In 1985, Monte Kim Miller was an anti-cult activist, speaking at churches to warn against brainwashing and manipulation—until he began using the same tactics he preached against to extort, coerce, and compel his own followers into radical behavior.
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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 2019
Charles Chilton Moore Pt. 2: “American Atheist”
By 1895, a middle-aged Charles Chilton Moore had been arrested three times due to libel, blasphemy, and the mailing of "obscene materials". But Moore simply used his subsequent imprisonments to further his cause, bringing national attention to his fight for separation between chu ... Show More
43m 54s
Jul 2021
Wait… Am I In A Cult? Ft. Amanda Montell
This week, Sara and Danny host writer, language scholar, and podcast host Amanda Montell, for a fascinating conversation about about cults and what makes them so effective at garnering our attention. They cover cult-ish groups and organizations from Scientology to SoulCycle and e ... Show More
50m 43s
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