REAL

It wasn't only the media that were now paying attention to the Children of God survivors, so were the authorities.

In this episode, we hear from Mary Mahoney, who joined the Children of God when she was just 16 years old and raised eight children under the reign of David Berg, until she found the strength to escape.

This is Bad Grandpa.

WARNING: This series contains descriptions of abuse against minors, sexual abuse, suicide and murder. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

Mary's book: 'Abnormal Normal: My Life in the Children of God' can be found here:

https://amzn.to/3WRrBH9

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the organisations below who can help and support you:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/ - Support for cult survivors (UK)

https://www.peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups - Support for cult survivors & Intervention (global)

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 1990s, more survivors who had escaped the Children of God started appearing on television around the world, sharing their stories. And it wasn't just the media the survivors were talking to... it was also the authorities.

In this episode we meet Hope Bastine, a survivor of the cult and one of the first people to get a successful conviction against one of her abusers, here in the UK.

This is Bad Grandpa.

WARNING: This series contains descriptions of abuse against minors, sexual abuse, suicide and murder. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

To find out more about Hope's work, you can view more information here - her book will be released on the 5th of February 2026:

https://hopebastine.com/

Kristina, Celeste and Juliana's book can be found here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Without-My-Sister-violated/dp/0007248075

You can support the Safe Passage Foundation here:

https://www.safepassagefoundation.org/

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the organisations below who can help and support you:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/ - Support for cult survivors (UK)

https://www.peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups - Support for cult survivors & Intervention (global)

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is estimated that over 100 people who were part of the Children of God have taken their own lives. The abuse they endured and the control they were placed under whilst in the cult has had tragic lasting consequences on so many people.

This is Bad Grandpa.

WARNING: This series contains descriptions of abuse against minors, sexual abuse, suicide and murder. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

To listen to Kacey's podcast, where cult survivors share their experiences, you can do so here:

https://www.cultvaultpodcast.com/

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the organisations below who can help and support you:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/ - Support for cult survivors (UK)

https://www.peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups - Support for cult survivors & Intervention (global)

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ricky Rodriguez was Davidito. The story of his childhood had been shared in a book produced by the 'Children of God' called 'The Story of Davidito' - a 'childcare manual' sent to thousands of families in the cult, detailing the abuse this child had endured, disguised as religious teachings.

As Ricky grew up, the abuse he suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to protect him continued to hurt him and he wanted revenge. Ricky had a plan. In 2005, Ricky sat in his apartment, facing a camcorder, surrounded by deadly weapons, and he hit record...

This is Bad Grandpa.

WARNING: This series contains descriptions of abuse against minors, sexual abuse, suicide and murder. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the organisations below who can help and support you:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/ - Support for cult survivors (UK)

https://www.peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups - Support for cult survivors & Intervention (global)

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Berg's 'Children of God' cult now had thousands of members across the globe. But he didn't want them to consume media from the outside world, so he produced his own.

He sent hundreds of letters, books and videos out to his followers, encouraging them to take part in deeply disturbing and abusive practices. Within this media, was the darkest children's tv show the world has ever seen... and it was being seen by thousands of children in the cult.

This is Bad Grandpa.

WARNING: This series contains descriptions of abuse against minors, sexual abuse, suicide and murder. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the organisations below who can help and support you:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/ - Support for cult survivors (UK)

https://www.peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups - Support for cult survivors & Intervention (global)

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 1960s, David Brandt Berg formed a cult that would become widely known as the 'Children of God'. He declared himself a prophet and he was known too many of his followers, as 'Grandpa'.

But 'Grandpa' was a highly dangerous man who normalised the abuse of women and children and he did all of this in plain sight.

This is a six-part series on the crimes of David Berg and others who belonged, and still belong, to the Children of God... and the cult is still operating today... all over the world.

This is Bad Grandpa.

WARNING: This series contains descriptions of abuse against minors, sexual abuse, suicide and murder. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, please see the organisations below who can help and support you:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thefamilysurvivaltrust.org/ - Support for cult survivors (UK)

https://www.peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups - Support for cult survivors & Intervention (global)

If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When 21-year-old Lynsey Quy was reported missing in February 1999 by a social worker, the police soon discovered that she had last been seen two months prior, in December 1998. Lynsey had been in an abusive relationship with her husband Mitchell, and he was the prime suspect.

