Was I In A Cult?

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2021** As an actor and writer, Guinevere Turner understands more than most, that some stories just can't be contrived. Because sometimes life is far stranger than fiction. As is the case with Guinevere's upbringing. Not your typical getting out story, it would take years for Guinevere to understand that, no, she didn't grow up on a hippie commune in the 1970s and 80s... she grew up in a cult.  ______  Follow Guinevere: @guinevereturner  Buy Guinevere’s book HERE  Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult  Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon  Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com  Link to Spotify playlist for this episode 

Today, we're excited to bring you a special episode from our friend Andrea Dunlop of the “Nobody Should Believe Me” podcast.Last week, Andrea joined us to share her personal story about how Munchausen by Proxy tore her family apart, and the response was overwhelming. We know many of you were left with questions and a desire to dive deeper into this rare and troubling condition. That’s why we wanted to share Andrea’s own podcast, where she explores these themes in greater depth and answers the questions that our conversation only began to uncover. We hope you find this episode as compelling as we do. We’ll be back in two weeks with an all-new episode. Thank you, as always, for your continued support! ——  We meet accomplished novelist and loving mother Andrea Dunlop as she embarks on a journey to understand the series of events that tore her family apart. We learn that her older sister has been investigated twice for Munchausen by Proxy abuse, which inspired Andrea to learn everything she could about this complex and misunderstood issue. We see Andrea become captivated by the story of Hope Ybarra and go along with her to meet Hope’s father, sister, and brother: the first people Andrea has ever spoken to who’ve actually lived through a case. But can anything prepare Andrea for the truth? __ LISTEN TO “Nobody Should Believe Me” here: https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com/ ___ Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com  Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult  Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon 

When your sister, whom you love, fabricates a pregnancy with twins, it’s alarming. But when you eventually come to discover that your sister is the culprit of Munchausen by Proxy, life as you know it will never be the same. Today, Andrea Dunlop, a novelist and podcaster of the successful podcast, “Nobody Should Believe Me” joins us to share her personal experience with her sister’s Munchausen by Proxy abuse and delves into her family background and where it all began. Fabricated illnesses and surgeries escalate to abuse of her own children. And the question we are all wondering: Are instigators of this disorder aware of what they are doing?? Listen now to find out…  Follow Andrea: @andreadunlop  Listen to “Nobody Should Believe Me” wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the show: @nobodyshouldbelievemepod Resources for those dealing Munchausen by Proxy, visit: munchausensupport.com  Andrea’s Books: We Came Here to Forget  Losing the Light She Regrets Nothing Women are the Fiercest Creatures  Follow us on

Today, Diamond King shares her poignant journey of being ensnared by a meditation cult known as MAUM Meditation. Promising enlightenment, the group diverted her from personal goals and desires, ultimately causing her to completely disassociate from reality. Through the unwavering support of a loved one and diligent personal research, Diamond uncovered the cult's financial and spiritual abuse and manipulation, empowering her to break free. Now a thriving teacher, she travels the world, spreading her wisdom and embracing her authentic self. Diamond shares her cautionary tale with humor and compassion, and it was truly a delight to have her on the show. ___ Find Diamond: @therealdiamondking Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon   We have MERCH! Head to our website for the link: www.wasiinacult.com 

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022** CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault.  Arianna was a recent college graduate with dreams of one day opening her own marketing company. So when a LinkedIn opportunity for a social media marketing assistant fell into her lap, it felt too good to be true. Soon, she would be brushing shoulders with millionaires, in hopes that some of their mojo would rub off. After all, she had big plans for her future and a self-made father to prove herself to. But, you know what they say about things being too good to be true... They usually are. This brave, inspiring woman is here to share her very important story of what exactly happened when she got involved with this Nashville "Millionaire's Club.”  ___ Arianna on Instagram: @ariannasprabary   Arianna on TikTok: Aristrawberry0   Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com  Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon   We have MERCH! Head to our website for the link: www.wasiinacult.com 

After finding her passion in Bikram Yoga while in her 20s, Jennifer Boeder aspires to become a Bikram teacher and plops down $5000 to sign up for the two-month teacher training.  But after only a few days of being trapped in a smelly, windowless warehouse and getting yelled at by sycophantic trainers, she starts to see the truth. Turns out the "great and powerful guru," Bikram Choudhury, is less great and powerful, and more toxic and tyrannical.  From the degrading remarks to the unbearable conditions, Jennifer’s story highlights the dark side of a supposed path to enlightenment. ——  Merch has arrived! Click here to check it out.  ——  Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps us. Can’t afford to contribute monetarily? Reviews and ratings help a bunch. Thank you. If you would like to support us, head to our Patreon  Follow us: instagram/TikTok @ wasiinacult Find Jennifer: @jenniferruth Have your own story and want to be on our show?  Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

