Do As I Say

How Cults Control, Why We Join Them, and What They Teach Us About Bullying, Abuse and Coercion

By: Sarah Steel

Narrated by: Sarah Steel

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

At the heart of being human is the desire to belong. It can make us unspeakably vulnerable to the manipulations of others. Cult leaders prey on this desire, but so do many unscrupulous operators hiding in plain sight.

Sarah Steel, the creator of the popular 'Let's Talk About Sects' podcast, has researched the cults you've heard of—and dozens you haven't. What strikes her most are not the differences between bizarre cult behaviour and 'normal' behaviour but the depressing similarities. Her work reveals that we are all susceptible to the power of cult dynamics.

In Do As I Say, Sarah Steel tells the human tale behind the sensationalism. Sharing deeply personal stories, gathered over years of interviews with survivors, and some shocking tales about the world's most famous cults, she sheds light on the high cost of unchecked coercive behaviours to individuals and communities at large.

©2022 Sarah Steel (P)2022 Macmillan Australia Audio

Critic reviews

"Sarah uses the stories of survivors to tease out the common threads of coercive control shared by cults and found in other parts of society. The result is a much-needed spotlight on the behaviours and personalities we are likely to encounter even if we never go anywhere near a cult." (David Gillespie, best-selling author and lawyer)

"In times of uncertainty when you long for simple answers and have a deep desire for community, you can find yourself incrementally handing over your agency to a charismatic but authoritarian and manipulative leader or group-think. In this book Sarah Steel has brilliantly charted how this happens in all sorts of ways and for all sorts of people; it provides an invaluable map to navigate this dangerous terrain." (Reverend Tim Costello AO)

"This book is a most comprehensive and studied look at cults, the leaders, and perhaps most importantly the survivors. Sarah Steel has given the world a real gem—one that will not only educate but also help to destigmatize those who have been harmed by cults and con artists. Bravo!" (Dr Janja Lalich, cult expert, academic and former cult member)

Listen to Victim-Survivors

I’m not at all surprise that this book is as comprehensive and well put together as it is. I don’t want to say that I expected it, because that sounds entitled, but I do find a certain amount of comfort when tuning in to author Sara Steel’s podcast “Let’s Talk About Sects.” Every episode is researched, professionally discussed, engaging, and compassionate. She interviews cult survivors/leavers, giving them a platform on which they can tell their stories without judgement or confrontation—a rare and wonderful thing, and then gives you a very straightforward “this is what happened, here are the facts.”  The only difference between her podcast and this book, is that the book is looking at things on a much larger scale.

“Do as I Say” takes key points from Sarah’s interviews from a number of different sects and weaves them all together to spotlight behaviors and practices we as a culture/society need to be mindful of. There is also a well-thought-out layout of cultic terms and defining characteristics—basically things to ask yourself about groups you may be suspicious of, or perhaps an organization or church you are a part of. Sarah also shines light on the trials survivors go through just by leaving, which I believe is the most important takeaway this book has to offer.

As a survivor of abuse, I cannot recommend this book enough, especially for those who struggle with past (or current) relationship trauma or find themselves repeatedly in situations where they are undermined or coerced into giving up their autonomy. For the rest of you, read it to gain some insight into ways you can be aware and mindful of people that may need help, or even to just learn how to be a better friend, listener, and human being.

Last, but not least, I have to say from a professional standpoint, Sarah has done a fantastic job narrating this book. The same professionalism, compassion, and once in a while splash of humor I’ve grown to love on her podcast, shine through here, making a sometimes heavy listen an excellent experience.

Well researched and both fascinating and harrowing

This was a great book/read about cults both in Australia and New Zealand and the rest of the world. It was very well researched and did an insightful analysis of cults.

Super informative

A well written inside look into cult methodology and pedagogy for the layman.
10/10

A Brilliant Throughline from a Brilliant Journo

Not just a podcast rehash: a long-view look at the throughlines of cults. Sarah Steel's expertise after years of looking at cults on the genius podcast Let's Talk About Sects is brought to bear on the larger questions of cults: who joins them? Why do they join them? And what can we do to help those who are trying to escape?

An absolute must read. The more people are educated on this topic, the less power these cults have.

Excellent work!

Sarah Steel shares a nuanced, thorough, and compassionate view on cults and their survivors. She masterfully weaves the stories of leavers and the research by experts in an un-sensationalized study of high control groups. Her performance narrating is sure to please all the fans of her excellent podcast. The book’s themes are serious, but her calm and gentle demeanor helps the audience empathize with survivors.

An interesting and important book

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, literally straight from the author’s mouth. If cults are something you’re interested in then this is your book. But even if not, there are many important lessons here about critical thinking and questioning blind adherence, so definitely worth anyone’s time.

I also appreciate the author injecting her personal story and perspective, and having a stance on issues we face in contemporary society.

A compelling look into manipulation and coercion.

This book is a compelling look into coercion and control at any level. I love how the author delineates the concept of manipulation and presents tools and insights on how to recognize it in everyday life. If you wish to maintain personal autonomy as our world shifts, you should read this book!

Fascinating read by the author

In some ways this is a summary of the Let's Talk about Sects podcast. I this book Sarah dives deeper into the elements of each group that makes them problematic and how different groups use similar tactics and methods.
The are many personal accounts from different groups each giving fascinating insights. This book can be read as a standalone book or alongside the podcast.