Something Was Wrong
Podcast: Something Was Wrong, Broken Cycle Media
Episode: S24 Ep20: Extreme
Date: November 6, 2025
Main Theme:
An in-depth survivor testimony from Brittany, who was forcibly sent as a teen to Tranquility Bay, one of the most notorious and abusive international residential “tough love” programs. The episode explores cycles of control, the compounding impact of cult-like religious upbringing, family estrangement, and Brittany’s journey through trauma, betrayal, manipulation, and eventual recovery.
Episode Overview
This episode centers on Brittany’s harrowing story—a firsthand account of being transported to Tranquility Bay in Jamaica as a teenager. Through vivid recollections, she details her oppressive upbringing in a high-control church, rapid descent into addiction after family and spiritual alienation, the abrupt and traumatic “escort” to an overseas behavior modification program, and the lasting psychological scars from institutionalization.
The conversation interrogates not just the abusive practices inside Tranquility Bay, but also broader themes of parental influence, extreme intervention culture, the after-effects of religious cult environments, complex family dynamics, and Brittany’s path to self-understanding and advocacy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Background: The WASP Network and Tranquility Bay (03:18–05:21)
- Host context: Tranquility Bay functioned as “the last resort” for troubled youth, with regular reports of severe abuse, unsanitary conditions, and legal obstacles for parents seeking intervention.
- Notable Fact: Parents had to sign contracts relinquishing partial custodial rights, permitting staff with minimal qualifications to use physical force.
Brittany’s Early Life: High-Control Religious Upbringing (05:22–12:15)
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Raised in an insular, hierarchical Christian church with “disciplers” dictating behavior and finances.
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Quote:
"Everything I knew was church. When I was super young, it’d be like, this is your friend Krista. Krista is your best friend. And then Krista would be my best friend. I didn’t even know how or why I would make another best friend. That was all I knew."
— Brittany (06:18) -
The church demanded tithes, dictated locations the family should live, and ultimately shunned Brittany when she began to question its leadership.
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After challenging church ideology, Brittany experienced isolation, psychiatric evaluation, and a sense of being “broken.”
Lead-up to Institutionalization (12:49–15:55)
- During a period of isolation from her family and church, Brittany fell into addiction and truancy.
- The family looked at alternative schools and outpatient treatments, but never discussed overseas programs.
- Quote:
“Nothing about a program, nothing remotely related to Jamaica, anything like that.”
— Brittany (13:44)
The "Escort" and Arrival at Tranquility Bay (15:55–19:53)
- Brittany was removed from her home at night by hired “transporters,” under threat of handcuffs.
- Memorable moment: She did not know her destination until she arrived at the airport gate.
- Describes the prison-like environment and dehumanizing rules: lack of personal items, regimented clothing, and minimal hygiene.
Daily Life, Punishments, and Psychological Manipulation (19:46–27:18)
- Strict, subjective rules enforced. Even looking at the ocean could reset privileges (“level six consequence”).
- Physical violence and distressing restraint of youth common; girls would disappear for days, returning covered in bruises.
- Limited, inconsistent access to therapy or medication. Families kept misinformed.
- Quote:
"Being able to write was a privilege. I talked to my parents for the first time in four months. Most of the call was crying."
— Brittany (23:59) - Brittany internalized the “program”’s value system—genuine pride at earning privileges, equating submission with moral and spiritual success.
Parental Involvement and “Graduating” the Program (27:18–35:25)
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Parents visited for orchestrated seminars, saw only curated, resort-like environments.
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As Brittany advanced, she gained power to discipline others—later reflected on with pain and regret.
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Quote:
"I had the privilege of visiting my old buddy in op... Her face was bruised and swollen... Her arms covered with deep gashes. She hates me. How can I help her? I told her I wanted to help, but she said I couldn't... I was fully submerged in the program."
— Brittany (29:46) -
When she turned 18, program encouraged parents to seek extended custody (to age 21) to ensure continued control. Brittany’s parents declined.
Leaving, Family Fallout, and Recovery (35:25–43:49)
- After her 18th birthday, Brittany left the program and returned home—with little support. Family threatened to withdraw even minimal help if she relapsed.
- Quote:
"You're saying you love me unconditionally if I finish the program, but if I don't finish the program, they use the term—we do not support those choices."
— Brittany (36:40) - Mixed feelings: The experience “saved her life” (from addiction), but at immense psychological cost. Complex, strained relationship with siblings and parents persists.
- Siblings misunderstood her absence; assumed she was “living at large” in Jamaica.
- Quote:
“Up until about six months ago...they all thought I was just at this school in Jamaica, living at large on the beach, smoking weed, just having a grand old time.”
— Brittany (42:53)
Healing Through Writing and Advocacy (43:49–46:13)
- Process of reading old journals and writing a memoir has been painful but healing.
- Hopes to reach others experiencing similar trauma, offer solidarity, and prevent future suffering.
- Quote:
“If I could help one girl feel like they’re not alone and prevent them in some way from making the choices that I did, I would feel like my life was fulfilled… It’s important to share that with other people.”
— Brittany (45:44)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On programmed loyalty:
“I was so successful there because I switched my brain back into this brainwashing mentality. Like when I was with the church.”
— Brittany (26:37) -
On regret as enforcer:
“Going back through and realizing that I was one of the ones causing them pain... it obviously hurt me emotionally because I didn’t write anything in my journal for four days.”
— Brittany (32:09) -
On family misunderstanding:
“My parents see it as Jamaica saved my life... But can you please acknowledge the CPTSD that has caused me from being there?”
— Brittany (41:46)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Background & context: 00:53–05:21
- Religious childhood & shunning: 05:22–12:15
- Behaviors leading to “intervention”: 12:49–15:55
- Transportation & arrival in Jamaica: 15:55–19:53
- Life/rules at Tranquility Bay: 19:46–27:18
- Advancement, parental seminars, and enforcement roles: 27:18–35:25
- Leaving Tranquility Bay and family fallout: 35:25–43:49
- Healing through writing, plans for memoir: 43:49–46:13
- Preview for next episode (equine “therapy”): 46:13–46:49
Tone and Language
Brittany’s storytelling is raw, self-reflective, and emotionally honest, at times tender and remorseful about her own actions toward peers while under extreme institutional control. The host’s approach is empathetic, validating Brittany’s experience and gently probing for clarity and depth.
Summary for Listeners
This episode is a wide-ranging, deeply personal look at one survivor’s experience with both religious indoctrination and the so-called “troubled teen industry.” Brittany’s journey illustrates how cycles of control shape family decisions, how institutional trauma lingers for years, and how reclaiming one’s story can begin the process of healing.
It’s essential listening for anyone interested in reform movements, family estrangement, trauma recovery, and the complex impact of group control—offering hope, hard-earned perspective, and a stark warning about unchecked institutional power.