"Amanda"

"Amanda"

Author: My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts November 7, 2024 Duration: 26:05

In this episode, former Shekinah Church member Amanda shares her personal journey, beginning with her current emotional state and the reasons for finally sharing her story. She recounts her connection with the church and Robert Shinn, her meeting and marrying her husband there, and the support she expected from the community, as well as her various roles within the church.

The conversation then shifts to pivotal moments, such as her realization of Robert's true nature, her challenging wedding experience, and her husband’s evolving reaction to the accusations against Robert. Finally, we discuss the steps she took to protect herself from manipulation after leaving the church, along with insights on deprogramming, changes in her perspective on faith and community, and advice for those currently in or leaving cult-like situations.

Listener Note: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and trauma and may not be suitable for all listeners. 

Forgive Me For I Have Followed continues the exploration from Netflix’s hit Dancing for the Devil documentary series by delving deeper into the personal stories of those affected by Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. We will focus on the experiences of victims and their families, address urgent questions raised in the documentary, and gather insights from former members and dancers. Our goal is to uncover strategies for combating abuse and ensuring that controlling, cult-like communities are held accountable for their actions.

 

*The following is based on actual events.  Certain composite and representative materials and characters have been used for dramatic purposes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


The story of 7M Films and its connection to Shekinah Church became a viral sensation, but the deeper, human truths remain largely untold. Forgive Me For I Have Followed picks up where the headlines leave off, guided by two distinct voices: Jessica Acevedo, who executive produced the Netflix documentary that brought this story to light, and Kailea Gray, a marketing strategist who lived inside 7M Films as a former member. Together, they move beyond the surface shock to examine the precise mechanisms of influence, isolation, and control that define such groups. This podcast is built on intimate, often difficult conversations with other former members, weaving their personal narratives into a broader exploration of power, faith, and manipulation within modern digital culture. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the psychological landscape, the chilling realities obscured by social media glamour, and the complex path of extricating oneself from a high-control system. It’s a meticulous and empathetic investigation into why people follow, how systems entrap, and what survival looks like long after leaving. Produced by My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts, each episode delves into the societal and cultural frameworks that allow such entities to thrive, making it a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand the real people behind a viral true-crime phenomenon.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 34

Forgive Me For I Have Followed
Podcast Episodes
“Marilyn” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:39
In this episode, we examine the theme of “Dying to Yourself” and the extreme measures for spiritual connection promoted by Shekinah Church. Former member Marilyn shares her personal experience, including her decision to…
“Kailea” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:07
The new podcast Forgive Me For I Have Followed builds on Netflix’s Dancing for the Devil, delving into the personal stories of those affected by Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. Shinn founded Shekinah Church…