Raised In A South African CULT / Wide Awake Podcast EP. 3

[@wideawakepodcast]

Hey everyone, thank you so much for all of the positive feedback on the previous episode and also for the constructive criticism. I'm still getting used to being a podcast host and I know I'm not perfect and get a bit excited at times but I promise I will keep improving and I will always listen to constructive criticism. Love you all and thank you for all of the support. ♥

[@ChloePinkChalkPinkBible]

You're doing great🌻

[@tonynero5868]

#Doctorojie CURE HERPES

[@lupamartins8830]

People are sleeping in you my guy. You are going somewhere.

[@simphiwemkhatshwa6779]

great podcast, watching my second one. Just one suggestion: please allow guests to answer the questions without finishing their sentences, it may be conversational, but it just stops the storytellers flow when watching.

[@nwabisasanda7389]

1

[@constantinosaohatse5616]

First South African KZbinr that is creating interesting content. I love it. This episode was mind blowing. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@mycha5335]

*Zimbabwean

[@dvfroid2247]

Same bro

[@kevinblackandwhite8273]

Check out MacG's podcast china... Gotta give respect where it's due.

[@ayakhasokabo8816]

That's a bold statement my gud sir

[@ICWieneryay]

Serpentza

[@zakithitwala2203]

This was fascinating! I got on Tik Tok a few minutes ago. The clip about Aquelle funding the cult was the 2nd video I swiped up on. I was immediately captured and quickly logged off the app and came straight to KZbin to look for your podcast. This was a great interview and I'm happy to be a new subscriber.

[@tariromubobo8237]

Me too jusy now

[@freshmkay6998]

Same with me

[@janinemoody9261]

My husband had a substance abuse battle. And at the time we where still courting. His father heard about this place and forcefully led him there. And he came back very heavy about the place and now as we watch this after 5 years of the places damage being done to him. I am in such awe of this. Wow. It's sad. Well done to this amazing fresh podcasts. Thank you for enlightenment on so many things we are so oblivious to.

[@chevonnehart8694]

Saw the clip on tiktok and now I have to watch it because I'm nosy.

[@amaraegeonu6936]

Same 😂😂

[@yondelambatha7]

Same 🤣😭

[@Jackiietarin]

Same

[@insaafdawood7592]

Same 😂

[@bellabills4471]

Me too but then Erika really captured me. Loved the interview, thanks. No more Aquelle for me 🤬

[@Siphamandla.Ngcobo]

No cult likes being called a cult. I was a Mormon for 18 years and denied it vehemently whenever I was told it was a cult. I even attended their temple and did their Masonic rituals, got married in it too, and even worked as a Mormon missionary. I eventually woke up at the age of 30, packed my bags and left.

[@MsRoriT]

Mapholoba we need to hear your stor, please. I didn't realize that the Mormons are in a cult.

[@christyinnes_29]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@roxiberk3745]

I get the sense that the way Josh engages with his guests so enthusiastically gives them great comfort and ease in telling their story. This conversation style feels raw and authentic, rather than stiff and scripted. I love it. Keep doing you Josh :)

[@prodxschalk.s4307]

The 9 dislikes are those cult water lovers 😂😂

[@bernardkriel1]

you know how hard it is to find a good soft ph balanced water...all be it from the pits of hell!

[@robinfrancis6554]

I have been absolutely absorbed by this channel. This content is incredible, and interesting and enlightening. I'm so happy to see a South African based channel thriving. Incredible.

[@sillymoose]

I’m so impressed by this podcast. I have a podcast too, but am so taken with how comfortably you handle the conversation style. I’m learning from you. Well done! Also, how refreshing!! This is straightforward interesting conversation without gimmicky sensationalism. So refreshing!

[@carsonsolomons6536]

My guy I dont listen or watch podcasts at all. But yours are fire. Like your the first podcaster I actually like it. I love it

[@marikemeiring4162]

I am from Worcester. This was very interesting to listen to. There are so many religious groups that can be seen as cults. All the points mentioned at the end , if those are things that you notice then run. It is very true by saying that you can believe in whatever you want, just make sure it doesn't influence people around you negatively.

