Memoir • Available Now
All Who Believed
A Memoir of Life in the Twelve Tribes
In 2000, Tamara and her husband gave up everything to join the Twelve Tribes. Fourteen years and four children later, they found the courage to leave. This is her story of faith, survival, and the long road back to freedom.
About the Book
All Who Believed
“Come for a day or to stay!” beckons the maroon double-decker bus called The Peacemaker. One couple, searching for peace and a better life, did just that.
In August of 2000, Tamara Mathieu and her husband gave up everything they had and joined the Twelve Tribes — a worldwide religious organization — with their 17-month-old son. They were just 23 years old. Fourteen years and three more children later, they fled back to “the real world.”
All Who Believed gives an honest look behind the scenes of day-to-day life inside the Twelve Tribes, exposing the abuse and mind control that permeates their culture — as well as the controversial beliefs of this cult next door.
Book Details
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“A powerful, haunting memoir that pulls readers deep inside a closed religious community and the quiet courage it takes to escape it. Unflinching, compassionate, and unforgettable — essential reading.”
★ Goodreads Review — 5 Stars
About the Author
Tamara Mathieu
Tamara Mathieu is a cult survivor, advocate, and published author based in Swanton, Vermont. In 2000, she and her husband joined the Twelve Tribes — a worldwide religious organization — at just 23 years old, with their infant son in tow. Over the next fourteen years, they had three more children while navigating the complex realities of life inside a high-control community.
In 2014, Tamara and her family made the courageous decision to leave the Twelve Tribes and start over from scratch. She now works as lead facilitator of a day program for adults with developmental disabilities at Northwestern Counseling and Support Services in St. Albans, Vermont.
All Who Believed is her debut book — a deeply honest account written to help others understand the realities of cult life, and to offer hope to those still searching for a way out. She resides in Swanton with her husband and children, and is a proud grandmother to Ella, Emersyn and Anavah.
Reader Reviews
What Readers Are Saying
“All Who Believed is a gripping memoir that pulls back the curtain on life inside the Twelve Tribes. Honest, raw, and courageous — a must-read for anyone curious about cult life, faith, and the journey to freedom.”
“Tamara Mathieu writes with raw honesty and emotional clarity, exposing the slow erosion of autonomy and the devastating cost of belief when faith is weaponized. Unflinching and unforgettable.”
“The author does a great service sharing her experience. An excellent book. Recommended to anyone who wants to understand what life inside the Twelve Tribes is really about.”
Podcasts & Interviews
Conversations with Tamara
Explore Tamara's podcast interviews, video conversations, and media appearances about All Who Believed, life inside the Twelve Tribes, and rebuilding after leaving a high-control group.
Published
Podcast + Video
Cultimatum
All Who Believed: A Memoir of Life in the Twelve Tribes with Tamara Mathieu
Episode 50
Tamara speaks with Anonymous Andrew and Melody about joining the Twelve Tribes, the group's beliefs and indoctrination process, family dynamics, and the decision to leave.
Published
Podcast
VTDigger
Vermont Conversation: Surviving and Escaping the Twelve Tribes Cult
The Vermont Conversation with David Goodman
An in-depth conversation about Tamara's 14 years in the Twelve Tribes, the price of personal freedom, and the lessons she hopes readers take from her memoir.
Published
Video
Lament of Hope
14 Years in The Twelve Tribes: Tamara Mathieu
YouTube interview
A candid conversation about why Tamara joined, what daily life inside the group was like, and what it took to transition back into society.
Published
Podcast + Video
ZachRE
Episode 127: Inside the Twelve Tribes Cult: How Tamara Mathieu Survived 14 Years
Everything, Anything and a Bit Gay Podcast
A detailed interview on life inside the Twelve Tribes, the challenges of leaving, and the personal growth that followed.
Published
Podcast + Video
Cults to Consciousness
Rejoining Society After 14 Years in Twelve Tribes (Yellow Deli) Cult
Cults to Consciousness
Tamara discusses rebuilding life after the Twelve Tribes, parenting after leaving, and the long process of reclaiming everyday choices.
Published
Podcast
A Little Bit Culty
Inside the Yellow Deli Cult: Tamara Mathieu on Life in Twelve Tribes
Two-part podcast conversation
A wide-ranging conversation about the Twelve Tribes, authoritarian control, family life inside the group, and Tamara's path toward freedom.
Coming Soon
Podcast
Upcoming Interview
Your Creative Alchemy with Alexandra Amor
Episode details coming soon
Tamara joins award-winning memoirist and cult survivor Alexandra Amor for a conversation on Creative Alchemy, a weekly show exploring how creative expression can support healing after trauma and high-demand experiences.
Coming Soon
Podcast
Upcoming Interview
Learn Speak Teach Podcast
Episode details coming soon
Tamara appears on the Learn Speak Teach Podcast through the Real Business Connections Network, a business-interview platform that shares practical conversations with entrepreneurs and professionals.
Follow Along
Life After the Tribes
Tamara shares her ongoing journey of recovery, reflection, and advocacy on TikTok. From answering viewer questions about life inside the Twelve Tribes to sharing personal stories of healing and hard-won freedom, her videos have resonated with thousands across the country.
Follow along for cult awareness content, survivor stories, book updates, podcast interviews, and media appearances.
7K+
Followers
42.9K
Total Likes
@author.tamaramathieu
Cult Survivor and published author 📚
Read my memoir “All Who Believed”
7K+
Followers
42.9K
Likes