A couple weeks ago we published an episode featuring Ashleigh Teeter, who was ostracized from her family because of her cult leader father. Today we feature her youngest brother's story of growing up in that house long after Ashleigh was gone. 14 years her junior, Mattie was just a young boy when her sister was deemed demonic by his father. And for almost 25 years the siblings never spoke to each other. Today we welcome Mattie to share his heartbreaking story… a boy who was never allowed to talk to a girl without brutal consequences. ——  Today, Mattie and Ashleigh are not only reunited but they host a podcast about their upbringing together. It’s called “The Cult Next Door” and is available wherever you get your podcasts. ——  Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps us. Can’t afford to contribute monetarily? Reviews and ratings help a bunch. Thank you! If you would like to support us, head to our Patreon  Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult Listen to Mattie & Ashleigh's podcast: The Cult Next Door @cultnextdoorpodcast (insta/tiktok) Have your own story and want to be on our show?  Email us: info@wasiinacult.com 

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022** She's a hustler, baby. And she just wants you to know. Roberta Blevins was taught to be a self-starter. Inspired by her self-made father, she knew that if you put your mind to it, anything can happen. And it's true. Anything can happen. But that's the problem with anything. Anything sometimes includes MLM's. Multi-level marketing (schemes). This is a story of a dynamite go-getter and how she crawled her way into a box of fart leggings and eventually... crawled her way out.  — Roberta hosts her own podcast: Life After MLM. Check it out! @lifeaftermlmpodcast —  Find us on Instagram/Tiktok: @wasiinacult (Instagram for the legging pic!) Help keep this show going by supporting us on Patreon  Have your own story and want to be on our show?  Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Roberta: @therealrobertablevins

Today's episode dives into the extraordinary story of Ashleigh Teeter, who grew up in the World Wide Church of God... a cult in its own right. But when the church splits due to a new leader’s ideas, Ashleigh’s world gets turned upside down. She witnesses her own father become a cult leader, and then get ostracized from her nuclear family for almost 25 years. Why? Listen to find out. ——  Ashleigh hosts her own podcast about her upbringing. It’s called “The Cult Next Door” and is available wherever you get your podcasts. ——  Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps!  If you don’t yet, but would like to, head to our Patreon  Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult Listen to Ashleigh’s podcast: The Cult Next Door @cultnextdoorpodcast (insta/tiktok) Follow Ashleigh: @ashleighrb5 Have your own story and want to be on our show?  Email us: info@wasiinacult.com ——  Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)

WARNING: This episode discuss sexual assault. A girl with a dream, Amanda was recruited from high school into what she thought would be the path to fulfilling that dream. But a superior's abuse of power forced her life in a different direction. This is a powerful and important story shared from an often underrepresented perspective: a woman in the US military. Told with grace, strength, humility, and humor, it is an absolute pleasure providing Amanda with a platform to let her story be known.  ___ Thanks to everyone who supports our show. It really helps! If you don’t yet, but would like to, head to our Patreon (thank you and thank you) Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Welcome to PART 2 of Jessica Hopper’s journey into and out of a pole dancing cult. This episode takes us to the peak of the cult, including protégés, unpaid labor, surreal bookclubs, emotional breakdowns, and coercion retreats. The leader, Sheila, is quite “pole"-arizing, to say the least. Jessica’s breaking point, comes at an unexpected but important time in history, and leads to her eventually breaking free. A wonderfully articulate soul who shares her story with a no-holds-bar type of attitude, Jessica’s wit and vulnerability shine through in her retelling. Thank you again for showing us, Jessica, that cults can live literally anywhere.  Support us and our show on Patreon  Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult Follow Jessica: instagram: @jesshopperpole Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

Meet the very funny and very bold Jessica Hopper, as she dives into her bizarre and unexpected journey into a pole dancing cult. Yes, a pole dancing cult at a studio called S-Factor in Los Angeles, CA. What began as a fun pole dancing class turned into an intense, all-consuming experience. Jessica shares her story of quitting her job, enduring rigorous and costly training, and grappling with the beginnings of the cult-like culture within S-Factor. With humor and honesty, Jessica reveals the highs and lows, the camaraderie and the disillusionment. This is just PART 1 of her illuminating experience. Thank you, Jessica. You are an absolute hoot, and it was so fun to have you on the show.  Support us and our show on Patreon  Follow us: instagram/TikTok @wasiinacult Follow Jessica: instagram: @jesshopperpole Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

WARNING: This episode contains graphic discussions of abuse and self-harm.  Raised by a single mother in the Muslim community, Samir Ahmed was sent to a Tablighi Jamaat-focused madrasa at age 11, a religious boarding school for boys under 15. With good intentions and pressure from the community, his mother hoped this would keep her son away from drugs and knocking up girls. What transpires is one of the most harrowing stories we have ever featured on this show. But as Samir recounts his traumatic experiences with remarkable vulnerably and poise, listeners will hear the resilience and strength that define him. With his huge heart, Samir proves that your voice is one of the most powerful tools you own. Thank you again, Samir. It was an honor to share your story.  Support us and our show on Patreon  Follow us on Instagram/TikTok: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Try VIIA Hemp! and use code INACULT! (15% off)

