DANNY : DE HEKWelcome to “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” channel, where I, Danny de Hek, expose and shame individuals running or promoting Ponzi schemes or scams. My mission is to raise public awareness and protect mum and dad investors from losing their savings to multilevel marketing schemes.

Today, I’m doing something different! I’m part of the DECULT Conference organized by Anke Richter in Christchurch, New Zealand, which brings together international speakers who have survived high-control groups. See https://www.decult.net One such speaker is Laura McConnell Conti (she/her), an ex-member of the Truth/2×2 cult, and I’m excited to interview her.

Who is Laura McConnell Conti?

Laura McConnell Conti is a survivor of the secretive Truth/2×2 religious movement. Her journey of leaving the group and rebuilding her life has made her an advocate for others escaping cultic environments, especially women, children, and LGBTIQA+ individuals in rural areas.

Laura is a passionate feminist activist, writer, and storyteller who uses her platform to raise awareness. Her work has appeared in outlets like Mamamia, SBS, ABC, and Marie Claire. She’s been featured on SBS Insight, Let’s Talk About Sects, and more.

Laura is a co-founder of the social enterprise #GoKindly. She has worked for 17 years in finance and is a Non-Executive Director for women-centric organizations like Wellsprings for Women and Juno.

Laura’s Story: A Survivor of the Truth/2×2 Cult

The Truth/2×2, also known as The Way, is a home-based Christian religious movement founded in Ireland. Members follow strict rules and attend home meetings led by itinerant ministers. Laura’s upbringing in this group meant living under spiritual control, facing family violence, and isolation.

After leaving, Laura has spent 25 years advocating for those who, like her, are trying to rebuild their lives. Her story is one of survival, courage, and resilience.

What to Expect in This Interview

In this interview, Laura will share her journey of leaving the Truth/2×2 community, reclaiming her freedom, and how storytelling has helped in her healing. We’ll explore her advocacy work and discuss her professional achievements, including her role as co-founder of #GoKindly.

This is a must-see interview for anyone interested in cult survivor stories, activism, and social change. Make sure to hit the notification bell to be alerted when we go live!

Where to find Laura:

*The DECULT Conference & Why This Interview Matters*

The DECULT conference is a groundbreaking event, bringing together survivors, activists, and experts from all over the world to discuss the dangers of cults, coercive control, and high-control groups. Organized by Anke Richter, the conference aims to shed light on how these groups operate and provide support for those seeking to escape their grip. Laura’s participation, alongside other international speakers, highlights the global nature of this issue and the importance of sharing these stories.

Join us as we delve into the mind of a survivor, an activist, and a leader. Laura McConnell Conti’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and empowerment. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from her directly and be part of the conversation about overcoming cultic abuse and finding freedom.

QUESTIONS

  1. Laura, as fellow ex-cult survivors, do you ever look back and think, “Did that really happen?” What’s one moment from your time in the 2x2s that now feels completely surreal?
  2. What was the moment that made you realize, “I need to get out of this”? Did you have a lightbulb moment, or was it more of a slow burn?
  3. Leaving behind such a structured environment, did you ever have that “What do I do with my weekends now?” moment? How did you fill that space?
  4. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? Would she listen to you?
  5. Being from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I can relate to the pressure to conform. Did you ever find yourself sneaking in little acts of rebellion, like secretly reading a banned book or listening to certain music?
  6. When you first left, what was the most unexpected or amusing thing about ‘normal’ life that you hadn’t experienced before?
  7. Both of us have experienced the challenge of rebuilding relationships outside of the cult. What’s been your biggest learning curve in forming new friendships?
  8. As someone who’s written about your experiences, has storytelling been therapeutic for you, or do you find it stirs up old emotions?
  9. We both know how family dynamics can get complicated when you leave. How has your relationship with your family evolved since your exit?
  10. You’ve had some incredible professional achievements. How did your background in the 2x2s shape your drive to succeed in the ‘real world’?
  11. What would be your ‘cult-survivor’ pro tip for someone who’s freshly out of a high-control group and trying to find their feet?
  12. I often find humor is a great coping mechanism. Do you have any funny stories from your time in the 2x2s, or from when you first left?
  13. Do you ever bump into old members, and if so, what’s the vibe like? Do they try to recruit you back, or do they pretend you don’t exist?
  14. If you could start a ‘Cult Survivor Support Group,’ what would be your first piece of advice to people attending?
  15. Finally, if you could sum up your journey in one word or phrase, what would it be? And why that one?

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