In this episode, we examine the rise and unraveling of the Bergholz Community, a breakaway Amish settlement in Ohio led by Samuel Mullet Sr. What began in 1995 as an attempt to form a stricter religious district gradually drew national attention after a series of beard-cutting attacks shocked both Amish society and the wider public. We follow the timeline from Mullet’s early leadership and disputed ordination, through the growing divide with other Amish bishops, to the events of 2011 that led to federal charges, trials, and appeals. This episode explores how one isolated settlement moved from internal conflict to criminal investigation, and how the aftermath continues to shape conversations about belief, authority, and accountability inside closed religious communities.

Part 1 – The Leader Before Bergholz
Part 2 – Formation of the Bergholz Settlement
Part 3 – Belief System and Internal Structure
Part 4 – Life Inside the Community
Part 5 – The Beard-Cutting Attacks and Legal Investigation
Part 6 – 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.

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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.

United States

• 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.

Canada 

• Cult & Trauma Support Resources 
• Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org
• Phone: 📞 514-274-2333
• Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
• Canada’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.

Australia

• Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
  https://www.cifs.org.au
  National support for individuals and families affected by cults.

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