Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfully left a cult. Told first-hand by the experiencer themself, these are raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. Using levity and info-tainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves…“Wait…Was I In A Cult?†If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at CULTS@iHeartMedia.com. We'd love to hear from you.
The Was I In A Cult? podcast is an incredibly engaging and informative show that tackles the topic of cults with a unique blend of humor and compassion. The hosts, Liz and Tyler, create a safe space for individuals to share their stories of cult involvement, allowing listeners to gain insight into the manipulation tactics and control methods used by these groups. This podcast has had a profound impact on many listeners, providing healing and understanding for both those sharing their experiences and those listening.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the hosts' ability to expose control in areas where it may not be expected. They delve into cults that are often overlooked or dismissed, shedding light on the dangers lurking within seemingly harmless organizations. Liz and Tyler's use of humor adds a relatable and approachable element to the show, allowing listeners to engage with the heavy content while still feeling entertained. Additionally, they give space for guests to tell their own stories, ensuring that their experiences are respected and heard.
While there are many positive aspects of The Was I In A Cult? podcast, one potential downside is the inconsistency in releasing new episodes. Some listeners have expressed frustration with long breaks between seasons or episodes, leaving them eagerly awaiting new content. However, it is worth noting that creating high-quality episodes takes time and effort, so it is understandable that there may be delays.
In conclusion, The Was I In A Cult? podcast is an exceptional show that provides valuable insights into the world of cults while maintaining a compassionate and humorous tone. It has touched the lives of many listeners by empowering survivors to share their stories and educating others about the dangers of manipulative groups. Despite any minor drawbacks in terms of episode release schedule, this podcast continues to be a favorite among fans craving thought-provoking content on cults.
weekdays
weekdays
weekly
daily
weekly
weekdays
daily
weekdays
weekdays
SHOWNOTES: "A ballet cult?” We asked the same thing. But today's brave guest, Summer Smith, shares what happens when the world of pliés and pirouettes meets dogmatic devotion. Raised in a strict religious family and molded by the intense world of competitive ballet, Summer's journey takes a surprising twist when she joins Ballet 58, a seemingly innocuous Christian ballet company in Chicago. Soon devotions blend with dance routines, and artistic discipline intertwines with cult-like control. As Summer navigates the thin line between dedication and manipulation, you'll be left questioning just how far the influence of a charismatic leader can reach. LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Find Summer and all the ex Ballet 58'ers sub Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ex58/ Watch In The Balance: https://vimeo.com/535912792/7551d1ed90
Meet Rachael Reign, a tenacious activist battling to dismantle a billionaire megachurch cult. The cult that once owned her life. From her innocent introduction to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in South London as a 13-year-old girl, to devastating financial coercion and insidious practices, including exorcisms and grooming to become a pastor's wife, Rachael's journey is one of transformation from victim to advocate. Through her story, she exposes the cult's billionaire leader, Edir Macedo, and the exploitation under the guise of religion. With unwavering determination, Rachael empowers survivors and fights for justice, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. She's an inspiration for reclaiming freedom and standing against abuse. And she was a delight to have on the show. LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Rachael: Instagram : @msrachaelreign Follow her movement: Instagram/Tik Tok: @survivinguniversaluk
SHOWNOTES: Our youngest guest to-date, Aliya Kasabian recounts her chilling involuntary initiation into the Boise Girls Academy, an institution that masquerades as a haven for troubled teens. From controlling communication with families to enforced silence and the denial of basic necessities like tampons, Aliya's story exposes the depths of manipulation and coercion wielded by the program's directors. But resistance only extends your time at this prison-like “healing facility.” So, eventually, Aliya discovers that if she is ever to be free, the only way out is to become… a true believer. LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Aliya: Instagram/Tik Tok : @sandb0xb0y Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)
