Was I In A Cult? (PodcastOne)

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+).

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially triggering topics around sex and sexual dynamics.

Amelia returns to share the conclusion of her story, exposing the hidden dangers she encountered within the BDSM kink scene in the UK. While this subculture promised sexual liberation and empowerment, Amelia reveals how it often justified harmful dynamics and enabled exploitation.

In this episode, Amelia reveals the unsettling realities of concepts like ‘dark age play’ and ‘consensual non-consent,’ where blurred boundaries and the guise of consent are used to excuse abuse and shield predators from accountability. Her candid account delves into the manipulation, cult-like groupthink, and the profound psychological toll of her more than 10-years immersed in the scene.

Through her story, Amelia highlights the importance of questioning systems that silence dissent, the slippery slope of power dynamics, and the courage it takes to finally shut the door for good on an environment that no longer reflects your values. Amelia's journey serves as a reminder that true empowerment comes from recognizing harm, standing against exploitation, and reclaiming your voice—even when it means walking away from the spaces you once called home.

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Resist aging at the cellular level, try Qualia Senolytic. Go to Qualialife.com/CULT for up to 50% off and use code “CULT” at checkout for an additional 15% off. 

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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): patreon.com/wasiinacult 

Merch is here! wasiinacult.com 

Today, Diamond King shares her poignant journey of being ensnared by a meditation cult known as MAUM Meditation. Promising enlightenment, the group diverted her from personal goals and desires, ultimately causing her to completely disassociate from reality. Through the unwavering support of a loved one and diligent personal research, Diamond uncovered the cult's financial and spiritual abuse and manipulation, empowering her to break free. Now a thriving teacher, she travels the world, spreading her wisdom and embracing her authentic self. Diamond shares her cautionary tale with humor and compassion, and it was truly a delight to have her on the show. ___ Find Diamond: @therealdiamondking

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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

As an actor and writer, Guinevere Turner understands more than most, that some stories just can't be contrived. Because sometimes life is far stranger than fiction.   As is the case with Guinevere's upbringing.   Not your typical getting out story, it would take years for Guinevere to understand that, no, she didn't grow up on a hippie commune in the 1970s and 80s... she grew up in a cult.   ______  Guinevere's Instagram: @guinevereturner / Twitter: @turnerguinevere  Link to Spotify playlist for this episode:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4OqNnobOP5tj3rB1tBytpC?si=dc2760b11c6f4e57 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

**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/

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

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

Recommended Reading: Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith by Martha Beck

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When the LA party scene didn't fit Jessica's lifestyle anymore, she replaced martinis and after-hour clubs with green juices and tonic bars. But the reemergence of a childhood trauma forced her to examine her inner self.  One day, a friend told her about a class that could improve her life even more. That class turned out to be part of a larger entity. A self-empowerment company that purported to help you become the master of your own life.  A little group called... NXIVM. Jessica Joan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovejessjoan/?hl=en You can purchase Jessica's book here: http://theuntouchablejessicajoan.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

Lauren's initial years of her life, for lack of a better word, were quite normal. Along with her five siblings, she lived a very comfortable life in Corona, CA. Then one day, her once atheist father found religion.   And that discovery took him on a journey to finding "the truth". A truth that would one day take the family all the way to Egypt.   -   Follow us: @wasiinacult instagram Contact us: info@wasiinacult.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley takes us inside the twisted world of QAnon—an online cult that spread like wildfire during the pandemic, offering false hope through dangerous conspiracies to those seeking community, connection and autonomy in an unraveling world. Ashley reveals how fear tactics and manipulation lured her into a space where JFK Jr. was alive, Tom Hanks was an international trafficker, and every catastrophe was proof of an elite plot.

From Instagram rabbit holes to FOIA requests about hot dogs at the White House, Ashley unpacks the absurdity and real danger behind QAnon’s grip. This is not just a story of strange beliefs—it’s a story of control, trauma, and ultimately, resilience. Join us as Ashley explains how she reclaimed her mind, her sanity, and her life—one hard truth at a time.

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Merch is here! www.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

When her mother fell sick, young Angela had no idea that she would spend her childhood growing up in a dangerous cult. Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual movement-slash-religion-slash-cult, known for its Shen Yun dancers and its ties to 'The Epoch Times’ entangled her family in its facade of meditation and enlightenment. In this two-part episode, Angela recounts her experience in a world where karma is not just a bitch, but a force that can dictate life and death… with suffering seen as path to salvation and modern medicine demonized as an obstacle to spiritual purity. And just when you think it can’t get any wilder, the Capitol Insurrection storms into the story… 

Stay tuned next week for Part Two.  

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Angela on TikTok: @workplace_doodles

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

Tyler’s Boring Book Club addition: "How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World"  

When your sister, whom you love, fabricates a pregnancy with twins, it’s alarming. But when you eventually come to discover that your sister is the culprit of Munchausen by Proxy, life as you know it will never be the same.

