Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfully left a cult. Told first-hand by the experiencer themself, these are raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. Using levity and info-tainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves…“Wait…Was I In A Cult?” If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at CULTS@iHeartMedia.com. We'd love to hear from you.
WISE(aka Scientology) — “Stop interbulating me!”
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
5/15/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 38 seconds
Divine Madness: “Ultra Mara-con”
Colorado is known to draw the hippies, the free-thinkers, the adventurous… so when a group of alternative medicine devotees convinces our guest that they can cure her severe back pain, she’s open to suggestion.
But soon, she finds herself sleeping in a van and questioning everything that got her to this point.
——
Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult
Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at www.betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.
5/8/2023 • 54 minutes, 37 seconds
Chung Moo Quan — Part 2: “Be Alright to Leave?”
Russell D. Johnson’s story continues. A journey into and out of a martial arts cult.
…PART TWO…
So Russell survives his emergency, life-threatening arm surgery, but shockingly, that won’t be the hardest thing.
So the next question becomes… Can he survive the stalking and death threats that occur after he speaks up and out against the cult?
Well, if anyone can, it’s our unassuming Bruce Banner…
'Cause watch out ya’ll… he’s about to “HULK SMASH!”
——
Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult
Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
More Russell:
Russell’s podcast: https://www.deceivedpodcast.com
Gruesome arm pics (not for faint of heart): https://www.deceivedpodcast.com/gallery
5/1/2023 • 42 minutes, 5 seconds
Chung Moo Quan — Part 1: “Kult Fu Fighting”
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
__
This episode is sponsored by Mindbloom. Take the first step and break free from your anxiety and depression with Mindbloom. Right now, Mindbloom is offering our listeners $100 off your first six session program when you sign up at Mindbloom.com/cult and use promo code CULT.
__
This episode is also sponsored by ZocDoc. Finding a trusted doctor has never been easier than with Zocdoc. Go to Zocdoc.com/INACULT and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find a book a top-rated doctor today.
4/24/2023 • 56 minutes, 14 seconds
Trailer: Was I In A Cult?
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 PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/2021 • 4 minutes, 32 seconds
Eternal Values - Part 1: "The Man From Nantucket"
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.
1/1/1 • 52 minutes, 42 seconds
Mormon…More Women PT 1: "My Husband’s Wife"
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
1/1/1 • 36 minutes, 59 seconds
Carol the Cult Assassin: "Out of Fear Into Power"
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.
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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
1/1/1 • 46 minutes, 33 seconds
Chung Moo Quan — Part 2: “Be Alright to Leave?”
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
1/1/1 • 42 minutes, 5 seconds
Eternal Values - Part 2: "Vanity Un-Fair"
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.
1/1/1 • 53 minutes, 12 seconds
Chung Moo Quan — Part 1: “Kult Fu Fighting”
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
1/1/1 • 56 minutes, 14 seconds
MLM LuLaRoe: “What’s your why?”
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.
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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.
1/1/1 • 58 minutes, 57 seconds
Democratic Workers: “The Revolution Isn’t A Tea Party"
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.
1/1/1 • 52 minutes, 20 seconds
Children of God: “Pray for Death”
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
1/1/1 • 44 minutes, 6 seconds
Hollyweirder: “Nothing is Free”
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.
1/1/1 • 45 minutes, 6 seconds
CHRISTMAS BONUS!: “Here Comes Santa Cult”
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.
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"Was I In A Cult" Instagram
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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.
1/1/1 • 21 minutes, 52 seconds
Trailer: Was I In A Cult?
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
1/1/1 • 4 minutes, 32 seconds
Atypicult: “Mental Parental”
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
1/1/1 • 41 minutes, 5 seconds
The Mel Lyman Family PT 2: “Wanted at the Big House"
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
1/1/1 • 38 minutes, 43 seconds
Religious Texas Commune — Part 2: “The Least Beloved"
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.
1/1/1 • 44 minutes, 54 seconds
Women Only Secret Society (NXIVM) PT 2: "Collateral Damaged"
"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.
1/1/1 • 57 minutes, 53 seconds
Mormon…More Women PT 2: "I do… I do… I don’t."
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
1/1/1 • 38 minutes, 53 seconds
Children of God: “You’re Enough As You Are"
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.
1/1/1 • 41 minutes, 3 seconds
Eternal Values - Part 3: “To Thine Own Self”
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.
1/1/1 • 57 minutes, 11 seconds
Hollyweird: “Thief of Dreams"
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.
1/1/1 • 57 minutes, 25 seconds
Black Hebrew Israelites: “Cursed and Chosen”
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.
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Follow us: @wasiinacult instagram
Contact us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/1/1 • 50 minutes, 41 seconds
Women Only Secret Society (NXIVM) PT 1: "The Magic Sauce"
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
1/1/1 • 50 minutes, 6 seconds
STATUS UPDATE: "New Email Who Dis?"
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.
1/1/1 • 7 minutes, 2 seconds
Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast”
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.
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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.
1/1/1 • 1 hour, 33 seconds
The Body of Christ Church: “When God is a House I Can’t Leave.”
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.
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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.
1/1/1 • 56 minutes, 24 seconds
Millionaire’s Club: “The World Was Gonna Open Up”
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.
1/1/1 • 59 minutes, 56 seconds
Divine Madness: “Ultra Mara-con”
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
1/1/1 • 54 minutes, 37 seconds
Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Shut Up and Be Blessed“
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
1/1/1 • 48 minutes, 41 seconds
Religious Texas Commune — Part 1: “The Most Beloved”
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
1/1/1 • 41 minutes, 28 seconds
Zendik Farm: "Mating in Captivity"
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.
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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
1/1/1 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 52 seconds
Thou Shan’t Be Named: “Non-Church Church”
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.
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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.
1/1/1 • 44 minutes, 35 seconds
WISE(aka Scientology) — “Stop interbulating me!”
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
1/1/1 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 38 seconds
SEASON 2 - COMING MARCH 6TH
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.
1/1/1 • 2 minutes
The Order: “Feel Like a Number”
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
1/1/1 • 52 minutes, 18 seconds
The Mel Lyman Family PT1: “People Get Ready“
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.
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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
1/1/1 • 44 minutes, 14 seconds
Thou Shan’t Be Named: “Non-Church Church” (UPDATE)
*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
1/1/1 • 57 minutes, 33 seconds
Children of God: “You’re Enough As You Are” (UPDATE)
**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
1/1/1 • 44 minutes, 52 seconds
Deer Tribe — PART 1: “This Is Sexual Healing?"
While attending college in Texas, a friend suggested that Kit attend a sweat lodge. Innocently, she did. Little did she know this sweat lodge was part of a bigger community known as ‘The Ashram'. Soon she was recruited into more than just the sweat and before she knew it, she was in the inner circle.
Eventually, she would discover that this ashram was part of an even larger organization: The Deer Tribe Medicine Society. And one day she was recruited into a program that promised to heal her sexual trauma.
We’ll let you be the judge of how well that promise was fulfilled…
LINKS
Deer Tribe: dtmms.org/
Amara Charles: www.amaracharles.com/
Quodoushka: www.quodoushka.org/
Ruda Center (aka the Ashram): rudracenter.org
Follow us: Instagram: @wasiinacult
Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com