The CULT that PREYS on Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers... 

32:20 is where the cult talk starts

Thanks so much for having me on the show, Kyle! It was a fun chat!

People really need to understand that abusers almost always put a good face on for those they aren't abusing so then when accusations come out they can use those people as cover. Cults operate exactly the same. Of course they're nice to hikers, they want to lure them in by seeming nice and they want a bunch of people to be like "well *I* stayed with them and they were really nice and I didn't have any problems" when stories of abuse come out so that it creates doubt with people who don't know any better.

The author of Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson, is an absolute genius. He weaves in facts to all of his books, and they are ALL fascinating. When my kids were in middle school, we listened to his book about Australia (A Sunburned Country) on a cross-country road trip, and we were ALL fascinated for hours. He's also very, very funny.

Really enjoyed Audrey's very open perspective on all things hiking!

Great episode indeed! Thank you Audrey and Kyle for sharing those wonderful memories on the trail (and thanks to Kyle for letting us discover Audrey's channel 👌). It's always a pleasure hearing about places I probably won't ever have the chance to wander through !

A friend of mine from high school ran away from home and legally disowned her parents because they were abusing her and having her sent to CA from NY to be married to the leader of the 12 tribes at 16 years old. She described constant beatings and neglect. She had never been taught basic math or science. I saw her scars. There are hundreds of stories from survivors about super abusive and manipulative things they do once you join. I suggest you read up on their own ideology where they say women are subjects of their husbands and have no right to control money.

For me, I am concerned for the women and children, especially the kids. Submission of the woman to the men is dangerous to their safety and the children are vulnerable in every way, especially to sexual abuse and violence. I would choose to not patronize any of their businesses.

Great episode, Kyle and Glowstick!

Bill Bryson is my all time favourite non-fiction writer, since I was a teenager. I was living in the foothills in North Carolina when I saw the book "A Walk in the Woods" and grabbed it immediately. Because I love Bill Bryson's writing, and because it had a bear on the cover 😂 That's when I learned about the AT. I'm from Toronto, (moved back here in 2010) and my (now ex) husband was from NC. He knew I liked backpacking, but he never told me about the AT 🙄 Then I read the book, and was going on about it, so we went for a drive, we walked into the woods for a bit and he said "there, you've just hiked the AT". Is it any wonder he's my ex 😉 I still haven't had the opportunity to hike the rest of it, but I will. I'll be class of '28, after I retire. And I just may take my copy of the book with me. Great episode! Now I'm going to go look up that Patagonia loop...

You should read the book. And also Grandma Gatewood's Walk just because they are both going to come up in conversation and could lead to podcast material. You should also interview Homer Witcher. He and his family walked the whole trail decades ago and wrote a children's book about it. He still does maintenance and shuttle rides near the Virginia Triple Crown.

12 tribes is most definitely a cult. I lived in Oneonta, NY where they have a yellow deli. My friend Josiah fit the "look" they have and every rime we went in they would try a recruit him. They are nice but definitely odd and creepy. They are like the Amish they treat their women and children like property.

Its never easy to be an ethical consumer. But you got to wonder about funding "organizations" with alleged connections to racism, homophobia, and child abuse. Whatever organizations they may be.

A video about permits, how to know if they are needed and everything would be great.

Centralia. Eastern Pennsylvania. Near me

Good topic to discuss . Complicated, since nearly ALL the thru hikers during the VT section do actually look to the Yellow Deli as a destination . Rarely do they seem to understand just how complex this group may be . Generally what we hear is that the hostel and restaurant in rutland does treat the hikers well. Still … good to disclose this jic….

Read the damn book, Kyle!

So glad to see Audrey on Trail Tales - love her! Although she just terrified me about jetboil…. Just got a new one after using my previous one for 9 years. I bring it on trail when with the kids as it is easy for them to use, now I am concerned 😬

Great episode!!! I love Audrey and have watched all her RU-vid videos!!!

Loved A walk In The Woods! Great episode Kyle. It was nice to hear perspective from someone that interacted with them as much as She did. Will sub to your channel Audrey . Can’t wait to watch the Patagonia videos!

Maybe don't diss a book until you've read it 😂

On one backpacking trip I suggested to my friend maybe we go different ways as we weren't getting along (not when we were fighting, but in the most diplomatic way possible) and she could NOT have been more offended...

