12 episodes

In 1997, thirty-nine people took their own lives in an apparent mass suicide. The events captivated the media and had people across the planet asking the same question... ‘Why?’ 20 years later, those who lost loved ones and those who still believe - tell their story. Hosted by Glynn Washington of Snap Judgment. "Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults," is now a four-part docuseries inspired by this podcast, streaming on HBO Max.

Heaven's Gate Stitcher Studios

    • History
    • 4.7 • 415 Ratings

In 1997, thirty-nine people took their own lives in an apparent mass suicide. The events captivated the media and had people across the planet asking the same question... ‘Why?’ 20 years later, those who lost loved ones and those who still believe - tell their story. Hosted by Glynn Washington of Snap Judgment. "Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults," is now a four-part docuseries inspired by this podcast, streaming on HBO Max.

    Coming soon… Heaven’s Gate

    Coming soon… Heaven’s Gate

    Here’s a first glimpse through Heaven’s Gate - into the group’s decades-long history, as told by family, followers, experts, and the leaders themselves. Whatever you think you know - prepare to be surprised. Subscribe now and hear the first episode on October 18th. More info at www.heavensgate.show.

    • 5 min
    1: The Seekers

    1: The Seekers

    The Heaven's Gate faithful weren't freaks or space cadets. They were regular people, hungry for something more. They were Seekers. 

    • 35 min
    2: The Two

    2: The Two

    It's one thing to join a group your mom would call a cult. It's another thing when your mom starts one.

    • 40 min
    3: The Mothers

    3: The Mothers

    While The Two are recruiting new members into their nomadic lifestyle, one woman is trying desperately to make contact.

    • 44 min
    4: The Host

    4: The Host

    Host Glynn Washington shares more from his personal story of growing up in a cult.

    • 38 min
    5: The Tape

    5: The Tape

    After a sudden death in the group, Do sends a private, awkward, illuminating, confusing tape to Terrie Nettles.

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
415 Ratings

415 Ratings

:) :) :) ;) :) ;) ;) ;) ;) ,

Amazing review

I loved this podcast so much. The research done for it was very in depth and it was cool to hear other peoples stories as well. I also appreciated the fact that there were no ads so I could really focus on the story.

T🦖 hates push-ups ,

Compassionate re-telling

A human and non-judgemental telling of the rise and fall of Heaven’s Gate. I’ve listened to a lot of cult podcasts and this one has a compassion for all involved that isn’t usual. Definitely worth a listen if you remember this event.

maddy4817 ,

Refreshing spin on cult reporting

Having listened to my fair share of true crime/historical podcasts, I’ve listened to plenty of cult-related episodes/series. A lot of the times hosts will have a bit of a laugh and/or write off members as just being plain old crazy, choosing to focus more on the action of the story rather than the people - which is okay, but I really appreciated the host’s effort to empathize with the members, interview their family members, and in general dig deeper into the mindset of those who joined. It made the story much more emotional and heavy-hitting for me. Will be listening to more by Glynn!

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