But when he invited a documentary crew into his home, people were intrigued and suspicious... would a guilty man really parade himself on television?

The answer to this would shock everyone.

This is Real.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Link for the petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/robin-wilson-evil-wife-killer-mitchell-quy-due-for-release-help-keep-him-behind-bars

Reference for advice on leaving an abusive relationship: 

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/i-am-planning-to-leave-my-abuser/

If you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations:

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UK

https://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims 

https://safelives.org.uk/ - UK

https://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Ireland

https://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men 

https://sdvs.ie/ - Ireland

https://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men 

https://www.lifewire.org/ - USA

https://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men 

https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australia

https://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 3rd of January 2022, Sheila and Clay Fletcher called 911. They had found their daughter Lacey unresponsive on the couch.

When the officers arrived, they entered a scene that was so horrific, they couldn't believe what they were seeing. But...

This is Real.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Support services for carers:

https://www.carersuk.org/ - UK

https://familycarers.ie/carer-supports/help-guidance - Ireland

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/support-services-carers - Northern Ireland

https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/all-resources/ - US

https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/ - Australia

https://carers.net.nz/ - New Zealand

https://carersworldwide.org/ - Worldwide

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 10th of May 2013, Premier Inn hotel staff discovered the bodies mother and daughter Margaret and Nicola McDonough. They had severe injuries and nobody could figure out why these two kind and harmless women had their lives ended like this.

As the police started their investigation, they uncovered an incredible web of lies and the reality seemed truly unbelievable. But....

This is Real.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

If you need support, please see the links below to organisations that can help:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health & Identity support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is slightly different to the usual format of 'Real'. This is going to give you an update on all the deep dive cases covered on 'Real', including the cases of Stuart Lubbock, Claudia Lawrence, Charlene Downes, Billie-Jo Jenkins as well as updates on Luke Mitchell and The Lampard Inquiry.

And we'll also hear from some of you, the incredible listeners who wanted to share your thoughts on some of the cases covered.

This is Real.

My YouTube channell 'Totally True Crime' is here: https://www.youtube.com/@Totallytruecrime

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here. Thank you so much:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When teenager Conrad Roy Jnr III met 16-year-old Michelle Carter in 2012, he thought he found someone who truly understood him. They both had battles with mental health conditions and they became each others rocks.

But in June 2014, Michelle's tone changed and soon she would be in court, charged with killing Conrad, even though she wasn't there when he died.

This is Real.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Conrad's Law Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/ConradsLaw/

If you need support, please see the links below to organisations that can help:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health & Identity support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1989, Julie Hogg went missing after finishing a shift at work. When she failed to turn up to collect her son from her mother Ann the next day, Ann knew something was very wrong.

She could never have imagined the fight that lie ahead of her, a fight that ended up changing British law.

This is Real.

My new true crime YouTube channel 'Totally True Crime' can be found here, please do like and subscribe, thank you:

https://www.youtube.com/@Totallytruecrime

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Ann's book 'For the Love of Julie' can be found here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Julie-nightmare-courage-desperate/dp/0007262620

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Janet Scott had separated from her husband and was looking for love. She met Simon Mellors in a pub in Nottingham and became smitten. But Simon had a dark past that he kept secret in the beginning of their relationship. When Janet found out, she decided to stick by him, because his probation officer said he didn't think she was at risk.

But he was wrong. So very wrong.

This is Real.

If you'd like to support the show, you can do so here. Thank you so much:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Here is some information on probation service training and jobs in the UK:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/probation-officer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8YKI0Ttgoc

Reference for advice on leaving an abusive relationship: 

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/i-am-planning-to-leave-my-abuser/

If you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations:

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UK

https://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims 

https://safelives.org.uk/ - UK

https://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Ireland

https://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men 

https://sdvs.ie/ - Ireland

https://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men 

https://www.lifewire.org/ - USA

https://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men 

https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australia

https://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia 

If you'd like more information on Crime Con UK, you can get information here.

https://www.crimecon.co.uk/

Use code REAL10 for 10%.

NB: Payment instalment plans are available for tickets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May 2019, police in Sturgis, Michigan received an anonymous call from a man who told them that there was a body in the home of local man Wade Allen. They believed it to be the body of his girlfriend, Kelly Jean Warner, who was affectionately known as KJ.

