefs. On this episode I speak with Clare Heath-McIvor, a podcaster and writer on Christian nationalism. Claire is also the founding member and president of Survivors of Coercive Cults and High Control Groups. She's the co-author of Beyond Belief a paper submitted to the Victorian government inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups which outlines legislative change to prevent group coercive control.Truth 2x2 Cult Kids SocialsTiktokInstagramWebsiteSupportLet's be honest; good trauma informed, cult sensitive therapists and support are hard to find. Please persist and try to find one that works for you. If you’re in a tough spot right now, please know you’re not alone.                                                                          Links:The Religious Trauma CollectiveAs an Australian CSA survivor, the best support I’ve accessed at my lowest points, has been through Survivor HubQLife support the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Sellers, a trauma therapist and cult survivor, sheds light on the challenges of seeking therapy after experiencing religious trauma. She discusses the difference between spiritual abuse and the lingering effects known as religious trauma. Sam emphasizes the importance of finding therapists who understand these dynamics and shares insights on trauma's physical manifestations. Their conversation also touches on the pitfalls of love bombing in cults and the role of online communities in healing. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery from high-control faith systems.

Tristan Phipps, a former member of the Truth 2x2 community and advocate for survivors, shares his journey of leaving a high-control group and confronting his past. He discusses the mental health crisis that prompted his deconstruction and the importance of speaking out about masculinity. The conversation highlights the need for male advocates, the significance of vulnerability in friendships, and the impact of societal pressures on boys. Tristan also emphasizes creating supportive spaces for healthy masculinity and shared resources for healing.

Suffering is revered in the Truth 2x2 community as a symbol of faith and resilience. Members engage in what Laura calls the 'Suffering Olympics,' where they compete to share the most challenging experiences. This twisted narrative frames suffering as evidence of spiritual standing, suggesting that enduring hardship equates to closeness with Jesus. The conversation dives deep into the unhealthy dynamics of comparing pain and how language can distort personal journeys. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and share their thoughts.

Explore the intriguing concept of joy as defined by the Truth 2x2 group. Discover how their version of joy is devoid of emotion, resembling emotional flatlining. The discussion reveals that joy is tied to a lack of questions and depth in conversations. Tune in to contrast this with the vibrant, emotional joy experienced outside the group. It's a fascinating look at how language shapes understanding and the complexities of happiness.

The podcast brilliantly explores the concept of 'spirit' within the 2x2 community, which prioritizes obedience over safety. It delves into how this notion has been manipulated to control members and silence victims of abuse. The discussion highlights the arbitrary nature of the term, showcasing its role in exonerating offenders while marginalizing survivors. Listeners are encouraged to ponder their own experiences related to this complex topic and share their thoughts on social media.

Explore the complex use of the word 'forsake' within a religious context, shedding light on its implications for personal identity and autonomy. The conversation dives into the expectation to abandon self-interest and possessions, particularly focusing on its gendered impact, especially on women. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences with the term and its lasting effects after leaving. Insightful discussions surround the broader implications of forsaking worldly influences and interests.

The discussion dives into the concept of 'peculiar people,' highlighting how it shapes identity within the 2x2 community. It explores the allure of pride in peculiarness as a separation from mainstream society. The conversation critiques this pride as a potential badge of honor, hindering self-reflection on one’s differences. It also delves into the idea of group-reinforced narcissism, suggesting that such identities can cultivate a cult-like mentality. Listeners are invited to share their views on the term.