Today, Andrea Dunlop, a novelist and podcaster of the successful podcast, “Nobody Should Believe Me” joins us to share her personal experience with her sister’s Munchausen by Proxy abuse and delves into her family background and where it all began. Fabricated illnesses and surgeries escalate to abuse of her own children. And the question we are all wondering: Are instigators of this disorder aware of what they are doing?? Listen now to find out… 

Follow Andrea: @andreadunlop 

Listen to “Nobody Should Believe Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow the show: @nobodyshouldbelievemepod

Resources for those dealing Munchausen by Proxy, visit: munchausensupport.com 

Andrea’s Books:

We Came Here to Forget 

Losing the Light

She Regrets Nothing

Women are the Fiercest Creatures 

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Some experts come by their expertise by way of education. Some by experience. Others, by both. As is the case with today's guest. Dr. Janja Lalich joins us to share her experience in a 1970s Marxist Cult, as well as enlighten us with her expertise on the subject.   She's been there, done that, and has more than lived to talk about it.  ______   Janja's Twitter: @Janja_Lalich   Her books: "Stuff They Don't Want You To Know" episode:  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode dives into the extraordinary story of Ashleigh Teeter, who grew up in the World Wide Church of God... a cult in its own right. But when the church splits due to a new leader’s ideas, Ashleigh’s world gets turned upside down. She witnesses her own father become a cult leader, and then get ostracized from her nuclear family for almost 25 years. Why? Listen to find out.

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Ashleigh hosts her own podcast about her upbringing. It’s called “The Cult Next Door” and is available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps! 

If you don’t yet, but would like to, head to our Patreon 

Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult

Listen to Ashleigh’s podcast: The Cult Next Door @cultnextdoorpodcast (insta/tiktok)

Follow Ashleigh: @ashleighrb5

Have your own story and want to be on our show? 

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

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Today we pay homage to Memorial Day by uncovering the bizarre and captivating tale of the John Frum Movement. Yes, that’s ‘from’ with a ‘u’, homies. 

We dive into the South Pacific volcanic island of Tanna, where WWII soldiers inspired a cult devoted to a mystical American GI promising endless cargo. Yup, infinite Spam. Think of it as Amazon Prime meets religious zeal. Join Tyler & Liz as they explore this fascinating slice of history, filled with bamboo runways, makeshift military drills, and a whole lot of hope. 

If you’re ready for a wild ride through the enchanting and eccentric world of cargo cults, buckle up. We’re sorry—and you’re welcome.

Don’t forget to join “Tyler’s Boring Book Club” by supporting his book recommendations here:

• "Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond 
• "Prisioners of the Castle" by Ben Macintyre
• And support us on Patreon to keep the weirdness coming
• Follow us: @wasiinacult
• Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Meet the very funny and very bold Jessica Hopper, as she dives into her bizarre and unexpected journey into a pole dancing cult. Yes, a pole dancing cult at a studio called S-Factor in Los Angeles, CA. What began as a fun pole dancing class turned into an intense, all-consuming experience. Jessica shares her story of quitting her job, enduring rigorous and costly training, and grappling with the beginnings of the cult-like culture within S-Factor. With humor and honesty, Jessica reveals the highs and lows, the camaraderie and the disillusionment. This is just PART 1 of her illuminating experience. Thank you, Jessica. You are an absolute hoot, and it was so fun to have you on the show. 

Support us and our show on Patreon 

Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult

Follow Jessica: instagram: @jesshopperpole

Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Arianna was a recent college graduate with dreams of one day opening her own marketing company. So when a LinkedIn opportunity for a social media marketing assistant fell into her lap, it felt too good to be true.    Soon, she would be brushing shoulders with millionaires, in hopes that some of their mojo would rub off. After all, she had big plans for her future and a self-made father to prove herself to.    But, you know what they say about things being too good to be true...   They usually are.    This brave, inspiring woman is here to share her very important story of what exactly happened when she got involved with this Nashville "Millionaire's Club."   ____   Arianna on Instagram: @ariannasprabary   Arianna on TikTok: Aristrawberry0   Follow us on Instagram @wasiinacult   Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rockstar aspirations, Daniel O'Brien wasn't looking for anything but a good time. But when heartbreak rocked his world, he tripped into something that lifted his spirits and rallied his hopes - the Jehovah's Witnesses.   Before he knew it, Daniel had traded his guitar for a green Bible and found himself rapidly rising through the ranks of the religion. A wife, and two kids later, he was a fully indoctrinated, high ranking Elder in the church. But when Daniel realizes that he's part of a life much different than the one he originally signed up for, he knows that he must leave.   The only problem is... he can't.  ___   If you, or anyone you know has ever been in a cult, please email us at info@wasiinacult.com, we'd love to hear from you. Your story could be featured in a future episode... Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

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.”

Faced with the fear of an impending apocalypse, Joanne and her husband move to a small Utah town to live "Mormonism on steroids", which means wearing long underwear, communicating with the dead, prophetic visions, odd temple rituals, cookies with Jesus, and the law of celestial marriage (i.e. polygamy). If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com We'd love to hear from you. Link to Joanne's Book, "It's Not About Sex My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon Ex-Polygamist Ex-Wife": https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Ex-Polygamist-ebook/dp/B008Q4D6E4 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

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:

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• Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com
• Follow Aliya: Instagram/Tik Tok : @sandb0xb0y
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What happens when your dreams of becoming a therapist are unexpectedly dashed and a TIkTok astrologer promises to solve all your problems? Meet Taylor Marie, who found herself in an online cult that claimed to have "the only astrology system that works." Led by a charismatic married couple, this group charged outrageous prices for "life-altering" astrology readings, promised entrepreneurial and personal success, and preached that all other astrologers were frauds. 

