Was I In A Cult?

Today we pay homage to Memorial Day by uncovering the bizarre and captivating tale of the John Frum Movement. Yes, that’s ‘from’ with a ‘u’, homies.  We dive into the South Pacific volcanic island of Tanna, where WWII soldiers inspired a cult devoted to a mystical American GI promising endless cargo. Yup, infinite Spam. Think of it as Amazon Prime meets religious zeal. Join Tyler & Liz as they explore this fascinating slice of history, filled with bamboo runways, makeshift military drills, and a whole lot of hope.  If you’re ready for a wild ride through the enchanting and eccentric world of cargo cults, buckle up. We’re sorry—and you’re welcome. Don’t forget to join “Tyler’s Boring Book Club” by supporting his book recommendations here: "Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond  "Prisioners of the Castle" by Ben Macintyre And support us on Patreon to keep the weirdness coming Follow us: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SHOWNOTES:  "A ballet cult?” We asked the same thing. But today’s brave guest, Summer Smith, shares what happens when the world of pliés and pirouettes meets dogmatic devotion. Raised in a strict religious family and molded by the intense world of competitive ballet, Summer's journey takes a surprising twist when she joins Ballet 58, a seemingly innocuous Christian ballet company in Chicago. Soon devotions blend with dance routines, and artistic discipline intertwines with cult-like control. As Summer navigates the thin line between dedication and manipulation, you'll be left questioning just how far the influence of a charismatic leader can reach.  LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Find Summer and all the ex Ballet 58’ers sub Reddit:  https://www.reddit.com/r/ex58/ Watch In The Balance: https://vimeo.com/535912792/7551d1ed90See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet Rachael Reign, a tenacious activist battling to dismantle a billionaire megachurch cult. The cult that once owned her life. From her innocent introduction to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in South London as a 13-year-old girl, to devastating financial coercion and insidious practices, including exorcisms and grooming to become a pastor’s wife, Rachael's journey is one of transformation from victim to advocate. Through her story, she exposes the cult’s billionaire leader, Edir Macedo, and the exploitation under the guise of religion. With unwavering determination, Rachael empowers survivors and fights for justice, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. She's an inspiration for reclaiming freedom and standing against abuse. And she was a delight to have on the show. LINKS: Follow Us:  Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Rachael: Instagram : @msrachaelreign Follow her movement: Instagram/Tik Tok: @survivinguniversaluk See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our youngest guest to-date, Aliya Kasabian recounts her chilling involuntary initiation into the Boise Girls Academy, an institution that masquerades as a haven for troubled teens. From controlling communication with families to enforced silence and the denial of basic necessities like tampons, Aliya’s story exposes the depths of manipulation and coercion wielded by the program’s directors. But resistance only extends your time at this prison-like “healing facility.” So, eventually, Aliya discovers that if she is ever to be free, the only way out is to become… a true believer.  LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Aliya: Instagram/Tik Tok : @sandb0xb0y Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2023** **NEW EP DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY MAY 6TH** Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that's what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to explore her interest in eco-farming, visited Zendik Farm in North Carolina shortly after graduating from Harvard. A two-week experience turned into years of her life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you spell C-U-L-T.  Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon for goodies & extra content: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult (https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult) Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult  Contact us: Have a cult story of your own and want to share it on our show? Send us an email: info@wasiinacult.com.  MORE ABOUT HELEN: https://helenzuman.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Peirano. Today, Kim recounts her bizarre experience with the Foundation for Spiritual Development (FSD). From hypnotic meditations to chilling encounters with supposed extraterrestrial beings, Kim's account unveils the disturbing truth behind the FSD's facade of spiritual growth. And as she progresses through the levels, Kim finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, fear and coercion, questioning her own sanity and the true intentions of those she once trusted. LINKS: Find Kim: Acupuncture: https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/ &  Coaching: https://couragetotransform.com/ Follow Kim: @couragetotransform Follow Us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today is the final part of your fearless co-host, Tyler Measom's, story of being raised a Mormon, and finding the strength to finally say goodbye to the underwear. Now an acclaimed filmmaker and podcaster, much of Tyler’s work is inspired by the shadows of his past. He would go on and on, but Liz is telling him to wrap it up. So, enjoy the episode. And if you haven’t listened to PART 1 yet, do so first. Thanks again, Tyler, for your candor and insight.  LINKS Follow Tyler: @tylermeasom Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Want Tyler’s Magic Underwear? Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Recommended Reading: Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith by Martha Beck Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tyler Measom, your fearless co-host, stopped by the studio in his magic underwear to chat with Liz about his cultic upbringing as a good (clean) Mormon Boy in Pleasant Grove, Utah. It’s everything you could hope for and less… or more… more or less. LINKS Follow Tyler: @tylermeasom Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Want Tyler’s Magic Underwear? Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Steven Hassan, a former Moonie cult member, shares insights on cult mind control, helping loved ones in cults, and the impact of coercive control laws. The podcast explores social psychology principles, group conformity studies, and the influence of Edward Bernays on consumer behavior and propaganda techniques.

Christina takes us on a harrowing journey trapped in a cult led by (none other than) her husband, who claimed to be the reincarnation of Christ. Of course when they first met, he was a rebel who stole cars and did drugs, but we digress. From manipulation to isolation and justified adultery through 'God’s will,' Christina's story is a rollercoaster of control and resilience. As she faces threats to her family and identity, Christina bravely shares her experiences with humor and hope, showing us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light. LINKS Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com — “This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/INACULT and get on your way to being your best self.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.