Today we pay homage to Memorial Day by uncovering the bizarre and captivating tale of the John Frum Movement. Yes, that’s ‘from’ with a ‘u’, homies.  We dive into the South Pacific volcanic island of Tanna, where WWII soldiers inspired a cult devoted to a mystical American GI promising endless cargo. Yup, infinite Spam. Think of it as Amazon Prime meets religious zeal. Join Tyler & Liz as they explore this fascinating slice of history, filled with bamboo runways, makeshift military drills, and a whole lot of hope.  If you’re ready for a wild ride through the enchanting and eccentric world of cargo cults, buckle up. We’re sorry—and you’re welcome. Don’t forget to join “Tyler’s Boring Book Club” by supporting his book recommendations here: "Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond  "Prisioners of the Castle" by Ben Macintyre And support us on Patreon to keep the weirdness coming Follow us: @wasiinacult Have your own story and want to be on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

SHOWNOTES:  "A ballet cult?” We asked the same thing. But today’s brave guest, Summer Smith, shares what happens when the world of pliés and pirouettes meets dogmatic devotion. Raised in a strict religious family and molded by the intense world of competitive ballet, Summer's journey takes a surprising twist when she joins Ballet 58, a seemingly innocuous Christian ballet company in Chicago. Soon devotions blend with dance routines, and artistic discipline intertwines with cult-like control. As Summer navigates the thin line between dedication and manipulation, you'll be left questioning just how far the influence of a charismatic leader can reach.  LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Find Summer and all the ex Ballet 58’ers sub Reddit:  https://www.reddit.com/r/ex58/ Watch In The Balance: https://vimeo.com/535912792/7551d1ed90

Meet Rachael Reign, a tenacious activist battling to dismantle a billionaire megachurch cult. The cult that once owned her life. From her innocent introduction to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in South London as a 13-year-old girl, to devastating financial coercion and insidious practices, including exorcisms and grooming to become a pastor’s wife, Rachael's journey is one of transformation from victim to advocate. Through her story, she exposes the cult’s billionaire leader, Edir Macedo, and the exploitation under the guise of religion. With unwavering determination, Rachael empowers survivors and fights for justice, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. She's an inspiration for reclaiming freedom and standing against abuse. And she was a delight to have on the show. LINKS: Follow Us:  Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Rachael: Instagram : @msrachaelreign Follow her movement: Instagram/Tik Tok: @survivinguniversaluk

Our youngest guest to-date, Aliya Kasabian recounts her chilling involuntary initiation into the Boise Girls Academy, an institution that masquerades as a haven for troubled teens. From controlling communication with families to enforced silence and the denial of basic necessities like tampons, Aliya’s story exposes the depths of manipulation and coercion wielded by the program’s directors. But resistance only extends your time at this prison-like “healing facility.” So, eventually, Aliya discovers that if she is ever to be free, the only way out is to become… a true believer.  LINKS: Follow Us: Instagram/Tik Tok: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Follow Aliya: Instagram/Tik Tok : @sandb0xb0y Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2023** **NEW EP DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY MAY 6TH** Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that's what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to explore her interest in eco-farming, visited Zendik Farm in North Carolina shortly after graduating from Harvard. A two-week experience turned into years of her life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you spell C-U-L-T.  Support Was I In A Cult? on Patreon for goodies & extra content: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult (https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult) Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult  Contact us: Have a cult story of your own and want to share it on our show? Send us an email: info@wasiinacult.com.  MORE ABOUT HELEN: https://helenzuman.com/

Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Peirano. Today, Kim recounts her bizarre experience with the Foundation for Spiritual Development (FSD). From hypnotic meditations to chilling encounters with supposed extraterrestrial beings, Kim's account unveils the disturbing truth behind the FSD's facade of spiritual growth. And as she progresses through the levels, Kim finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, fear and coercion, questioning her own sanity and the true intentions of those she once trusted. LINKS: Find Kim: Acupuncture: https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/ &  Coaching: https://couragetotransform.com/ Follow Kim: @couragetotransform Follow Us: Instagram @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)

Today is the final part of your fearless co-host, Tyler Measom's, story of being raised a Mormon, and finding the strength to finally say goodbye to the underwear. Now an acclaimed filmmaker and podcaster, much of Tyler’s work is inspired by the shadows of his past. He would go on and on, but Liz is telling him to wrap it up. So, enjoy the episode. And if you haven’t listened to PART 1 yet, do so first. Thanks again, Tyler, for your candor and insight.  LINKS Follow Tyler: @tylermeasom Follow us: Instagram @wasiinacult Want Tyler’s Magic Underwear? Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Have a story to share on our show? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Recommended Reading: Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith by Martha Beck Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT!