Anna and Mark discuss the tragic end of the Jim Jones and his Jonestown experiment in South America. Anna breaks down daily life in Guyana with White Nights, a pet monkey named Mr. Muggs, and the ultimate sign of allegiance to the leader that lead to the largest cult suicide event in history. Mark is stunned the entire episode and shocked to find out the real meaning of the expression "Don't drink the kool-aid" while Anna was able to obtain information from an interview with one of the group mem...
Jun 01, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Anna and Mark discuss Father Divine and his Peace Mission Movement that took place in the United States during the 1920s & 30s. His humanitarian approach to Christianity provided him with a lot of support during the Great Depression as many Americans were struggling for food and shelter. However, it was his failure to address the problems with race in America, thinking that we should all be one big happy family, that caused some people to turn away. Divine was a very action based leader, but...
May 24, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Anna and Mark sit down to discuss a drug rehab facility turned cult that took place in California in the late 1950s. The leader, Charles Dederich, a former drug abuser and classic narcissist who somehow finds himself in charge of over 1,000 people who don't or cant leave the facility, even after they have been "cured". With questionable tactics that he claimed would cure addition, he quickly found himself in charge of an armed force of overalls wearing, shaved head-militants that were ready for ...
May 10, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Anna and Mark sit down to discuss the final chapter of the Heaven's Gate saga. This one takes a left turn real quick. For those who aren't familiar with the history, let's just say it is out of this world. Its all for one and one for all as this interesting two-part story comes to a close. Anna feels like she might have scarred Mark for life while he is out searching for a new illusive pair of sneakers. Thanks as always for listening cult fam, keep drinking the kool-aid......but don't eat the ap...
May 03, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Anna and Mark introduce the cult of all cults, Heaven's Gate. In pt. 1 Anna explains the history and the basic beliefs of Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, the founders of Heaven's Gate. Citing the book of Revelation, these two claim to be the second coming as they solidify their small "crew" of followers. They mix a little of every cult that we've mentioned so far this season, with the addition of extra-terrestrial life. Thanks for drinking the kool-aid this week cult fam. Follow us on In...
Apr 27, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 9
A 2-for-1 episode this week as Anna and Mark continue their historical look at cults by diving into the Theosophical Society. From the symbol to the leader (Blavatsky), most aspects of this group have been borrowed from eastern tradition. It follows the classic formula of divine teaching that has only been revealed to her, so everyone better fall in line. Their roots are important to understand the Twin Flames and where some of their doctrine come from. Both of these groups basically are a hodge...
Apr 12, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Anna and Mark keep it light with a Q&A episode. Helping the listeners get to know the people behind the microphones. Keep sending in questions on instagram and maybe it'll make our next Q&A episode. From hobbies to post-pandemic travel plans, they cover a range of topics. Enjoy cult fam! Follow us on instagram for more content @The.Cult.ure
Mar 23, 2021•29 min
In Episode 7, Anna and Mark discuss the Institute in Basic Life Principles. Started by Bill Gothard, these Christian extremists are big on disciplined behavior, modesty for women, and private academies to educate the youth of their group. Anna got introduced to this group via a viral Tik-Tok, and quickly found out they have some "famous" advocates in the media. Mark is unsupportive of any group that does allow blue jeans or fun; but doesn't necessarily mind the banning of Christian Rock music. T...
Mar 15, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In Episode 6, Anna and Mark discuss the Aggressive Christianity Mission Training Corps. An offset of The Salvation Army, Aggressive Christianity is exactly what it sounds like. Hell, fire, and brimstone have these people letting you know exactly what you're doing wrong and why it is not good enough. Although this group is small, they are mighty in force and have had no problem making headlines that led to criminal charges for their leaders. Anna isn't down for a road trip to their commune, but M...
Mar 08, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Anna and Mark discuss how prominent cult characteristics have made their way into the mainstream. From Crossfit and veganism to tech companies and MLM's, there is a reason why they are successful and cult influence might have something to do with it. Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure
Mar 01, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Episode 5 covers the history of the FLDS church and its roots in the Mormon Church. Anna and Mark discuss the bizarre practices they have and the fascinating history of the LDS church and its many offshoots. Anna gets a little heated talking about Warren Jeffs and his nastiness, but he deserves it... Make sure to follow us on Instagram @The.Cult.ure and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts. https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2012/07/15/A-short-history-of-Mormonism/stories/2012071501...
Feb 23, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This episode covers the Gnostic Mass which Thelemites celebrate as their main ritual. Get ready to hear about some practices that may make your jaw drop and your skin crawl. Mark is stunned through most of the episode and we are hopeful he has the courage to return to the show next week. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram for visuals and additional content @the.cult.ure Sources for the episode: Sabazaius.oto-usa.org Thelemicunion.com Thelemapedia.org Oto-usa.org https://thelemicunion.com/orgasmic-ord...
Feb 08, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Episode 3 will uncover the weirdness of Thelema, a philosophical/ideological set of beliefs that focus on doing what you want! Listen in for all the shenanigans as we start by discussing the founder, Aleister Crowley, and his spiritual awakening that include some borrowed ideas. Try to keep from laughing as Anna is brought to tears and snorts over visualizing one of his ceremonies. Stay tuned for next week's episode when we detail the most bizarre aspects of this cult.
Feb 02, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Welcome to the Bonus Ep! The goal is to occasionally throw out bonus episodes with fan questions. The first question asked was about the word 'cult' itself. What does it mean, where does it come from, and why is there a negative connotation surrounding it. Anna defends her stance and her love for all things 'New Religious Movements' while Mark gives a glimpse into why all things spooky or mysterious don't appeal to him. Enjoy!
Jan 29, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Episode 2 of the CULTure dives into the history, beliefs, and controversies associated with the Church of Christ, Scientist. Picking up where we left off last episode, we start in the 1870s with a wild ride into modern day America, with a bit of ooze. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!
Jan 24, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to the CULTure! Episode 1 takes us back in time to the 1800s in the U.S. when Spiritualism was running wild. This will serve as the jumping off point as we give a historical survey of cults in America.
Jan 18, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 1
