Scams, Money & Murder
Episode: INTERVIEW: Twin Flames with Louise Cole and Paula Hardy
Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Scams, Money & Murder, host Nicole Lapin engages in a profound and emotional conversation with Louise Cole and Paula Hardy. The sisters recount their harrowing experiences with Twin Flames Universe (TFU), a high-control group that reportedly entangled their beloved sister, Stephanie, in a web of financial exploitation and psychological manipulation.

Background on Twin Flames Universe

Twin Flames Universe (TFU) presents itself as a spiritual organization promising members the ability to manifest ultimate love and divine purpose. Over nearly a decade, TFU has operated profitably, leveraging multi-level marketing strategies to accumulate wealth for its founders, Jeff and Shalaya Devine. However, Louise and Paula reveal a darker side to this seemingly benevolent group.

"[TFU] is more than just a spiritual group; it's a highly profitable enterprise that targets not only people's wallets but their very sense of reality and belonging."
— Louise Cole [03:02]

The Recruitment and Manipulation of Stephanie

Stephanie, described as intelligent, driven, and worldly, became involved with TFU after spending years in the Peace Corps in Africa. The sisters detail how Stephanie's quest for stability and purpose made her susceptible to TFU's influence.

"They typically learn the person first and then claim to provide whatever they're missing."
— Paula Hardy [00:47]

Initially, Louise and Paula overlooked the potential dangers, perceiving TFU as a means for Stephanie to deepen her spirituality. It wasn't until Stephanie's sudden disappearance and detachment from the family that the true extent of TFU's manipulation became apparent.

"I didn't realize she was falling for something so manipulative and harmful until it was too late."
— Louise Cole [09:05]

Financial Exploitation by TFU

TFU's financial demands became increasingly burdensome. Members were required to invest significant sums—Stephanie's initial commitment was around $5,000—to participate in mandatory classes and coaching sessions that functioned more like commission-based sales. This relentless financial pressure transformed personal development into a divine mandate.

"An initial investment in personal development morphed into a divine mandate for Stephanie's family."
— Nicole Lapin [16:15]

Louise and Paula share the emotional and financial toll this exploitation took on their family, highlighting how trust and unconditional support were manipulated to secure ongoing financial contributions.

Psychological Control and Gaslighting

TFU employed sophisticated psychological tactics, including love bombing—showering new members with attention and a sense of belonging—and future faking, promising unrealistic futures to ensure deeper commitment. Additionally, secondary gaslighting left the sisters questioning their perceptions and relationship with Stephanie.

"They use manipulation and high-control tactics to make you feel responsible for everything that goes wrong."
— Paula Hardy [35:37]

This psychological manipulation created an environment where Stephanie's emotional dependencies shifted entirely towards TFU, severing her bonds with her biological family.

The Sudden Disconnection from the Family

The turning point came when Stephanie abruptly cut off all communication with her family upon moving to New York to fully commit to TFU. The sisters describe the bewildering experience of being blocked on all social media platforms and receiving a heartfelt, yet confusing, goodbye letter.

"When I saw that, I called Paula and was like, have you heard from Stephanie? This is what I found. And I think it's a cult."
— Luis Cole [31:25]

The letter, penned by Stephanie, left the family heartbroken and desperate to understand the sudden and complete severance of ties.

Legal Battles and Defamation Suit

Louise faced significant backlash from TFU, including a defamation lawsuit when she spoke out about her daughter’s plight. Despite the emotional and financial strain—costing nearly $30,000 to defend herself—Louise remains steadfast in her mission to expose TFU's manipulative practices.

"I'm a mother. My babies will always be my babies, no matter how old they are. I will fight for every single one of them the same."
— Luis Cole [53:36]

Ongoing Grief and Hope for Reconnection

Living with the knowledge that Stephanie is physically present but ideologically distant has been a source of chronic grief for the sisters. They navigate their mourning while holding onto hope that Stephanie might one day see the truth and reconnect with her family.

"We will always be here because we always love her unconditionally."
— Luis Cole [62:07]

Paula emphasizes the importance of giving Stephanie space while maintaining unwavering support, hoping that moments of dissonance will eventually break through TFU’s control.

"I just want her to be safe, physically, emotionally, financially... we will always be here because we always love her unconditionally."
— Paula Hardy [58:44]

Advice for Others and Warning Signs

Louise and Paula offer invaluable advice to families who may find themselves in similar situations. They highlight the significance of trusting one’s intuition, recognizing financial and psychological red flags, and understanding the tactics employed by high-control groups.

"If something doesn't feel right, please don't just explain it away. Listen to your gut."
— Paula Hardy [55:54]

They urge others to be vigilant about manipulative practices such as:

• Love Bombing: Excessive praise and attention to secure commitment.
• Future Faking: Promising unrealistic futures to deepen involvement.
• Financial Exploitation: Mandating significant monetary investments for participation.
• Gaslighting: Making family members doubt their perceptions and reality.

Conclusion

The interview with Louise Cole and Paula Hardy sheds light on the intricate and damaging dynamics of Twin Flames Universe. Their story is a powerful testament to the resilience of family bonds and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice against manipulative entities. As Nicole Lapin navigates this deeply personal and tragic narrative, listeners gain a profound understanding of the complexities involved in high-control group dynamics and the enduring impact on those left behind.

For those affected by similar situations or seeking more information, the episode encourages reaching out to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office with relevant information.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “They typically learn the person first and then claim to provide whatever they're missing.”
  — Paula Hardy [00:47]

• “I didn't realize she was falling for something so manipulative and harmful until it was too late.”
  — Louise Cole [09:05]

• “An initial investment in personal development morphed into a divine mandate for Stephanie's family.”
  — Nicole Lapin [16:15]

• “They use manipulation and high-control tactics to make you feel responsible for everything that goes wrong.”
  — Paula Hardy [35:37]

• “I'm a mother. My babies will always be my babies, no matter how old they are. I will fight for every single one of them the same.”
  — Luis Cole [53:36]

• “We will always be here because we always love her unconditionally.”
  — Luis Cole [62:07]

• “If something doesn't feel right, please don't just explain it away. Listen to your gut.”
  — Paula Hardy [55:54]

This summary captures the essence of the interview, highlighting the key discussions and emotional narratives shared by Louise Cole and Paula Hardy about their struggle against Twin Flames Universe and their unwavering love for Stephanie.