Show Notes
Kailea guides Jessica through the intriguing world of the Modern Mystery School, founded by Gudni Gudnason, a descendant of the Norse god Thor?! As they delve into its claims of spiritual enlightenment, DNA activation, and esoteric teachings, they uncover the school's controversial journey from Iceland to the U.S., and its eventual rise on the international stage. The school’s rapid expansion was fueled by multi-level marketing tactics and accusations of running a pyramid scheme, leaving many followers in both financial and emotional turmoil. Gudni, a charismatic businessman turned spiritual guru, stands at the center of this complex story. This is a story of ambition, belief, and the fine line between genuine spiritual guidance and exploitation. As Kailea and Jessica explore its depths, they uncover the powerful allure of self-proclaimed enlightenment and the potential dangers that come with placing trust in a figurehead with a grand vision. Forgive Me For I Have Followed continues the exploration from Netflix’s hit Dancing for the Devil documentary series by delving deeper into the personal stories of those affected by Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. We will focus on the experiences of victims and their families, address urgent questions raised in the documentary, and gather insights from former members and dancers. Our goal is to uncover strategies for combating abuse and ensuring that controlling, cult-like communities are held accountable for their actions.
*The following is based on actual events. Certain composite and representative materials and characters have been used for dramatic purposes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Forgive Me For I Have Followed
In this special bonus episode, Jessica and Kailea respond to the recent federal raids at Shekinah Church. They unpack what these developments could potentially mean, not just for the investigation, but for the survivors, the families, and the current members. Previous guest Angela joins to share her thoughts as well.
Jess and Kailea are joined by producers Leo, Aaron, and Sophie for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the podcast and its exploration of the ongoing impact of Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. The team discusses the challenges of reaching out to victims, the emotional discoveries made during production, and the ethical considerations of handling such sensitive stories. They also reflect on the broader patterns of abuse in cult-like groups, such as Shen Yun and high-control acting teachers, and share insights on how these communities can be held accountable. Listen in for an honest conversation about the evolution of the series, the personal revelations along the way, and what’s next for the podcast.
In this second episode with Melanie Lee, Jess joins Kailea in their sit-down with the key figure from Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult documentary. They discuss the critical split in the early days of Shekinah church between leaders Robert and Catherine, an event that left a lasting impression on Melanie Lee. Melanie shares what it was like to be raised in the church, and how even the seemingly simplest choices, like deciding what coffee to order, felt overwhelming after she left. She opens up to Jess about the conflict with her sister in Korea and how their relationship has evolved. They also discuss Kelly and Dean Wilking, and how best to support the families of those involved in high-control groups.
In this powerful episode, Jess and Kailea sit down with Melanie Lee, a key figure from Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult documentary, to dive deeper into her experience with Shekinah and life after the church. Melanie reflects on pivotal moments not fully explored in the documentary, including her trip to Korea and a revealing conversation with her sister. She also sheds light on Robert’s tactics , offering insights into the early days of Shekinah, and emphasizes the importance of advocacy in helping others affected by cult-like environments. This conversation offers new perspectives and a deeper understanding of Melanie’s journey of recovery, empowerment, and her commitment to supporting others moving forward. As a special treat, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis returns to catch up with Kailea and Melanie, dishing on life after the release of the Dancing Forgive Me For I Have Followed continues the exploration from Netflix’s hit Dancing for the Devil documentary series by delving deeper into the personal stories of those affected by Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films. We will focus on the experiences of victims and their families, address urgent questions raised in the documentary, and gather insights from former members and dancers. Our goal is to uncover strategies for combating abuse and ensuring that controlling, cult-like communities are held accountable for their actions.
Jess and Kailea continue their conversation with Priscylla Leigh as she reflects on her tumultuous journey through Shekinah Church and what ultimately led her to leave. She also discusses how the process of filming the Dancing for the Devil documentary series and the healing power of finally sharing her story and how it brought about profound personal transformation. Finally, Priscylla talks about finding her strength, reclaiming her voice and recovering from the emotional scars left by her time in the church.