Campus Files: Campus Cult
Episode Summary
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Audacy's Campus Files, Narrated by Margo Gray and Shel

Introduction: The Hidden Reality of College Campuses

College is often portrayed as the quintessential American experience—a time of growth, learning, and forging lifelong friendships. However, behind the idyllic campus scenes lies a darker underbelly. In this gripping episode of Campus Files titled "Campus Cult," host Margo Gray delves deep into the unsettling infiltration of a religious group, the International Church of Christ (ICOC), within American college campuses. Through the harrowing personal account of former member Shel, the episode uncovers the manipulative tactics and psychological abuse that transform a supposed ministry into a cult.

Shel's Early Life and Journey to College

Background and Early Struggles
Shel originates from Puyallup, Washington, a region known for its gloomy weather, which she humorously described during an appearance on The Price is Right as "the rhubarb, topsoil, daffodil, and suicide capital of the world" (02:48). Her childhood was marred by her father's battle with alcoholism and the premature loss of both parents by the age of 20, leading to profound emotional scars (03:24).

Aspiration for a Californian Dream
Driven by dreams of warmer beaches and a passion for filmmaking inspired by Steven Spielberg’s brief stint at Long Beach State, Shel moved to California in 1989 (04:34). Financial constraints post-divorce necessitated her securing a job, which led her to Ed Dubevik's, a vibrant 1950s-themed diner where she adopted the pseudonym "Rosie" (05:29).

Encountering the ICOC: Seeds of Influence

The Persistent Couple
At Ed Dubevik's, Shel encountered a peculiar couple who began frequenting her section, persistently inviting her to their non-denominational Christian church without disclosing its true identity as the ICOC (06:39). Shel, intrigued by her growing curiosity about religion, eventually succumbed to their relentless invitations (07:44).

First Church Experience
On Father's Day Sunday 1990, Shel attended what she thought would be a typical church service. However, the experience was jarring. The husband from the diner unexpectedly took the pulpit, delivering an intense sermon laden with fear-inducing scriptures about hell (09:47). Overwhelmed and sensing something was amiss, Shel experienced what she later identified as a panic attack and fled the service (10:04). Tragically, that evening, Shel's father died by suicide, deepening her vulnerability (12:09).

Deepening Involvement: From Visitor to Devotee

Relentless Recruitment
In her moment of grief, the couple reached out to Shel, presenting their church as a beacon of support. "God is your father now," they proclaimed, intensifying her sense of desperation and nudging her towards deeper involvement (12:09; 07:03).

Entering the Cult
Shel began attending Bible studies, initially viewing them as a benign escape. However, the sessions quickly became coercive, culminating in aggressive recruitment tactics and emotional manipulation (16:32). The group employed love bombing, showering Shel with attention and affection to secure her trust and commitment (16:50).

Commitment and Control
Within three months, Shel was baptized in the freezing Pacific Ocean, marking her official induction into the ICOC (18:58). Membership entailed stringent financial donations, often exceeding the supposed 10% contribution, and relentless recruitment efforts. Shel recounts, "You can't be a part of this group unless you agree to go make disciples of all nations," highlighting the coercive pressure to constantly expand the group's influence (20:59).

Life Inside the ICOC: A Prison of Faith and Fear

Total Domination
Shel's life became entirely consumed by the ICOC. From micromanaged daily routines to being at the beck and call of leaders, her personal freedoms were severely restricted. She describes her existence as "literally being told when I could even do my laundry" and facing severe rebukes for perceived disobedience (24:33; 25:02).

Forced Marriage and Emotional Abuse
A particularly traumatic aspect of Shel's experience was the ICOC's policy on marriage. Members were required to marry within the group without prior acquaintance, leading to emotionally abusive relationships. Shel's marriage was marked by control and neglect, forcing her to confront the group's oppressive doctrines (26:25).