I only ever knew of 12 tribes as the bus to stay away from at the Dead shows! My 2 worlds just collided!!! 🤯

I highly recommend Audrey's book WERE THE RODEDENDRONS BLOOM. She is an incredible storyteller. I did enjoy Brison's book but actually enjoyed Audrey's more. Bryson obviously hiked in order to wright a book. Audrey seems to truly love hiking and wrote the book to share that experience.

Hahahah I went on their bus at Dear Jerry and they gave my friends and I Yerba mate and chocolate chip cookies "made by the hands of the children" and when I asked where the kids were they said in the bottom of the bus. It was already weird but that's when I got off. lol.

yes that town in PA is Centralia I spent a lot of time there growing up visiting my grandmother and family.

TOTALLY READ THE BOOK!! Is it a comedy? Yes and no. Bill Bryce has a funny way of telling stories. But Kyle, you are someone who has an amazing sense of humor. So I think you would enjoy it.

Sounds like she’s a convert! 😬

I’ve stayed at the yellow deli in Vermont for my 2021 thru hike and I LOVED THE SANDWICHES . Especially coming from Jersey city. The leaders of the place always gave a weird vibe and I didn’t trust something about them. One of my Tramily members almost got invited to the family and I talked him Into not going . Otherwise it was a B+ for staying there and food , and resupply.

twelve Tribes recruitment in their Yellow Deli Vermont is the positive feedback from the hikers...if you aren't a "lost soul" or lost, you have nothing to worry about. They will only use you as an ambassador of sorts. They've been at Grateful Dead/Jam band festivals and shows for years. And even if you're a lost soul, they're not going to kidnap you, they'll give you the sales pitch and it's your choice to join or not.

Yellow Deli is obviously their outreach strategy, so running a hostel on the AT is definitely targeting hikers and there’s nothing wrong with that unless there is malicious intent. But yes, do your research, be aware.

I love the guests that you’ve been having!

A Walk in the Woods got me watching hiking videos while I recovered from my hip replacement. The fact that the author and his friend were middle aged and not in good shape appealed to me. Plus, it was hilarious.

Definitely read “A Walk in the Woods.” His experience with awkward thru-hikers and hostels (back when most hostels were on the rough side) will have you laughing out loud.

I believe they’re the same people that had a similar place in Island Pond, In the North East Kingdom of Vermont. I saw them years ago when snowmobiling. They were ok but it was a bit weird, the place didn’t last long.

32:00 in to hear about the topic listed. dont waste the first half hour of ads and nothing for a small portion of this video. click bait. as is with most KHH videos

The unfortunate fact is by patronizing them you’re supporting their cause. Dead shows were one of their prime venues, and there are tons of stories about people who were recruited. As others have mentioned, they’re looking for people who feel lost. It isn’t illegal, but that doesn’t make it right.

I’d love to check out Centralia. Seems interesting! That was an interesting part of Bryson’s book. Honestly, as a whole though, I didn’t love the book or the movie. Interesting facts about the trail, some good comedy, but too long winded for me. I’m still trying to decide if we’ll visit the Yellow Deli or not…I’ll just wait to see how we feel once we get there. Just about a month until we begin our AT trek! So excited and glad to have this fun content to watch. 😊

Awe I loved this! I watch Audrey & Kyle on RU-vid!❤

Get the book on tape!

I'm not as big of a reader as I'd like to be but I've never found a Bill Bryson book that was easy to put down. Like someone else said, A Walk in the Woods is a big part of why I watch your channel.

In regards to the 12 tribes, it’s to be expected that neither of you guys would have negative experiences. Obviously you’re not worth any effort in recruitment, because you are both strong willed and positive people with means. The deli, the hostel, the farm and the Sabbath celebrations all exist for a reason. If you’ve got nowhere else to go, if you’ve got nowhere to turn to, if life is upside down and you don’t have any work or friends, these sorts of things are a beacon of light. if you show up and somebody offers to feed you, clothe you, give you a new family and new friends, a meaningful job, of course you’re going to take it. They’re going to prey on those people unfortunately. And that’s where the problem starts. The woman who grew up in the tribes you mentioned, her experiences. I don’t think the generation going in has a bad time, it’s the generation growing up inside.

