Welcome to The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger! I'm Danny de Hek, and my channel is dedicated to exposing Ponzi schemes, scams, and multilevel marketing predators, all with the aim of protecting everyday investors. In today’s special episode, I’m stepping into a new arena as I interview Rachel Lees, an IBLP survivor, who will be speaking at the DECULT Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Rachel Lees is a New Zealand author best known for her children’s book A Day on Grandad’s Boat and excerpts from her memoir Sacred Grooming, which recount her harrowing experience of being groomed by Bill Gothard, the American Christian fundamentalist leader behind the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Rachel is currently seeking a publisher for her full memoir, Love This Soul, which earned her 3rd place in the Surrey Hotel Residency in 2023.
Rachel’s story is one of resilience and courage. At 20 years old, she was handpicked by Gothard to work closely with him, where she became a victim of his manipulative grooming tactics. Despite the trauma, Rachel bravely came forward, joining a group of other survivors to file a lawsuit against the IBLP in 2015, accusing the organization of enabling abuse and covering up Gothard’s misconduct.
In this exclusive interview, Rachel discusses the emotional toll of being part of a high-control organization, the manipulation tactics employed by cult leaders like Gothard, and the long road to recovery. Though Shiny, Happy People, a 2023 documentary, offers insight into the IBLP and Gothard's control over his followers, Rachel was not involved in its production, nor was her memoir featured in the documentary. However, it remains a useful resource for those interested in learning more about IBLP and the individuals affected.
Throughout the interview, Rachel shares how she transformed her pain into a force for justice. Her bravery in standing up against such a powerful figure helped lead to Gothard’s resignation in 2014, though he denied any wrongdoing. The lawsuit and her continued advocacy work have been instrumental in exposing the dangers of cult-like organizations and the long-term effects of grooming and manipulation.
Rachel will be speaking at the upcoming DECULT Conference in Christchurch, where she will share her story with a wider audience. The DECULT Conference, organized by journalist and cult expert Anke Richter, brings together international speakers, survivors, and experts to shine a light on cults and high-control groups. Rachel's participation underscores the importance of giving survivors a platform to expose the truth and find healing.
In addition to her advocacy work, Rachel is preparing for the release of a sequel to A Day on Grandad’s Boat, which is now slated for 2025. While her food memoir has been shelved for the time being, she is focusing on completing her personal memoir, Love This Soul. Inspired by her grandmother’s gift of Uncle Tom’s Cabin at age 13, Rachel has been passionate about social justice from a young age and is now pursuing a degree in Social Science at Waikato University to continue advocating for survivors of grooming and abuse.
This interview not only highlights Rachel’s inspiring journey but also provides a deeper understanding of the psychology behind cults and grooming, shedding light on how individuals like Gothard manipulate their followers. Rachel’s strength in speaking out is a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for others who may be trapped in similar situations.
Tune in to hear Rachel Lees’ story of survival, justice, and healing. Whether you’re familiar with the IBLP scandal or learning about it for the first time, this interview offers critical insights into the methods used by cult leaders to control and exploit their followers, as well as the resilience required to break free and seek justice.
Make sure to subscribe to The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger for more interviews, investigations, and exposés aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation by scams, Ponzi schemes, and cult-like organizations.
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