[@oravandroogenbroeck3234]

Erica, you are a strong woman to have survived and healed. I've been abused emotionally by a narcisist for 23 years. I've managed to break free and have had little or no contact for more than 20 years. Sometimes I am still impacted in my belief in myself after all this time. I do understand how easy it is for anybody to be susceptible to influence because these mental, emotional and physical abusers are uncanny in their ways. Stay strong girl!

[@Lovealwayswins1]

Thank you very much! Ex Jehovah’s Witness here…. You’re wonderful both of you loved it!

[@gabriellefoulis39]

So incredible to have a young, intelligent and insightful South African that is helping spread people's stories and information. Let's get Josh to be the new Rogan!

[@wideawakepodcast]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sikelelwa1]

I'm here from Tiktok... Who else?

[@RolioJack]

I’m here for you ❤️

[@pamgreen4167]

You have really incredible interesting guests! Love that you've started a podcast!!! Only suggestion is to let the guest tell their story more and make it less about you.

[@wideawakepodcast]

Hey thank you so much and I’ve got some incredible guests lined up. I’ll definitely let people talk more without jumping in all the time in the future. I’m new to this and still learning! 🥰

[@keamogetswemokwatsi5737]

I agree with that I kept being frustrated by it. But amazing podcast overall

[@mandyhope1947]

@@wideawakepodcast 🤗🥰🤗

[@jacquilinemhuman]

Totally , you are interviewing someone , its not about you , give your guest time to actually talk and get their story out . i didn't come here for you or your story , i czme here to listen to hers

[@ianhinrichsendrummer2113]

Yup.

[@ilneweyers]

Unpopular opinion, you engaging with her feels like you're having a conversation rather than it be a monologue. If people want to hear her story start to finish go buy her book. Your 'tangents' and moments are precious and so good for a podcast pace. Keep it up! :)

[@TraceTheFace62]

Yeah I see a lot of people complaining about this but I enjoy it as well

[@tonynero5868]

#Doctorojie CURE HERPES

[@erikabornman_author]

Yes, I agree! I could have chatted to Josh for another hour!

[@jacquilinemhuman]

Erika , i hope you will do a long story from start to finish about ur experience, almost like a documentary without being interjected by someone else

[@buhleleem573]

Let him be this is KZbin you would make money if you were to open your own school and teach that you will make money

[@RatelX]

Loved the podcast! You are engaging good so it doesn't matter what other people say you can talk about yourself because it is how you relate

[@blueredcross]

I was diagnosed with RTS (Religious Trauma Syndrome) My school was like a cult and the same God fearing messages was drilled into my head. I couldn't even think bad thoughts, because God would punish me. I'm happy now, the God I love now is loving me right back.

[@sekorachel5217]

I love this kind of information. It really enlightens us to what is happening in the Real world around us. This is crazy!!!

[@phirivicrsa1596]

Hey where you from, Seko Rachel?

[@Dana1402-v9n]

this is not true, you who believe everything that is said without research are in danger of losing a blessing

[@shan.69]

​@Mihaelle492 just say you're in a cult

[@leniceesterhuizen3863]

Amazing podcast! Just 1 thing - perhaps try and allow interviewees to complete their sentence before interjecting. It may result in them losing their train of thought or not being able to talk about something in depth because you’ve already asked a second question before they’re able to answer your first

[@obakengtsatsiable]

I agree ☝️ 💯💯he doesn’t let people finish their train of thought and tell their story. He wants to make himself part of their story.

[@kimbojungles108]

too much talking about yourself.. we wanted to hear her whole story not yours, thank you for having her on

[@danielleVdM]

yesss this was kind of annoying

[@rachaeladdison1003]

I am not religious but I have a personal relationship with Jesus.

