Once Upon a Cult - podcast cover

Once Upon a Cult

Shawn Porrettpodcasters.spotify.com
Rachael, Allan and Shawn explore the dark alleys and twisted turns that some groups take. Every group starts with a good intention, but what separates a group from a cult? Come hear us tell the tale of different groups as we discuss if they should be considered a cult or not.
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Episodes

A Mark, A Mission, A Drug Cartel, A Deadly Group Called Palo Mayombe

Rachael, Allan and Shawn look into the religion of Palo. But we dig a lil deeper and get into the deadly group that spun off of Palo. This one has a lot, a drug cartel, some murders, and a twist ending! And you get to learn what an nganga is.

Dec 15, 202355 minSeason 8Ep. 2

Look How Helpful They’re Being, What an Odd Fellow

The Scooby Gang look into the ancient order of the Odd Fellows. What a strange group of people. Wait until you hear about the skeletons in their closets. Oh wait, and the goat! You have to hear about the goat!

Dec 15, 202357 minSeason 8Ep. 1

A Murder Mystery Holiday

MagicHavok Productions has gotten together with some friend podcasts and presents this Murder Mystery Holiday. Take a listen. Can you solve the mystery? Have you heard about all the podcasts who were involved? Have a Happy Holiday and we hope you enjoy the show!

Dec 15, 202329 minSeason 7Ep. 11

Does The Process Church Rhyme with Son of Sam?

Rachael, Shawn and Allan dig into the Process Church. According to Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness on Netlfix, this group may have been involved. We discuss possible links between the Process Church and Satanism and why the rumors may have started in the first place...

Dec 15, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 7Ep. 10

Golden Dawn III: In the Wake of the Beast

Rachael, Allan and Shawn complete their journey in unraveling the organization known as Golden Dawn. In this episode we look at what has become of the organization after Aleister Crowley's death.

Dec 15, 202339 minSeason 7Ep. 9

Sherry Shriner and Her Adventures in Reptilianing

The Scoobs look into the tale of Sherry Shriner who started an online group in 2001 chronicling Reptilians among us. Wait until you hear her groundbreaking evidence! How can we not believe in Reptilians at this point... (he says sarcastically)

Dec 15, 202343 minSeason 7Ep. 8

Dylan Hafertepen and the Pup Patrol

The Scooby Gang looks into the gay fetish, pup play, BDSM, muscle dude group led by Dylan Hafertepen. We discuss the deaths surrounding the group and whether we feel this group is a cult or not.

Dec 15, 202357 minSeason 7Ep. 7

Golden Dawn II: Aleister Crowley v Rita Repulsa

The Scooby Gang continue on their trek that all started with Jack Parsons. From Parsons, to Golden Dawn, to Aleister Crowley. Come see the life of the self proclaimed Beast. This one goes into some dark times yet somehow still references back to Power Rangers.

Dec 15, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 7Ep. 4

The Unscientific Science of Happy Science

What do Odin, Hermes, Buddha, Yoda and Osiris all have in common? Well duh, they were all forms of El Cantare the God of this Japanese group called Happy Science. Ryuho Okawa runs a huge global group with their hands in media and politics. Yikes!

Dec 15, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 7Ep. 4

Love Has Won Does a Crossover with The Mummy

The Scooby Gang looks into the strange case of the group Love Has Won. This group is a smorgasbord of different beliefs and they were so fun to talk about. The group's leader Amy was recently found dead. You gotta hear how she was found!

Dec 15, 20231 hr 14 minSeason 7Ep. 3

3HO! Not 3OH!3

The Scooby Gang brings on OG Vicki to discuss this yoga group. How could a yoga group turn into something possibly cultish? This is one you have to hear.

Dec 15, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 7Ep. 2

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism

Allan, Rachael and Shawn sit down and virtually chat with Author and Cult Fanatic Amanda Montell. We discuss her book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism. Come listen to us tell the tale of this exciting and insightful book and then pick up your copy on June 15!

Dec 15, 202348 minSeason 7Ep. 1

A New Day, An Old Golden Dawn

Rachael, Allan and Shawn take on the daunting task of covering this over 100 year old magical group. We started this journey through the eyes of Jake Parsons and we continue with Golden Dawn. Come listen to this group's origins as it leads into the introduction of Aleister Crowley.

Dec 15, 202348 minSeason 6Ep. 10

Jared Leto and His Island of Adventure

Actor, philanthropist, narcissist and singer Jared Leto has gone on record saying that he started a cult. Our ears perked up when we heard the word cult! So naturally we had to do an episode on it. Do we consider this a cult?