The ghost town Centralia, Pa. inspired the video game Silent Hill. I get jealous of hikers who are able to go to South America and Madagascar and New Zealand to hike because the seasons are opposite in the southern hemisphere enabling what is commonly referred to as "The Endless Summer". Audrey you are awesome.🦎

Everything Bill Bryson writes has a great sense of humor. I never hiked the AT, but enjoyed the book a lot.

12 tribes also uses hippy concerts in and around Asheville, NC area for recruitment. We were in Asheville for a String Cheese Incident concert in 07 and a friend of mine was kidnapped to go to this farm. He got out by threatening the driver. A long crazy, funny story but that's the tldr.

Read the book!

Yes you should read it. It’s a good book!

That’s a good book, another book I like is Blind Courage book about Bill Irwin first Blind Soll AT thru-hiker.

Read the book.

We JUST learned about a Yellow Deli here in Winnipeg...I had no idea they existed here. I'll listen to this after work!😀

I think that town with the coal fires is (part of?) the inspiration for Silent Hill! And having heard bits about the organisation for a while through your videos, was cool to hear a little more in depth about personal experiences. Some pretty useful tips about JMT permits too, especially after hearing about other people's difficulties with them on past episodes

Bill Bryson is an excellent writer, of both travel and other topics. He is funny and sardonic. All his read are great!

If you read A Walk In The Woods as a comedy and not as something to be taken seriously, it’s funny and worth the read. I got a kick out of it.

Ok Kyle now you got my sub, this one was an eye opener!✌

I've lived out of a backpack for almost 9 years now hiking and traveling. I'd be willing to interview with you. I'm basically Christopher Macanndles except I'm alive still

You should definitely read it!

Serious question…! Why do you need permits to spend time outdoors in the US etc.?

Yes, read A Walk in the Woods

Keep crushing it kyle!!

A Walk In The Woods is an AWESOME book!! Hilarious!! Read it Kyle 😂

Don’t watch the movie, read the book. Bill Bryson is a great author regardless of the topic.

33:37 very savvy, Kyle. Well done. No, no. Let’s keep the viewers on platform. RU-vid doesn’t like people going anywhere else. 😀

Bill Bryson's genre is travel/history/education written with humor and often includes an emphasis on ecological or social issues. Walk in the Woods is a great book, but it's not about a through hike and was published in 1998.

You should read it!

They used to reserve some same day start permits first come, first serve at Happy Isle and Tuoleme Meadows. Post COVUD, maybe not.

Reckless Ben has a great series on 12 tribes. Great intel beyond than the surface level they present to lure people.

Please read the book....you will smile......

Seems like Audrey is kinda in the cult. Ew no thatnks. I question the ethics of supporting a nationally recognized cult with child abuse involved. Not "just a quirk" in my book.

Of course you should read it Kyle. You can re-live the AT. He’s a renowned writer and very entertaining.

All these feel good things being said about this cult make them seem nice to be with, but I would really like to know how hard it is for a person to leave if they want to move on. Most cults make it difficult, if not impossible, to get free of them. Just curious cause I am like Kyle and wouldn’t put myself in a situation to be snagged.

I listened t a walk in the woods on audible. I liked it. The movie was good too. You should read it/listen to it

I don’t know why you always need any permits to go for a freaking hike? You should be able to hike, backpack, ski or whatever you want to do… in the wilderness/mountains. Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴

A Walk in the Woods is a must read. Very entertaining! The movie was horrible. Not that it just didn’t do the book justice, it was just bad all around.

Theres a back door way to get this permit , do your research🎉

Yo I’ve been to the yellow deli. Damn good Rubin

I’d highly recommend that people check out the ‘Inside the Tribe’ podcast if they want a deep dive on what the Twelve Tribes can be like.

