The Cult I Left Behind
Newly-ish married couple, Amanda and Kyle, discuss Amanda’s upbringing in the IBLP cult of Duggar infamy – a story Kyle learns about along with listeners. Through sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking stories, Amanda and Kyle explore the cult’s ideology, the strange rules that surrounded Amanda’s childhood, and the abuse she endured before leaving the cult. Through it all, they talk about what it takes to break free from a cult and what gets left behind.
The Cult I Left Behind
85 - Mother Wounds with Jessica Jocelyn (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we’re honored to welcome poet Jessica Jocelyn—whose writing has been a healing touchstone for Amanda and may already be familiar to listeners of the podcast.
Jessica is a best-selling poet whose work explores love, loss, motherhood, and the complexities of family with raw emotional power. She’s the author of five volumes of poetry, all widely praised for their vulnerability, resonance, and reach.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Jessica’s childhood with a mother who felt more like a cult leader
- Her experience as an adult convert in the Jehovah’s Witnesses—what led her there, and how she found her way out
- Her forthcoming poetry collection, Paper Flowers, releasing August 31, 2025
This is the first time Jessica has shared her full story on record—and it’s a wild, heartbreaking, and healing ride.
We can’t wait for you to hear it.
Connect with Jessica:
linktr.ee/jessicajocelyn
Instagram: @letters.to.anna
Facebook: Jessica Jocelyn Poetry
TikTok: @jessica.jocelyn
Send us text! Please note this platform only supports one-way communication.
