12 episodes
Heaven's Gate Stitcher Studios
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- History
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4.6 • 4.6K Ratings
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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3: The Mothers
While The Two are recruiting new members into their nomadic lifestyle, one woman is trying desperately to make contact.
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4: The Host
Host Glynn Washington shares more from his personal story of growing up in a cult.
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5: The Tape
After a sudden death in the group, Do sends a private, awkward, illuminating, confusing tape to Terrie Nettles.
Customer Reviews
This is in response to the review that mentions Jones Town
Jones Town wasn’t suicide. Jones Town was homicide. They were forced to drink the poison, and those who didn’t were killed. No one was forced to do anything in Heaven’s Gate.
Great but slightly inaccurate
This is a great series but the narrator keeps referring to 39 people dying as “the worst mass suicide in American history” and that is simply false. Maybe the worst on American soil, but Jonestown killed 918 Americans. It may seem pedantic but facts matter.
Snap
Anyone who’s listened to his NPR program will realize Mr. Washington’s narratives are never impersonal and that he knows how to sustain a dramatic edge which places the listener within the story; if he must be blamed for anything, it’s for refusing to be dull and dry. This is a well researched look at existential dread and the search for some sort of meaning—whether misguided or not—in our increasingly vapid society. This is our story… So, might it not be more fruitful to consider the implications of our common dilemma rather than quibble over the host’s perceived faults?
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