**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2023** **NEW EP DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY MAY 6TH** Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that's what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to explore her interest in eco-farming, visited Zendik Farm in North Carolina shortly after graduating from Harvard. A two-week experience turned into years of her life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you spell C-U-L-T. Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon for goodies & extra content: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult (https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult) Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Contact us: Have a cult story of your own and want to share it on our show? Send us an email: info@wasiinacult.com. MORE ABOUT HELEN: https://helenzuman.com/
Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Peirano. Today, Kim recounts her bizarre experience with the Foundation for Spiritual Development (FSD). From hypnotic meditations to chilling encounters with supposed extraterrestrial beings, Kim's account unveils the disturbing truth behind the FSD's facade of spiritual growth. And as she progresses through the levels, Kim finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, fear and coercion, questioning her own sanity and the true intentions of those she once trusted. LINKS: Find Kim: Acupuncture: https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/ & Coaching: https://couragetotransform.com/ Follow Kim: @couragetotransform Follow Us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)
Today is the final part of your fearless co-host, Tyler Measom's, story of being raised a Mormon, and finding the strength to finally say goodbye to the underwear. Now an acclaimed filmmaker and podcaster, much of Tyler's work is inspired by the shadows of his past. He would go on and on, but Liz is telling him to wrap it up. So, enjoy the episode. And if you haven't listened to PART 1 yet, do so first. Thanks again, Tyler, for your candor and insight. LINKS Follow Tyler: @tylermeasom Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Want Tyler's Magic Underwear? Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Tyler Measom, your fearless co-host, stopped by the studio in his magic underwear to chat with Liz about his cultic upbringing as a good (clean) Mormon Boy in Pleasant Grove, Utah. It's everything you could hope for and less… or more… more or less. LINKS Follow Tyler: @tylermeasom Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Want Tyler's Magic Underwear? Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
WE NEED YOUR INPUT!! We're launching a new membership on Patreon and want to know… If you were to support this membership, what content do YOU crave more of? Please head to THIS LINK and GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!: https://forms.gle/9M8TSjfBvpNHKbxD6 TODAY'S EPISODE: A former Moonie, Dr. Hassan has spent the last 45 years helping thousands break free from cults and cult-like environments. He is is America's leading cult expert and the author of several groundbreaking books that have become invaluable resources for those seeking to understand and recover from the trauma of cult involvement. These critically acclaimed books, including “Combating Cult Mind Control,” “Freedom of Mind,” and “The Cult of Trump,” have shed light on the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of undue influence, while providing practical tools for healing and recovery. Visit freedomofmind.com (http://freedomofmind.com/) for more information about Dr. Hassan's recovery and intervention services, and his offering of both general and professional Continuing Education courses on cults and mind control. LINKS: FIND DR. Steven Hassan: freedomofmind.com Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Give us your thoughts! https://forms.gle/9M8TSjfBvpNHKbxD6 Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Christina takes us on a harrowing journey trapped in a cult led by (none other than) her husband, who claimed to be the reincarnation of Christ. Of course when they first met, he was a rebel who stole cars and did drugs, but we digress. From manipulation to isolation and justified adultery through 'God's will,' Christina's story is a rollercoaster of control and resilience. As she faces threats to her family and identity, Christina bravely shares her experiences with humor and hope, showing us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light. LINKS Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — “This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.”
In the electrifying world of rock 'n roll, Canadian Tal Bachman, son of legendary Randy Bachman from Bachman Turner Overdrive, seemed destined for stardom. Yet, his path was anything but straightforward. For Tal, it was a constant dance between the chords of fame and the doctrines of his devout Mormon upbringing. And as the spotlight beckoned, Tal found himself at a crossroads, as the requirements for stardom clashed with rules of his religion. What led him to step away from the stage? And once he finally breaks free from the cult, does he find his way back? LINKS: Jingle writer: @angelasoffemusic Tal Bachman: @talbachman Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — Head to Viiahemp.com and use the code: ‘inacult' to receive 15% off + one free sample of their sleepy Dreams gummies. (21+).
Jason Christian was born into Gloriavale — a self-proclaimed utopic Christian community of more than 500 people on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. His grandfather, Hopeful Christian, was the leader. Shut out from the outside world and forced to work on the farm at the age of six, Jason was primed to live a life without actual freedom, as this group of true believers was all he knew. But when it was time for him to marry a woman in the community that was chosen for him, Jason made a different choice. LINKS Gloriavale documentary: https://www.gloriavale.com/ Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — “This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.”
This is Part 2 of Sara Tasneem's heroic story. If you haven't listened to Part 1, please start there. This episode reveals Sara's immense strength, her re-brith, her new found freedom. But after years of imprisionment, the real world isn't always an easy road… especially when you have mouths to feed. Thank you Sara. You're an inspiration. Want to help end child marriage? You can! Get involved. It will take us all to finally end child marriages for good. Here are some helpful links to get you started: — Zonta USA: https://zontausa.org/end-child-marriage-in-the-usa/end-child-marriage-action/ — Unchained At Last: https://www.unchainedatlast.org/ — The AHA Foundation: https://www.theahafoundation.org/get-involved/ — United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 to end child marriage worldwide by 2030: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal5#targets_and_indicators — Tahirih Justice Center Forced Marriage Initiative: https://www.tahirih.org/who-we-serve/forms-of-violence/forced-marriage/ — Link to HB2924 in California (call your legislator and support this bill!!): https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB2924/2023 — Sara's activism: https://www.facebook.com/thrivingaftersurviving & https://tasneemsfadvocacy.home.blog/ — Follow us: Instagram: @wasiinacult — Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult — Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — “This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.”
Sara Tasneem's journey began in Boulder, Colorado, where she was born into the Islamic faith. However, at the age of five, her parents divorced, causing her faith to split as well. Her mother distanced herself from the religion, while her father delved deeper, immersing himself in a Sufi group that would soon dominate Sara's existence. Then, at the age of 15, Sara's life took an unexpected turn when her father brought her to a conference led by the group's sheikh in Los Angeles, California. Little did she anticipate that this seemingly ordinary weekend would change the trajectory of her life in ways beyond imagination. Find Sara: https://tasneemsfadvocacy.home.blog/ Follow us: Instagram: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.
Emily Lynn Paulson was a busy, ass-kicking mom to five children when she realized something was missing. Wanting to find a way to enter the workforce again, she met up with an old friend one night who introduced her to some products. Products her friend was selling. Products that Emily could sell too. She could work her own hours, be her own boss, and still spend all the time with her kids. It sounded perfect. And it was. Until… well, it wasn't. -- Emily's book, “Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing” was a book of the year pick by NPR for 2023. — LINKS Find Emily: Instagram @emilylynnpaulson Founder of @sobermomsquad Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Now fully committed, Kit works her way through the Deer Tribe Medicine Society and Quodoushka programs, each level more intense than the last. After moving to Phoenix due to pressure from the group, she begins to really question whether or not this is providing the healing she set out to recieve. And then, when quarantine strikes, a woman joins the group that may just save her life. LINKS Deer Tribe: dtmms.org/ Amara Charles: www.amaracharles.com/ Quodoushka: www.quodoushka.org/ Ruda Center (aka the Ashram): rudracenter.org Follow us: Instagram: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Theme Song: www.maurastreppa.com Instagram/TikTok: @maurastreppamusic Spotify/Apple/Amazon Music/wherever you get your music: Maura Streppa This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.
While attending college in Texas, a friend suggested that Kit attend a sweat lodge. Innocently, she did. Little did she know this sweat lodge was part of a bigger community known as ‘The Ashram'. Soon she was recruited into more than just the sweat and before she knew it, she was in the inner circle. Eventually, she would discover that this ashram was part of an even larger organization: The Deer Tribe Medicine Society. And one day she was recruited into a program that promised to heal her sexual trauma. We'll let you be the judge of how well that promise was fulfilled… LINKS Deer Tribe: dtmms.org/ Amara Charles: www.amaracharles.com/ Quodoushka: www.quodoushka.org/ Ruda Center (aka the Ashram): rudracenter.org Follow us: Instagram: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2021** **NEW EPS DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY FEB 5th** 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 have to face. This is just one of many obstacles Angel had to overcome as she ventured out of the cult and into the world. But when you've spent over 20 years of your life in a cult and it's all you know, the real world isn't always as sparkly as you hoped. Find Angel: www.theprocessbyangel.com Insta: @whatisangeldoing Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrAngeladesantis Follow us: Insta @wasiinacult Email us with your story: info@wasiinacult.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/wasiinacult
*NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022* TITLE: Thou Shan't Be Named: "Non-Church Church" Non-Denominational Christianity. Sounds innocent enough, and for many non-denominational churches, it is. But for others, the non-affiliation creates a dangerous pathway to a choose your own adventure "religion." For Shannon Payton, it was an adventure all right, but not one she necessarily would've chosen...if, of course, given the choice. Shannon has lived more of her life inside the cult than out, but this social media comedian is just starting to scratch the surface of having her voice heard. A voice, of course, that wasn't allowed to be heard for most of her life. And trust us, it's a voice worth hearing. Shannon now has her own podcast called: The Shanny Pants Show podcast. Check it out! Find Shannon: www.shannypantsshow.com Follow Shannon: Insta/ TikTok @therealshannypants Follow us: Insta @wasiinacult Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/wasiinacult
Fresh to the workforce, Amber answered a job posting for a dental assitant: “No experience needed!” Looking for something reliable to support her new life as a single mother, she was thrilled when she got hired. Little did she know, her new job would be more than just dental work… —— We’ll be back in a few weeks with SEASON 3. Thank you for all your love and support! We appreciate you more than you know. To help us continue to create this show, please consider supporting us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Fresh to the workforce, Amber answered a job posting for a dental assitant: “No experience needed!” Looking for something reliable to support her new life as a single mother, she was thrilled when she got hired. Little did she know, her new job would be more than just dental work! We'll be back in a few weeks with SEASON 3. Thank you for all your love and support! We appreciate you more than you know. To help us continue to create this show, please consider supporting us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Colorado is known to draw the hippies, the free-thinkers, the adventurous… so when a group of alternative medicine devotees convinces our guest that they can cure her severe back pain, she’s open to suggestion. But soon, she finds herself sleeping in a van and questioning everything that got her to this point. —— Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at www.betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.
Colorado is known to draw the hippies, the free-thinkers, the adventurous… so when a group of alternative medicine devotees convinces our guest that they can cure her severe back pain, she’s open to suggestion. But soon, she finds herself sleeping in a van and questioning everything that got her to this point. Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Russell D. Johnson’s story continues. A journey into and out of a martial arts cult. …PART TWO… So Russell survives his emergency, life-threatening arm surgery, but shockingly, that won’t be the hardest thing. So the next question becomes… Can he survive the stalking and death threats that occur after he speaks up and out against the cult? Well, if anyone can, it’s our unassuming Bruce Banner… 'Cause watch out ya’ll… he’s about to “HULK SMASH!” —— Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com More Russell: Russell’s podcast: https://www.deceivedpodcast.com Gruesome arm pics (not for faint of heart): https://www.deceivedpodcast.com/gallery
Russell D. Johnson’s story continues. A journey into and out of a martial arts cult. PART TWO So Russell survives his emergency, life-threatening arm surgery, but shockingly, that won’t be the hardest thing. So the next question becomes… Can he survive the stalking and death threats that occur after he speaks up and out against the cult? Well, if anyone can, it's our unassuming Bruce Banner… 'Cause watch out Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com More Russell: Russell’s podcast: https://www.deceivedpodcast.com Gruesome arm pics (not for faint of heart): https://www.deceivedpodcast.com/gallery
It’s the 1970s and Kung Fu is all the rage. So when 16-year-old Russell Johnson looks to channel his (inner) rage, he signs up for a local class to learn how to become a peaceful warrior. Only what he doesn’t know is that what he signed up for would one day almost cost him his life… —— Support us on Patreon! Your donation is our salvation (we made that up but it sounded nice ‘n culty…) Truly, your contributions really do help. https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Find Russell: https://www.deceivedpodcast.com And as promised, gruesome arm pics (not for the faint of heart): https://www.deceivedpodcast.com/gallery
It's the 1970s and Kung Fu is all the rage. So when 16-year-old Russell Johnson looks to channel his (inner) rage, he signs up for a local class to learn how to become a peaceful warrior. Only what he doesn’t know is that what he signed up for would one day almost cost him his life Support us on Patreon! Your donation is our salvation (we made that up but it sounded nice ‘n culty…) Truly, your contributions really do help. https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Find Russell: https://www.deceivedpodcast.com And as promised, gruesome arm pics (not for the faint of heart): https://www.deceivedpodcast.com/gallery
So you’ve survived an abusive cult. Now what? What exactly are the legal options available to you? An investigative litigator who represents victims of cultic and religious abuse, Carol Merchasin, sat down with us to discuss just that. She is our hero. - Find Carol at Mcolaw.com. Support us on Patreon! : https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com - This episode is sponsored by EveryPlate. Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.49 per meal by going to EveryPlate.com/podcast and entering code cult149.
