The perilous world of a ‘cult deprogrammer’ – part two

Rick Alan Ross is a world-renowned cult intervention specialist, also known as a cult deprogrammer. He helps people leave destructive cults or controversial groups and movements. But it’s work that can be demanding, problematic and perilous – especially if interventions don't go to plan.

Leanor Espinoza is one of the last living speakers of the indigenous Mexican language Kiliwa. She’s formed an unlikely partnership with a man known as ‘long face’ to try to preserve the her language and culture from extinction.

The interview with Rick Alan Ross is part of Cult Behaviour, a mini-series from Outlook exploring how a cult can manipulate a person’s sense of reality, and what it can take to break free. The previous part of Rick’s interview, which explores how he became a cult deprogrammer, is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct1jyl. Or you can listen to both episodes combined on the Outlook podcast.

Picture: Rick Alan Ross
Credit: Courtesy Starz Entertainment