About US
Welcome to Our Podcast
Hi! We're Amanda and Kyle, a newly-ish married couple. The Cult I Left Behind covers Amanda’s
upbringing in the IBLP cult of Duggar infamy - a story Kyle learns about along with listeners. Through sometimes humorous,
sometimes heartbreaking stories, we explore the cult’s ideology,
the strange rules that surrounded Amanda’s childhood, and the abuse she endured before leaving the cult. Through it all, we talk about what it takes to break
free from a cult and what gets left behind.
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Recent Episodes
91 - Holy Disruptor: Breaking the Silence and the Rules
Amy Duggar King joins us to talk about her new book Holy Disruptor, and she does...
90 - From Resilience to Resourcefulness: Elizabeth Estabrooks on Trauma Recovery
Author, veteran, and advocate Elizabeth Estabrooks joins Amanda and Kyle to expl...
89 - Dear Diary, Everything Has Changed
In this episode of The Cult I Left Behind, Amanda once more opens up her old dia...
88 - The Time Kyle Acquired the Fire: Shiny Happy People Season 2 Recap
We’re diving into Shiny Happy People Season 2 — and this time, Kyle’s the one wi...
87 - Chantelle’s Story: From Shame and Control to Healing and Freedom
When Chantelle was sent to the cult Headquarters as an “encouragement case,” she...
86 - Mother Wounds with Jessica Jocelyn (Part 2)
In the second half of our conversation with poet Jessica Jocelyn, we pick up whe...
85 - Mother Wounds with Jessica Jocelyn (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we’re honored to welcome poet Jessica J...
84 - Sometimes, You Get What You Want
Amanda has gotten a lot of questions about whether she would ever let anyone fro...
From Our Listeners...
“ “
I Love the Interaction
It's great to hear Kyle's stunned comments and laughter at
the ridiculousness throughout. Lol 😂
Emily S.
Gives Me Hope
Hearing this episode, hearing the lessons you have learned and share, gives hope for healing. My favorite piece of advice “lean into the love that’s there." Thanks for being open and honest!Sarah G.
“ “
Like Listening to My Friend
Loved to hear the story. Clear to understand.
Melody W.
I Am So Proud of You Two
Thank you for this podcast. You have helped me in so many ways and I am forever grateful for your podcast and how you so clearly and at many times humorously tackle some really big topics with grace and respect. Best wishes from New Zealand.Aroha W.
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Apple Podcasts Reviews
Brave, Enlightening, and Entertaining
Amanda’s courage and transparency are admirable. Though I was not part of IBLP I was in an extremely high control church for about 12 years. So much of her story is unfortunately relatable. Kyle is so patient and a great cohost/listener.
Comprehensive yet succinct
This is the best podcast I have come across dealing with the IBLP cult and its teachings and aftermath. Amanda and Kyle have done an excellent job of systematically discussing so many of the cult teachings while also sharing how these teachings have personally impacted their lives (mostly Amanda’s since she grew up in ...
Read MoreLiterally life changing
Once I started listening, I fell hard for this podcast. It’s very different from any of the other podcasts I listen to. Amanda’s triumph over the evil of her bio parents and the cult… I have no words. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I wanted to let y'all know that the episode where you spoke with the ...
Read More