Podcast Dissection of the Gloriavale DocuSeries – Escaping Utopia

Opinion piece: Liz Gregory.

(Thoughts, opinions and views expressed here belong to Liz Gregory and may or may not represent the views of all leavers, current members or the Trust).

There has been ample opportunity for dissection on the Escaping Utopia Docuseries recently, and I wanted to share with you three podcasts that have sought to cover a range of fascinating topics.

I am co-host of a podcast called Cult Chat, and my co-hosts Lindy Jacomb and Dr Caroline Ansley both have experience in high-demand, culty groups that caused harm.

We wanted to discuss the series, but then we went a step further and got a little carried away! So we ended up interviewing film producers, journalists and a cast member about the behind-the-scenes experiences of filming cult docos. Listen up to the Three Part Series!

Cult Chat Episode 28: Escaping Utopia (Part One) Gloriavale Docuseries Dissection

Join Caz, Liz, and Lindy as they share their reflections on the eye-opening three-part TV docu-series “Escaping Utopia” that hit NZ.. Gain insight into the complexities of escaping Gloriavale and the support systems aiding those transitioning to freedom. Listen in as we uncover the resilience and courage of individuals breaking free from a closed community, and see the plight of group of members who are part of an Indian Gloriavale Community which has never featured on our screens before.

Cult Chat Episode 29: Escaping Utopia (Part Two) Gloriavale Docuseries – A Chat with Cast and Crew:

Join Liz as she chats with ex-Gloriavale film participant Rosanna Overcomer and film producer Natalie Malcon about the recent Escaping Utopia docuseries. We give you a glimpse “behind the scenes”, into the film’s journey to the screens, set design, casting, meticulous re-enactments, as well as the personal challenge of sharing one’s story. We also delve into the ethical dilemmas of filming undercover scenes in India, sparking thought-provoking discussions on documentary filmmaking responsibilities.

Cult Chat Episode 30: Escaping Utopia (Part 3) The Storytellers of Gloriavale and Centrepoint:

Join Caz, as she interviews two accidental cult investigators about two notorious NZ cults. The first is Natalie Malcon, producer of “Escaping Utopia” the recent Gloriavale docuseries, and “Heaven & Hell; The Centrepoint Story”. The second is Anke Richter, journalist and author of “Cult Trip”, a deep dive into the complexity of both Gloriavale and Centrepoint. This conversation between three cult activists, each using a different medium to shine light on cult harm, will be eye opening.

Thanks for all your lovely feedback! You can listen in to Cult Chat on all your favourite platforms – including Plains FM, Spotify, Apple and You Tube.

Watch the Trailer of Escaping Utopia below: