MFM Presents…Trust Me
- Aug 8, 2025
- 1:04:37
- Full Episode
<p>My Favorite Murder presents the premiere episode of <em>Trust Me</em><em>: </em><em>Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation</em>, a podcast about cults, extreme belief and the people who’ve lived through it—now part of the Exactly Right network. Hosted by cult survivors Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth, <em>Trust Me</em> features first-person stories and expert insight into how high-control groups operate, why people get pulled in and what it takes to break free.</p> <p>In this first episode, artist and writer Akina Cox shares what it was like growing up in the Unification Church—also known as the Moonies. From her parents’ mass wedding and unpaid labor to life on the border of North and South Korea, Akina reflects on the moment she began questioning everything she was raised to believe.</p> <p>Listen on the <strong>iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts</strong>, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @trustmepodcast on Instagram and @trustmecultpodcast on TikTok.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
Brief Summary
Akina Cox shares her experience growing up in the Unification Church, discussing manipulation, mass weddings, and parallels to today's political climate.
Key points
- Introducing Trust Me Podcast. Trust Me is a show about cults and extreme beliefs, hosted by two cult survivors.
- Akina Cox's Story. Artist Akina Cox shares her experiences growing up in the Unification Church.
- Cal Penn on Gordy Lachance. Cal Penn discusses his connection to the character he portrayed in 'Stand By Me'.
- The Unification Church Explained. A deep dive into the origins and beliefs of the Unification Church, founded by Reverend Moon.
- The Church's Critical Thinking Gap. A reflection on the need for critical thinking in church teachings.
- Reverend Moon's Political Influence. Exploring Reverend Moon's connections to conservative politics and media.
Episode highlights
- Introducing Trust Me PodcastTrust Me is a show about cults and extreme beliefs, hosted by two cult survivors.“It's the perfect example of why Trust Me is such an important show.”2:07Aug 8, 2025
- Akina Cox's StoryArtist Akina Cox shares her experiences growing up in the Unification Church.“I was a second generation member of the Unification Church.”18:05Aug 8, 2025
- Cal Penn on Gordy LachanceCal Penn discusses his connection to the character he portrayed in 'Stand By Me'.“I know Gordy Lachance. I am Gordy Lachance.”23:27Aug 8, 2025
- The Unification Church ExplainedA deep dive into the origins and beliefs of the Unification Church, founded by Reverend Moon.“It's a cult within a cult within a cult within a cult.”31:26Aug 8, 2025
- The Church's Critical Thinking GapA reflection on the need for critical thinking in church teachings.“Wow, what a great argument for having critical thinking classes in school.”46:09Aug 8, 2025
- Reverend Moon's Political InfluenceExploring Reverend Moon's connections to conservative politics and media.“Wow, that is fascinating.”54:51Aug 8, 2025
- The AR-15 Blessing CeremonyA shocking revelation about a church ceremony involving assault rifles.“Whoa.”58:45Aug 8, 2025
