cover of episode Introducing Was I in a Cult?

Introducing Was I in a Cult?

2024/10/18
logo of podcast Nobody Should Believe Me

Nobody Should Believe Me

Chapters

The episode introduces the concept of a relationship cult, where one person exerts control over another, often through manipulation and coercion.
  • Cults can exist in one-on-one relationships.
  • Manipulation and coercion are common tactics in relationship cults.
  • Understanding abusive relationships helps understand cults.

Shownotes Transcript

Was I In A Cult? is not your typical cult podcast. Hosted by writer/comedian Liz Iacuzzi and documentary filmmaker Tyler Measom, the duo bring you first-hand stories from real cult survivors— each episode infuses humor, heart, and hope into tales that can otherwise be dark. 

And the guests have not only survived, but transformed their darkest moments into stories of strength. As cult survivors themselves, Liz and Tyler aim to humanize the cult experience. Give it a listen… it may just leave you asking yourself “Wait… was I in a cult?!”

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Dr. Nadine Macaluso joins us today to discuss our first of its kind on this show… a cult of one. Who exactly was her cult leader? None other than “The Wolf of Wall Street,” her ex-husband, Jordan Belfort.  In the movie adaptation of Jordan’s book, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Dr. Nadine was portrayed by Margot Robbie and had no say in how her life was portrayed. Well, today Dr. Nadine is here to share the truth behind her picture perfect life. On the outside she had beauty, wealth, the doting husband, and two wonderful kids. But today she shares the truth about what was going on behind closed doors: the isolation, the loss of self, the abuse, the control, the manipulation and the gaslighting that kept her in a haze of confusion and pain. But, like every guest on this show, she shares the moment she finally found the strength and courage to walk away for good. 

Now a respected therapist, Dr. Nae emphasizes the importance of therapy in her healing process and destigmatizing the experiences of victims of cult leaders or pathological lovers. A Brooklyn gal at heart, Dr. Nae is as real as they get and was an absolute joy to have on the show. 

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