Good Cult

Good Cult

River Donaghey grew up in a cult. Or at least that’s what some people called it. His parents called it a “personal-growth seminar group.” Its leader called it “one big happy family.” But there was a dark side to the world River grew up in. One he never heard about as a kid. In the 1970s and 80s, a self-help company called Lifespring took America by storm. Hundreds of thousands of people walked out of Lifespring as true believers, convinced that the seminars had the power to change the world. But dozens of trainees claimed that after taking a seminar, they had a psychotic break. Some spent months in the hospital. Others attempted suicide. And at least four people died. River spent the past year digging into the bizarre, untold story of Lifespring and its controversial leader: a convicted felon turned New Age guru named John Hanley. What he uncovered made him question everything he thought he knew about his childhood. And about the seminars that are still changing lives—and ruining them—to this day.

18 minutes 54 seconds

Tim Ballard: Unmasking a Hero

Listen to the new season of Opportunist, out now wherever you listen to podcasts.

In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," Podcast One will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking.

Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade.

Through exclusive interviews with victims and those who know him best, this podcast series aims to unravel the complexities of Ballard's dual persona- a savior to some, a predator to others.

Join host Sarah James McLaughlin as she explores the rise and potential fall of a man whose actions have sparked a national conversation on trust, power, and accountability.

21 October 2024, 4:29 pm
37 minutes 34 seconds

Vigilante - Byron David Smith: THE DEER HUNTER

Byron Smith was tired of his home being burgled. He said it had been broken into at least a half dozen times. And he was determined not to let it happen again.

So, Smith set a trap and laid in wait to protect his “castle.”

When two teenage cousins broke into his house on Elm Street, it set off a true-life horror story.

Listen to Vigilante:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante/id1622288667
https://open.spotify.com/show/49wzulSXKQKWYOIWoTVEPT?si=0d4c8835885e4fa1

30 May 2024, 11:41 pm
36 minutes 40 seconds

6 of 6: So What? Now What?
"Your idea of how this came about ain't at all how it came about."

Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

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Thank you to our sponsors:
- Zocdoc: Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today at Zocdoc.com/GOODCULT
- Splendid Spoon: Get $120 off your first three boxes at SplendidSpoon.com/GOODCULT.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12 October 2022, 7:01 am
39 minutes

5 of 6: The Red-Black Game
"I see the value in transformation, but I also see its shortcomings."

Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music

Thank you to our sponsors:
- Zocdoc: Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today at Zocdoc.com/GOODCULT
- BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT
- Jordan Harbinger Show: Check out cult-related episodes at jordanharbinger.com/start
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 October 2022, 6:01 am
37 minutes 12 seconds

4 of 6: Casualties
"We were never a cult and we wanted to remove everything that gave the appearance of being a cult."

Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music

Thank you to our sponsors:
- Jordan Harbinger Show: watch cult-related episodes at jordanharbinger.com/start
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 September 2022, 7:01 am
33 minutes 54 seconds

3 of 6: This is About the Rest of Your Life
"He was like a rockstar. He was a very attractive man. He was the Lifespring celebrity."

Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music

Thank you to our sponsors:
- BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT
- Splendid Spoon: Get $120 off your first three boxes at SplendidSpoon.com/GOODCULT.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21 September 2022, 7:01 am
35 minutes 39 seconds

2 of 6: The Leader
"He thought being put in that casket was the best thing that ever happened to him."

Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music

Thank you to our sponsors:
- BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14 September 2022, 7:15 am
32 minutes 25 seconds

1 of 6: The Mom-Dad Dyad
"It's the single most impactful thing that ever happened in my life. You always have to say the birth of your child was the biggest impact. But I never would have had a child if it hadn't been for the seminars!"

Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music

Thank you to our sponsors:
- BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14 September 2022, 7:01 am
2 minutes 15 seconds

Good Cult: Coming September 14, 2022

"Hey, it might be a cult, but at least it's a good cult!"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 September 2022, 11:04 pm
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