Taylor’s story is a cautionary tale about online communities, manipulation, and the dangerous power of social media cults. In this episode, she shares how she got entangled in the group, how it slowly consumed her life (and bank account), and the toxic breaking point that forced her to see the truth and get out. Her exit isn’t pretty — the leaders fought back with lawsuits, public smears, and astrology-based threats. 

But today, Taylor has reclaimed her power, faced the fear-mongering from the cult head on, and found her true purpose—one that wasn’t predicted by a TikTok “guru.”

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Follow Taylor’s NEW account: @taylormarietherapy

Follow us for more culty content: @wasiinacult 

Got a story that’ll make us say, “The stars did NOT see that coming”? Email us at info@wasiinacult.com —we promise we won’t charge $555 for it.

Want ad-free episodes? Support us on Patreon and help fund our cult-unmasking, truth-telling, astrology-free-but-still-fun journey.

Faced with the fear of an impending apocalypse, Joanne and her husband move to a small Utah town to live "Mormonism on steroids", which means wearing long underwear, communicating with the dead, prophetic visions, odd temple rituals, cookies with Jesus, and the law of celestial marriage (i.e. polygamy). If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com. We'd love to hear from you. Link to Joanne's Book, "It's Not About Sex My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon Ex-Polygamist Ex-Wife": https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Ex-Polygamist-ebook/dp/B008Q4D6E4 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

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.   -   Follow Shannon: Insta/ TikTok @officialshannypants   Listen to our interview on The Daily Zeitgeist   Follow us: insta @wasiinacult Email us: info@wasiinacult.com   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest, Meagan, host of the "Trust Me" podcast, shares her journey growing up in the secretive Christian cult known as the Two-by-Twos. From a childhood dictated by oppressive rules that governed her every move, she reveals how this “hidden” religion shaped her life. With wit and raw honesty, Meagan recounts the manipulation and isolation she endured, and how she finally found the strength to break free. 

And shortly after, when the cult’s darkest truths finally surfaced for all the world to see, her entire idea of her childhood came crashing down. This wasn’t just a tightly controlled Christian sect, but something far more sinister… 

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Listen to Meagan’s podcast, “Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Beliefs, & Manipulation” wherever you get your podcasts.  

Follow Trust Me: @trustmepodcast

Follow Meagan: @meaganelizabethgrainger

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys) 

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

*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

More crazy cults, more wild stories, and more of us. Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast featuring far-out, first-hand stories of survivors who unwittingly joined, lived in, and escaped cults. Using levity and infotainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves, "Wait...was I in a cult?" You can support Was I In A Cult? through Patreon at patreon.com/wasiinacult and follow along with us on Instagram @wasiinacult.

***Head to squarespace.com/INACULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code INACULT.***

Content Warning: This episode discusses sex and adult themes. 

Amelia King spent over a decade immersed in the UK’s BDSM scene, an underground world of role play, power dynamics, and boundaries—both pushed and broken. In this candid conversation, Amelia sheds light on how what began as playful exploration became a subculture steeped in manipulation, exploitation, and troubling parallels to cult-like behavior. From “munches” to “play partners,” she shares the layers of the scene’s allure, hierarchy, and darker truths.

This is the first of a two-part series delving into Amelia’s story. Next week, we’ll explore the deeper, more sinister aspects of this subculture.

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Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference!

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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult  

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! wasiinacult.com 

In Part 2 of Angela's story, the realities of Falun Gong’s grip on her family deepen. Angela reflects on the emotional toll of a cult that prioritized spiritual salvation over physical health—even as her mother’s condition worsens. But escaping isn’t easy when your family remains deep in the cult’s ideologies… Angela’s journey out of this cult is filled with heartbreaking revelations and the resilience that defines a true “surthirver.”

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Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference!

Angela on TikTok/Instagram: @workplace_doodles

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys) 

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

After finding her passion in Bikram Yoga while in her 20s, Jennifer Boeder aspires to become a Bikram teacher and plops down $5000 to sign up for the two-month teacher training. 

But after only a few days of being trapped in a smelly, windowless warehouse and getting yelled at by sycophantic trainers, she starts to see the truth. Turns out the "great and powerful guru," Bikram Choudhury, is less great and powerful, and more toxic and tyrannical.  From the degrading remarks to the unbearable conditions, Jennifer’s story highlights the dark side of a supposed path to enlightenment.

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Merch has arrived! Click here to check it out. 

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Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps us. Can’t afford to contribute monetarily? Reviews and ratings help a bunch. Thank you.

