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Was I In A Cult?
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Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfully left a cult. Told first-hand by the experiencer themself, these are...
- 1 hour 3 minutesSanta is My Cult Leader: “He Sees Everything”
Today we’re joined by Finrod Jellybottoms, a chosen elf who escaped Santa’s magical workshop. Beneath the candy-striped facade lies a grueling cultic system of manipulation, free labor, and fear-based loyalty. Finrod shares his harrowing journey from a hopeful young elf in Frost Hollow to years of exploitation under Santa’s rule, uncovering the dark truths behind the “joy” of Christmas and the infamous Elf on a Shelf. We are glad Finrod got out and is able to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas…
Happy holidays everyone! Thank you for your continued support. We’ll be back JAN 13th 2025!!! Until then, stay safe and out of cults!
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We love our sponsor VIIA Hemp. Try VIIA today! www.viiahemp.com and use code INACULT!
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
16 December 2024, 9:00 am - 1 hour 10 minutesZendik Farm PT2: “Embracing the Death Culture”
In the gripping conclusion to Jeanne Nolan's story, the idyllic facade of Zendik Farm finally shatters. Beneath its promises of revolution and a self-sustaining community lies a darker reality: broken families and devastating power plays. Jeanne recounts her heart-wrenching separation from her baby, the unraveling of relationships under the commune’s twisted rules, and her ultimate escape after 17 long years. Through painful truths and a hard-won sense of clarity, Jeanne forges a new life outside the cult, turning trauma into a legacy of love, family, and a thriving organic gardening business that inspires others to embrace sustainability, growth, and connection… and all in a very healthy and not-at-all culty way of course. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and the extraordinary ability to cultivate beauty from even the darkest of places.
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Jeanne’s incredible business “The Organic Gardener” https://www.theorganicgardener.net/
And if you want more Zendik, read Helen Zuman’s memoir, “Mating in Captivity”
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Get holiday gifts here! Quince.com/CULT
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Resist aging at the cellular level, try Qualia Senolytic. Go to Qualialife.com/CULT for up to 50% off and use code ‘CULT' at checkout for an additional 15% off.
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
9 December 2024, 9:00 am - 1 hour 6 minutesZendik Farm PT1: “Stop Bitching, Start a Revolution”
What happens when an idealistic teen swaps suburban comforts for a “revolutionary” arts cooperative promising harmony with the Earth, free love, and organic farming? Jeanne Nolan thought she’d found utopia at Zendik Farm—a bohemian paradise where creativity and sustainability reigned supreme. But behind the lush gardens and groovy slogans lurked manipulation, sexual politics, and a strict hierarchy led by two enigmatic leaders. In part one of this captivating two-parter, Jeanne reveals her journey from wide-eyed seeker to “Zendik warrior,” the allure of life on the fringe, and the cracks that began to form in the farm’s idyllic facade. Was Zendik Farm truly a haven, or just another cleverly veiled cult? Let’s dig into the dirt.
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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code inacult at Lumepodcast.com/inacult! #lumepod
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This holiday season, gift yourself some peace of mind. If you’re 21+, head to Viiahemp.com and use the code [inacult] to receive 15% off.
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
2 December 2024, 9:00 am - 48 minutes 33 secondsThe BDSM Kink Scene PT2: “My Kink is Not Your Kink”
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially triggering topics around sex and sexual dynamics.
Amelia returns to share the conclusion of her story, exposing the hidden dangers she encountered within the BDSM kink scene in the UK. While this subculture promised sexual liberation and empowerment, Amelia reveals how it often justified harmful dynamics and enabled exploitation.
In this episode, Amelia reveals the unsettling realities of concepts like ‘dark age play’ and ‘consensual non-consent,’ where blurred boundaries and the guise of consent are used to excuse abuse and shield predators from accountability. Her candid account delves into the manipulation, cult-like groupthink, and the profound psychological toll of her more than 10-years immersed in the scene.
Through her story, Amelia highlights the importance of questioning systems that silence dissent, the slippery slope of power dynamics, and the courage it takes to finally shut the door for good on an environment that no longer reflects your values. Amelia's journey serves as a reminder that true empowerment comes from recognizing harm, standing against exploitation, and reclaiming your voice—even when it means walking away from the spaces you once called home.
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
25 November 2024, 9:00 am - 55 minutes 14 secondsThe BDSM Kink Scene PT1: “Don’t Yuck My Yum”
***Head to squarespace.com/INACULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code INACULT.***
Content Warning: This episode discusses sex and adult themes.
Amelia King spent over a decade immersed in the UK’s BDSM scene, an underground world of role play, power dynamics, and boundaries—both pushed and broken. In this candid conversation, Amelia sheds light on how what began as playful exploration became a subculture steeped in manipulation, exploitation, and troubling parallels to cult-like behavior. From “munches” to “play partners,” she shares the layers of the scene’s allure, hierarchy, and darker truths.
This is the first of a two-part series delving into Amelia’s story. Next week, we’ll explore the deeper, more sinister aspects of this subculture.
