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Author and Former Cult Member Spencer Schneider

How a Cult Member of 23 Years Finally Got Out
Spencer Schneider Shares an Insider View into Cults

Have you ever wondered about cults? How do you get into one? How do you get out? Why don’t you leave when things get abusive? Why do people stay? Spencer Schneider is a former member of a Manhattan cult, who finally got away after 23 years in the cult.

His new book Manhattan Cult Story covers the journey from how he got in, to how he got out, and all the sordid details in between. In our chat we learn how people were targeted, some of their internal vocabulary they use, and how he came to doubt himself. We talk about gaslighting, mind games, and how relationships were regulated. Plus, how Spencer finally was able to leave.

It’s a rare insider view to the world of cults and how they work, with a strong dose of hope at the end.

Click on the player below to hear the chat with Pam and Spencer

About Spencer Schneider

A native of Long Island, Spencer Schneider is practicing attorney who specializes in corporate litigation in New York. Mr. Schneider is also an open water marathon swimmer and ice water swimmer. He is employed as an ocean lifeguard, operates a lifeguard training academy, and co-founded a water rescue group. Mr. Schneider is a contributing writer of EAST Magazine. His book, “Manhattan Cult Story: My Unbelievable True Story of Sex, Crimes, Chaos, and Survival,” will be released by Arcade Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster on July 5, 2022. Mr. Schneider lives in New York and East Hampton.

Mr. Schneider received his BA in Philosophy from Washington University in 1982, and his JD from Cardozo School of Law in 1985 where he was Articles Editor of the Arts and Entertainment Law Journal. He received the annual faculty award for best Law Review note. He began his legal career in 1986 at a predecessor firm to the New York City branch of Hogan Lovells.

For more about Spencer, check out his website: spencer-schneider.com
For his book, Manhattan Cult Story: Click here
Check out his blog here: cultrevolt.com
Follow him on Instagram at @OfficialSpencerSchneider

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11 year-old CEO, author & activist Bellen Woodard

11 yr-old CEO, Activist, & Author of More Than Peach
On Activism and Entrepreneurship

Bellen Woodard is 11 years-old and the CEO of More Than Peach, but her story started when she was 8, and everyone in her class kept asking for the Skin Color crayon, meaning the peach crayon. But Bellen isn’t peach-colored. And she knew a lot of other kids weren’t either.

Now, at 11, she is the CEO of the world’s first multicultural art brand and Kid/Woman/Black-owned business. She’s the world’s first Crayon Activist, and has transformed an entire industry with her global movement. And she’s also the author of the children’s book More Than Peach.

In our chat we get her advice on how to handle things when you get discouraged, and what some of the challenges are that she faces as an entrepreneur. Plus – how a major brand changed their product in the wake of Bellen’s activism, why she wrote the book, and what she’s working on for the future.

Click the player below to hear the chat with Pam and Bellen

About Bellen Woodard
Bellen Woodard is the beloved 11-year-old entrepreneur, trailblazer, and CEO of Bellen’s More than Peach Project.® The World’s 1st Crayon Activist™ and pioneer of “skin-color” crayons, Bellen transformed an entire industry with a first-of-its-kind, innovative and inclusive project and art brand that have now become a global movement. She’s received many notable awards including being named a 2020 TIME Kid of the Year nominee and has been featured by Scholastic Magazine, TIME®, Nickelodeon, and many others. Now a middle-schooler, Bellen embodies self-expression and discovery and enjoys traveling, dance, and spending time with family, friends, and her two beagles. Learn more at www.morethanpeach.com.

For her book, More than Peach: Click here
Find out more about Bellen and her projects at: morethanpeach.com