If you would like to support us, head to our Patreon 

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Find Jennifer: @jenniferruth

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Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Today we’re joined by Finrod Jellybottoms, a chosen elf who escaped Santa’s magical workshop. Beneath the candy-striped facade lies a grueling cultic system of manipulation, free labor, and fear-based loyalty. Finrod shares his harrowing journey from a hopeful young elf in Frost Hollow to years of exploitation under Santa’s rule, uncovering the dark truths behind the “joy” of Christmas and the infamous Elf on a Shelf. We are glad Finrod got out and is able to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas… 

Happy holidays everyone! Thank you for your continued support. We’ll be back JAN 13th 2025!!! Until then, stay safe and out of cults! 

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We love our sponsor VIIA Hemp. Try VIIA today! www.viiahemp.com and use code INACULT!

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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult 

Merch is here! www.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 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.

**NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2021**

When the LA party scene didn't fit Jessica's lifestyle anymore, she replaced martinis and after-hour clubs with green juices and tonic bars. But the reemergence of a childhood trauma forced her to examine her inner self. One day, a friend told her about a class that could improve her life even more. That class turned out to be part of a larger entity. A self-empowerment company that purported to help you become the master of your own life. A little group called... NXIVM. 

Find Jessica's book here 

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022**

She's a hustler, baby. And she just wants you to know. Roberta Blevins was taught to be a self-starter. Inspired by her self-made father, she knew that if you put your mind to it, anything can happen. And it's true. Anything can happen. But that's the problem with anything. Anything sometimes includes MLM's. Multi-level marketing (schemes). This is a story of a dynamite go-getter and how she crawled her way into a box of fart leggings and eventually... crawled her way out. 

—

Roberta hosts her own podcast: Life After MLM. Check it out! @lifeaftermlmpodcast

— 

Find us on Instagram/Tiktok: @wasiinacult (Instagram for the legging pic!)

Help keep this show going by supporting us on Patreon 

Have your own story and want to be on our show? 

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Follow Roberta: @therealrobertablevins

Los Angeles, CA is full of dreamers. After all, dreams are what people move to the City of Lost Angels to chase. But did anyone know that an acting teacher can turn into a cult leader? Is that even possible? Apparently stranger things have happened, because the answer is... Oh hell yes she can. Two former students studying under an acting coach turned self-help cult leader are here to share their harrowing stories of showing up with their dreams in their hands... but unfortunately, giving them over to the wrong "guide". _ Podsauce ft. Liz Iacuzzi & Tyler Measom If you would like to be considered as a guest on the show, please contact us at info@wasiinacult.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crystal was born into a world where women obeyed, children served, and questioning authority was a sin. Raised under the oppressive rule of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP)—yes, the same Christian fundamentalist cult as the Duggars, “Shiny Happy People”—she spent her youth cleaning toilets, raising her mother’s children, and being prepped for a life of submission. 

But Crystal had other plans. 

This is the ultimate rags-to-riches story. She didn’t just escape the cult—she obliterated every expectation it had for her. From eating half-eaten Snickers bars out of the trash to becoming a wildly successful entrepreneur, from being promised to a 30-year-old man at 15 to discovering (in the most hilariously ways possible) that she really enjoys sex—Crystal’s life is nothing short of jaw-dropping. 

At times hilarious, at others absolutely heart-wrenching, Crystal shares with raw honesty how indoctrination shapes identity, how control distorts self-worth, and how breaking free comes at a cost. But she also proves that no matter how deep the conditioning, you can defy every expectation, reclaim your power, and build a life beyond your wildest dreams.

__________________

Follow us for more culty content: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story about high-control groups, or breaking free from an oppressive system? Email us at info@wasiinacult.com —we’d love to hear it.

Want ad-free episodes? Support us on Patreon and help fund our cult-unmasking, truth-telling, freedom-fighting journey.

Liz on “What Came Next” 

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

When you're numbered among the Lord's anointed, you're supposed to feel special, but for Jeremy Tucker, he was just another mindless cog in the machine of the Kingdom of God. It didn't matter though, he would work hard to do his part, until that hard work nearly cost him his life...   From guest producer Lindsay Hansen Park.   https://www.yearofpolygamy.com/ https://sunstone.org/sunstone-history-podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsayhansenpark?lang=en   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

There was no commune. No matching robes or group chants. A charismatic leader? Yes. But no room full of followers. This is a story about a cult of one —  a lesser-known, yet perhaps more common, type of cult.

When Alex first met her college advisor, she thought she’d found a mentor—someone brilliant, charismatic, and seemingly invested in her success. But behind the charm lay something much darker. Slowly, methodically, he pushed boundaries under the guise of guidance and concern—first emotionally, then physically—until she was isolated from friends and family, no longer trusting her own judgment.

In today’s episode, we explore how one-on-one cults operate using the same tactics as larger cults—love-bombing, coercion, and manipulation—but in the intimate, hidden space between just two people.

This is a chilling tale of how a trusted authority figure became a master manipulator, pulling the strings until Alex’s world was no longer her own. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes the most dangerous cult leader isn’t the one standing on a stage—but the one sitting across from you, offering a warm smile and a seemingly harmless invitation to talk. 

_____

Follow us for more culty content: @wasiinacult 

Got a story about manipulation, power dynamics, or your own cult of one? Email us at info@wasiinacult.com

Want ad-free episodes? Support us on Patreon and help fund our cult-unmasking, truth-telling, boundary-protecting journey.