Dec 15, 202353 minSeason 6Ep. 9

Falun Gong: A Tale of Church Not Being Separated from State

Rachael, Shawn and Allan explore the controversial Falun Gong. A people who were made public enemy #1 by their government. So we feel it was warranted for the Government to step in? Is this a cult? And no that's not a swastika.

Dec 15, 202347 minSeason 6Ep. 7

Purple People, Doctors of Sex

Rachael, Shawn and Allan take on the Purple People. A sex cult that started in the 70's. What if I told you they were even a school at one point. Want some pointers on how to pleasure your partner? Then probably don't listen to this podcast. But we've got the "T" for you on this sexy cult.

Dec 15, 202357 minSeason 6Ep. 6

Vampires, Intrigue and Murder with the Vampire Clan

Rachael, Allan and Shawn put on black clothes and eyeliner and delve into the immortal tale of 16 year old 500 year old vampire. Experience this tale with us that starts with teenage angst and ends in murder.

Dec 15, 20231 hrSeason 6Ep. 5

Shaved Heads,Yelling Games and a Made Up Word... Synanon

Rachael, Allan and Shawn delve into this strange Santa Monica cult led by Charles Dederich. If this Fight Club style AA group isn't enough to get your attention, I don't know what is. 'Nuff said.

Dec 15, 202358 minSeason 6Ep. 4

Dr Kellogg's Bowl Full of Abstinence and Sorrow

Rachael, Allan and Shawn bring on familiar guest Victoria to discuss the strange origins of Kellogg's cereal. From Froot Loops to potential cult. This is one episode you definitely want to listen to.

Dec 15, 202356 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Jediism vs Jediism: Yoda's Reckoning

The Scooby Gang discusses both the fictional Jedi from the Star Wars Films compared to the real Jedi that have popped up across the world. Ryan from Radical Retro Rewind Podcast joins us as we tell the tale of reality inspiring fiction inspiring reality.

Dec 15, 202350 minSeason 6Ep. 2

The One Where Jack Parsons Plays With His Rocket... Like a Lot

Jack Parsons, what a kooky guy. Rachael, Allan and Shawn look into this zany tale and decide, Cult or Group? You have no idea where this seemingly innocent episode is going until you do. Unless you've heard of him before then listen any way cuz we had so much fun recording it.

Dec 15, 202349 minSeason 6Ep. 1

NXIVM Part 2: The Sequel...Again

Vicki, Shawn and Allan revisit the twisted tale of Nxivm. With shows like The Vow, and the Lost Women of Nxivm being hot on the market, we thought we'd give an update. Come find out even more chilling tales of this odd and depraved man known as Keith Raniere.

Dec 15, 20231 hr 13 minSeason 5Ep. 6

Spooning Andrew Keegan in a Full Circle

Vicki, Shawn and Allan look into the Venice Beach group run by cutie pie Andrew Keegan. Come hear about this group and how they have affected their community. Do we consider them a cult?

Dec 15, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 5

Paris Hilton at Provo Canyon, That's Not Hot

Vicki, Allan and Shawn delve into the life of a young Paris Hilton. What's the "T" with Provo Canyon School. Like a fine wine this episode pairs well with "This is Paris" now on YouTube.

Dec 15, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Britney, Not So Lucky, But Still Our Star

Vicki, Allan and Shawn delve into the strange tale that is Britney Spears's conservatorship. We discuss the #FreeBritney movement and cult following around our star. Come join us tell the tale of a star trapped in her own home.

Dec 15, 202350 minSeason 5Ep. 3

The Cult of Trump

Shawn, Allan and Special Guest Rachael look into the cult-like tactics employed by Trump to keep his followers close. Whether you like the man or not our country is entering a new era where media and politics is dividing us more than ever. Come join us to hear our thoughts on how to grow with the times.

Dec 15, 202354 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Amy Coney Barrett Under His Eye in People of Praise

Vicki, Shawn and Allan look into People of Praise. We decided to release this Special Episode to bring the facts during this tumultuous time. Will Amy Coney Barrett's religious group interfere with her new role? Do we consider this group a cult? Come here us tell the tale of People of Praise.

Dec 15, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Captain Kirk's Adventures with United Sciences of America

Vicki, Allan and Shawn explore the short-lived Muliti Level Marketing scheme from the 80's. United Sciences of America, or U.S.A for short cuz, you know, those initials weren't already taken... Shawn tells the tale of a dark period in his life with a less than reputable job.

Dec 15, 202336 minSeason 4Ep. 10
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