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

Amen. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

[@lilianhaggland2031]

Me too

[@brandonriley9457]

Exceptional interview skills. Was engaged throughout. Keep the content coming.

[@wideawakepodcast]

Hey, thank you so much. Definitely room for improvement on the interviewing side of things but I’ll get there 🙏🏼

[@baselinegrey2x723]

I went to Kwasizabantu roughly 10 years ago. When you walk around, there’s an eerie feeling as if what you see is not real, everything seems orchestrated. Everyone is very conservative and quiet, there are some good people. I must admit. But everything seems just off.

[@LovecookingwithToghfah]

I am getting so excited for your part reading all the positive comments

[@ItsAshiqa]

My mother’s best friend lived there for a few years and she’s never been the same since. I myself almost went to the boarding school there, looking back now I’m so glad that never happened. The more I learn about this place, the darker it gets.

[@Konnie-du-gummy]

I also went to the boarding school their lots of red flags. I Matriculated in 2019 never looked back

[@Dana1402-v9n]

you lost because you didn't know them personally, they are wonderful people who live in purity!

[@Konnie-du-gummy]

@@Dana1402-v9n Shut up I don’t know who you think you are but I lived at the Mission for four years as a student of Domino Servite school. I know those people. Who are you Daniela probably one of those overseas people from Europe who spend one night at the Mission and think that they know everything. Or did you get invited to Erlo Stegens house for luch now you think that you are some kind of professor of KSB. I have a problem with how things are done and if you heard some of the horrible stuff that people have experienced it wud leave you gasping for air. So shut up you don’t know my story and yet you feel compelled to stand up for a group of people who wud thrown you under the bus and not batter an eyelid. All of them the games they are playing is a vile one. I was in it all the Youth Choir also and I’m ashamed of the way that I was treated there were personal issues that make it impossible for me too go back to that place ever again.

[@sheannemarkham2825]

@@Dana1402-v9n do you know them personally?? Have you been to the school/centre??

[@nunewsmama3461]

You are doing fantastic I think you will get huge, I love your style. Keep up the good work.

[@taiyagreeff1869]

You need to release a Spotify playlist of your podcasts😩

[@letsgetdowntobusiness4927]

I second this!!

[@JacquelinevanWyk0107]

Amaaaaazing, this is quality local content. Thank you🕶

[@kryptonwest9059]

What a courageous and brave person she is, with how she managed to be able to rise from those experiences and speak out loud, it's amazing how she has high self esteem from that kind of treatment, I wish her peers were able to find help and peace within themselves

[@ForHIMsa]

Just a suggestion: I know Podcasts are normally an open forum for a conversation. However, sometimes you just interrupt at the wrong time as the person you are interviewing is just about to explain, and then they lose their train of thought and we are left wanting to know what they were going to say. Maybe just let them finish and then lead it from there. Love the platform.... It's so great. Keep up the great work.

[@wideawakepodcast]

Hey, I completely agree and if you watch the latest episodes I have started to listen more and give the guests more time to speak! 🙏🏼

[@ForHIMsa]

@@wideawakepodcast binge watching the episodes. Can't wait for more. Amazing.

[@rohanscott6813]

Aquelle story starts at 24:00

[@achimwene31mwali17]

Very interesting interview. May you please give your guests the chance to finish before you interupt them.

[@nancydiffee4312]

Another great interview. Learning so much and how to be an overcomer.

[@wideawakepodcast]

I’m really happy you are getting something out of these episodes!!

[@LovecookingwithToghfah]

New subby here, I have seen a few of your videos. Binge watched it in one day and came across this one this evening. Great content and I appreciate your interviewing style. Keep up the good work. It's enjoyable content.

[@sonjamissblank2222]

I started this podcast to listen to while cleaning, I ended up listening more than cleaning. A real shocker honestly.

[@Oskidooo]

I think this was a good interview learnt a lot. I think it would be nice to bring someone from Kwasizabantu to respond to the allegations that Erika makes.

