Phil Hirschi and Patricia Aubertin - The Cult Experience

The Cult Experience

Being in a cult is often a journey that starts with a search for meaning, belonging, or spiritual fulfillment but can gradually turn into an environment of control, manipulation, and isolation. Many who enter these groups don’t realize they are part of a cult until they are deeply entangled in its belief system, social structure, and often, its psychological grip. Along with Gary and Stefan the guests today, Phil Hirschi and Patricia Aubertin, who were part of the same group, will explore what it feels like to live under such influence—how devotion can be weaponized, how critical thinking is discouraged, and how personal autonomy is often sacrificed in the name of a greater cause. But perhaps even more challenging than joining is the process of leaving. The road to freedom is fraught with doubt, fear, and, for many, a complete rebuilding of identity, relationships, and beliefs. The four of them will share what it took to step away, the struggles they faced in reclaiming their independence, and the lessons they’ve learned in the aftermath. Their stories will offer insight, validation, and hope to those who have been through similar experiences or are questioning their own path.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and opening teaser
• 4:17 Welcoming our guests Phil Hirschi and Patricia Aubertin
• 5:19 What’s the psychology of the cult follower
• 6:11 Patricia’s start into spiritual life
• 10:25 Phil’s beginnings into discipleship
• 14:26 Patricia talks about becoming coming disenchanted with the Guru
• 38:00 Guru’s desire to win the Nobel Prize
• 43:08 Guru’s attempt at playing Indian instruments
• 48:24 Many years later we still feel this residual ash holding on to what we felt in the center.
• 50:30 Discussion about being of service to others.
• 55:26 How we felt after leaving
• 1:08:50 Phil’s extraordinary experience with his grandson