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 raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. 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?” If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com. We'd love to hear from you.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    SpaceX—PT1: “It’s About to Get Musky in Here”

    An ex–SpaceX engineer asks our favorite question: when does mission become mindset—and then eventually something more? Paige was convinced she was helping save humanity by working at SpaceX. In Part 1, she traces the seduction: the purpose, the perks, the “Elon Algorithms” plastered on the wall, the complete devotion, the loss of individuality into one group identity, the isolation, the uncompensated labor, the belief that you are better than the rest… it all started to feel less like a workplace and more like… something else. Today, we follow Paige’s journey into the belly of the rocket factory. And next week? The fallout. When speaking up against the culture didn’t just cost her a job… it made her a target. ——— FOLLOW US For more cult content, behind-the-scenes chaos: → → @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok SUPPORT THE SHOW The best way to fuel our mission? Rate, review, and share the pod with your people — word of mouth is rocket fuel. And if you want to help keep the mics on (without betting on stock options that never vest)? Join us on Patreon. We don’t drain bank accounts — we just give you ad-free episodes, bonus content, and our undying gratitude. → Become a member Patreon. HAVE A CULTY STORY? Whether it’s a startup, a church, or just your weird improv troupe — we want to hear it. → info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    56 min
  2. You Might Also Like: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

    3 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

    Introducing Detail in the Dark (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE) from MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories. Follow the show: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories One evening in the summer of 1998, homicide detective Danny Payne sat in a dark room in a Tennessee suburb police station. He was focused on a TV screen where some surveillance footage played. The recording was bad quality, all blurry and pixelated. But it was still clear what the camera was pointed at – which was a nighttime scene of a McDonald's. On the screen, the shape of a person moved toward the restaurant door and disappeared inside. The video was too low quality to make out any identifying details... but the person wasn’t what Payne was watching. He was focused, instead, on a car parked at the far end of the McDonald's lot. Payne had watched this video probably 30 times, but he’d never noticed the car before. Now that he saw it, though, he realized that nothing in this case, was what he had thought it was. For 100s more stories like these, check out our main YouTube channel just called "MrBallen" -- https://www.youtube.com/c/MrBallen If you want to reach out to me, contact me on Instagram, Twitter or any other major social media platform, my username on all of them is @mrballen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 22 SEPT

    Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi: “The Cult FKA Dahn Yoga”

    What if the yoga class you signed up for wasn’t yoga at all, but the doorway to something much darker? In this episode, Angel takes us inside Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi — a strip-mall wellness studio that seemed harmless enough. Until it wasn’t. Instead of stretching, you’re told to march in circles, punch your stomach, chant about your mother’s failings, and spill your deepest traumas to a room full of strangers. What Angel didn’t know was that Body & Brain isn’t just a quirky yoga chain. It’s a nationwide empire with 70+ locations, millions in revenue, luxury retreats in Sedona — and a founder who flew private while his followers drowned in debt. And that’s just the beginning. Dig deeper and you’ll find that Body & Brain is nothing new at all… it’s the rebranded face of Dahn Yoga — one of the most notorious modern cults. ________ FOLLOW US For more cult content, behind-the-scenes chaos: → @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok FOLLOW ANGEL Insta: @mtan_gel SUPPORT THE SHOW You can support this show by rating, reviewing, and sharing it with your people — word of mouth keeps us growing. And if you really want to help keep the mics on? Become a Patreon member. Unlike Body & Brain, we don’t drain bank accounts — we just give you ad-free episodes, bonus content, and our undying gratitude. → Join us on Patreon. HAVE A CULTY STORY? Want to share it? We wanna hear it. → info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 7m

  4. 15 SEPT

    The Cult of Rodney Howard-Browne: “Holy Ghosted”

    She thought she was enrolling in a Bible college. Instead, she was signing up to give her identity, her labor, her choice—and her fire—to a man who called himself the Holy Ghost Bartender. At “River University,” worship looked like laughing fits and collapsing bodies. Romance was arranged. Submission wasn’t suggested—it was glorified. And your soul? That was just a tally mark on a clipboard. For Sarah, what started as a mission from God turned into a 12-year descent through emotional control, spiritual abuse, and religious labor trafficking. ___ FOLLOW US for more culty content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and updates from our unholy quest to expose charismatic conmen: → @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok SUPPORT THE SHOW: Rodney’s followers emptied their bank accounts at the altar. We just ask you to visit Patreon. If this episode hit you—or made you question the price of obedience—share it, and leave a review. To our Patreon members: You're the real holy fire. Thank you for keeping the mic on and the bullshit detectors charged. Want ad-free episodes and exclusive extras? → Join us on Patreon. HAVE A CULTY STORY? We wanna hear it. → Email us: info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min

