Episode 5

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Published on:

15th Oct 2025

From John McArthur To Finding Freedom

Episode 5 | Escaping the Cult with Topher from True Crimes Against Wine

When Topher’s family became entangled in John MacArthur’s cult, he barely escaped with his freedom intact. In this episode, he shares his journey of healing, humor, and rebuilding after religious trauma.

Topher, host of True Crimes Against Wine, talks about what it means to unpack spiritual abuse, rediscover your voice, and reclaim joy after years of manipulation and control. His story is both sobering and inspiring—a reminder that healing is possible even after deep religious trauma.

This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with hope.

Connect with Topher

Podcast: True Crimes Against Wine

TikTok: @topherrachelwine

Instagram: @truecrimesagainstwine

Connect with Your Hosts

Heather: @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara: TikTok @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram @tamarajo321

Be a Guest

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

Music Credit

Intro and Outro: Your Poison by Rox Knox

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About the Podcast

The Awakening Podcast
Religion Has Many Victims; These Are The Stories of How They Survived.
Join our Hosts, Heather and Tamara as they feature guests that have survived 'Religious Trauma' and the stories about that trauma and how they survived.

About your host

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Heather Foy