Sounds Like A Cult

Join host Amanda and music journalist Melissa Locker in a comedic examination of the cult of jam bands. Delve into the captivating world of freewheeling guitar solos, LSD, and endless noodling that define this musical religion. Explore topics like fan loyalty, festival culture, and the intense devotion of jam band fanatics. Discover the allure and complexities of jam band culture, with humorous anecdotes and reflections on avoiding cult-like behavior. Tune in for a lighthearted chat that questions the destructive nature of jam bands.

Exploring the cult-like status of Glossier, the beauty brand that became a lifestyle. Discussing its impact on identity, community, and controversies. Dive into the rise of Glossier from a beauty blog to a billion-dollar company with devoted followers. Examining Glossier's brand values and recruitment dynamics within its community. Playful banter and quiz on personalities and cult categories.

The podcast delves into the 'cult' of tradwives with guests Anne Helen Petersen and Reese Oliver. They discuss the disturbing trend of traditional wife culture blending biblical womanhood with social media aesthetics. The conversation explores the racist and sexist ideologies of tradwives in a modern context, dissecting the allure and dangers of this regressive movement.

Former host of Sounds Like A Cult, Isa Medina, discusses her new podcast 'I'm Right You're Wrong' with co-host Lydia Keating. They explore everyday debates with a playful twist, focusing on promoting healthy communication through light-hearted discussions.

Delve into the dark side of the ballet world with a former ballerina as they discuss the cult-like aura surrounding the art form, revealing intense pressures, body criticisms, and extreme sacrifices dancers endure. Explore the enigmatic allure of ballet, the transition from ballet to a new chapter, and the complexities of navigating the beauty and negativity within the industry.

The podcast explores the rise of narcissism in American culture, questioning if society is becoming more narcissistic or overusing the term. Host interviews psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula to provide insights on this buzzy topic. The episode delves into the evolution of narcissism in popular culture and the challenges of identifying narcissistic behaviors in relationships. It also touches on therapeutic benefits of nature walks for overthinkers.

Exploring the influence of nostalgia in cults, contrasting its warm appeal with its potential for fear and control. Discussing the allure of nostalgia in modern society and the concept of 'Anomoya'. Delving into nostalgia's complexities in relation to happiness, societal progress, and the importance of appreciating the present moment.

Join Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak as they hilariously dissect the Stanley Quencher cult, from its Mormon momfluencer origin to TikTok lore. Dive into the Stanley Cup craze, consumerism's impact, and the rise of zero-calorie potions on TikTok. Uncover the absurdity of oversized cups and the obsession behind their cult following.

Unveiling the psychological quirks behind manifestation beliefs and conspiracy theories, the podcast delves into the commercialization of manifestation in the health and wellness industry. It explores the dangers of following charismatic figures and the intersection of manifestation with capitalism and conspiracy theories.

Guest Pauline Chalamet discusses the rising trend of homeschooling in the US, touching on its sociopolitical roots and potential cult-like aspects. The podcast challenges stereotypes and explores the complexities of homeschooling, including the dangers of unschooling practices and the troubling influence of extreme ideologies. Personal experiences and motivations behind homeschooling are shared, shedding light on the intricate landscape of alternative education.