In this powerful and emotional episode of PodCandy, Stacey, Dori and Dr. John dive deep into the harrowing yet inspiring story of Chavie Weisberger, a brave woman who escaped the confines of an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewish sect—led by her own grandfather. From forced marriage and suppressed sexuality to a traumatic custody battle, Chavie’s journey reveals the dark side of religious extremism and the systemic control of women. With insight from psychologist Dr. John Mayer, the hosts explore themes of gender oppression, cult dynamics, and the resilience it takes to break free and reclaim your identity. Listener discretion advised—this episode includes discussions of sexual abuse and other sensitive topics.

Based on the original interview featured on "Cults to Consciousness" hosted by Shalise Ann Sola.

In this riveting and deeply personal episode of Pod Candy, your hosts Stacey, Dori, and Dr. John Mayer flip the script and share their own brushes with the dark world of manipulation, fraud, and deception. From Dr. Mayer's jaw-dropping story of identity theft and near ruin, to Dori’s financially and emotionally devastating entanglement with a predatory “tax loophole” scheme, to Stacey’s close call with a shady pyramid organization masked as personal development—this episode proves the scariest stories aren’t always on the news.

Together, they unpack how smart, self-aware people can fall victim to cons, cult-like mentalities, and emotional manipulation—and how they fought their way out. Raw, honest, and at times hilarious, this episode is a powerful reminder that anyone can be targeted, and healing starts with speaking up.

In this episode, Stacey, Dori, and Dr. John examine one of the most elaborate catfishing schemes in recent history. The gang picks apart the Netflix Documentary; Sweet Bobby My Catfish Nightmare. It's a wild story about a London based radio host who endured a nearly ten year relationship with a handsome cardiologist named Bobby, only to find out it was all a fictitious web of cruel deception. Stacey, Dori and Dr. John discuss the psychology behind both catfisher and catfishee, and what causes someone to go to such great lengths to deceive another person.