About the Podcast
Get a Life: Ex-Cult Conversations was founded in 2022 by former PBCC members Carman, Cheryl, Lane and Richard — based in the USA and Canada. The podcast features survivor stories, interviews with psychologists, journalists and cult experts, and in-depth coverage of the PBCC's business, legal and political activities. In 2023, UK/Europe and Australia/New Zealand hosting teams joined the project. Over 160 episodes have been published, updated weekly.
Why It Matters
Get a Life has become one of the most cited independent resources on the PBCC for media outlets, researchers and investigators worldwide. It has been referenced in ABC Four Corners, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and other major publications. The podcast provides testimony, documentation and ongoing reporting that would not otherwise exist in the public record.
Legal Notice — Ongoing Proceedings
In December 2025, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) — a charity founded by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church — filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against podcast co-producer Cheryl Bawtinheimer. The lawsuit relates to the use of the RRT's kookaburra mascot logo in a number of videos. Following RRT's copyright takedown notices, YouTube removed certain videos from the channel. Bawtinheimer has described the lawsuit as a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) action. The RRT has stated the action is a standard intellectual property matter to protect its brand. The case remains ongoing. For further detail, see our Crime & Legal section and the Press Coverage page.
Notable episodes
Ep 162
Thieves
Recordings of Bruce Hales speaking at a fellowship meeting, played and examined in detail. Three senior PBCC leaders named and their conduct scrutinised.
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Ep 150
Abusive Brucie
A short but explosive episode centring on a leaked voicemail in which Bruce Hales — the PBCC's "Man of God" — brutally attacks a family member.
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Ep 146
Dawson — Ex-PBCC Member
Dawson's account of growing up in the PBCC — LGBTQ+ identity, priestly abuse, mental health and the process of leaving. Includes named references to Anthony Hazell and Benjamin Tiso. Content warning: abuse, suicidality.
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Ep 104
The Hales Money Dynasty
A detailed examination of the financial empire built by the Hales family and the flow of wealth through the PBCC's global business network.
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Ep 94
OneSchool Global / Unispace Money
The financial relationship between the PBCC's school network, the Unispace outfitting empire and the Hales family business interests.
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Ep 97
Tax Fraud, Embezzlement and the End of a Dynasty
Investigative reporting on financial irregularities within the PBCC's commercial and charity network.
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Ep 100
Who is Bruce D. Hales?
A comprehensive profile of the PBCC's global leader — his authority structure, lifestyle and the loyalty demanded from members worldwide.
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Ep 101
Australian Tax Office Raids UBT
Coverage of the ATO's access-without-notice raid on Universal Business Team headquarters — the most significant regulatory action against the PBCC business network.
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Ep 49
Abi — Ex-PBCC Member
A three-part series featuring the story of former member Abi Thompson.
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