Cults, Coercion and Control - with Anke Richter

Episode 116: In this episode, we’re joined by journalist and author Anke Richter, author of the book "Cult Trip: Inside the world of Coercion and Control" and founder/director of Decult, New Zealand’s cult awareness conference.

This conversation explores Anke’s work around two of New Zealand’s most notorious cults, Centrepoint and Gloriavale, as well as the wider world of sex cults, guru movements, fundamentalist Christian communities and what we call the “culty spectrum” - the blurry territory where belonging, belief, power, coercion and control intersect.

We talk about the “prison of the mind,” the seductive power of charismatic leaders, the dark side of idealism, and the persistent role of misogyny and patriarchy, even in communities that present themselves as liberated or enlightened. There is loads of crossover with the world of coercion  among the high-control, high-demand Christian spaces we have explored here on In the Shift.

*** Content Warning: This episode includes conversations about the prevalence of sexual abuse and sexual assault in the world of cults ***

If you'd like to know more about the Decult conference - which is being held on Labour weekend 2026 in Christchurch and online - you can click here!

For info on Anke's book "Cult Trip" you can click here.