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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.

Was I In A Cult?

Nine years. One strip-mall church. A duffel bag full of cash, a freezing pool full of goldfish, and a pastor who convinced everyone he had a direct line to God.

This week, Alisha takes us inside Church of the Harvest — a charismatic California congregation that promised purpose, purity, and a path to the pulpit… but delivered something far darker.

Hazing disguised as holiness, unpaid labor disguised as “discipleship,” and extreme control disguised as dating. 

Because when your pastor asks you to “volunteer” full-time, pay tuition to do it, and maybe jump into a swamp at 3 a.m. to save metaphorical fish — you might just be in a cult.

______________________

FOLLOW US

For more cult content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and occasional sermons from our strip-mall pulpit:

→ @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok

SUPPORT THE SHOW

The best way to support our ministry of exposing culty bullshit?

Rate, review, and share the pod — it’s free, legal, and no one will ask for your debit card “in faith.”

If you do want to tithe a little, join us on Patreon — we promise not to call it “tuition”. You’ll get ad-free episodes, bonus content, and our undying gratitude (no altar required).

→ Become a member on Patreon.

HAVE A CULTY STORY?

We want to hear it.

→ info@wasiinacult.com

Follow Alisha: 

TikTok/IG @Spillingthekoolaid & 

IG: @Ezbakealisha

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Church of the Harvest: “WWJD? Probably Pay His Employees.”

Last week, we met Paige: a bright-eyed engineer who joined SpaceX believing she was helping to save humanity. In Part 1, we followed her through the seduction — the mission, the 80-hour weeks, the Elon slogans on the walls, the slow loss of self until the job became the identity.

This week, the mission meets the myth. Paige helps organize an open letter — a polite but radical act of collective dissent in a cult-like workplace. And almost everyone is too scared to sign it.

What begins as a measured plea for change becomes a window into just how deep the fear-mongering and punitive control at SpaceX really run.

And soon, Paige learns what every defector from a high-demand system eventually does: that questioning the leader isn’t seen as courage — it’s seen as betrayal.

____

FOLLOW US

For more cult content, behind-the-scenes chaos:

→ @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok

SUPPORT THE SHOW

The best way to fuel our mission? Rate, review, and share the pod with your people — word of mouth is rocket fuel.

And if you want to help keep the mics on (without betting on stock options that never vest)? Join us on Patreon. We don’t drain bank accounts — we just give you ad-free episodes, bonus content, and our undying gratitude.

→ Become a member on Patreon.

HAVE A CULTY STORY?

We want to hear it. 

→ 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.

SpaceX — PT2: “Mission Aborted”

An ex–SpaceX engineer asks our favorite question: when does mission become mindset—and then eventually something more? Paige was convinced she was helping save humanity by working at SpaceX.

In Part 1, she traces the seduction: the purpose, the perks, the “Elon Algorithms” plastered on the wall, the complete devotion, the loss of individuality into one group identity, the isolation, the uncompensated labor, the belief that you are better than the rest… it all started to feel less like a workplace and more like… something else.

Today, we follow Paige’s journey into the belly of the rocket factory. And next week? The fallout. When speaking up against the culture didn’t just cost her a job… it made her a target.

———

FOLLOW US

For more cult content, behind-the-scenes chaos:

→ → @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok

SUPPORT THE SHOW

The best way to fuel our mission? Rate, review, and share the pod with your people — word of mouth is rocket fuel.

And if you want to help keep the mics on (without betting on stock options that never vest)? Join us on Patreon. We don’t drain bank accounts — we just give you ad-free episodes, bonus content, and our undying gratitude.

→ Become a member Patreon.

HAVE A CULTY STORY?

Whether it’s a startup, a church, or just your weird improv troupe — we want to hear it.

→ 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.

SpaceX—PT1: “It’s About to Get Musky in Here”

What if the yoga class you signed up for wasn’t yoga at all, but the doorway to something much darker?

In this episode, Angel takes us inside Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi — a strip-mall wellness studio that seemed harmless enough. Until it wasn’t. Instead of stretching, you’re told to march in circles, punch your stomach, chant about your mother’s failings, and spill your deepest traumas to a room full of strangers.

What Angel didn’t know was that Body & Brain isn’t just a quirky yoga chain. It’s a nationwide empire with 70+ locations, millions in revenue, luxury retreats in Sedona — and a founder who flew private while his followers drowned in debt.

And that’s just the beginning. Dig deeper and you’ll find that Body & Brain is nothing new at all… it’s the rebranded face of Dahn Yoga — one of the most notorious modern cults.

________

FOLLOW US

For more cult content, behind-the-scenes chaos:

→ @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok

FOLLOW ANGEL

Insta: @mtan_gel

SUPPORT THE SHOW

You can support this show by rating, reviewing, and sharing it with your people — word of mouth keeps us growing.

And if you really want to help keep the mics on? Become a Patreon member. Unlike Body & Brain, we don’t drain bank accounts — we just give you ad-free episodes, bonus content, and our undying gratitude.

→ Join us on Patreon.

HAVE A CULTY STORY?

Want to share it? We wanna hear it.

→ 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.

Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi: “The Cult FKA Dahn Yoga”

She thought she was enrolling in a Bible college.

Instead, she was signing up to give her identity, her labor, her choice—and her fire—to a man who called himself the Holy Ghost Bartender.

At “River University,” worship looked like laughing fits and collapsing bodies. Romance was arranged. Submission wasn’t suggested—it was glorified. And your soul? That was just a tally mark on a clipboard.

For Sarah, what started as a mission from God turned into a 12-year descent through emotional control, spiritual abuse, and religious labor trafficking.

___

FOLLOW US for more culty content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and updates from our unholy quest to expose charismatic conmen:

→ @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTok

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Rodney’s followers emptied their bank accounts at the altar. We just ask you to visit Patreon.

If this episode hit you—or made you question the price of obedience—share it, and leave a review.

To our Patreon members:

You're the real holy fire. Thank you for keeping the mic on and the bullshit detectors charged. Want ad-free episodes and exclusive extras?

→ Join us on Patreon.

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.

The Cult of Rodney Howard-Browne: “Holy Ghosted”

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.

The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”

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.

The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”

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.

The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”

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.

The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”

**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.

Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]

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.

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

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