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. ---- "Was I In A Cult" Instagram ---- Research NY TIMES ARTICLE FROM 1899: Mnason got arrested GUILTY! After Mnason got out of prison, 1903 Thomas Nast Change...
Dec 22, 2021•21 min
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 ...
Dec 16, 2021•44 min
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 a...
Dec 09, 2021•40 min
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 o...
Dec 02, 2021•56 min
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/liste...
Nov 24, 2021•51 min
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 Patreo...
Nov 04, 2021•51 min
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.c...
Oct 27, 2021•38 min
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. ______ Guinevere's Instagram: @guinevereturner / Twitter: @turnerguinevere Link to Spotify playlist for this ep...
Oct 20, 2021•43 min
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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 13, 2021•40 min
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 Se...
Oct 06, 2021•43 min
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 ...
Sep 29, 2021•48 min
"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@wasi...
Sep 22, 2021•57 min
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...
Sep 15, 2021•49 min
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: Conf...
Sep 08, 2021•38 min
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: Confe...
Sep 08, 2021•36 min
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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priva...
Aug 26, 2021•4 min
