Was I In A Cult?
Episodes
Boys Christian League: "Training Boys for God's Army"
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Dowd was born into a cult that was literally training boys to fight in God’s army when the apocalypse came.It started in sunny Pasadena, Ca...
OneTaste: "Was I in a Sex Cult?"
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Star Stone walked into a fluorescent-lit room on Market Street in San Francisco where a man who looked like Mark Zuckerberg stroked a woman's clitoris...
Mormonism w/David Archuleta—Pt2: "Dev-OUT"
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1, David Archuleta was the church's golden boy - the voice, the fame, the perfect Mormon billboard. In Part 2, that billboard comes down.David...
Mormonism w/David Archuleta-PT1: "America's Mormon Idol"
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
David Archuleta was seventeen years old, Mormon to his core, and singing in front of thirty million people on American Idol. America saw the golden bo...
The Order: “Feel Like a Number” [Re-Release]
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 machin...
Scientology—Pt2: "Not Today, Xenu"
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Her stepfather told her: "Your child will be a fourth generation Scientologist whether you like it or not." That was the threat. This is the fight.In ...
Scientology - Pt1: "Mom, I Am Your Mother"
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're back on Scientology. And until they stop destroying families and draining bank accounts, we'll keep talking about it.Liz Gale, a third...
Liz’s Story—Pt2: “Kick 'Em in the Cooch”
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
So… remember that acting class? Well, turns out this “human behavior expert” has her eyes on a much larger prize. I mean, you can’t be the nex...
Liz’s Story - Pt1: “Hollyweirdest”
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Either Liz finally stepped up to the mic to tell her own story… or Tyler finally cornered her and hit record. Either way — it’s happening.After ...
NXIVM Aftermath - Jessica Joan Returns: “Not My Monkey, Not My Circus”
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Four years after we first met her in our studio - just days after her victim impact statement in Alison Mack’s NXIVM trial - Jessica Joan ...
Children of God: "You're Enough as You Are" [RE-RELEASE]
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
**NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2021**Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience,...
Children of God: “The Christmas Monster”
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A comet. A cultural fever. And a cult’s failed prophecy. In 1973, as the holidays approached and the world felt increasingly unstable, a comet ...
Cosmetology School: “It’s Giving Cult”
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we head to Nashville, Tennessee — where a cosmetology school promising structure, opportunity, and “professionalism” turned out to be ...
The Cult of Ashtanga Yoga: "No Touching, Guruji!"
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Liz and Tyler head straight into the sweaty “this-is-definitely-not-a-cult-except-maybe-it-definitely-is” world of Ashtanga y...
Allison After NXIVM: “The Monster She Met. The Monster She Became.”
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When we got the email inviting us to interview journalist Natalie Robehmed about her new CBC + Campsite Media podcast, Allison After NX...
The LeBaron Polygamy Cult—Pt3: “And It Was Revealed, the Power Had Always Been Hers.”
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She survived a violent polygamist cult.She survived a husband who collected wives like property.She survived the blood atonement doctrine that stalked...
The LeBaron Polygamy Cult—Pt2: "Wives in Bulk"
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part Two of Pamela Jones’ extraordinary story, the so-called “escape” she dreamed of at fifteen turns into a new kind of prison.Aft...
The LeBaron Polygamy Cult—P1: “Murder in the Name of God”
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She was born into one of the most dangerous polygamist cults in modern history — led by the infamous Ervil LeBaron, aptly nicknamed “The Morm...
[UPDATE] Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Shut Up and Be Blessed”
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
**Note: This episode originally aired in September 2021. Stick around til the end for a catch up interview with Daniel 4 years later.**With rockstar a...
The Jordanian Sufi Cult: “Trapped Between Worlds”
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Raidah left medical school in Sydney to spend the summer at what was promise to be an Islamic utopia in Jordan, she thought she was taking a brea...
[BONUS] Amy Duggar King: “Holy Disruptor”
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s story isn’t about a reality TV show—though a lot of people think it starts there. In truth, it began long before the cameras, before the...
Church of the Harvest: “WWJD? Probably Pay His Employees.”
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nine years. One strip-mall church. A duffel bag full of cash, a freezing pool full of goldfish, and a pastor who convinced everyone he had a direct li...
SpaceX — PT2: “Mission Aborted”
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, we met Paige: a bright-eyed engineer who joined SpaceX believing she was helping to save humanity. In Part 1, we followed her through the s...
SpaceX—PT1: “It’s About to Get Musky in Here”
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An ex–SpaceX engineer asks our favorite question: when does mission become mindset—and then eventually something more? Paige was convinced sh...
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi: “The Cult FKA Dahn Yoga”
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the yoga class you signed up for wasn’t yoga at all, but the doorway to something much darker?In this episode, Angel takes us inside Body &a...
The Cult of Rodney Howard-Browne: “Holy Ghosted”
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She thought she was enrolling in a Bible college.Instead, she was signing up to give her identity, her labor, her choice—and her fire—to a man who...
The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A limo to Atlantic City. Pizzerias with back rooms. Garbage bags vanishing across boroughs.Comedian Barry Rothbart grew up believing his dad didn’t ...
