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
21 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Cult of Boarding Schools
Kira O'Sullivan, a talented SNL writer and co-host of the Petty Crimes podcast, shares her intriguing insights from attending a boarding school. The discussion dives into the romanticized myths versus the dark realities of these elitist institutions. Kira reflects on the emotional toll of 'boarding school syndrome' and the mental health challenges faced by students in such environments. The hosts also explore the unique social dynamics, humorous anecdotes, and the often troubling legacy of boarding schools, leaving listeners with much to ponder.
5 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 8min
The Cult of Dave Ramsey
Join Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the Frugal Friends Podcast, as they dissect the complex world of Dave Ramsey's financial philosophy. They candidly explore the blend of faith and finance, revealing how rigid advice can hinder personal growth. Discover the pitfalls of his outdated Baby Steps and the emotional toll of shame-based motivation. The duo also critiques cult-like behaviors in financial self-help, advocating for a more flexible approach. Their insights challenge traditional financial wisdom while highlighting the importance of aligning money with personal values.
Oct 1, 2024 • 52min
The Cult of Mormon #MomTok
The hosts dive into the vibrant world of Mormon MomTok, where tradition meets social media. They explore the rollercoaster of controversies, including the infamous swinging scandal that shook this online community. With a blend of humor and critique, they reveal the cognitive dissonance Mormon women face while juggling societal expectations and personal desires. From TikTok dances to emotional challenges, they unpack the complexities of identity within this unique cultural phenomenon. Grab a snack and enjoy the entertaining insights!
12 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 8min
The Cult of Costco
Dive into the cult-like fervor surrounding Costco as loyal shoppers share their hilarious experiences. Discover the store's unique rituals, from communal snacks to overwhelming aisles filled with quirky items. Explore the charismatic leadership of founder Sol Price and how his philosophy created a thriving community. The podcast also reveals the psychological effects of shopping at Costco, blending humor with thoughtful critiques of consumer behavior. Is this beloved retailer a mere store or a lifestyle choice? Tune in to find out!
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 13min
The Cult of Dance Moms
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!
Sep 10, 2024 • 29min
The Cult of Sounds Like A Cult (Meet Your New Co-Hosts!)
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!
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Cult of Twin Flames
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.
Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 8min
The Cult of Mission Trips
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.
Aug 6, 2024 • 41min
Friendship Breakups: Right or Wrong?
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.
Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 17min
The Cult of Conservative Youth Activism
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.
