What happens when faith is manipulated, truth is twisted, and the people you love most are turned against you? In this powerful episode, author and former sports broadcaster Peter Young shares the deeply personal story of how he unknowingly became entangled in a destructive religious cult—and how faith ultimately helped him find freedom and healing.

Dr. Beth Capecchi sits down with Peter to explore his remarkable life journey—from college basketball and broadcasting to a devastating spiritual and personal crisis. Peter opens up about how a manipulative “family guru” slowly gained control over his marriage, faith, and family. Through heartbreak, loss, and rock-bottom moments, Peter discovered profound lessons about discernment, humility, and the true nature of faith. His story is both a cautionary tale and a testimony of God’s redemptive power.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How spiritual manipulation and cult dynamics can subtly infiltrate everyday life
The warning signs and red flags of destructive religious leadership
Why vulnerability and isolation make people susceptible to cult influence
The difference between authentic Christian faith and manipulative spiritual control
How faith, community, and truth can help someone recover after deep betrayal
Why sharing our failures and struggles can become powerful testimonies

About the GuestPeter Young is an author, storyteller, former sports broadcaster, and real estate broker living near Bozeman, Montana. After a career that included college basketball, coaching, and broadcasting for networks like ESPN, Peter now focuses on writing and sharing stories that explore faith, resilience, and personal transformation. His memoir recounts his experience surviving a destructive cult and rebuilding his life.

Connect with Peter Young

Website: https://authorpeteryoung.com
Memoir: Stop the Tall Man, Save the Tiger
Novels: Blue Team and Wardrobe of the Wolf
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need encouragement or clarity in their faith journey. Remember—you don’t have to be perfect to experience transformation. Sometimes our hardest seasons become the very stories that help others find hope.

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