C13Originals | Team Downey
Audacy Podcasts | Team Downey
S2|E5: The Mayflower Group
S2|E5: The Mayflower Group
S2|E5: The Mayflower Group
Wednesday 20th November 2024
Uncover the harrowing experiences of teens in Straight Incorporated's rehab program and Fred Collins' legal battle against its abusive practices.
Explicit
55 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Raw
Non-judgmental
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
C13Originals | Team Downey
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Stigma & Social Perspectives
Relationships & Community
Community & Support Networks
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Episodes:
20 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!The Dark Secrets of Straight Incorporated
Episode Overview
- Mel Sembler targeted affluent suburbs for Straight Incorporated's expansion.
- Dr. Miller-Newton used fear-based methods to manipulate teens.
- Fred Collins' legal battle exposed Straight's abusive practices.
- Nancy Reagan's involvement helped legitimise Straight.
- The program caused severe trauma and family rifts.
Miller-Newton had crafted a persona that radiated credibility. But maybe even more convincing to parents than his air of expertise was his veneer of relatability.
In this gripping episode of The Sunshine Place, the focus shifts to Straight Incorporated's expansion into the affluent suburbs of Washington, D.C. Mel Sembler, the mastermind behind Straight, targets wealthy and influential parents desperate to save their teenagers from the perils of drug addiction. With no professional qualifications in teen rehabilitation, Sembler's expertise in commercial real estate helps him build a controversial empire that spreads across the nation.
This episode unveils the harrowing experiences of teenagers like Kathy and Matt, who are forcefully enrolled in the program and subjected to extreme psychological and physical abuse by Dr. Miller-Newton, the national clinical director of Straight Incorporated. Newton's manipulative tactics and fear-based methods create a toxic environment that leads to false confessions and severe trauma for the kids involved.
As the episode progresses, you'll hear about Fred Collins' courageous legal battle against Straight, which exposes the program's dark secrets and challenges its very existence. Despite winning the case, Fred's victory feels hollow as the damage done to his family and mental health is irreparable. The episode also highlights the role of influential figures like Nancy Reagan in legitimising Straight, despite mounting evidence of its abusive practices.
This chilling account serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the devastating impact it can have on vulnerable individuals. Tune in to hear these powerful stories and reflect on the importance of safeguarding our youth from such harmful institutions.