"The Team"

"The Team"

Author: My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts May 15, 2025 Duration: 33:33

Jess and Kailea are joined by producers Leo, Aaron, and Sophie for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the podcast and its exploration of the ongoing impact of Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. The team discusses the challenges of reaching out to victims, the emotional discoveries made during production, and the ethical considerations of handling such sensitive stories. They also reflect on the broader patterns of abuse in cult-like groups, such as Shen Yun and high-control acting teachers, and share insights on how these communities can be held accountable. Listen in for an honest conversation about the evolution of the series, the personal revelations along the way, and what’s next for the podcast.

 

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…