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

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)

Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast  featuring far-out, first-hand stories of survivors who unwittingly joined, lived in, and escaped, cults. 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?"   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

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. 

In this heart-wrenching continuation of Emily Maldonado’s story, we delve into the life of her brother, Drew Matthews. Drew grew up under the domineering influence of his father, “Dollar Bill” Matthews, a pastor whose self-interest knew no bounds. From childhood indoctrination to traumatic "exorcisms" and endless demands for loyalty, Drew was constantly searching for the love and acceptance his father never offered.

This episode unravels a tale of betrayal on every level—Drew’s own father not only controlled his life but ultimately orchestrated the unthinkable: the estrangement of Drew’s wife and daughter. As Drew sought refuge in the military, hoping to escape his father’s grip, his father seized the opportunity to drive a permanent wedge between him and his family by doing the unthinkable. 

Drew’s resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss serve as a powerful testament to the endurance of the human spirit. We are in awe of you, Drew!

———— 

Try VIIA! www.viiahemp.com/inacult and use code: inacult 

Visit www.uncommongoods.com/cult for 15% off!  

Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code Inacult LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod 

———— 

Follow Drew on TikTok: @notreallysur.e / Instagram: @dapper_mann  

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

When the pandemic hit, Aaron found himself isolated and searching for community. So when he discovered an online occult group, he thought he’d finally found his spiritual people. What he didn’t expect? Signing an NDA, pledging allegiance to a self-proclaimed “Master,” and being told he was destined for an apocalyptic battle… alongside seven ancient space dragons.

At first, the group felt like a place of deep discussion, curiosity, and meaning. But as the leader’s grip tightened, so did the demands for obedience. And when the leader finally revealed his true agenda—a disturbing spiritual “shadow ritual,” Aaron realized he wasn’t just in a mystical study group—he was in a full-blown cult.

So how did he go from believer to whistleblower? Listen now, because—like we always say—you can’t make this shit up.

LINKS:

Find Aaron’s anti-cult shared profile page:  https://www.facebook.com/Michelle.rugsby 

And the group email: holybullcrapclub@gmail.com

Follow us for more culty goodness: @wasiinacult 

Got a story that’ll make us say, “Wait… WHAT?!” Spill the tea at info@wasiinacult.com —we promise we won’t make you sign an NDA

Want ad-free episodes? Support us on Patreon and help fund our cult-unmasking, story-telling, snack-buying habits. 

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

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2021**

As an actor and writer, Guinevere Turner understands more than most, that some stories just can't be contrived. Because sometimes life is far stranger than fiction. As is the case with Guinevere's upbringing. Not your typical getting out story, it would take years for Guinevere to understand that, no, she didn't grow up on a hippie commune in the 1970s and 80s... she grew up in a cult. 

______ 

Follow Guinevere: @guinevereturner 

Buy Guinevere’s book HERE 

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon 

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

Link to Spotify playlist for this episode 

Hollywood is filled with the rich, the famous, and the people looking to take advantage of both. Because everyone in Hollywood is either someone, knows someone, or claims to be able to help you become someone. So when actress Lindsey McKeon, and singer/performer Jessica Sutta, stumble into an impressive acting class led by a teacher claiming to take their work to the next level, they don't bat an eye. But it would be years of financial and emotional abuse disguised as self-growth before the two of them would realize... holy sh*t - their teacher turned "guru" is in fact... a cult leader.

In the gripping conclusion to Jeanne Nolan's story, the idyllic facade of Zendik Farm finally shatters. Beneath its promises of revolution and a self-sustaining community lies a darker reality: broken families and devastating power plays. Jeanne recounts her heart-wrenching separation from her baby, the unraveling of relationships under the commune’s twisted rules, and her ultimate escape after 17 long years. Through painful truths and a hard-won sense of clarity, Jeanne forges a new life outside the cult, turning trauma into a legacy of love, family, and a thriving organic gardening business that inspires others to embrace sustainability, growth, and connection… and all in a very healthy and not-at-all culty way of course. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and the extraordinary ability to cultivate beauty from even the darkest of places.

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Buy Jeanne’s book here!! 

Jeanne’s incredible business “The Organic Gardener” https://www.theorganicgardener.net/ 

And if you want more Zendik, read Helen Zuman’s memoir, “Mating in Captivity”

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Stop Scooping! With the Littler Robot. As a special holiday offer, Whisker is offering up to $100 off Litter-Robot bundles. AND as a special offer to listeners, you can get an additional $50 off when you go to stopscooping.com/CULT . 

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Get holiday gifts here! Quince.com/CULT 

_______

Resist aging at the cellular level, try Qualia Senolytic. Go to Qualialife.com/CULT for up to 50% off and use code ‘CULT' at checkout for an additional 15% off.

________

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult  

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

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.

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.

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.

