Chelsea Charles, a hilarious unscripted TV producer, joins Amanda to dive into the dramatic world of Dance Moms. They dissect how the competitive dance scene mirrors cult dynamics, revealing the psychological manipulation behind the glitzy facade. The duo explores Abby Lee Miller's complex persona, the trauma bonding among young dancers, and the obsessive fandom that surrounds the show. They also touch on the emotional toll on child stars and challenge listeners to reflect on the darker side of reality TV, all with a humorous twist!

Join Chelsea Charles, a talented unscripted TV producer, and Reese Oliver, a theatre and rhetoric student, as they dive into a world of cult-like influences. They share personal anecdotes that explore the charm and downsides of various cultures, from pop phenomena to MLMs. The duo highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in dissecting these issues. With playful banter, they tease upcoming topics like the 'Cult of Costco' and invite listeners to engage as they embark on this exciting new journey together!

Jessi Hersey, a survivor of the Twin Flames cult and featured in a Netflix documentary, shares her harrowing experiences and insights. She dives into how the Twin Flames phenomenon evolved from a spiritual concept to a dangerous online community. Jessi highlights the manipulative practices and emotional dependencies that can ensnare individuals. The conversation urges listeners to critically assess the influence of modern cults on social media and the psychological dangers they pose. Her journey sheds light on the chilling consequences of these seemingly benign movements.

Tia Levings, a former Christian fundamentalist and survivor of church-sanctioned domestic violence, dives into her experiences with mission trips. She critiques the cult-like nature of these trips, exposing the ethical dilemmas and cultural insensitivity often wrapped in a guise of altruism. Tia humorously narrates a clash between two participants over a romantic interest, reflecting on the absurdities within these environments. Ultimately, she advocates for supporting local initiatives over imposing beliefs, shedding light on the complexities of modern evangelism.

In this lively discussion, comedian Isa Medina, known for her engaging humor and her new podcast exploring various topics, joins Lydia Keating to tackle the complex world of friendship breakups. They share personal stories while debating whether these breakups can be justified. The conversation dives into navigating life changes post-college, the nuanced dynamics of bisexual friendships, and the vital role of boundaries. Expect heartfelt insights wrapped in comedy as they reflect on emotional growth and the challenges of maintaining friendships.

Tina Nguyen, a Puck reporter and author of The MAGA Diaries, shares her firsthand experiences from her time in conservative youth activism. She discusses how recruitment strategies mirror cult behaviors, revealing the structured networks that draw young people into the MAGA movement. The conversation dives into the influence of social media algorithms that subtly shift perspectives over time. Nguyen also contrasts right-wing tactics with historical left movements, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play in the current political landscape.

Delving into the culture of 'wine moms' and the glorification of alcohol in motherhood. Special guest shares her recovery journey as a former wine mom and MLM survivor. Exploring societal challenges, debunking myths, and analyzing the damaging effects of wine mom culture.

Unpacking the dark side of Hollywood, from abuse on sets to Scientology's control. Host delves into personal stories with Maria Bamford, exploring the cult-like behaviors in the industry. Discussing exploitation, isolation, and the destructive nature of fame in the entertainment business.

Former host Isa and Lydia discuss the ethics of Botox and fillers, questioning beauty standards and surviving patriarchy. They explore the extremes of altering appearance, the evolution of fillers, and the emotional impacts of cosmetic procedures, challenging societal norms and promoting self-love.

Coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Reese Oliver, joins the host to dissect the cult-like environment of the cheerleading squad. They delve into the intense training, exploitation, and patriarchal dynamics within the organization. The discussion uncovers the demanding physical and mental toll faced by the cheerleaders, including issues of conformity, lack of diversity, and challenges faced by women of color.