352: Escaping & Healing From a Violent Cult with Anna LeBaron & Ruth Wariner
Release Date: 04/22/2025
361: Intentional Living with Elena Sarango-Muniz
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea engages with Elena Sarango-Muñiz, a leadership executive coach and emotional intelligence expert, to discuss her journey from Lima, Peru to becoming the founder and CEO of CroNGO. Elena shares her inspiring story of personal and professional transformation, encompassing her experiences in the United States and her journey in the hospitality and HR industries. They delve into Elena's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, vision, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Elena encourages...
info_outline
360: Encouraging Team Input with Rod Kempkes
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Andrea interviews Rod Kempkes, President and CEO of Boys Town, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children and families since 1917. Rod discusses Boys Town's comprehensive approach to care, from their innovative child and family care to their compassionate healthcare and ground-breaking research. He elaborates on their extensive impact, with over 192,000 children and families served in the U.S. in 2024 alone. Rod also shares a heartfelt personal journey of how he was drawn to the mission, his leadership philosophy...
info_outline
359: Preserving Legacies with Steve Mann
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Steve Mann, a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor, whose extensive background spans continents from Africa to Southeast Asia. Steve discusses his early life on a potato farm in Idaho, his challenges with nearsightedness, and his voracious love for reading that fueled his dreams of seeing the world. He shares insights from his diverse career, including his work in organizational behavior and notable experiences with the White House. Central to Steve's message is the profound impact of storytelling in...
info_outline
358: Lead With Grit, with Whitney Faires
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Whitney Faires, an internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Whitney shares her journey from a traumatic childhood incident to overcoming sports injuries, and discusses how these adversities shaped her mindset and career. The conversation covers key topics such as executive presence, ruthless prioritization, and the importance of betting on oneself. Whitney offers insights on how to balance professional aspirations with personal fulfillment, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and...
info_outline
357: Blazing Trails in Construction with Maranda Adams, Co-CEO of Blair Freeman
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Maranda Adams, co-CEO of Blair Freeman, a women-owned construction firm. Maranda shares her journey from establishing a real estate investment company in 2010 to co-founding Blair Freeman in 2018. She discusses the significance of North Omaha, the challenges and triumphs in the construction industry, and the importance of being solution-driven, innovative, and empathetic. Adams also emphasizes the value of mentorship, shared leadership, and the role of community support in balancing personal and professional life. Tune...
info_outline
356: Leadership Skills: Mentorship - A Strategic Advantage
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea emphasizes the importance of mentorship as a strategic advantage for companies. She discusses her Forbes article titled “Mentorship as a Strategic Advantage: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Approach” and introduces her book “Set Up for Success at Work: A Mentorship Guide and Journal for Mentors and Mentees.” Andrea highlights the benefits of mentorship, such as enhancing employee development, boosting engagement and retention, and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. She also provides actionable insights on establishing a...
info_outline
355: Healing from Religious Abuse: Deeper Dive Part 2 with Andrea Wenburg & Rosanne Moore
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea and Rosanne Moore delve into a deeper discussion about Andrea's interview with Anna LeBaron, who shared her traumatic experiences in a violent polygamist cult led by her father. They explore the concept of spiritual bypass and how Anna used religious practices to suppress emotional pain, before eventually addressing it. They discuss the challenges of healing from deep trauma in layers, the importance of education and information exposure, and the role of memoirs like 'Educated' by Tara Westover. They also touch on cultural...
info_outline
354: Healing from Religious Abuse: Deeper Dive Part 1 with Andrea Wenburg & Rosanne Moore
Voice of Influence
In this episode of The Voice of Influence Podcast, Andrea Wenburg and Rosanne Moore take a deeper dive into the prior interview with Anna LeBaron, who discussed her experiences escaping a violent polygamist cult. They reflect on cult dynamics and the importance of personal agency, referencing historical and contemporary examples, both religious and secular. They also discuss themes like empathy, respect, and the psychological manipulation that sustains cult-like environments. The conversation emphasizes the moral courage required to break free from coercive control and the critical need...
info_outline
353: Healing from Religious Abuse with Anna LeBaron
Voice of Influence
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Anna LeBaron, author and speaker, about her courageous journey of escaping the control and secrecy of her father's infamous polygamist cult. Anna shares the intense personal and spiritual challenges she endured, including abandonment, child labor, and sexual grooming. She discusses her memoir, 'The Polygamist's Daughter,' and her participation in the Hulu docuseries 'Daughters of the Cult.' Anna recounts her ongoing healing journey facilitated by therapy and trauma-informed practices. She talks about the importance...
info_outline
352: Escaping & Healing From a Violent Cult with Anna LeBaron & Ruth Wariner
Voice of Influence
In this special Remix episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, we revisit and remix episodes 7 and 8 with Anna LeBaron and Ruth Warner, two cousins who escaped violent polygamous cults founded by their fathers. The episode delves into their harrowing experiences, the bond they formed upon discovering their connection, and the healing journey that followed. They discuss their impactful memoirs, The Polygamist Daughter and The Sound of Gravel, and reflect on the challenges and triumphs of telling their stories. Highlighting themes of courage, healing, and finding your voice, this episode aims...
info_outlineIn this special Remix episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, we revisit and remix episodes 7 and 8 with Anna LeBaron and Ruth Warner, two cousins who escaped violent polygamous cults founded by their fathers. The episode delves into their harrowing experiences, the bond they formed upon discovering their connection, and the healing journey that followed. They discuss their impactful memoirs, The Polygamist Daughter and The Sound of Gravel, and reflect on the challenges and triumphs of telling their stories. Highlighting themes of courage, healing, and finding your voice, this episode aims to inspire and empower listeners to overcome their own struggles.
00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement
00:09 Background of Anna and Ruth's Family
01:11 The Violent History of the Polygamous Cult
02:01 Anna and Ruth's Escape and Reconnection
02:54 The Impact of Their Memoirs
04:57 Revisiting the 2017 Interview
05:35 The 2017 Interview Begins
06:37 Anna and Ruth's Personal Stories
08:20 The Emotional First Meeting
16:35 Healing Through Connection
37:02 Challenges of Sharing Their Stories
45:57 A Desperate Escape
46:47 Crossing the Border
48:26 Life After the Escape
49:05 Family Resistance and Social Media
50:21 Questioning the Past
50:45 Impact of Community and Family Reactions
51:23 Struggles with Self-Worth
52:12 Intuition and Abuse
53:31 Mother's Influence and Writing the Book
54:57 Challenges of Sharing the Story
55:48 Emotional Manipulation and Silence
57:05 Reading the Book to Her Mother
58:43 Conflicting Feelings About Family
01:04:56 Therapy and Healing
01:10:16 Finding Freedom and Voice
01:17:25 Advice for Those Feeling Trapped
01:24:13 The Power of Stories and Books
01:25:25 Mission and Message
01:28:59 Closing Remarks and Contact Information