The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when your entire life revolves around likes, follows, and perfectly staged smoothie bowls?For Lee Tilghman — better known as @leefromam...
The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael grew up believing his hometown in Germany was just that — a quiet, picturesque community with cobblestone streets, tidy homes, a school, and...
The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’...
Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
**Note: This episode originally aired in February 2022**COME SEE US LIVE!!! In LA on Sept 9, 2025 with special guest, comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty T...
Zen Master Rama’s Meditation/Computer Programming Cult: “Going For the Gold!”
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, meet Jim Picariello, who, in the early ’90s as a hopeful college kid hyped up on way too much coffee, thought he was signing up for a med...
The Cult of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS PT2: “The Great Escape”
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, we met Jorjina Broadbent — mother of twelve, former sister-wife, and low-key badass hiding in plain sight.This week? She stops hiding.We ...
The Cult of Warren Jeff’s FLDS Pt1: “Keep Sweet”
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before he was your favorite podcast host, Tyler Measom was… just a dude with a camera and a crush.It was 2005, and Tyler found himself driving deep ...
The Holdeman Mennonite Cult: “The Truth Behind the 'Humble' People”
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse.You’ve seen them — maybe at the airport with pamphlets, or quietly shopping at a...
The Cult of Emmanuel David Pt2: “The Cult’s Second Coming”
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode contains references to sexual abuse, coercion, and emotional trauma.Last week, we met Zipporah—a woman who spent 44 ye...
The Cult of Emmanuel David Pt1: “Life After Death”
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In August of 1978, one of the darkest chapters in Utah’s history unfolded. A man claiming to be God became the catalyst for a tragedy that left a ci...
The Lost Children of Scientology Pt2: “Free At Last”
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
(Content warning: child abuse, psychological trauma, and forced labor.)What happens when a child escapes a cult… only to be hunted, harassed, and in...
The Lost Children of Scientology Pt 1: “Born Into Cult Slavery”
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a newborn is handed—by his own mother—into the arms of a cult?On today’s episode of Was I In A Cult?, we peel back the celebri...
WISE (aka Scientology): “Stop Interbulating Me!” [RE-RELEASE]
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
**This episode originally aired in May 2023**Fresh to the workforce, Amber answered a job posting for a dental assitant: “No experience needed!” L...
Apocalyptic Nuclear Bunker Cult PT2: “Let the Bombs Descend”
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When your mother is a self-proclaimed prophet claiming to channel the ascended master that is your deceased father as she prepares hundreds of followe...
Introducing: Clues with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore as they take you deep into the world of the most notorious crimes ever — where a single clue can crack a c...
Apocalyptic Nuclear Bunker Cult PT1: "My Parents Started a Cult"
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
He didn’t just join a cult. He was born a "prince" in one.In this two-part mind-bender, we welcome Sean Prophet, son of Mark Prophet and Elizabeth C...
Endogenous Cult: “252 Consequences and Counting”
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest, Sara, didn’t just wear a cult uniform—she sewed it. Raised in a conservative faith that slowly morphed into a cult, Sara’s life...
WIIAC LIVE! w/Special Guest: Moses Storm
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our first-ever live episode, your favorite mediocre cult leaders take the stage in Napa, California to indoctrinate the masses—err, entertain a c...
RFK, MAHA Moms, & The Cult of Wellness: “The Divided Truth”
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're diving into the cultish side of wellness culture. Liz sits down with Dr. Laura Erlich, DTCM, LAc, FABORM — a licensed acupuncturist ...
From a Book Cult to The Weigh Down Cult: “Oops, I Joined Another Cult!”
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest thought she was just signing up for a summer job. And then, years later, she thought she was just joining a church. What she got inste...
Morningland PT2: “Destructive, Evil Wench”
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trauma. Please listen with care.Frankie thought she was...
Presenting: CRIME HOUSE TRUE CRIME STORIES
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crime House True Crime Stories is the ultimate destination for true crime fans. Every episodefeatures two notorious cases from that week in crime hist...
Morningland PT1: “The Daughters of Isis”
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse and sexual coercion.It started with a pizza party for single moms. But soon, there w...
Mary Kay Cosmetics: “Faith First, Family Second, Financial Ruin Third”
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whitney wanted a Friday night dress. She got a pink Cadillac and a cult instead.At 21, she joined Mary Kay just trying to pay her $200 rent. What she ...
[ENCORE] Mormon... More Women: “My Husband’s Wife”
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re taking it back to where it all began: our very first episode. Meet Johanne Hanks, who went from BYU grad to plural wife to party planne...
Pentecostal Cult: “South Central’s False Prophet”
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Tyler owns up to overlooking a crucial part of Orange County's troubling past, Liz is secretly grateful for his mistake—for without it, they migh...
The Raelians: “Aliens, Polygamy and Clones”
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve heard of doomsday cults and self-help cults… but what about an alien cult? This week, we’re taking you on a journey beyond the stars—or...
The Cult of Fine Dining: “Yes, Chef! No, Chef! On It, Chef!”
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fine dining is all about precision, artistry, and luxury on the plate—but behind those kitchen doors, the pressure, hierarchy, and chaos tell a very...
