Was I In A Cult?

PodcastOne

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. HACE 5 DÍAS

    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.

    1 h y 7 min

  2. 1 SEP

    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

  3. 25 AGO

    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.

    1 h y 3 min

  4. 18 AGO

    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.

    1 h y 11 min

  5. 11 AGO

    Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]

    **Note: This episode originally aired in February 2022** COME SEE US LIVE!!! In LA on Sept 9, 2025 with special guest, comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter. LINK TO TICKETS!!  A humble upbringing is an understatement for Dan McIntrye. Canada born and bred, Dan's cult journey took him from guitar god, to free desserts to cult escape, only to land him right in the arms of... another one? A double survivor. A triple thriver. And one extremely nice guy. Damn, Canadians, you really are as kind as they say.  —— COME SEE US LIVE!! In LA on Sept 9, 2025 with special guest, comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter. LINK TO TICKETS! VIP meet n greet available… see you then! Follow Us for More Culty Content: Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult Support the Show: This show is listener-powered. If Dan’s story got you thinking—rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon. Share Your Story: Have a cultic 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.

    1 h y 8 min

  6. 4 AGO

    Zen Master Rama’s Meditation/Computer Programming Cult: “Going For the Gold!”

    This week, meet Jim Picariello, who, in the early ’90s as a hopeful college kid hyped up on way too much coffee, thought he was signing up for a meditation class… and ended up in a tech-driven, enlightenment-seeking, quasi-Buddhist spiritual cult. Yeah… this one was a new one for us too.  Led by Frederick Lenz - aka Rama - aka Zen Master Rama - aka the most spiritually enlightened dude who could glow gold - shapeshift into Egyptian gods, and… also totally needed your entire paycheck in order to - oh wait, hmm, we forgot… but we’re sure it was very spiritually necessary. ___ Follow Us for More Culty Content: Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult Connect w/ Jim:  Instagram: @jimpicariello Bluesky: @jimpicariello.bsky.social LinkedIn: Jim Picariello Support the Show: This show runs on listener energy (and we promise we don’t drain it like a cult leader). If Jim’s story got you thinking - rate, review, and share. Big love to our Patreon members… you’re the real gold. And if you want ad-free episodes and exclusive content, come join us on Patreon. Enlightenment not included. Share Your Story: Have a cultic 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.

    1 h y 12 min

  7. 28 JUL

    The Cult of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS PT2: “The Great Escape”

    Last week, we met Jorjina Broadbent — mother of twelve, former sister-wife, and low-key badass hiding in plain sight. This week? She stops hiding. We pick up where we left off: deep inside the world of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS cult — a place where girls are married off as teens, obedience is salvation, and hairstyles left something to be desired… like choice. But for Jorjina, something inside her starts to shift. As the leash tightens and the rules get crueler, the exit comes into view. What follows is a breathless series of near-escapes, terrifying threats, and secret plans that might as well have been scribbled on fast food napkins. Also, Tyler’s gorilla-style documentary filmmaking at its most high-stakes gets to be part of it all.  How will she make it out? And all her children? Get the popcorn ready…  This is Part Two of Jorjina’s extraordinary story. ___ Follow Us for More Culty Content: Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult WATCH THE FILM: Sons of Perdition (Tyler’s baby) Stream on Amazon, Tubi, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Sling, Plex FREE for Patreon members! Help Jorjina get some Abba shoes! (Venmo @Jorjina-Broadbent) Support the Show: This show is listener-powered. If Jorjina’s story moved you—please rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon. Share Your Story: Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it. Email us at 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.

    1 h y 3 min

  8. 23 JUL

    The Cult of Warren Jeff’s FLDS Pt1: “Keep Sweet”

    Before he was your favorite podcast host, Tyler Measom was… just a dude with a camera and a crush. It was 2005, and Tyler found himself driving deep into FLDS polygamist territory - with his co-director-slash-maybe-love-interest (hey, Jennilyn) - to make a documentary about the "Lost Boys" exiled from a fundamentalist Mormon cult run by none other than slimeball Warren Jeffs. That little film? Sons of Perdition premiered at Tribeca.  And one of the mothers at the heart of that story? Jorjina Broadbent. This week, Jorjina, mother of twelve (yes, twelve), former sister-wife - joins us to recount what life was really like inside the FLDS: arranged marriage, relentless obedience, magical underwear, and raising a family in a trailer where babies sometimes had to sleep in drawers. And the escape is hair raising. And Tyler was there to capture it. This is Part One of Jorjina’s extraordinary story. ___ Follow Us for More Culty Content: Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult WATCH THE FILM: Sons of Perdition (Tyler’s baby) Stream on Amazon, Tubi, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Sling, Plex FREE for Patreon members! Support the Show: This show is listener-powered. If Jorjina’s story moved you - please rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon. Share Your Story: Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it. Email us at 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.

    1 h
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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.

Información

  • Canal
    PodcastOne
  • Creador
    PodcastOne
  • Años de actividad
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodios
    117
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 993922
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Was I In A Cult?

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