So you've survived an abusive cult. Now what? What exactly are the legal options available to you? An investigative litigator who represents victims of cultic and religious abuse, Carol Merchasin, sat down with us to discuss just that. She is our hero. - Find Carol at Mcolaw.com. Support us on Patreon! : https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Tamara, the beloved, has just been upgraded from the commune to the big house on the hill with the leader and his multiple wives. But it isn’t long before she realizes that the reason she thought she was brought to live with them is not the reason she is there at all… __ Support us on Patreon! : https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Tamara: https://tamaramc.com Twitter: @TamaraMCPhD Instagram: @tamaramcphd
Tamara, the beloved, has just been upgraded from the commune to the big house on the hill with the leader and his multiple wives. But it isn’t long before she realizes that the reason she thought she was brought to live with them is not the reason she is there at all… __ Support us on Patreon! : https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Tamara: https://tamaramc.com Twitter: @TamaraMCPhD Instagram: @tamaramcphd __ Today's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit Betterhelp.com/INACULT for 10% off your first month. This episode is also sponsored by Babbel. Purchase a Babbel subscription and get six months for the price of three. Go to Babbel.com and use code INACULT for three free months.
Raised by two Jewish parents, Tamara and her family are splintered when her father finds a new religion. Five-year-old Tamara is now forced to live two separate worlds. One with mom, going to public school… and one with Dad on a strict religious commune. When gifted the name “Beloved” by the leader, it’s not exactly the honor she was expecting. Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Tamara: https://tamaramc.com Twitter: @TamaraMCPhD Instagram: @tamaramcphd
Raised by two Jewish parents, Tamara and her family are splintered when her father finds a new religion. Five-year-old Tamara is now forced to live two separate worlds. One with mom, going to public school & and one with Dad on a strict religious commune. When gifted the name Beloved by the leader, it's not exactly the honor she was expecting. Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Tamara: https://tamaramc.com Twitter: @TamaraMCPhD Instagram: @tamaramcphd
Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that’s what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to explore her interest in eco-farming, visited Zendik Farm in North Carolina shortly after graduating from Harvard. A two-week experience turned into years of her life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you spell… C-U-L-T. - Follow Helen on Twitter: @HelenZuman Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon! Become a patron today to be entered to win a signed copy of Helen's book, Mating in Captivity. Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Have a story to share? Send us an email at info@wasiinacult.com or contact us at wasiinacult.com. - This episode is sponsored by the Wondery podcast This Is Actually Happening. Follow wherever you listen to podcasts. You can listen ad-free on the Amazon Music or Wondery App. This episode is also sponsored by ZocDoc. Go to Zocdoc.com/INACULT and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today.
Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that's what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to explore her interest in eco-farming, visited Zendik Farm in North Carolina shortly after graduating from Harvard. A two-week experience turned into years of her life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you spell C-U-L-T. - Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon for goodies, extra content, and a chance to win a signed copy of Helen's book: Mating in Captivity! Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Contact us: Have a cult story of your own and want to share it on our show? Send us an email at info@wasiinacult.com. MORE ABOUT HELEN: https://helenzuman.com/ Find her book, Mating In Captivity, HERE.Follow Helen: Twitter - @HelenZuman // Instagram - @helenzuman
Cults can be well-known, they can be obscure, and sometimes they can be hiding in plain sight. So when poet laureate Diannely’s family joins a seemingly “typical” church in Haverhill, Massachusetts… how does it become a cult? Let’s let her tell you. - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT. This episode is also brought to you by This Is Actually Happening. Follow wherever you get your podcasts, or listen ad-free on the Amazon Music or Wondery apps. Find Diannely and her Whiting Award-winning book of poetry, Ugly Music, at DiannelyAntigua.com. Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon! Visit patreon.com/wasiinacult. Follow us on Instagram @wasiinacult. Have a story to share? Email us at info@wasiinacult.com or contact us at wasiinacult.com.