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

When you grow up in a cult, life on the outside can be rough. So rough, that one might actually prefer to stay inside the cult. When Guinevere finally experiences life on the outside, she witnesses firsthand that one can physically leave a cult, but mentally, still be in it.    And the moment of true clarity for Guinevere comes at a moment no one sees coming. Especially not herself.    ______   Guinevere's Instagram: @guinevereturner   Twitter: @turnerguinevere   Link to Charlie Says: https ://www.netflix.com/title/81023720 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

She's a hustler, baby. And she just wants you to know.  Roberta Blevins was taught to be a self-starter. Inspired by her self-made father, she knew that if you put your mind to it, anything can happen. And it's true. Anything can happen. But that's the problem with anything. Anything sometimes includes MLM's. Multi-level marketing (schemes).  This is a story of a dynamite go-getter and how she crawled her way into a box of fart leggings and eventually... crawled her way out.    --   Follow Roberta's Anti-MLM Movement:    Instagram - @therealrobertablevins @lifeaftermlmpodcast   Listen to her podcast "Life After MLM": Spotify Apple   --   Contact us with your stories to be featured on the show: info@wasiinacult.com   Follow us: Instagram  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon --   Michael Scott tried his hand at a "new company idea"  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're excited to bring you a special episode from our friend Andrea Dunlop of the “Nobody Should Believe Me” podcast.Last week, Andrea joined us to share her personal story about how Munchausen by Proxy tore her family apart, and the response was overwhelming. We know many of you were left with questions and a desire to dive deeper into this rare and troubling condition. That’s why we wanted to share Andrea’s own podcast, where she explores these themes in greater depth and answers the questions that our conversation only began to uncover. We hope you find this episode as compelling as we do. We’ll be back in two weeks with an all-new episode. Thank you, as always, for your continued support!

—— 

We meet accomplished novelist and loving mother Andrea Dunlop as she embarks on a journey to understand the series of events that tore her family apart. We learn that her older sister has been investigated twice for Munchausen by Proxy abuse, which inspired Andrea to learn everything she could about this complex and misunderstood issue. We see Andrea become captivated by the story of Hope Ybarra and go along with her to meet Hope’s father, sister, and brother: the first people Andrea has ever spoken to who’ve actually lived through a case. But can anything prepare Andrea for the truth?

__

LISTEN TO “Nobody Should Believe Me” here: https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com/

___

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon 

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

What happens when an idealistic teen swaps suburban comforts for a “revolutionary” arts cooperative promising harmony with the Earth, free love, and organic farming? Jeanne Nolan thought she’d found utopia at Zendik Farm—a bohemian paradise where creativity and sustainability reigned supreme. But behind the lush gardens and groovy slogans lurked manipulation, sexual politics, and a strict hierarchy led by two enigmatic leaders. In part one of this captivating two-parter, Jeanne reveals her journey from wide-eyed seeker to “Zendik warrior,” the allure of life on the fringe, and the cracks that began to form in the farm’s idyllic facade. Was Zendik Farm truly a haven, or just another cleverly veiled cult? Let’s dig into the dirt.

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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code inacult at Lumepodcast.com/inacult! #lumepod 

_____

This holiday season, gift yourself some peace of mind. If you’re 21+, head to Viiahemp.com and use the code [inacult] to receive 15% off.

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): patreon.com/wasiinacult 

Merch is here! wasiinacult.com 

In this week’s episode, Hannah takes us from her Jehovah’s Witness upbringing to a wild journey through the world of an extreme vegan cult. What started as a passion for animal welfare escalated into living on a full fledged animal sanctuary, becoming the hub for Vegan’s of Geelong, and spiraling into breaking and entering in the name of “liberation.” Fueled by conspiracies and paranoia, Hannah’s new “family” pushed the boundaries of activism. With candor and lightheartedness, Hannah shares how she escaped one cult, only to fall into another, and what it took to break free for good.

____

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

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.”

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

In Part 2 of her jaw-dropping story, actress and writer Danielle Nicolet continues to unpack her harrowing experience in a cult disguised as a new-age hypnotherapy practice—led by a woman who shattered families, implanted false memories, and turned lives upside down.

Danielle’s journey resumes as she’s sent back to Ohio to live with her father, forced to leave behind friends, gymnastics, and the group she had come to see as family. But instead of healing, the damage only deepens. Alienated from her dad and entangled in her mother’s unraveling, Danielle finds herself emancipated at just 16, navigating the cutthroat world of Hollywood while still grappling with the scars of her past.

Danielle’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Her ability to turn deep trauma into a life of joy, creativity, and meaning is nothing short of remarkable. She inspires us, and we’re honored to have her share this story with the world for the first time on our show.

LINKS:

Find Danielle: @daninicolet 

Follow us: @wasiinacult 

Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult 

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

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.____Insta: @whatisangeldoingYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrAngeladesantishttps://www.theprocessbyangel.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s spellbinding episode, Melissa, a self-proclaimed millennial misfit, shares her journey into a Wiccan coven that took a hard left towards culty. Melissa’s tale brews up all the ingredients for a wild cauldron of a story: witchy retreats, trance magic, Norse gods, and even perfume-making. What began as a quest for spiritual identity one day led her down a winding path of manipulation, dashed promises and blind devotion. She follow the yellow brick road, only to discover that the Great and Powerful Oz was just a woman charging $90 a week for unlicensed therapy while dangling the carrot of future financial success through channeling Norse deities.

