The Underworld Podcast The Wild, Murderous Rampage of the Zizians
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Jun 3, 2025 Evan Ratliff, a New York-based writer and author known for covering bizarre crime stories, dives into the chilling saga of the Zizians—a group that spiraled into violence under the leadership of Ziz LaSota. The discussion unpacks the group's origins, exploring their chaotic protests, cult-like dynamics, and a series of murders that shocked North America. Ratliff also touches on the bizarre overlaps between rationalism, conspiracy, and AI scams, shedding light on the psychological grip of radical ideologies and the allure of modern technology.
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Black-Robed Protest Leads to Arrests
- Four black-robed protesters in Northern California blocked a camp entrance causing police to intervene with a SWAT team.
- They demanded gender-specific pat-downs, wore Guy Fawkes masks, and were arrested despite not being heavily armed.
Zizians' Complex Ideology
- The Zizians are an extreme splinter from the Bay Area rationalist community, blending AI concerns with veganism and trans issues.
- Their ideology is fluid and complex, confusing outsiders and resisting simplistic labels like cult or gang.
Rationalism Fueled by Chaos
- Despite calling themselves rationalists focused on AI risk, the group is marked by intense emotional drama and instability.
- Mental health issues and sleep deprivation distort their reasoning and contribute to their erratic, often violent behaviors.
