Dreams Helped her Escape a Spiritual Cult with Priya Hutner

Author, chef, and literary arts advocate Priya Hutner joins The Dream Journal to share how a series of vivid nightmares helped her recognize that it was time to leave the spiritual cult she grew up in. In this powerful conversation with host Katherine Bell, Priya explores dreams, belonging, belief, spiritual entrapment, family allegiance, and the long path toward personal liberation.

Priya is the author of Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation, a memoir about growing up in a spiritual community, becoming deeply devoted to a guru, and ultimately reclaiming her voice. She also discusses life after leaving, rebuilding identity through writing and food, co-founding the Tahoe Literary Festival, and the role dreams can play in awakening, healing, and change.

In this episode:

How recurring nightmares helped Priya understand she needed to leave

The human longing for meaning, spirituality, and belonging

What happens when devotion becomes spiritual entrapment

The symbolism of a dream about choking, secrets, and reclaiming voice

Life after leaving a cult: therapy, writing, cooking, community, and rebuilding identity

Priya’s memoir Chasing Nirvana and her work with the Tahoe Literary Festival

BIO: Priya Hutner is an author, private chef and co-founder of the Tahoe Literary Festival. She is a public speaker, workshop facilitator, and hosts several literary events. She is dedicated to building community, supporting emerging writers, advocating for the literary arts, and fostering authentic human connection. Her award-winning memoir, Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation, chronicles her years in a spiritual cult and explores the complexities of belief, family allegiance, spiritual entrapment, and personal awakening.

Contact our guest: PriyaHutner.com

This show, episode number 371, was recorded during a live broadcast on July 11, 2026 at KSQD.org, community radio of Santa Cruz.