Founded by software guru Frederick Lenz in 1981, the Rama Cult operated in the Los Angeles and Tri State areas until 1998. Lenz referred to himself as "Rama," and claimed to be able to lead his acolytes to wealth and enlightenment—but has been accused of psychologically manipulating those who trusted him most.
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Nov 2022
Waco Siege & Branch Davidians Pt. 1
On February 28th, 1993, ATF agents raided a compound in Waco, Texas, belonging to a religious group known as the Branch Davidians. A 51-day standoff ensued, ending in a violent siege. Eighty-one people lost their lives, many of them children — but to this day, no one knows which ... Show More
33m 53s
Oct 2022
Listen Next: Who is Rama?
Listen ad-free to all episodes of Smoke Screen: I Am Rama with your subscription to The Binge. To some he was an enlightened master, and to others a dangerous cult leader. One thing’s for sure, the spiritual leader Rama was a product of the 80s: designer clothes, a rock band, spo ... Show More
5m 20s
Feb 2018
E81: “Saint Aubin Street Massacre” - The Evangelist Family
On July 3, 1929, faith healer and cult leader Benny Evangelist was found sitting in his home office with his own severed head lying at his feet. Upstairs, his wife still held their youngest child, both brutally murdered, and their three other children laid in a bedroom with sever ... Show More
39m 57s
Jun 2021
“The Guru's Secretary” Sheela Birnstiel Pt. 2
With her relationship with Bhagwan strained and her power slipping away, Sheela Birnstiel knew she had to do something drastic to make him happy and gain it all back. So in 1984, assisted by a group of loyal followers, Birnstiel masterminded the largest bioterrorist attack the U. ... Show More
51m 55s
Oct 2022
Cults: Manipulation Tactics, Celebrity Involvement, Escape w/ Lola Blanc + Meaghan Elizabeth
Joining the Deux U classroom this week are Cult survivors Lola Blanc and Meaghan Elizabeth. On their podcast, Trust Me, they talk to fellow survivors, former and current believers, experts, and everyone in between to try to get to the bottom of how extreme belief happens, who's s ... Show More
1h 7m
Jan 2021
“The Missoula Mauler” Wayne Nance Pt. 2
By 1984, Nance had revamped his reputation and settled into a comfortable routine in his hometown. But as he grew fixated on his boss, his nice-guy exterior evaporated, revealing a cold and calculating killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
44m 49s
Sep 2023
Zadie Smith’s Guilty Pleasure is Rap Feuds
Chioma and Chloe talk to Zadie Smith about her style (David Byrne suits and intimidating looks), what she wore to her college interview, internet wormholes she falls into, and how she felt when she finished her new book, The Fraud – her first piece of historical fiction. Learn ab ... Show More
26m 45s