  5. 8 SEPT

    The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”

    A limo to Atlantic City. Pizzerias with back rooms. Garbage bags vanishing across boroughs. Comedian Barry Rothbart grew up believing his dad didn’t just live large—he made life larger. Then the tapes surfaced. This isn’t a mob story. It’s what happens when your identity is forged from someone else’s legend—only to discover the legend was a lie. As Barry unravels the mythology, his father’s world curdles into something darker… and uncomfortably familiar to our show. For the full, uncut conversation, hop over to our Patreon. ____ FOLLOW US for more culty content and behind-the-scenes chaos: Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult SUPPORT THE SHOW: Barry’s dad kept his money in stacks above the bed. We prefer Patreon. If this episode hit you—or made you think twice about charisma, cons, or cult leaders—share it and then leave a review (but take the cannoli).  A huge thank you to our Patreon members—your support keeps us making episodes like this one. Want ad-free shows & exclusive extras? → Join our Patreon. CHECK OUT BARRY: Barry Rothbart’s investigative series Searching for Allan Rothbart is exclusively on Audible. It’s equal parts mob tale, family reckoning, and cult-like indoctrination story. Don’t miss it. You can also follow Barry on social media → @barryrothbart HAVE A CULTY STORY? We wanna hear it. Email us: info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 7m

  6. 1 SEPT

    The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”

    What happens when your entire life revolves around likes, follows, and perfectly staged smoothie bowls? For Lee Tilghman — better known as @leefromamerica — it meant rising to the top of Instagram’s wellness world… and losing herself in the process. This week, we explore what it means to devote yourself to the cult of social media: when every thought and action becomes about what to post, when friends are replaced by followers, and when your online identity becomes the only one you know. From the outside, the influencer life looks aspirational. But Lee asks: at what cost? ____________ COME SEE US LIVE!! Los Angeles • September 9, 2025 With special guest: comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available! Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too! FOLLOW US for more culty content and behind-the-scenes chaos: Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult SUPPORT THE SHOW: The average person spends over 2 hours a day on social media. If this episode resonated—or even made you rethink your daily doomscroll—share it, leave a review. Hug a friend IRL.  Huge thank you to our Patreon members—you keep this thing going. Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon. Have a culty story? We wanna hear it. Email us: info@wasiinacult.com And if you want more from today’s guest, Lee from America: Her brand-new book “If you Don’t Like This, I Will Die” is out now Find Lee → @leefromamerica See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    52 min

  7. 25 AUG

    The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”

    Michael grew up believing his hometown in Germany was just that — a quiet, picturesque community with cobblestone streets, tidy homes, a school, and a grocery store. At its heart stood the church, looming over daily life. But what looked like small-town order was really something far darker. Built in the aftermath of World War II, by leaders with lingering Nazi ties, the town was engineered for control: walls without walls, designed to keep its people in and the rest of the world out. Years later, in a casual conversation with a sibling, the truth unraveled: This wasn’t just a devout community. It was a cult. COME SEE US LIVE!!! Los Angeles • September 9, 2025 With special guest: comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available! Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too! Special Thanks: Big thanks to Maura Streppa for her gorgeous rendition of “Die Gedanken sind frei” → Follow Maura on Instagram @maurastreppamusic Follow Us for More Culty Content: Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult Support the Show: If this episode moved you — share it. Leave a review. Scream-sing Die Gedanken sind frei in your kitchen. Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you. Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon. Share Your Story: Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it. Email us: info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m

  8. 18 AUG

    The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”

    It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’t just a brand — it was a vibe. And today’s guest, Zsuzsi was on the front lines of it all. From art school to assistant manager to overseeing a hot New York City store, she was living the dream… until it started to feel more like a fever dream — and eventually, a cult.  Today’s story is about what happens when the "American dream" disguises exploitation in trendy cotton basics — and how one man's charisma fueled a culture of unchecked abuse, manipulation, humiliation, and grooming… all hidden behind the label “Made in the USA.” And the worst part? He’s still at it. ___ COME SEE US LIVE!!! Los Angeles • September 9, 2025 With special guest: comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available! Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too! Follow Us for More Culty Content: Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult Find Zsuzsi: @hdbyz & @hellozhia / https://www.hdbyz.com & https://www.hellozhia.com Support the Show: If you learned something, felt something, or are angry too and want to make a little noise — share this episode. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. And maybe… make a call to: (213) 275-3120 Just for some light, constructive feedback. Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you. Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon. Share Your Story: Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it. Email us: info@wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 11m
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Hosts & Guests

About

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 raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. 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?” If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Information

  • Channel
    PodcastOne
  • Creator
    PodcastOne
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 993922
  • Show Website
    Was I In A Cult?

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