Arianna was a recent college graduate with dreams of one day opening her own marketing company. So when a LinkedIn opportunity for a social media marketing assistant fell into her lap, it felt too good to be true.    Soon, she would be brushing shoulders with millionaires, in hopes that some of their mojo would rub off. After all, she had big plans for her future and a self-made father to prove herself to.    But, you know what they say about things being too good to be true...   They usually are.    This brave, inspiring woman is here to share her very important story of what exactly happened when she got involved with this Nashville "Millionaire's Club."   ____   Arianna on Instagram: @ariannasprabary   Arianna on TikTok: Aristrawberry0   Follow us on Instagram @wasiinacult   Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A humble upbringing is an understatement for Dan McIntrye. Canada born and bred, Dan's cult journey took him from guitar god, to free desserts to cult escape, only to land him right in the arms of... another one?     A double survivor. A triple thriver. And one extremely nice guy. Damn, Canadians, you really are as kind as they say.   --------   Link to Dan's song "Any Given Sunday"   Listen to Tyler guest on the "Latter-Day Lesbian" podcast!   Think you were in a cult? Contact us to be on the show: info@wasiinacult.com   Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's a hustler, baby. And she just wants you to know.  Roberta Blevins was taught to be a self-starter. Inspired by her self-made father, she knew that if you put your mind to it, anything can happen. And it's true. Anything can happen. But that's the problem with anything. Anything sometimes includes MLM's. Multi-level marketing (schemes).  This is a story of a dynamite go-getter and how she crawled her way into a box of fart leggings and eventually... crawled her way out.    --   Follow Roberta's Anti-MLM Movement:    Instagram - @therealrobertablevins @lifeaftermlmpodcast   Listen to her podcast "Life After MLM": Spotify Apple   --   Contact us with your stories to be featured on the show: info@wasiinacult.com   Follow us: Instagram  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon --   Michael Scott tried his hand at a "new company idea"  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren's initial years of her life, for lack of a better word, were quite normal. Along with her five siblings, she lived a very comfortable life in Corona, CA. Then one day, her once atheist father found religion.   And that discovery took him on a journey to finding "the truth". A truth that would one day take the family all the way to Egypt.   -   Follow us: @wasiinacult instagram Contact us: info@wasiinacult.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TITLE: Thou Shan't Be Named: "Non-Church Church"  Non-Denominational Christianity. Sounds innocent enough, and for many non-denominational churches, it is. But for others, the non-affiliation creates a dangerous pathway to a choose your own adventure "religion." For Shannon Payton, it was an adventure all right, but not one she necessarily would've chosen...if, of course, given the choice.    Shannon has lived more of her life inside the cult than out, but this social media comedian is just starting to scratch the surface of having her voice heard. A voice, of course, that wasn't allowed to be heard for most of her life.    And trust us, it's a voice worth hearing.   -   Follow Shannon: Insta/ TikTok @officialshannypants   Listen to our interview on The Daily Zeitgeist   Follow us: insta @wasiinacult Email us: info@wasiinacult.com   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many a Christmas tale that we all know and love, but this one, dear listener, we can (almost) guarantee... that you have never ever heard this one.   'Twas the night before Christmas and through the town's center, not a creature was stirring, not even a cult member...   Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! From our family, to yours.   ----   "Was I In A Cult" Instagram   ----   Research NY TIMES ARTICLE FROM 1899: Mnason got arrested  GUILTY! After Mnason got out of prison, 1903 Thomas Nast Changed Santa  Mnason T Hunstman Obituary   Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindsey McKeon, an actress with a Hollywood journey filled with highs and lows, and Jessica Sutta, a singer and performer, dive deep into their unexpected path through an acting class that morphed into a cult experience. They explore the psychological manipulation of their 'guru' and the fine line between personal growth and exploitation. Their storytelling intertwines humorous anecdotes with serious reflections on fame, relationships, and the quest for self-discovery, revealing the darker side of the entertainment industry.

In this engaging conversation, Angel, a resilient survivor of the Children of God cult, shares her remarkable journey of overcoming childhood trauma. She recounts the harrowing realities of life within the cult, highlighting the psychological manipulation and abuse she endured. As she breaks free, Angel discusses the challenges of self-identity and the struggle for independence. Through healing and personal growth, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude and the realization that everyone is inherently enough, regardless of their past.

In this riveting conversation, an acting coach turned self-help cult leader shares her controversial transformation. Two former students recount their harrowing experiences, revealing how a seemingly innocent acting class morphed into a manipulative environment. They discuss the emotional toll of toxic mentorship and the quest for self-identity amidst the chaos. From personal struggles with body image to the high costs of seeking enlightenment, this dialogue explores the dark intersection of dreams and exploitation in Los Angeles' cutthroat landscape.

Dr. Janja Lalich, an expert on cults and survivor of a 1970s Marxist group, shares gripping insights from her unique journey. She discusses the psychological manipulation faced by cult members and the intense loyalty conflicts they endure. Janja explores how online communities today reflect traditional cult dynamics, revealing the dangers of digital indoctrination. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of cults and the importance of recovery from these oppressive environments.