Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Cults You've Never Heard Of, Part II: Rise of the Zizians
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Jun 20, 2025 Discover the world of obscure cults, from the quirky Happy Science and its offshoot, the Zizians, to the chilling connections between infamous murders and cult psychology. The hosts share personal experiences in commune life, drawing parallels to fan cultures and reflect on the evolving definitions of cults. With humor, they explore the complexities of belief systems and the manipulative tactics some groups employ. Dive into the darker side of cult dynamics while learning about figures like Edmund Crefield in an intriguing mix of lightheartedness and gravity.
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August Engelhardt's Coconut Cult
- August Engelhardt inherited money and started a coconut-only vegan cult with nudity on an island near the Solomon Islands.
- He believed coconuts were the perfect food because they resemble human heads.
Cults Are Societal Labels
- The meaning of "cult" depends heavily on social context and location.
- Groups may be mainstream religion in one place but labeled cults in others.
Cults Defined by Tactics
- Modern cults exhibit a toolkit of tactics like charismatic leadership, isolation, info control, jargon, and strict rules.
- These tactics define cults beyond solely ideology or religion.