Shiny, Happy People: “Shiny, Happy Lies”
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal was born into a world where women obeyed, children served, and questioning authority was a sin. Raised under the oppressive rule of the Instit...
A Cult of One: "The Professor Will See You Now"
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 TikTok Astrology Cult: “Mystic Manipulation”
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when your dreams of becoming a therapist are unexpectedly dashed and a TIkTok astrologer promises to solve all your problems? Meet Taylor...
Evangelical Dragon Ball Z Doomsday Cult: “I’ll Take Space Dragons for 500, Please”
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When the pandemic hit, Aaron found himself isolated and searching for community. So when he discovered an online occult group, he thought he’d final...
A New-Age Hypnotherapy Cult PT2: “Hypno-Con-Artist”
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
A New-Age Hypnotherapy Cult PT 1: “Split personalities, Split Families”
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
A Pagan Cult?: “Witch, please!”
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s spellbinding episode, Melissa, a self-proclaimed millennial misfit, shares her journey into a Wiccan coven that took a hard left towards...
Santa is My Cult Leader: “He Sees Everything”
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re joined by Finrod Jellybottoms, a chosen elf who escaped Santa’s magical workshop. Beneath the candy-striped facade lies a grueling cul...
Zendik Farm PT2: “Embracing the Death Culture”
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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-...
Zendik Farm PT1: “Stop Bitching, Start a Revolution”
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when an idealistic teen swaps suburban comforts for a “revolutionary” arts cooperative promising harmony with the Earth, free love, a...
The BDSM Kink Scene PT2: “My Kink is Not Your Kink”
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially triggering topics around sex and sexual dynamics. Amelia returns to share the concl...
The BDSM Kink Scene PT1: “Don’t Yuck My Yum”
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
***Head to squarespace.com/INACULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code INACULT.*** Content Warning: This episode di...
BONUS: Bethany Joy Lenz on “The Big House Family”
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 jo...
Dollar Bill’s Cult: “My Father Stole My Wife”
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 domine...
Solid Rock Church: “My Dad, the Cult Leader”
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when your father becomes your pastor and eventually your cult leader? In this episode, Emily Maldonado shares the raw truth about growing...
QAnon: “Control + Alt + Deception”
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ashley takes us inside the twisted world of QAnon—an online cult that spread like wildfire during the pandemic, offering false hope through dangerou...
Falun Gong P2: “Falun Gone… For Good”
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 prioritiz...
Falun Gong P1: “Karma Claus... He’s Always Watching"
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Women Only Secret Society (NXIVM) PT1: “The Magic Sauce” (UPDATE)
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
**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 ...
Australian Vegan Cult: “Lambs on the Lam”
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
The Two-by-Twos: “Be Sad and Die”
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Theater Group: “Lights… Camera… Cult!”
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ac...
The Wolf of Wall Street: “A Cult of One”
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 “...
TITLE: The Mel Lyman Family PT1: “People Get Ready” (UPDATE)
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
**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 con...
LISTEN NOW: “Nobody Should Believe Me”
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 join...
Munchausen by Proxy: “My Sister the Perpetrator”
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Maum Meditation “Cleanse Mind (aka) Brain Wash”
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Diamond King shares her poignant journey of being ensnared by a meditation cult known as MAUM Meditation. Promising enlightenment, the group di...
Millionaire’s Club: “The World Was Gonna Open Up” (UPDATE)
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022** CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault. Arianna was a recent college graduate with dr...
Bikram Yoga: “Smells Like Wet Carpet”
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
My Dad’s A Cult Leader: “The Failed Love Movement"
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
MLM LuLaRoe: “What’s Your Why?” (UPDATE)
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
**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. ...
A Cult Divided: “Running to Freedom"
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 whe...
US Air Force: “Not Just a Pretty Face, Sir.”
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
S-Factor Pole Dancing - PT2: “Emotional Roadkill”
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 protégé...
S-Factor - PT1: “Pole Dancing to Solve the Patriarchy”
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
An Islamic Sect: “Stolen Innocence”
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: This episode contains graphic discussions of abuse and self-harm. Raised by a single mother in the Muslim community, Samir Ahmed was sent ...
John Frum Movement: “GI Joe, The American… God?”
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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’,...
Ballet 58: “Pray, then plié!”
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
UCKG: “ Taking down a Billionaire Megachurch Cult”
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Rachael Reign, a tenacious activist battling to dismantle a billionaire megachurch cult. The cult that once owned her life. From her innocent int...
Teen Challenge: “444 Days Without Love”
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our youngest guest to-date, Aliya Kasabian recounts her chilling involuntary initiation into the Boise Girls Academy, an institution that masquerades ...
Zendik Farm: “Mating in Captivity” (UPDATE)
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
**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 t...
Psychic Scientology: “Clearing the BS”
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Peirano. Today, Kim recounts her bizar...
Tyler’s Story Part 2: “Man On a Mission”
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Tyler’s Story - Part 1: “Mormon Mission to… Not France”
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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) Mormo...
The Cult Guru: “How to Save The World w/ Dr. Steven Hassan”
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 cra...