[@Mochilala95]

I was trying to enjoy the guest, but the interviewer kept interrupting her.Ugh.😫Ijs.. BORAHAE 💜👏🏼

[@RonaldBartels]

Great podcast - enjoyed listening to it. Only picked it up a year later...

[@margomorton4372]

i read a few criticisms about your interviewing style Josh, but what i do like about your style is that it is more like a conversation. You are very natural and spontaneous. keep up your good work. Fantastic

[@kirastrikes8773]

It's not about you Josh. You're there to listen not tell your story. Keep going! Thank you for the content.

[@stivo9730]

I'm so proud of Erika for reclaiming her life and speaking her truth and writing a book about it. I have just bought my copy on Kindle... I wish she had narrated the audio book! I can't even begin to imagine how much it took for her escape and break all the shackles and speak out like this. She's amazing. It's so sad that this sort of thing happens to anyone but it's really sad that it happens to good people like Erika. She deserves all the freedom, happiness, love, and life that they tried to rob. I narrowly escaped being recruited into a cult many years ago... the love bombing was intense (2 years), but they went ice cold and then hostile on me as soon as they realized I probably wouldn't ever convert... I walked away traumatized and broken (still recovering, so I'm sure Erika's book will be inspiring). I didn't realize what I had escaped until much later when I read about others' experiences. Great work, Josh! I love your channel! Keep it up!

[@erikabornman_author]

Thank you, Sti!

[@lilianhaggland2031]

New subscriber... recommended by my gal....True Crime South Africa...the girl that kills every crime episode...

[@kryzzoz2104]

Just found out there is a "Mission church" about a 30 min drive from where I live and also I really shocked about the aQuellé water! That was basically the only water our family bought on almost every trip. This world is really full of sick and disgusting people and I hope the people involved get the help they desperately need. Great podcast and also great interview. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@Dana1402-v9n]

A place where people find help! This woman is lying a lot in this interview! May God have mercy on her, and may those who live in that place continue to be a good witness.

[@Shelly211262]

Busy reading her book now. Eye opening

[@lindsaythomas1147]

I have loved every episode of your podcast, Josh!! Thank you for showcasing these stories that need to be told. Estcourt is my moms home town and a place I’ve spent a lot of time in, so interesting to learn about all of this!

[@lindsaythomas1147]

I’d love to buy some prints from you, are you still selling?

[@phirivicrsa1596]

Lindsay Thomas, are you single?

[@sbongisenimtshali7111]

Estcourt my Home Town 💃💃💃

[@kyled8454]

Still can't figure out what's going on . Jumping around in the conversations,lots of blanks , think its because you know everything about her already and not providing us to learn her story ... maybe the only one

[@kennymathipa6936]

Hi; from Tiktok 👊 great show and episode

[@LilMonsterTii]

“I’m from Zimbabwe” bro I’m listening to this in Zimbabwe and the way you pronounced it 🤣🤣 I’m South African in Zimbabwe and you are the other way around

[@tankisoramateletse5054]

Bro I please just let people tell their story. I get frustrated when it seems like you try to direct a persons perspective or try to direct their story. You want to finish their sentence and end up stopping a persons story. Please let your guests speak their story without you interrupting them. Leave them tell and stop directing. Otherwise big ups. I love what you are doing.keep it up!

[@michael_abramson]

Had a family member whom was forced into this specific cult. Very interesting story. great podcast

[@Dana1402-v9n]

no one is forced to go in there, funny

[@LM-he7eb]

I know this is a very interesting topic with many inter-leading branches. But, it is important that let one complete the whole branch, before jumping on to the next

[@musammf3671]

I thank God I got out of that place. I've worked there as a teacher without earnings even a cent, working for the Lord as they say...

[@Dana1402-v9n]

Did anyone force you? I do not believe this

[@erikabornman_author]

I believe you, Musa. And I’m so glad you got out.

