If you have your own story of being in a cult or a high control group,

or if you've had experience with manipulation or abuse the power that you'd like to share,

leave us a message on our hotline number at 347-86 trust.

That's 347-868-7878, or shoot us an e-mail at TrustMePod at gmail.com.

Trust me, do do trust me. Trust me, I'm like a smart person.

Yeah, I've never lied to you. I've never had lied.

If you think that one person has all the answers, don't.

Welcome to TrustMe, the podcast about cults, extreme belief,

and manipulation from two world travelers who've actually experienced it.

I am Lola Blanc, and I'm Megan Elizabeth.

Today, our guest is Danielle Messtenek Young, survivor of the Children of God,

and former member of the military.

In part one of our two-part interview today,

she's going to talk about being raised in the Children of God,

the various forms of punishment and control she and the other children experienced.

And now child sexual abuse is not only encouraged, but part of the belief system.

We'll also discuss how she and the other kids were taught to practice

for raids and lied to protect the group.

How her family's reaction to 9-11 began to open her eyes to the truth about the Children of God

and how she finally left the cults.

And next week, we'll discuss her experiences in the military and the parallels she saw

with her childhood cult. It's very, very interesting.

...