As the police enter the home, there is no sign of a body or anything hugely suspicious.... but one officers intuition unraveled the case and soon the true horror of what had happened to KJ was revealed.

This is Real.

f you'd like to support the show, you can do so here. Thank you so much:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Reference for advice on leaving an abusive relationship: 

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/i-am-planning-to-leave-my-abuser/

If you need help or support with domestic abuse please get in touch with the following organisations:

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - UK

https://mankind.org.uk/ - Support for male victims 

https://safelives.org.uk/ - UK

https://www.victimsupportni.com/help-for-victims/domestic-violence/ - Northern Ireland

https://mapni.co.uk/ - Northern Ireland for men 

https://sdvs.ie/ - Ireland

https://www.mensaid.ie/ - Ireland for men 

https://www.lifewire.org/ - USA

https://www.thehotline.org/resources/men-can-be-victims-of-abuse-too/ - USA for men 

https://www.rizeup.com.au/ - Australia

https://mensline.org.au/family-violence/ - Australia 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October 2024, news outlets reported that police in Northern Ireland had caught 'the UK's biggest catfish'. But 26-year-old Alexander McCartney did much more than just lie about who he was online. His crimes have devastated thousands of lives. And ended two.

This is Real.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of suicide and child sexual abuse. Whilst the descriptions are not explicit, please take extra care whilst listening.

The Cyber Helpline: (UK & US)

https://www.thecyberhelpline.com/

Advice for helping keep children safe online:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

If you need support, please see the links below to organisations that can help:

https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Mental health & Identity support

https://www.spuk.org.uk/ - Suicide Prevention UK

https://www.samaritans.org/ - The Samaritans

https://988lifeline.org/ - Suicide Prevention USA

https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/ - Suicide Prevention Australia

https://www.pieta.ie/ - Suicide Prevention Ireland

https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/ - For people who have been the victim of sexual abuse (UK)

https://www.rainn.org/ - Sexual Abuse Support USA

https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directory - Sexual Abuse Support Australia

https://www.rcni.ie/useful-links/ - Sexual Abuse Support Ireland

If you would like to support for the show, you can do so here, thank you so much: 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December 2014, 39-year-old Angela Wrightson was at her home when the unthinkable happened, she was killed in her own home, where she should have felt safe.

But when the police discovered that this brutal and sustained attacked on a vulnerable woman had been committed by two vulnerable children, it left many questions including one vital one - could Angela's murder have been prevented?

This is Real.

https://www.crimecon.co.uk/ - If you would like to attend Crime Con London in June 2025, please see the details here. The discount code REAL10 will give you 10% off.

If you would like to support the show, please see the information here, thank you:

buymeacoffee.com/podcast4justice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 13th of July 2024, 25-year-old Michael Frison went missing from a volunteer site in Sardinia, Italy.

With a criminal investigation now underway, Michael's mother gives us an update on the case.

This is a special four-part series of 'Real'.

The Official Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/michaelfrisonmissing

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-help-find-michael - If you'd like to support Cristina in her quest to find her son, you can do so here. Thank you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 13th of July 2024, 25-year-old Michael Frison went missing from a volunteer site in Sardinia, Italy.

In this episode, we look at a disturbing email found on Michael's phone and the possible connection it could have to his disappearance.

This is a special four-part series of 'Real'.

The Official Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/michaelfrisonmissing

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-help-find-michael - If you'd like to support Cristina in her quest to find her son, you can do so here. Thank you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 13th of July 2024, 25-year-old Michael Frison went missing from a volunteer site in Sardinia, Italy.

In this episode, we continue to explore what happened in the lead up to his disappearance and the concerning discoveries found on Michael's mobile phone.

This is a special four-part series of 'Real'.

The Official Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/michaelfrisonmissing

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-help-find-michael - If you'd like to support Cristina in her quest to find her son, you can do so here. Thank you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 13th of July 2024, 25-year-old Michael Frison went missing from a volunteer site in Sardinia, Italy.

Up until last month, Michael's disappearance status was 'voluntarily missing' but it is now a criminal investigation. The details surrounding Michael's last few months are concerning and his mother Cristina wants to share those details in an attempt to find the son she so desperately misses.

This is a special four-part series of 'Real'.

The Official Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/michaelfrisonmissing

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-help-find-michael - If you'd like to support Cristina in her quest to find her son, you can do so here. Thank you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices