About
In 2010, a recently released ex-convict named Larry Ray moved into his daughter’s dormitory at Sarah Lawrence College. What began as friendly dinners, life advice, and mentorship slowly evolved into one of the most shocking cult cases in modern American history. Over the next decade, Ray manipulated a group of students through psychological coercion, isolation, humiliation, forced confessions, financial exploitation, sex trafficking, and fear. This episode explores the rise and fall of the Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult, examining how a charismatic predator gained extraordinary control over intelligent young adults, the devastating impact on his victims, the survivors who ultimately exposed the abuse, and the federal trial that ended with Ray receiving a 60-year prison sentence. It is a disturbing story of manipulation, dependency, and the dangers of coercive control hidden in plain sight.
Part 1 – Larry Ray: Brooklyn, Lies, Crime, and Reinvention
Part 2 – The Dorm Room: Sarah Lawrence and the First Circle
Part 3 – Manhattan, Pinehurst, and the Expansion of Abuse
Part 4 – Sex Trafficking, Extortion, Exposure, and Arrest
Part 5 – Trial, Sentencing, Survivors, and Legacy
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.
New episodes weekly
Listener stories always welcome
Anonymity guaranteed.
Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com
International Resources
United Kingdom
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Part 1 – Larry Ray: Brooklyn, Lies, Crime, and Reinvention
Part 2 – The Dorm Room: Sarah Lawrence and the First Circle
Part 3 – Manhattan, Pinehurst, and the Expansion of Abuse
Part 4 – Sex Trafficking, Extortion, Exposure, and Arrest
Part 5 – Trial, Sentencing, Survivors, and Legacy
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.
New episodes weekly
Listener stories always welcome
Anonymity guaranteed.
Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com
International Resources
- International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
https://www.icsahome.com
Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.Open Minds Foundation
https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)
https://www.thehotline.org
📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
https://freedomofmind.com
Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.FaithTrust Institute
https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
- Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
📞 1-239-514-3081
Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
https://www.rainn.org
📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.
- Cult & Trauma Support Resources Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.orgPhone: 📞 514-274-2333Email: infosecte@qc.aira.comCanada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.
United Kingdom
- The Family Survival Trust
https://familysurvivaltrust.org
Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.Cults Information Centre and Family Support
https://cults.org.uk
UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
https://www.mind.org.uk
📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
- Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
https://www.cifs.org.au
National support for individuals and families affected by cults.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.
This episode includes AI-generated content.