*What is a cult?* Most of the world's great faiths share in a set of good characteristics by which we know to group them together and respect them as "Religion." However, they also share some characteristics that can allow unscrupulous leaders to mislead their followers and take advantage of them. All faiths involve teaching their members how to think, but when that function becomes an intentional limitation of freedom it can cross the line. There are ways to discern a healthy religion from one that goes beyond the pale. Just because a group has a large number of members doesn't mean that it's not a cult. Rather, it's mostly a question of being allowed to think for yourself, to question authority and come to your own reasonable conclusions. If that is not allowed, or the authorities would take offense if they knew, then it's probably a cult. You are in an unhealthy situation which you should find a way to escape, as soon as you can. A cult will have at least a few, if not many or most of these characteristics below. They can be used as the criteria to discern an unhealthy group or organization, which you should avoid. 1. A charismatic leader or prophet, who cannot be held accountable 2. Invalidates critical thinking or rational examination of facts and ideas 3. Claiming special revelations of Truth given only to the leader 4. Creates a new community, separate from unbelievers 5. Demands unwavering loyalty and unquestioning obedience to the prophet 6. Creates unique laws or rules concerning morality and/or holiness 7. Special privileges for the prophet, not allowed to followers 8. Penalties mandated for leaving the faith, often severe 9. Makes unrealistic, usually unverifiable promises 10. Calls competing faiths "corrupt" and ineffective 11. Promulgates unique doctrines which may be inconsistent or changeable 12. Economic, sexual or other exploitation practiced by the leader and cronies 13. Advocates violence to achieve the leader's aims 14. Pretends to be an offshoot or reform of traditional beliefs 15. Declares independence from traditional authority 16. Leader claims to know unverifiable or incorrect "facts" 17. Requires extravagant acts of sacrifice and/or offerings 18. Uses coercion to persuade conversion or obedience 19. Unreasonable fear of an impending catastrophe, like "the end of the world" 20. Followers left feeling that they can never be good enough The more of these criteria the group matches, the more likely it is that they are a cult, and possibly dangerous to the society around them. Be careful whenever you may encounter them, but try to help any who want to get out. Source: www.emunahechad.blogspot.com October 28, 2019

the jetboil failure most likely was just a bad o ring happend to me and almost burn my house down.

I've just found a branch of twelve tribes, here in the UK. They operate a farm, bakery and sure enough, a yellow deli. It seems they are a religious movement, formed in the 1970s, in Tennesse. They are a self governing community who believe they are disciples of the son of God, who they refer to as Yashua. " With all of our hearts, we want to do our Father's will, which is to love one another and be a light to the nations; so that they could see our life of love and know how much their Creator loves them" There have been many claims against them of child abuse and slave labour. I feel they might see some Hikers, as people who are very lost and who are still searching for their purpose in life, so all the more reason to prey on them.

What about wild animal occurances? Any? Close calls?

15:00 Her life changing spinal injury

A walk in the woods. I hated the movie now I need to read the book

Centralia

Centralia, PA. Smells terrible.

I have lived near the 12 Tribes farm for over 20 years and have interacted with them pretty closely. They are, for the most part fine people. That said, Vermont has a pretty long history of tolerance and counterculture, communes and a few religious zealots. This group has been pretty well tolerated as well, though not always treated fairly. I think you wisely point out that they may be looking for a certain demographic, and most folks are of little interest to them other than making a buck. I don’t think that sensationalizing their minimal “danger” is doing anyone any favors. Definitely listen to A Walk in the Woods read by Bill Bryson.

arnt jetboiled designed to only use their specific canister? so it would be fully jetboils fault

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Grow up .... read the damn book if you are going to talk about it!!! Corner NOBO 2021

I am currently on the ECT around Montgomery, and through Florida you absolutely almost have to at some point use the Baptist Churches down there at one point or another and they were all great. I am a pagan and I was not enthused about this fact and avoided them until I just could not. Now Baptist churches are like a bright light to me for a very hospitable place to stay. 12 tribes sounds similar to me. It is clearly a reference to the tribes of Israel so they are either Christian or Jewish. I naturally avoid Christian places as history has shown some of them can be quite hostile to people like me. That being said I have donated quite a bit of cash to the Baptist Churches and will probably donate to 12 tribes if I stay there. Had I not seen this episode though you can bet I was not going anywhere near that place.

Your interview style is so different from your story telling style.

WOW! She’s hot 😉 Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴

Good book. Fun, humor. Movie very poor.

Had to stop listening - your guest's voice is so annoying! Kyle, you always do a great job, but i just couldn't handle her voice how she goes "up" at the end of her sentences most of the time. My problem, I know. Also it took FOREVER to get to the point of the video. Sorry Kyle.

😂 🏳️‍🌈show 👎