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Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference!
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
18 November 2024, 9:00 am - 55 minutes 30 secondsBONUS: Bethany Joy Lenz on “The Big House Family”
In this special bonus episode, Liz sits down with actress, writer, and singer Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) to discuss her harrowing and deeply personal journey through a Christian cult called “The Big House Family.” Having recently published her New York Times bestselling memoir, Dinner for Vampires, Joy opens up about how the group’s leader preyed on her longing for deep connection, manipulated her emotions and exerted financial control— eventually isolating her from her family and friends. From years of spiritual gaslighting to reclaiming her identity as an artist and mother, Joy’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.
Want more? Patreon members can access the full, extended interview HERE
Buy Joy’s memoir, Dinner For Vampires HERE.
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Find Joy (see what we did there?): @msbethanyjoylenz
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
11 November 2024, 9:00 am - 1 hour 2 minutesDollar Bill’s Cult: “My Father Stole My Wife”
In this heart-wrenching continuation of Emily Maldonado’s story, we delve into the life of her brother, Drew Matthews. Drew grew up under the domineering influence of his father, “Dollar Bill” Matthews, a pastor whose self-interest knew no bounds. From childhood indoctrination to traumatic "exorcisms" and endless demands for loyalty, Drew was constantly searching for the love and acceptance his father never offered.
This episode unravels a tale of betrayal on every level—Drew’s own father not only controlled his life but ultimately orchestrated the unthinkable: the estrangement of Drew’s wife and daughter. As Drew sought refuge in the military, hoping to escape his father’s grip, his father seized the opportunity to drive a permanent wedge between him and his family by doing the unthinkable.
Drew’s resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss serve as a powerful testament to the endurance of the human spirit. We are in awe of you, Drew!
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Try VIIA! www.viiahemp.com/inacult and use code: inacult
Visit www.uncommongoods.com/cult for 15% off!
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Follow Drew on TikTok: @notreallysur.e / Instagram: @dapper_mann
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
4 November 2024, 9:00 am - 1 hour 13 minutesSolid Rock Church: “My Dad, the Cult Leader”
What happens when your father becomes your pastor and eventually your cult leader? In this episode, Emily Maldonado shares the raw truth about growing up in a cult led by her own dad. From staged exorcisms to discovering that love and freedom could only come by breaking every rule, Emily’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring. With gripping honesty, she unpacks the jaw-dropping moment she knew she had no choice but to leave… and for Emily, leaving meant losing her entire family. With humor and profound resilience, Emily shares how she escaped a life dictated by manipulation—and found the strength to rebuild a life of joy and authenticity.
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Follow Emily on Insta/Tiktok: @styledmicasa
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
28 October 2024, 3:10 am - 1 hour 4 minutesQAnon: “Control + Alt + Deception”
Ashley takes us inside the twisted world of QAnon—an online cult that spread like wildfire during the pandemic, offering false hope through dangerous conspiracies to those seeking community, connection and autonomy in an unraveling world. Ashley reveals how fear tactics and manipulation lured her into a space where JFK Jr. was alive, Tom Hanks was an international trafficker, and every catastrophe was proof of an elite plot.
From Instagram rabbit holes to FOIA requests about hot dogs at the White House, Ashley unpacks the absurdity and real danger behind QAnon’s grip. This is not just a story of strange beliefs—it’s a story of control, trauma, and ultimately, resilience. Join us as Ashley explains how she reclaimed her mind, her sanity, and her life—one hard truth at a time.
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
21 October 2024, 12:59 am - 56 minutes 39 secondsFalun Gong P2: “Falun Gone… For Good”
In Part 2 of Angela's story, the realities of Falun Gong’s grip on her family deepen. Angela reflects on the emotional toll of a cult that prioritized spiritual salvation over physical health—even as her mother’s condition worsens. But escaping isn’t easy when your family remains deep in the cult’s ideologies… Angela’s journey out of this cult is filled with heartbreaking revelations and the resilience that defines a true “surthirver.”
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Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference!
Angela on TikTok/Instagram: @workplace_doodles
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys)
14 October 2024, 4:19 am - 50 minutes 21 secondsFalun Gong P1: “Karma Claus... He’s Always Watching"
When her mother fell sick, young Angela had no idea that she would spend her childhood growing up in a dangerous cult. Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual movement-slash-religion-slash-cult, known for its Shen Yun dancers and its ties to 'The Epoch Times’ entangled her family in its facade of meditation and enlightenment. In this two-part episode, Angela recounts her experience in a world where karma is not just a bitch, but a force that can dictate life and death… with suffering seen as path to salvation and modern medicine demonized as an obstacle to spiritual purity. And just when you think it can’t get any wilder, the Capitol Insurrection storms into the story…
Stay tuned next week for Part Two.
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Angela on TikTok: @workplace_doodles
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: [email protected]
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
Tyler’s Boring Book Club addition: "How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World"
7 October 2024, 4:22 am - More Episodes? Get the App
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