“Melanie Lee Part. 2”

“Melanie Lee Part. 2”

Author: My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts May 8, 2025 Duration: 25:38

In this second episode with Melanie Lee, Jess joins Kailea in their sit-down with the key figure from Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult documentary. They discuss the critical split in the early days of Shekinah church between leaders Robert and Catherine, an event that left a lasting impression on Melanie Lee. Melanie shares what it was like to be raised in the church, and how even the seemingly simplest choices, like deciding what coffee to order, felt overwhelming after she left. She opens up to Jess about the conflict with her sister in Korea and how their relationship has evolved. They also discuss Kelly and Dean Wilking, and how best to support the families of those involved in high-control groups.

 

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
”Coaching or Culty?” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:36
In this episode, Jess and Kailea examine the balance between trust and ethical boundaries in creative education, focusing on acting coaches. They dive into the controversial methods of Michele Lonsdale-Smith, whose emoti…
Actress Self-Help Guru… Red Flag? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:37
What’s the difference between a high-control group and a cult? In this episode, we break down the key distinctions and explore how certain groups and leaders blur the line between self-improvement and coercion. Jessica b…
BONUS: Bob & Fro Check-in & Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:57
The ladies bring a couple updates to the table and Kailea shares what life's been like outside of the church in this bonus episode. Forgive Me For I Have Followed continues the exploration from Netflix’s hit Dancing for…
”Reflections on Shekinah” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
In this special episode of Forgive Me for I Have Followed, Jessica and Kailea reflect on their journey throughout the series, revisiting the guests and conversations that left a lasting impact. They’ll also highlight mem…
“Migdalia” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
In this episode, Migdalia Raino opens up about the heartbreaking journey of her son Nick’s involvement with Shekinah Church and 7M Films, detailing the troubling changes she witnessed in him over the years. She shares ho…
“Chez aka TIGHTEYEX” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
In this episode, Jessica and Kailea dive deep into the recent controversies surrounding Krump dancer Chez “TIGHTEYEX” Wills. From the creation of Krump Inc. and the rift it’s caused within the community, to his unwaverin…
“Katie & The Haleys” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:09
In this episode, we sit down with the Haleys, creators of Stop Culting and Exposing 7M, and Katie Joy, creator of Without a Crystal Ball, to explore the dark world of Shekinah Church and 7M Films. The Haleys share their…
"Sarah" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:23
In this episode, investigative journalist Sarah Berman (Author of Don’t Call It a Cult: The Shocking Story of Keith Raniere and the Women of NXIVM) discusses her reporting on NXIVM and cults. She shares insights into the…
“Andrew” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:28
In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew, a former member of Shekinah for over six years in the early 2000s. He shares his journey into the world of the church, how his labor was exploited, and how much of his experience…
“Kevin Part 2” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:46
In the conclusion to our conversation,, we dive deeper into Kevin “Konkrete” Davis’s challenges with Shekinah Church and 7M Films. He reveals the key moments and conversations that helped him realize the changes he neede…