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
    • 4.6 • 4.6K 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

4.6 out of 5
4.6K Ratings

4.6K Ratings

conaninspace ,

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?

HPLsppr ,

Just perfect

I love the interviews with people close to the victims, the surviving members, the daughter of one of the leaders (!), a never-before heard tape to this daughter, etc. Also, I deeply appreciate the empathetic approach the host takes. So easy for podcasts to become disdainful of people who would fall into the trap of a cult. This is so much more, and takes all views into account in a compassionate manner. Thank you!

oldjohnhall ,

Ugh the host is trash

UNLISTENABLE
Glyn Washington is an insufferable nerd. The worst type of nerd, one that thinks he’s cool. Just awful

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