Psychological Entrapment
The ICOC fostered an environment where leaving the group was psychologically daunting. The doctrine instilled a perpetual fear of damnation, making the idea of defection not only terrifying but seemingly impossible. Shel reflects, "It was this very painful tightrope you're walking of... I believe what they're saying, but I'm miserable and I don't want to be here" (25:55; 26:25).

Breaking Free: The Courage to Leave

Realization and Resolve
Faced with an abusive marriage and the suffocating grip of the ICOC, Shel began to question the group's teachings and practices. The undeniable toxicity of her marriage became a catalyst for her to challenge the group's authority (27:54; 28:12).

Support System
Leaving the ICOC was not easy, but Shel was fortunate to have the support of her mother and stepdad. "My parents, to this day, they are definitely my saviors," she states, emphasizing the crucial role of a supportive family in her escape (28:45).

Recovery and Advocacy
Post-departure, Shel embarked on a journey of healing and unlearning the dogmas she had been subjected to for 17 years. It took her about a year to come to terms with her new reality, affirming her self-worth independent of the ICOC's teachings (29:04; 29:16).

Aftermath and Continued Battle Against the ICOC

Founding Free to Be
Determined to prevent others from falling into similar traps, Shel founded Free to Be, an organization dedicated to combating cultic influences on college campuses. Her efforts are particularly focused on campuses in Boston, where the ICOC has maintained a persistent presence since the 1990s (29:44; 31:11).

Legal Actions and Whistleblowing
Alongside her attorney, Bob Samini, Shel filed lawsuits against the ICOC, accusing its leaders of concealing sexual and emotional abuse. "They are targeting campus students. They're exploiting them. They are defiling their minds," Shel passionately asserts, highlighting the ongoing struggle against the organization's covert operations (30:13; 32:47).

Educational Initiatives
Free to Be collaborates with colleges to educate students and parents during freshman orientations, aiming to identify and eradicate ICOC’s recruitment strategies. Key warning signs include groups excessively pushing specific scriptures, a tactic identifying potential cult activities (32:07).

Confrontation and Defamation
In response to Shel's activism, the ICOC has attempted to discredit her, labeling her as someone seeking fame and money. "If they were really God fearing... they would allow the truth to be told," Shel counters, defending her integrity and emphasizing the group's manipulative nature (32:47).

Conclusion: A Continuous Battle for Integrity on Campuses

Shel’s story is a poignant testament to the insidious nature of cultic groups within educational institutions. Her transformation from a hopeful college student to a whistleblower and advocate underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention. Campus Files effectively sheds light on the complex dynamics of power, control, and faith exploitation, urging listeners to look beyond the surface of campus ministries and recognize the signs of manipulation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shel on Her Hometown:
  "the rhubarb, topsoil, daffodil, and suicide capital of the world. And the guy in the audience goes, yeah, don't put her on the show. She's a real downer." (02:48)

• Shel on Joining the Church:
  "What have I gotten myself into?" (10:16)

• Shel on Love Bombing:
  "Hey, let's go for a run on the beach. Hey, come to this party we're having. Hey, let's do this. Hey, let's do that." (17:06)

• Shel on the ICOC's Practices:
  "Jesus shed his blood on a cross for you and you won't sell your TV." (19:55)

• Shel on Recruitment Pressure:
  "You can't be a part of this group unless you agree to go make disciples of all nations..." (20:59)

• Shel on Escaping the Cult:
  "My parents, to this day, they are definitely my saviors." (28:45)

• Shel on the ICOC's Manipulation:
  "They are targeting campus students. They are exploiting them. They are defiling their minds. They are kidnapping their brains. They’re holding their souls hostage." (32:47)

Final Thoughts

Campus Cult provides a compelling exploration of the dark intersections between faith, control, and youth vulnerability on college campuses. Through Shel’s courageous narrative, listeners gain invaluable insights into recognizing and combating cult-like influences in environments meant for growth and learning.