[@liam5205]

best podcast in SA

[@babsie3235]

We live in an unequal society so am sure if we were to dig deeper, some of the products and services we utilize daily are produced at the expense and exploitation of another.

[@Shelly211262]

Just heard Josh, you from Zimbabwe like me 😃 I live in the UK now but miss Zimbabwe every single day 😢

[@blondminx]

Nicely done! Glad I saw you on TikTok, can't wait to see what else you will be tackling head on!

[@lesley-annemartin6722]

Reminiscent of the Colonia Dignidad "mission" in South America. Colonia Dignidad was founded by former Nazi soldier Paul Schäfer in 1961. The commune, which was located 350km (220 miles) south of Santiago, was run as a secretive cult and dozens of children were sexually abused there. Hundreds of German and Chilean survivors will now be eligible for compensation. Interestingly both have a German connection. Hopefully our South African sisters and brothers will one day have Erika Bornman's courage to speak out and break the control like those of the Colonia Dignidad. "Colonia" released in 2016 is based on the story of Colonia Dignidad. "Colonia Dignidad" a documentary was released in 2020.

[@ChloePinkChalkPinkBible]

Came here from tik tok because I was like WTF??! AQUELLA???

[@caseymiller3424]

me too!!! literally just drank from the brand yesterday

[@ChloePinkChalkPinkBible]

@@caseymiller3424 crazy😭 I might as well drink tap water at this point

[@nicholasvanrooyen724]

So happy for your Success on this channel 🥰

[@wideawakepodcast]

Hey, thank you so much. It's been incredible!!

[@ortegagqagqana9431]

This cult was the scariest experience in my life I’ll never forget what they did to those children

[@erikabornman_author]

Oh my, I’m so glad you also got out. Big hugs to you!

[@Dana1402-v9n]

Strange, what this woman says is the complete opposite of what they are and do, they do not hurt anyone, they help, and they love unconditionally

[@aaych2306]

My eyes are so wide open I had 4 encounters with kwa siza bantu throughout my life I always tell good stories about the experience but I had no idea this is what was really going on I would love to tell my story aswell

[@lerouxvanderlinden1580]

Good work interesting interviews

[@Flo-zb8pw]

Rerouted from tik tok

[@wideawakepodcast]

Welcome to KZbin 😂

[@seamus9750]

Just binged all your podcasts and subscribed...great and varied content 👌...wisdom way beyond your year's.

[@sharonsulani1523]

Wow!!!! This was a great podcast. I think its of importance that people know which products or organizations are part of cults so that people don't buy or support these things.

[@Dana1402-v9n]

make sure what this woman is saying is true, I know the other side

[@marietemplin]

Thank You Josh and your lovely guest. Super eye opening. Very touching. Infuriating. Heartwarming. Hilarious. Enlightening. Many many thanks 😊🙏

[@akimzulu8533]

I've got hooked to this podcast I like the presentation 💯 I'm just a sucker for information 😅😅

[@jessica-leeanderson6691]

Looks like there's also a mission in Malmesbury, I Googled the name, says the location is Malmesbury and the website link is for the one in KZN. 🤷‍♀️

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

Here from whatsapp tiktok must still watch insert timestamp of the AQuella piece below...

[@innocentlubisi2633]

I know this organisation in Mpumalanga (Nkomazi) area Shoendal (Shuzidal) called "Kwasiza Bantu" they build school and feed they (White pastors) black poor and then give them a cult and dogmas about Jesus eventhough I am a Believer but I acknowledge that the gospel of Christ can be misused to fool people into blind faith "if the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch"

[@thatojuluka8179]

If you could just give the guest enough room to speak, it be such an honour. Too much interruption kills the mood ☹️

[@wideawakepodcast]

I agree and that’s why I did another episode with her!!! Go watch my latest podcast with her. It’s much better 😂

[@WordUser]

This is really good so far, hope you continue to enjoy making this podcast because I know I'll continue to listen and hopefully enjoy Side note: I also appreciate the effort you put in to not only record but also upload the video with 2160p, I know how long it can take to edit and render videos of this size with a quality that high, let alone upload it to KZbin on South African internet

[@LM-he7eb]

My aunt worked in Comhan trading. Which has business ties with Kwasizabantu. The owners are also German-South African and imposing. But, they run a legit business and are not religious

[@NomD05MZ]

Thank you from this book, I will never buy or drink their bottled water, I'm just disgusted how they underpay their workers, while the leaders are filthy rich 😡

[@TraceTheFace62]

“God has forgiven you your sin” for being r*aped ???!!! Yoh

[@ashleygrupping6922]

This was so interesting! Thanks so much for sharing this story with us! 🖤

[@SollyNhlapo]

Loved this!!! Subscribed instantly, thank the KZbin algorithms or leading me here 🙏🏿

[@MalizaBooysen]

LOVED this interview, and it was my first watch. 10/10

[@simi6152]

I went to a charismatic church when I was younger. I'm so glad that we left from there! They were brain washing my dad and mom

[@mosamoloto7474]

This sounds like the Church of Scientology

[@paulaolivier5852]

I tend to believe that I (in my own world) belong to the church of "don't be a dick" because in life no matter what if you apply this first would we not all be happier? This was truly an amazing hour and I could honestly listen to your effortless conversation forever. Thank you for sharing your platform with Erika, I believe that one day her efforts may pay off and I wish her the most luck and strength, I believe it is easy for people to turn a blind eye to things that inconvenience or upset them because it is far easier then dealing with the reality. Keep on keeping on Josh you are healing while helping others heal✌

[@francoinvisser4058]

Well done Erika, I've known your story, but this was incredibly detailed and really insightful!

[@kamogelo7505]

I wanna read the book so bad

[@LM-he7eb]

YES! People wanna be told what to do. They're desperate for someone to give them a right answer. So even when you tell them "Your religious leader is not the answer to all your questions". They ask "Are you the answer" "Are you going to lead us", people want to be controlled so bad

[@vanjaoosthuizen2541]

Awesome! Love this content

[@shamimaiqbal2210]

I stayed in that place for four years

[@kimbojungles108]

are you okay??

[@danielrubin5986]

Loving the episodes Josh!!

[@jessi1287]

It wasn't the fear of God being implemented.. it was the fear of Men!

[@Dana1402-v9n]

no one is obliged to be there and no one is obliged to confess their sins, this is a confusion, you have not caught what is being done there

[@shontellevanderwalt3743]

Why is aquelle water still being sold when will they cancel it, why isn't anyone saying anything

[@sameerdar]

Great podcast bro! I wonder if there is an audio only version available?

[@wideawakepodcast]

Coming soon ⚡️

[@robst2671]

I love this ! Can’t wait to see more.

[@lisamosela1958]

I loved it so much but I wished you'd listen more and let her speak rather than jumping in and cutting her off all the time 💔it got a little frustrating to watch after awhile

[@wideawakepodcast]

Hey, that’s what I was referring to in the pinned comment! I’ll definitely hold back more in the future. I am still learning and I promise I’ll get better. This is all very new to me! ❤️

[@Banele808]

South African content 🔥

[@lilianhaggland2031]

You must listen to True Crime South Africa....I am an international crime junkie but no one does it better than our gal....she is Amazing

[@jezreelreuben9204]

Bruh your podcasts are the best keep it up

[@vonickles5033]

Question everything, trust nobody and remember that

[@vonickles5033]

Reassess often times

[@nkosinathinathi9952]

Hi. From tiktok 🤗

[@Tafadzwa-Fafa]

Zimbabweans Unite!! Love from Vic Falls!!!!

[@sphehadebe]

I'm no longer buying Aquelle products 😡

[@LILREMAlNS]

Same

[@jacquilinemhuman]

Me neither and i shall tell everyone i know not to either

[@LILREMAlNS]

@@jacquilinemhuman please dont, it'd make my life hell