Ep.10 The Family International

Once known as the Children of God, The Family International began as a 1960s counterculture movement promising love, freedom, and a new way of life. But behind the music and missionary work was a dark legacy of manipulation, control, and widespread abuse. In this episode, we trace the rise of The Family from its hippie-era beginnings to its global spread, and examine how its teachings shattered lives across generations. This is the story of how an idealistic message became a nightmare for many who were born into it.

Part 1 – Roots of the Revolution: The Making of David Berg
Part 2 – Kingdom Come: Expansion, Evangelism, and the Rise of Flirty Fishing
Part 3 – Cracks in the Sanctuary: Dissent, Exposure, and the Limits of Obedience
Part 4 – The Shadow of the Prophet: Karen Zerby, Rebranding, and the Digital Exodus
Part 5 – Aftermath: Survivors, Reckoning, and the Long Road to Recovery
Part 6 – The Quiet End: Legacy, Denial, and the Long Fade

New episodes weekly.
Listener stories always welcome.
Anonymity guaranteed.
Email: [email protected]

Listen on all podcast apps:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Q0kbgXrdzP0TvIk5xylx1
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-cults/id1816362029

International Resources

International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
https://www.icsahome.com
Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
Open Minds Foundation
https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)
https://www.thehotline.org
📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
https://freedomofmind.com
Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
FaithTrust Institute
https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States

Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
📞 1-239-514-3081
Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
https://www.rainn.org
📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canada

Cult & Trauma Support Resources 🧠
Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org
Phone: 📞 514-274-2333
Email: [email protected]
Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

United Kingdom

The Family Survival Trust
https://familysurvivaltrust.org
Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
Cults Information Centre and Family Support
https://cults.org.uk
UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
https://www.mind.org.uk
📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia

Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
https://www.cifs.org.au
National support for individuals and families affected by cults.