Sounds Like A Cult
Studio71
Putting the “cult” in culture… Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about the Royal Family? What about Disney Adults? Or spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? We’re Sounds Like A Cult, an iHeart Radio Award-winning podcast that analyzes a different fanatical group every week to try and answer the big question: This ~sounds~ like a cult, but is it really? Created and hosted by New York Times-bestselling author Amanda Montell, co-hosted and produced by Chelsea Charles and Reese Oliver.For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com We want to make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Cult of Digital Marketing Scams (The New MLM)
Join Maggie Patterson, a marketer advocating for consumer awareness, and Michelle Mazur, a PhD in Communications and marketing expert, as they dive into the murky waters of digital marketing scams. They dissect the cult-like tactics employed by influencers and online courses that promise financial freedom but often lead to deception and financial distress. With personal anecdotes and critical insights, they reveal the red flags in this deceptive landscape and stress the importance of consumer education to combat these predatory practices.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Cult of Labubu
Dive into the captivating world of Labubu, where cute meets cultish! Discover how this vinyl toy has taken over social media, reflecting deeper issues of connection and consumerism. The hosts explore the emotional ties collectors have with these figures and the nostalgia they evoke. From blind box rituals to the eerie charm of Labubu, the conversation meanders through themes of status, irony, and modern escapism. Join the discussion on how these tiny creatures mirror big societal trends in a chaotic world!
5 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Cult of Love Island
Em Miguel-Leigh, the charismatic winner of Season 6 of Love Island Australia, joins the conversation to reveal the cult-like nature of this reality show phenomenon. She shares her journey inside the villa and discusses the psychological pressures faced by contestants. The group examines why audiences treat the show like a sport, the impact of its production tactics, and the aesthetic pressures that weigh heavily on both participants and fans. They weave through themes of community, identity, and the allure of fame, urging caution in navigating reality TV's mesmerizing grip.
13 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Cult of Cruise Ships
Ahoy, listeners! This week, dive into the quirky world of cruise ship culture, where devoted fans form emotional bonds that feel almost cult-like. Discover the recent controversies, including Carnival's new loyalty program and the wild tales from former employees. The hosts humorously navigate the dark underbelly of this floating community, revealing the stark contrasts in living conditions for staff. With personal anecdotes and listener stories, explore the unique rituals aboard these ships and the complexities of escapism, pairing fun with unsettling truths.
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Cult of Roller Derby
Rachel Rotten, a passionate roller derby player and member of USA Roller Derby, discusses the vibrant culture of roller derby. She reveals the intense bonds formed within this community, likening it to a cult of empowerment. The conversation explores the sport's feminist roots, initiation rituals, and the significance of alter egos, all while addressing deeper themes of identity and personal growth. Rachel highlights how roller derby transcends mere competition, fostering a unique sisterhood that challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality.
10 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Cult of America's Next Top Model
Join Sarah Hartshorne, a writer and comedian known for being the only plus-size contestant on Cycle 9 of America's Next Top Model, as she unveils the darker side of the modeling show. Discussing the emotional manipulation behind the glam, Sarah shares her experiences with forced makeovers and the unsettling power dynamics led by Tyra Banks. The conversation digs into the show’s cult-like atmosphere, the toll on mental health, and how its promises of empowerment often masked exploitation, all while offering a humorous critique of the modeling industry.
11 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Cult of Elon Musk (Part 2)
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and expert on authoritarianism, joins the hosts to dissect the cult of personality surrounding Elon Musk. They delve into Musk's controversial upbringing and how it shapes his public image. The discussion contrasts his mythos with the founders of Tesla while unveiling the relationship between his utopian ambitions and historical cult figures. They also explore the toxic mindset of wealth and power, revealing how Musk's behavior and ideologies impact his followers. A humorous yet critical farewell rounds off this intriguing analysis.
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Cult of WWE
Join James Bryant, half of the YouTube duo Fundy Fridays and wrestling aficionado, as he unpacks WWE's cult-like allure. Discover why fans of all ages are emotionally invested in stars like John Cena and how the narrative dynamics create a shared experience. The conversation dives into WWE's intertwining with social media, character evolution, and the effects of Vince McMahon's controversial legacy. From toxic masculinity debates to unique wrestling lingo, this lively discussion reveals the fascinating and often bizarre world of professional wrestling.
Jun 17, 2025 • 51min
The Cult of Sleepaway Camp
Sleepaway camps might seem innocuous, but they can harbor surprisingly cult-like dynamics. Dive into bizarre initiation rituals and team-building exercises that reveal the darker side of summer fun. The hosts discuss how authority and isolation can create a dangerous sense of belonging among campers. From strict hierarchies to unique traditions, they trace the narrow line between community spirit and manipulation. Plus, reflections on how media portrays these camps as eerie sites of conformity add another layer of intrigue.
30 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Cult of Purity Culture
Kelsey McKinney, author of God Spare the Girls and host of Normal Gossip, joins to dissect the entanglements of purity culture. Growing up in Texas, she shares her experiences with purity rings as symbols of abstinence, exploring their cult-like implications. The conversation dives into the societal pressures and emotional fallout from evangelical teachings, the commercialization of chastity, and the urgent need for honest discussions about intimacy. Kelsey cleverly critiques the absurdity of these norms while shedding light on their lasting effects.