But fear not—this episode isn’t all toil and trouble. Melissa’s sharp wit and self-awareness make her story as empowering as it is entertaining. Plus, she managed to turn her culty coven experience into a thriving perfume business (fittingly named Sif Sniffs). Proof that even the wildest detours can lead to a magical comeback.

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January is CBD Awareness month! We love our sponsor VIIA Hemp. Try VIIA today! viiahemp.com and use code INACULT!

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LINKS:

Follow Melissa on Instagram @sifsniffs

Melissa’s Perfume Company: Sif Sniffs 

Melissa’s Forbes article 

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"It's exclusive," she was told. A women only secret society.  She was a chosen one, after all.  A badass ninja warrior woman, she was ready to set the world on fire.  Finally surrounded by people that shared her same vision, she would do whatever it takes.  Jessica Joan was ready for anything. Well... almost anything.   __  If you, or anyone you know, has successfully escaped a cult, please reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you and have your story and voice be heard on a future episode: info@wasiinacult.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon   Jessica Joan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovejessjoan/?hl=en  You can purchase Jessica's book here: http://theuntouchablejessicajoan.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.”

What happens when your father becomes your pastor and eventually your cult leader? In this episode, Emily Maldonado shares the raw truth about growing up in a cult led by her own dad. From staged exorcisms to discovering that love and freedom could only come by breaking every rule, Emily’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring. With gripping honesty, she unpacks the jaw-dropping moment she knew she had no choice but to leave… and for Emily, leaving meant losing her entire family. With humor and profound resilience, Emily shares how she escaped a life dictated by manipulation—and found the strength to rebuild a life of joy and authenticity.  

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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code “inacult” LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod 

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Follow Emily on Insta/Tiktok: @styledmicasa

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Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult  

Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

A couple weeks ago we published an episode featuring Ashleigh Teeter, who was ostracized from her family because of her cult leader father. Today we feature her youngest brother's story of growing up in that house long after Ashleigh was gone. 14 years her junior, Mattie was just a young boy when her sister was deemed demonic by his father. And for almost 25 years the siblings never spoke to each other. Today we welcome Mattie to share his heartbreaking story… a boy who was never allowed to talk to a girl without brutal consequences.

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Today, Mattie and Ashleigh are not only reunited but they host a podcast about their upbringing together. It’s called “The Cult Next Door” and is available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps us. Can’t afford to contribute monetarily? Reviews and ratings help a bunch. Thank you!

If you would like to support us, head to our Patreon 

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Listen to Mattie & Ashleigh's podcast: The Cult Next Door @cultnextdoorpodcast (insta/tiktok)

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Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

Liz and Tyler pop by to update you on their lives, and to reassure you that they will be back! Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

They say when you dream, dream big. And teenage Alex did just that. With an accent to die fahhh, this East Bostonian shares his story of joining an acting class with the promise of stardom, only to eventually realize, he was in a manipulative cult.  Under the influence of a charismatic coach, Alex and his fellow students were pushed to the brink—endless rehearsals, emotional abuse, and mind games that blurred the line between ambition and exploitation. Alex exposes the dangerous allure of fame when you place the success of your future in the wrong hands... What happens when your dream become a nightmare? 

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Try CBD at cbdistillery.com and use code CU LT for 20% off.

There are many a Christmas tale that we all know and love, but this one, dear listener, we can (almost) guarantee... that you have never ever heard this one.   'Twas the night before Christmas and through the town's center, not a creature was stirring, not even a cult member...   Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! From our family, to yours.   ----   "Was I In A Cult" Instagram   ----   Research NY TIMES ARTICLE FROM 1899: Mnason got arrested  GUILTY! After Mnason got out of prison, 1903 Thomas Nast Changed Santa  Mnason T Hunstman Obituary   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022**

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault. 

Arianna was a recent college graduate with dreams of one day opening her own marketing company. So when a LinkedIn opportunity for a social media marketing assistant fell into her lap, it felt too good to be true. Soon, she would be brushing shoulders with millionaires, in hopes that some of their mojo would rub off. After all, she had big plans for her future and a self-made father to prove herself to. But, you know what they say about things being too good to be true... They usually are. This brave, inspiring woman is here to share her very important story of what exactly happened when she got involved with this Nashville "Millionaire's Club.” 

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Arianna on Instagram: @ariannasprabary  

Arianna on TikTok: Aristrawberry0  

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Dr. Nadine Macaluso joins us today to discuss our first of its kind on this show… a cult of one. Who exactly was her cult leader? None other than “The Wolf of Wall Street,” her ex-husband, Jordan Belfort.  In the movie adaptation of Jordan’s book, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Dr. Nadine was portrayed by Margot Robbie and had no say in how her life was portrayed. Well, today Dr. Nadine is here to share the truth behind her picture perfect life. On the outside she had beauty, wealth, the doting husband, and two wonderful kids. But today she shares the truth about what was going on behind closed doors: the isolation, the loss of self, the abuse, the control, the manipulation and the gaslighting that kept her in a haze of confusion and pain. But, like every guest on this show, she shares the moment she finally found the strength and courage to walk away for good. 

