Cults are Autistic With Jude Mills

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon is joined by Jude Mills—autistic theologian, interfaith minister, and host of Fkd Up by Faith—for a deep exploration into how cults and extremist religious movements intersect with autistic culture. This isn’t just a trauma story. It’s a culture story.

Together, we unpack how autistic traits like emotional honesty, deep focus, and commitment to logic can draw us into high-demand religious systems—and what it takes to get out.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Why autistic people are often drawn into cults—and why we might stay longer than others
• How the very traits that make us vulnerable are also reflected in many cult leaders
• What happens when your SPIN (Special Interest) used to be Jesus, prophecy, or Revelation
• How to mourn or reframe a spiritual system that once gave your life meaning
• Why autistic people may face unique challenges—and strengths—on the journey out
• How leaving isn’t failure. It’s freedom. And it’s a return to self-trust.

🔊 Featuring guest Jude Mills, interfaith minister, spiritual counsellor, and host of Fkd Up By Faith—a podcast exploring healing for those hurt by religion.

🎙️ Listen to Jude's podcast and learn more: fkbupbyfaith.com

Resources:

Richard Turner – UK-based autistic cult recovery counsellor

Ashlen Hilliard – US-based cult recovery advocate

Alexandra Stein and Janja Lalich – researchers and educators on cult dynamics

Related Episodes:

Fighting Internalized Ableism

Academia and Ableism

🌟 Connect With Us

📱 Follow us on Instagram

🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.