This week, I'm talking to the QUEEN of taking down cults herself, our sis from across the pond: Rachael Reign.

Rachael was in the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (aka UCKG) for 7 years, recruited at just age 13. After breaking free, sis made it her mission to speak out against the injustices of this shady cult that goes by many names, by establishing Surviving Universal UK.
https://www.instagram.com/survivinguniversaluk/?hl=en

Her work caught the eye of a BBC journalist and in 2023 a documentary aired exposing the UCKG cult.
https://archive.org/details/bbc-panorama-universal-church-of-the-kingdom-of-god-uckg

Rachael Reign is doing the WORK!

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Surviving Universal UK

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101

Dr. Kamasi Hill is Black but NOT CULTivated.

Dr. Hill was never part of a cult BUT he is a dope ass historian, theologian with a focus on African American religious history and award winning teacher. Plus, he is an amazing filmmaker (https://drkamasihill.com).

In this episode, we give some context and discussion around how we define cult, especially from a Black folk/ Black church perspective.

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101

This week, Black and CULTivated welcomes another bad ass, my lovely Filipina sister Giovannie Espiritu. Giovannie is an actor, activist, writer, and director who shares her experience of being in a biblical doomsday cult that was part of the “Home Church Movement.” Through her story and her work as an artist, she aims to "break hearts wide open and create more moments of joy," showcasing her resilience and determination to overcome challenges. And that, is so damn beautiful.

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101

In Part 1, we met badass Katurah Topps, a civil rights attorney, resilient fighter, and cult survivor.

In Part 2 we will follow her escape from the House of Yahweh, her reintroduction to the world, and the obstacles faced post-cult.

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101

Katurah Topps is a resilient fighter and survivor. As a civil rights attorney from St. Louis, Missouri, now based in New York, Katurah is a true badass who fights against racially discriminatory systems at all levels.

You may also know her from Survivor 45 where she was strategic and relentless #AF

In part one of her story we'll learn about her journey in the dangerous cult House of Yahweh which took her and her family to Abeline Texas at just 9 years old.

Part 2 will be released April 7th, 2025

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101

In the debut episode of Black and CULTivated, meet the multi-talented Yvette Lovstad. Yvette joined and survived on just one but two cults - Scientology and One Taste. Yvette is a stand-up comedian, actor, and karaoke star. From her days as a guest VJ at MTV to her performances at renowned comedy clubs like Flappers, NY Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, and The Comedy Store, Yvette Lovstad's comedic timing is unmatched. She's a brand of laughter!

Tune in and learn Yvette's journey from borrowing money for expensive courses to "improve her life" to learning that "no is a complete sentence."

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101

Introducing Black and CULTivated: The Groundbreaking Comedy Podcast Exploring the Stories of Black Cult Survivors premieres March 31, 2025.

This limited-series weekly show delves into the experiences of Black and Brown individuals who have been part of or raised in cults, providing a platform for their stories to be heard and challenging stereotypes surrounding cult involvement within the Black community.

Hosted by actor/writer LaNisa Frederick, who was raised in a doomsday cult, Black and CULTivated aims to humanize the experiences of Black cult survivors through candid conversations, captivating guests, and humor. Each episode features a guest sharing their journey from entrance to exit of the cult, shedding light on a perspective often overlooked in mainstream media.

Join LaNisa and her guests on Black and CULTivated as they spark discussions, raise awareness, and let the world know that Black cult survivors are here to share their stories. Cause cults “ain’t just some white people shit.”

Send us a text

Thank you for listening.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackandcultivated

If you or someone you know has been affected by cult involvement and is seeking help, the following resources are available:

Nikki G Speaks (Black owned religious trauma therapist)

Dr. Dylesia Trauma therapist (Black owned)

Freedom of Mind

Cult Education Institute

Cult Awareness & Information Center

International Cultic Studies Association

Cult Escape

Cult News 101