Cult of Body & Soul

Jess Rothschild & Broadway Podcast Network•www.cultbodysoul.com

“Cult of Body & Soul” is a 7-part docu-series that explores how SOULCYCLE transcended fitness as it captured the New York City zeitgeist with ritual, candlelight and cult of personality. We expose the intoxicating power dynamic between riders and instructors, the gate-kept instructor training program, the true story behind founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler, and the political scandal that torched the brand’s image. Featuring interviews with instructors, studio managers, front desk staff, and corporate insiders.

Follow on

Episodes

2. "A Star Is Born"

Episode 2: SoulCycle takes off in New York City and The Hamptons, with celebrities like Kelly Ripa & Katie Couric becoming superfans. Co-founder Julie Rice's muse Janet Fitzgerald moves to Manhattan to work with budding talent. A beloved 22 year-old party-girl instructor Clare Veronica Walsh tragically dies on Christmas Day. A "wreck the studio" party signifies the end of the 72nd Street era as SoulCycle grows. Follow ⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠ on Instagram _____ Executive Producer & Host: ⁠⁠Jess Rot...

May 27, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 2

1. "Made in LA"

Episode 1: Julie Rice, Elizabeth Cutler, and Ruth Zukerman co-found SoulCycle, but Zukerman was later iced out as an owner because she did not have proper legal protection in place. We trace SoulCycle's origin story back to the '90s Los Angeles spin craze before it revolutionized boutique fitness in New York City 2006. Follow ⁠@jessxnyc⁠ on Instagram _____ Executive Producer & Host: ⁠Jess Rothschild⁠ Editing & Sound Design: Caitlin Whyte Theme Song & Original Music Composer: Elizabet...

May 27, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 1

TRAILER - Cult of Body & Soul

“Cult of Body & Soul” is a docu-podcast series created & executive produed by Jess Rothschild which brings to life how the boutique indoor cycling (spinning) phenomenon SOULCYCLE captured the New York City fitness zeitgeist. We will take you behind the curtain of the cult of personality that forms between instructor and rider, the elusive instructor training program, the untold story of how Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler founded the company and the political scandal that extinguished th...

May 16, 2025•2 min

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android

Open in Metacast