It was a real pleasure and eye opener, talking to Anke Richter in this podcast.
Her unrelenting passion for writing and in depth investigative journalism truly shines through the audio waves here, quite like no other guest I have interviewed. Our talk traverses many diverse topics including sex cults, the German Baader Meinhof Gang, Gloriavale, Centrepoint, covid misinfomation (and how to fight it,) the benefits of swimming and cold water immersion, trampolining misadventures, being a German in Antipodea, the lack of NZ government oversight when it comes to cult organisations and much, much more.
We also talk openly about her upcoming book on sex cults. It was really reassuring to hear that Anke’s intent with this book is to help the survivors of these cults, by removing the obvious stigma attached. She talks very candidly about her responsibility as a writer in doing justice to the story without sensationalising an already oft sensationalised and ridiculed topic, in human society. True integrity, hats off Anke!
Originally from Germany, Anke now lives in Lyttelton, in the South Island of New Zealand. She is a foreign correspondent for several high profile German newspapers and publications as well as a published author, columnist, freelance reporter. She has covered a lot of harrowing stories in her life, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, the 2019 mosque shootings and her intricate observations of international cults. Anke’s detailed exposé on the New Zealand sex cult Centrepoint, was shortlisted for a WinTech Press Club media award.
This incredible body of work was eventually turned into two different documentaries (“Angie” and “Heaven and Hell”.) Anke’s work has been featured in some of Germany's most prestigious publications, including among others Die Zeit, Der Spiegel, FAZ and taz. Here in New Zealand she has written for the New Zealand Geographic, North & South magazine, The Spinoff, Canvas, Fair Observer and other publications.
Anke has written three non-fiction books that were published in Germany, her latest book will be published in English, in November 2022. So keep your eyes peeled for that one.
Shownotes
In this podcast Anke mentions the podcast “Conspirituality” and their brilliant episode series dedicated to cults: Cults and Disaster Spirituality, you can find that episode here.
Her most recent article and interview with John Potter from Centrepoint, featured in North & South magazine, can be found here.
The website International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) as mentioned in the podcast can be found here. Please donate if you can!
Also mentioned during the podcast is the fantastic BBC documentary series on the “Orgasm Cult.”
A great little interview Anke did with Radio New Zealand about misinformation and FACT (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories) can be found here.
The Rabbit Hole Resistance (RHR) can be found on Facebook. You are welcome to join the resistance, but brace yourself for some serious vetting first.
Remember sharing is caring and donating is a form of sharing. If you can’t afford to subscribe to the podcast or newsletter that is totally okay, you will always be able to access it for free. If you feel like sending me a one off Paypal donation (to chrisvonroy@gmail.com) then that would be awesome. Otherwise you can also become a patron on Patreon.
Thank you very much.
Mauri Ora.
“It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert.”
The legend himself, Jacques Yves Cousteau.
The Word KUPU #12 - Anke Richter