Was I In A Cult?

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. You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    قبل ٥ ساعات · إضافة

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Elizabeth Gilbert: "All the Way to the River" | Oprah's Book Club from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Oprah’s Book Club: Presented by Starbucks features coffee and conversation with one of the most beloved writers of our time, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, in a café in Starbucks’ hometown Seattle. Her vulnerable new memoir, All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation, is Oprah’s 118th book club selection. The book details Elizabeth’s raw and riveting story of falling in love with her partner Rayya, navigating harrowing struggles and finding a path to healing in the years that followed Rayya's passing. Liz shares what was really going on in her life during the time Eat, Pray, Love was released, including her own journey with sex and love addiction, shocking stories about what happened after Rayya was diagnosed with cancer and Liz's personal surrender to recovery. Oprah describes her story as "the bravest thing I've ever seen." For this conversation, Oprah and Elizabeth are joined by an audience of readers as they enjoy the Fall favorite, Pumpkin Spice Latte. BUY THE BOOK! "All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation” by Elizabeth Gilbert, is published by Riverhead Books and available wherever books are sold: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707805/all-the-way-to-the-river-by-elizabeth-gilbert/ HERE I AM The footage featured in Oprah’s podcast with Elizabeth Gilbert comes from the feature-length documentary, Here I Am, directed by award-winning filmmaker, Marc J. Francis https://www.marcjfrancis.com and produced by Speakit Productions https://www.speakit.org. Here I Am is a deeply intimate portrait of Elizabeth and her partner Rayya Elias who opened their world to Marc, inviting him to witness and document their final year together. From the soaring highs of love, laughter and creativity to the devastating lows of illness, addiction, and grief, their story is a powerful meditation on what it means to love, live and let go. The film will be released internationally in 2026. For updates and behind-the-scenes insights about the film, subscribe at https://www.marcjfrancis.com/here-i-am Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Oprah?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: Instagram Facebook TikTok Listen to the full podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts #oprahsbookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.

  2. ٨ سبتمبر

    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.

    ١ س ٧ د
  3. ١ سبتمبر

    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.

    ٥٢ من الدقائق
  4. ٢٥ أغسطس

    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.

    ١ س ٣ د
  5. ١٨ أغسطس

    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.

    ١ س ١١ د

حول

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.

المزيد من PodcastOne

قد يعجبك أيضًا