**NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2021**
Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience, bravery, and inspiration. Being born into a cult always comes with its challenges, but learning how to have an original thought in your mid-20s is a rare struggle that most people are fortunate enough to never ... Show More
Jan 19
Liz’s Story—Pt2: “Kick 'Em in the Cooch”
So… remember that acting class? Well, turns out this “human behavior expert” has her eyes on a much larger prize. I mean, you can’t be the next Tony Robbins while just teaching scene analysis.In Part 2 of Liz’s story, Sandy’s world shifts into trying to become what it’s been afte ... Show More
59m 55s
Jan 5
NXIVM Aftermath - Jessica Joan Returns: “Not My Monkey, Not My Circus”
Four years after we first met her in our studio - just days after her victim impact statement in Alison Mack’s NXIVM trial - Jessica Joan is back.Since we last spoke, Jessica shared her story on the Hulu docuseries “How I Escaped My Cult”, and a lot has shifted: in her healing, i ... Show More
41m 45s
Aug 2023
The Cult of Spiritual Scammers (feat. Listener Stories!)
Time to spill some never-before-heard culty tales: This week, Amanda and Isa are reacting to shocking cult stories submitted by you listeners! Many thanks to those who wrote in to share their personal brushes with New Age scams, love-bombing strangers, elementary school rituals t ... Show More
29m 4s
Jul 2023
The Cult of The Hammer Family
You're sure to *devour* this week's episode analyzing four generations of wealthy men who, in our little opinion, represent a stunning example of how a powerful American family can resemble a cult. This week, Isa and Amanda are joined by a third co-host of sorts, true crime TikTo ... Show More
1 h
Mar 2023
Daniella Mestyanek Young - Part 1
Ep 118: (Part 1) Raised in one of the most notorious sex cults, one woman’s memoir brings their atrocities out of the shadows and into the light.
This is the Daniella Mestyanek Young story - part 1.
For more information about Daniella's work, or to learn about her book, Unculture ... Show More
41m 56s
Apr 2023
The Cult of The Real Housewives
Fame, wealth, fraud, backstabbing, plastic surgery, hidden power hierarchies... are we talking about one of reality television's most successful franchises or a full-blown cult??? Host of the Reality Life podcast Kate Casey, an unscripted TV connoisseur who's been analyzing The R ... Show More
1h 5m