Cults can be well-known, they can be obscure, and sometimes they can be hiding in plain sight. So when poet laureate Diannely’s family joins a seemingly typical church in Haverhill, Massachusetts; how does it become a cult? Let's let her tell you. - Find Diannely and her Whiting Award-winning book of poetry, Ugly Music, at DiannelyAntigua.com. Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon! Visit patreon.com/wasiinacult. Follow us on Instagram @wasiinacult. Have a story to share? Email us at info@wasiinacult.com or contact us at wasiinacult.com.
The final part of Hoyt Richards’ incredible journey into and out of a UFO doomsday cult. The damning Vanity Fair article throws Hoyt’s family into chaos as they attempt to intervene. And right when you think he might finally be getting out, his fellow “spiritual brothers” go to extreme lengths to keep their financial backer from leaving. And it works… Until it finally doesn’t. Thank you again, Hoyt. He is a brave and inspirational human, and we loved having him on the show. — This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/INACULT. This episode is also sponsored by Babbel. Get six months for the price of three at Babbel.com with promo code INACULT. Support us on Patreon (every little bit helps!): patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us: instagram.com/wasiinacult Contact us: info@wasiinacult.com — Have your own cult story and want to be on the show? Reach out with a synopsis of your story. Listen to Hoyt's cult survival podcast, "WhatheFlok?!" and follow him on Instagram @hoytrich.
The final part of Hoyt Richards' incredible journey into and out of a UFO doomsday cult. The damning Vanity Fair article throws Hoyt’s family into chaos as they attempt to intervene. And right when you think he might finally be getting out, his fellow brothers go to extreme lengths to keep their financial backer from leaving. And it works. Until it finally doesn't. Thank you again, Hoyt. He is a brave and inspirational human, and we loved having him on the show. Support us on Patreon (every little bit helps!): patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow us: instagram.com/wasiinacult Contact us: info@wasiinacult.com & Have your own cult story and want to be on the show? Reach out with a synopsis of your story. Listen to Hoyt's cult survival podcast, "WhatheFlok?!" and follow him on Instagram @hoytrich.
The now quasi-famous group takes it to the next level. They get a name, a book, a show, a hit song, and a distant star doomsday getaway. Hoyt, meanwhile, becomes his own star, modeling for millions but returning home to sleep on the floor. All is going well (or so they think) until the group puts a well-known phrase to the test. Is there really no such thing as bad press? — This episode is sponsored by ZocDoc. Find out more at Zocdoc.com/INACULT. Support us: Was I In A Cult? on Patreon Follow Hoyt on Instagram: @hoytrich Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — Have your own cult story and want to be on the show? Reach out with a synopsis of your story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was 1978, and the effortlessly handsome Hoyt Richards was a 16-year-old football talent summering in Nantucket. Chasing girls and free beer was about all on this young boy's mind. So when he meets a man on the beach who was rumored to throw great parties, Hoyt thinks nothing of it. Little did Hoyt know…he had just come face-to-face with a budding cult leader that would take his life in a direction he never could've dreamed. — This episode is sponsored by ZocDoc. Find out more at Zocdoc.com/INACULT. Support us: Was I In A Cult? on Patreon Follow Hoyt on Instagram: @hoytrich Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — Have your own cult story and want to be on the show? Reach out with a synopsis of your story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was 1978, and the effortlessly handsome Hoyt Richards was a 16-year-old football talent summering in Nantucket. Chasing girls and free beer was about all on this young boy's mind. So when he meets a man on the beach who was rumored to throw great parties, Hoyt thinks nothing of it. Little did Hoyt know & he had just come face-to-face with a budding cult leader that would take his life in a direction he never could've dreamed. Support us: Patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow Hoyt: Instagram.com/hoytrich Follow us: Instagram.com/wasiinacult Have your own cult story and want to be on the show? Reach out at info@wasiinacult.com.
The now quasi-famous group takes it to the next level. They get a name, a book, a show, a hit song, and a distant star doomsday getaway. Hoyt, meanwhile, becomes his own star, modeling for millions but returning home to sleep on the floor. All is going well (or so they think) until the group puts a well-known phrase to the test. Is there really no such thing as bad press? Support us: Patreon.com/wasiinacult Follow Hoyt: Instagram.com/hoytrich Follow us: Instagram.com/wasiinacult Have your own cult story and want to be on the show? Reach out at info@wasiinacult.com.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