Now a respected therapist, Dr. Nae emphasizes the importance of therapy in her healing process and destigmatizing the experiences of victims of cult leaders or pathological lovers. A Brooklyn gal at heart, Dr. Nae is as real as they get and was an absolute joy to have on the show. 

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Follow Dr. Nae: Instagram: @therealdrnadine / TikTok: @drnaelmft

Buy Dr. Nae's book HERE 

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A humble upbringing is an understatement for Dan McIntrye. Canada born and bred, Dan's cult journey took him from guitar god, to free desserts to cult escape, only to land him right in the arms of... another one?     A double survivor. A triple thriver. And one extremely nice guy. Damn, Canadians, you really are as kind as they say.   --------   Link to Dan's song "Any Given Sunday"   Listen to Tyler guest on the "Latter-Day Lesbian" podcast!   Think you were in a cult? Contact us to be on the show: info@wasiinacult.com   Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARNING: This episode contains graphic discussions of abuse and self-harm. 

Raised by a single mother in the Muslim community, Samir Ahmed was sent to a Tablighi Jamaat-focused madrasa at age 11, a religious boarding school for boys under 15. With good intentions and pressure from the community, his mother hoped this would keep her son away from drugs and knocking up girls. What transpires is one of the most harrowing stories we have ever featured on this show. But as Samir recounts his traumatic experiences with remarkable vulnerably and poise, listeners will hear the resilience and strength that define him. With his huge heart, Samir proves that your voice is one of the most powerful tools you own.

Thank you again, Samir. It was an honor to share your story. 

Support us and our show on Patreon 

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Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

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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.

In this special bonus episode, Liz sits down with actress, writer, and singer Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) to discuss her harrowing and deeply personal journey through a Christian cult called “The Big House Family.” Having recently published her New York Times bestselling memoir, Dinner for Vampires, Joy opens up about how the group’s leader preyed on her longing for deep connection, manipulated her emotions and exerted financial control— eventually isolating her from her family and friends. From years of spiritual gaslighting to reclaiming her identity as an artist and mother, Joy’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.

 

Want more? Patreon members can access the full, extended interview HERE 

Buy Joy’s memoir, Dinner For Vampires HERE. 

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Find Joy (see what we did there?): @msbethanyjoylenz 

Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult  

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Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com 

Welcome to PART 2 of Jessica Hopper’s journey into and out of a pole dancing cult. This episode takes us to the peak of the cult, including protégés, unpaid labor, surreal bookclubs, emotional breakdowns, and coercion retreats. The leader, Sheila, is quite “pole"-arizing, to say the least. Jessica’s breaking point, comes at an unexpected but important time in history, and leads to her eventually breaking free. A wonderfully articulate soul who shares her story with a no-holds-bar type of attitude, Jessica’s wit and vulnerability shine through in her retelling. Thank you again for showing us, Jessica, that cults can live literally anywhere. 

• Support us and our show on Patreon 
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• Follow Jessica: instagram: @jesshopperpole
• Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

WARNING: This episode discuss sexual assault.

A girl with a dream, Amanda was recruited from high school into what she thought would be the path to fulfilling that dream. But a superior's abuse of power forced her life in a different direction. This is a powerful and important story shared from an often underrepresented perspective: a woman in the US military. Told with grace, strength, humility, and humor, it is an absolute pleasure providing Amanda with a platform to let her story be known. 

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• Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps! If you don’t yet, but would like to, head to our Patreon (thank you and thank you)
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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

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
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• Follow Rachael: Instagram : @msrachaelreign
• Follow her movement: Instagram/Tik Tok: @survivinguniversaluk

This is not your typical cult. But for comedian, Ariel, it was all she knew. Filled with isolation and abuse, it would take her years to break free.    Ariel's Insta: @Arielsnotamermaid Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon

You may know Danielle Nicolet as Cecile Horton on the CW’s “The Flash,” but long before Hollywood, her life was far from scripted. At just ten years old, Danielle’s world was turned upside down when her mother fell under the influence of Judith—a therapist turned guru turned cult leader. Judith used hypnosis to “recover” memories, shattering families and exploiting Orange County housewives by diagnosing them with multiple personality disorder for her own gain.

But Judith’s influence didn’t stop with her mother—Danielle herself was pulled into Judith’s orbit. Encouraged to reject modern medicine, she found herself reciting affirmations to cure strep throat and believing the fabricated traumas that demonized her own family. 

In Part 1 of Danielle’s story, we follow her journey from gymnastics prodigy in small-town Ohio to navigating the unsettling extremes of 1980s Orange County, an affluent and conservative enclave where she was one of the only Black kids at her school—all while having to cope with a mother who now has eight additional personalities.

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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code Inacult at Lumepodcast.com/Inacult! — #lumepod
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LINKS:

Find Danielle: @daninicolet 

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When you're born into a cult, it's difficult enough. But when you're born into a cult with a raging alcoholic pedophile as the leader, it's a nightmare.  Author, Flor Edwards was raised in the Children of God. And praise the lord she got out.   But getting out didn't come without its own challenges...  ____  Link to Flor's autobiography:  https://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Child-Flor-Edwards/dp/1683367685   Follow Flor on social media: @floredwardsauthor Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon