Religious extremism and cults are on the rise. For the last few months, three journalists have been hearing the harrowing stories of cult survivors, and have uncovered a secret and controlling cult currently operating across Australia with communes in NSW and QLD. In this six-part podcast, they reveal how cults are preying on vulnerable people, across the country. Why do people start cults? Why do people join them? And most importantly – how do they escape?

Prayed Upon is available early and ad-free on Crime X+ and the News Corp Masthead Apps today.