BONUS: Bethany Joy Lenz on “The Big House Family”

Was I In A Cult?

PodcastOne

True Crime, Comedy, Talk Radio

4.4 • 3.1K Ratings

🗓️ 11 November 2024

⏱️ 52 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this special bonus episode, Liz sits down with actress, writer, and singer Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) to discuss her harrowing and deeply personal journey through a Christian cult called “The Big House Family.” Having recently published her New York Times bestselling memoir, Dinner for Vampires, Joy opens up about how the group’s leader preyed on her longing for deep connection, manipulated her emotions and exerted financial control— eventually isolating her from her family and friends. From years of spiritual gaslighting to reclaiming her identity as an artist and mother, Joy’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice. Want more? Patreon members can access the full, extended interview HERE Buy Joy’s memoir, Dinner For Vampires HERE. ___ Find Joy (see what we did there?): @msbethanyjoylenz Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com

Transcript

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0:00.0	The views, information, or opinions expressed by the guest appearing in this episode solely
0:04.4	belong to the guest and do not represent or reflect the views or positions of the hosts,
0:09.0	the show, podcast one, this network, or any of their respective affiliates.
0:16.0	There was two million that was embezzled from me, if that's the appropriate word. Someone in the management company
0:24.5	office had printed checks with my business account number on it and the restaurant name on it.
0:29.5	And they were like $70,000 every couple of weeks, like huge checks. And they were just coming
0:36.9	right out of my account. nobody caught it nobody got it
0:42.6	and i'm lizzie. Welcome to busline occult everyone I'm Tyler'm Tyler, Tyler Miesem. And I'm Liz. Liz. Why'd you say your name twice?
0:59.3	I don't know, because it sounded cool, Liz. It's just your improv genius. That's the top of the line right there. I repeat my name. It's as good as it gets.
1:07.5	Well, for those of you who are new to our show, first of all, welcome.
1:16.1	On this show, we give voices to the ones who deserve it most, those who had it taken away for a period of time because they were in a cult.
1:19.5	Mm-hmm. Our guests share their stories with incredible resiliency, self-reflection,
1:24.3	and humor. Because laughter is the best medicine, especially in dark times.
1:30.2	Mm-hmm.
1:30.6	Now, our stories are not doom and gloom and sad victims, but survivors, surthrivers, if you
1:37.5	will, which is a what?
1:39.4	It is a someone who has survived and is now thriving.
1:43.2	Yes, but...
1:44.3	Oh, it's a...
1:44.9	It's a pedemonium.
1:46.2	It's a...
1:47.0	Come on.
	...

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