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You can leave a cult and still feel trapped in your own head and that’s the part nobody prepares you for. I’m joined by author, activist, and longtime cult-recovery educator Chris Shelton to talk about his new book, What Now? A Practical Guide to Life After a Cult, and the real work that starts after you walk out the door.

We get into why so many people assume leaving is the finish line, even though it’s really step one. Chris breaks down how trauma can stay invisible, how “trauma comparison” derails healing, and why recovery timelines aren’t a competition. We also talk about the impact on families and friends who are trying to help someone still inside Scientology or another high-control group, including why yelling “it’s a cult” can backfire and what a calmer, smarter approach can look like.

Chris shares what surprised him most when studying coercive control academically, especially the crucial differences between ethical therapy and Scientology-style auditing. From there, we shift into practical next steps: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as triage, the importance of a real support system, and why boundaries and critical thinking are essential skills for rebuilding your identity and learning to trust yourself again. If you’re searching for guidance on cult recovery, coercive control, religious trauma, or life after Scientology, this conversation offers grounded tools and language you can use immediately.

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