Was I In A Cult?

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: [email protected] 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hollywood is filled with the rich, the famous, and the people looking to take advantage of both. Because everyone in Hollywood is either someone, knows someone, or claims to be able to help you become someone. So when actress Lindsey McKeon, and singer/performer Jessica Sutta, stumble into an impressive acting class led by a teacher claiming to take their work to the next level, they don't bat an eye. But it would be years of financial and emotional abuse disguised as self-growth before the two of them would realize... holy sh*t - their teacher turned "guru" is in fact... a cult leader. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience, bravery, and inspiration. Being born into a cult always comes with its challenges, but learning how to have an original thought in your mid-20s is a rare struggle that most people are fortunate enough to never have to face. This is just one of many obstacles Angel had to overcome as she ventured out of the cult and into the world.But when you've spent over 20 years of your life in a cult and it's all you know, the real world isn't always as sparkly as you hoped.____Insta: @whatisangeldoingYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrAngeladesantishttps://www.theprocessbyangel.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Los Angeles, CA is full of dreamers. After all, dreams are what people move to the City of Lost Angels to chase. But did anyone know that an acting teacher can turn into a cult leader? Is that even possible? Apparently stranger things have happened, because the answer is... Oh hell yes she can. Two former students studying under an acting coach turned self-help cult leader are here to share their harrowing stories of showing up with their dreams in their hands... but unfortunately, giving them over to the wrong "guide". _ Podsauce ft. Liz Iacuzzi & Tyler Measom If you would like to be considered as a guest on the show, please contact us at [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some experts come by their expertise by way of education. Some by experience. Others, by both. As is the case with today's guest. Dr. Janja Lalich joins us to share her experience in a 1970s Marxist Cult, as well as enlighten us with her expertise on the subject. She's been there, done that, and has more than lived to talk about it. ______ Janja's Twitter: @Janja_Lalich Her books: "Stuff They Don't Want You To Know" episode: Please support Was I In A Cult? Through PatreonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you're numbered among the Lord's anointed, you're supposed to feel special, but for Jeremy Tucker, he was just another mindless cog in the machine of the Kingdom of God. It didn't matter though, he would work hard to do his part, until that hard work nearly cost him his life... From guest producer Lindsay Hansen Park. https://www.yearofpolygamy.com/ https://sunstone.org/sunstone-history-podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsayhansenpark?lang=en Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you grow up in a cult, life on the outside can be rough. So rough, that one might actually prefer to stay inside the cult. When Guinevere finally experiences life on the outside, she witnesses firsthand that one can physically leave a cult, but mentally, still be in it. And the moment of true clarity for Guinevere comes at a moment no one sees coming. Especially not herself. ______ Guinevere's Instagram: @guinevereturner Twitter: @turnerguinevere Link to Charlie Says: https ://www.netflix.com/title/81023720 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an actor and writer, Guinevere Turner understands more than most, that some stories just can't be contrived. Because sometimes life is far stranger than fiction. As is the case with Guinevere's upbringing. Not your typical getting out story, it would take years for Guinevere to understand that, no, she didn't grow up on a hippie commune in the 1970s and 80s... she grew up in a cult. ______ Guinevere's Instagram: @guinevereturner / Twitter: @turnerguinevere Link to Spotify playlist for this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4OqNnobOP5tj3rB1tBytpC?si=dc2760b11c6f4e57 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is not your typical cult. But for comedian, Ariel, it was all she knew. Filled with isolation and abuse, it would take her years to break free. Ariel's Insta: @Arielsnotamermaid Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you're born into a cult, it's difficult enough. But when you're born into a cult with a raging alcoholic pedophile as the leader, it's a nightmare. Author, Flor Edwards was raised in the Children of God. And praise the lord she got out. But getting out didn't come without its own challenges... ____ Link to Flor's autobiography: https://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Child-Flor-Edwards/dp/1683367685 Follow Flor on social media: @floredwardsauthor Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With rockstar aspirations, Daniel O'Brien wasn't looking for anything but a good time. But when heartbreak rocked his world, he tripped into something that lifted his spirits and rallied his hopes - the Jehovah's Witnesses. Before he knew it, Daniel had traded his guitar for a green Bible and found himself rapidly rising through the ranks of the religion. A wife, and two kids later, he was a fully indoctrinated, high ranking Elder in the church. But when Daniel realizes that he's part of a life much different than the one he originally signed up for, he knows that he must leave. The only problem is... he can't. ___ If you, or anyone you know has ever been in a cult, please email us at [email protected], we'd love to hear from you. Your story could be featured in a future episode... Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"It's exclusive," she was told. A women only secret society. She was a chosen one, after all. A badass ninja warrior woman, she was ready to set the world on fire. Finally surrounded by people that shared her same vision, she would do whatever it takes. Jessica Joan was ready for anything. Well... almost anything. __ If you, or anyone you know, has successfully escaped a cult, please reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you and have your story and voice be heard on a future episode: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon Jessica Joan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovejessjoan/?hl=en You can purchase Jessica's book here: http://theuntouchablejessicajoan.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the LA party scene didn't fit Jessica's lifestyle anymore, she replaced martinis and after-hour clubs with green juices and tonic bars. But the reemergence of a childhood trauma forced her to examine her inner self. One day, a friend told her about a class that could improve her life even more. That class turned out to be part of a larger entity. A self-empowerment company that purported to help you become the master of your own life. A little group called... NXIVM. Jessica Joan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovejessjoan/?hl=en You can purchase Jessica's book here: http://theuntouchablejessicajoan.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Faced with the fear of an impending apocalypse, Joanne and her husband move to a small Utah town to live "Mormonism on steroids", which means wearing long underwear, communicating with the dead, prophetic visions, odd temple rituals, cookies with Jesus, and the law of celestial marriage (i.e. polygamy). If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. Link to Joanne's Book, "It's Not About Sex My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon Ex-Polygamist Ex-Wife": https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Ex-Polygamist-ebook/dp/B008Q4D6E4 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Faced with the fear of an impending apocalypse, Joanne and her husband move to a small Utah town to live "Mormonism on steroids", which means wearing long underwear, communicating with the dead, prophetic visions, odd temple rituals, cookies with Jesus, and the law of celestial marriage (i.e. polygamy). If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you. Link to Joanne's Book, "It's Not About Sex My Ass: Confessions of an Ex-Mormon Ex-Polygamist Ex-Wife": https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Ex-Polygamist-ebook/dp/B008Q4D6E4 Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast featuring far-out, first-hand stories of survivors who unwittingly joined, lived in, and escaped, cults. Using levity and info-tainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves..."Wait...was I in a cult?" Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.