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.
Episodes
April 28, 2024 • 78 mins
**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 aft...
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April 22, 2024 • 66 mins
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, ...
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April 15, 2024 • 61 mins
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 you...
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April 8, 2024 • 49 mins
Tyler Measom, your fearless co-host, stopped by the studio in his magic underwear to chat with Liz about his cultic upbringing as a good (clean) Mormon Boy in Pleasant Grove, Utah. It’s everything you could hope for and less… or more… more or less.
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? Ema...
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April 1, 2024 • 59 mins
WE NEED YOUR INPUT!! We’re launching a new membership on Patreon and want to know… If you were to support this membership, what content do YOU crave more of? Please head to THIS LINK and GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!: https://forms.gle/9M8TSjfBvpNHKbxD6
TODAY’S EPISODE:
A former Moonie, Dr. Hassan has spent the last 45 years helping thousands break free from cults and cult-like environments. He is is America's leading cult expert and t...
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March 24, 2024 • 66 mins
Christina takes us on a harrowing journey trapped in a cult led by (none other than) her husband, who claimed to be the reincarnation of Christ. Of course when they first met, he was a rebel who stole cars and did drugs, but we digress. From manipulation to isolation and justified adultery through 'God’s will,' Christina's story is a rollercoaster of control and resilience. As she faces threats to her family and identity, Christina...
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March 17, 2024 • 85 mins
In the electrifying world of rock ’n roll, Canadian Tal Bachman, son of legendary Randy Bachman from Bachman Turner Overdrive, seemed destined for stardom. Yet, his path was anything but straightforward. For Tal, it was a constant dance between the chords of fame and the doctrines of his devout Mormon upbringing. And as the spotlight beckoned, Tal found himself at a crossroads, as the requirements for stardom clashed with rules of ...
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March 11, 2024 • 68 mins
Jason Christian was born into Gloriavale — a self-proclaimed utopic Christian community of more than 500 people on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. His grandfather, Hopeful Christian, was the leader. Shut out from the outside world and forced to work on the farm at the age of six, Jason was primed to live a life without actual freedom, as this group of true believers was all he knew. But when it was time for him to mar...
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March 4, 2024 • 54 mins
This is Part 2 of Sara Tasneem’s heroic story. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, please start there. This episode reveals Sara’s immense strength, her re-brith, her new found freedom. But after years of imprisionment, the real world isn’t always an easy road… especially when you have mouths to feed.
Thank you Sara. You’re an inspiration. Want to help end child marriage? You can! Get involved. It will take us all to finally end ch...
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February 26, 2024 • 52 mins
Sara Tasneem's journey began in Boulder, Colorado, where she was born into the Islamic faith. However, at the age of five, her parents divorced, causing her faith to split as well. Her mother distanced herself from the religion, while her father delved deeper, immersing himself in a Sufi group that would soon dominate Sara's existence.
Then, at the age of 15, Sara's life took an unexpected turn when her father brought her to a con...
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February 19, 2024 • 52 mins
Emily Lynn Paulson was a busy, ass-kicking mom to five children when she realized something was missing. Wanting to find a way to enter the workforce again, she met up with an old friend one night who introduced her to some products. Products her friend was selling. Products that Emily could sell too. She could work her own hours, be her own boss, and still spend all the time with her kids. It sounded perfect. And it was.
Until… ...
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January 29, 2024 • 44 mins
**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2021**
**NEW EPS DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY FEB 5th**
Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience, bravery, and inspiration. Being born into a cult always comes with its challenges, but learning how to have an original thought in your mid-20s is a rare struggle that most people are fortunate enough to never have to face. This is just one of ma...
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January 22, 2024 • 57 mins
*NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022*
TITLE: Thou Shan't Be Named: "Non-Church Church" Non-Denominational Christianity. Sounds innocent enough, and for many non-denominational churches, it is. But for others, the non-affiliation creates a dangerous pathway to a choose your own adventure "religion." For Shannon Payton, it was an adventure all right, but not one she necessarily would've chosen...if, of course, given the choice...
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May 14, 2023 • 73 mins
Fresh to the workforce, Amber answered a job posting for a dental assitant: “No experience needed!” Looking for something reliable to support her new life as a single mother, she was thrilled when she got hired.
Little did she know, her new job would be more than just dental work!
We'll be back in a few weeks with SEASON 3. Thank you for all your love and support! We appreciate you more than you know.
To help us continu...
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May 7, 2023 • 54 mins
Colorado is known to draw the hippies, the free-thinkers, the adventurous… so when a group of alternative medicine devotees convinces our guest that they can cure her severe back pain, she’s open to suggestion.
But soon, she finds herself sleeping in a van and questioning everything that got her to this point.
Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult
Have yo...
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April 30, 2023 • 42 mins
Russell D. Johnson’s story continues. A journey into and out of a martial arts cult.
PART TWO
So Russell survives his emergency, life-threatening arm surgery, but shockingly, that won’t be the hardest thing.
So the next question becomes… Can he survive the stalking and death threats that occur after he speaks up and out against the cult?
Well, if anyone can, it's our unassuming Bruce Banner…
'Cause watch ...
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April 23, 2023 • 56 mins
It's the 1970s and Kung Fu is all the rage. So when 16-year-old Russell Johnson looks to channel his (inner) rage, he signs up for a local class to learn how to become a peaceful warrior.
Only what he doesn’t know is that what he signed up for would one day almost cost him his life
Support us on Patreon!
Your donation is our salvation (we made that up but it sounded nice ‘n culty…) Truly, your contributions real...
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April 17, 2023 • 46 mins
So you've survived an abusive cult.
Now what? What exactly are the legal options available to you?
An investigative litigator who represents victims of cultic and religious abuse, Carol Merchasin, sat down with us to discuss just that.
She is our hero.
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Find Carol at Mcolaw.com.
Support us on Patreon! : https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult
Have your own story and want to be on the show? Email us...
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April 10, 2023 • 44 mins
Tamara, the beloved, has just been upgraded from the commune to the big house on the hill with the leader and his multiple wives.
But it isn’t long before she realizes that the reason she thought she was brought to live with them is not the reason she is there at all…
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Support us on Patreon! : https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Follow us on Instagram: @wasiinacult
Have your own story and want to...
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April 3, 2023 • 41 mins
Raised by two Jewish parents, Tamara and her family are splintered when her father finds a new religion. Five-year-old Tamara is now forced to live two separate worlds. One with mom, going to public school & and one with Dad on a strict religious commune.
When gifted the name Beloved by the leader, it's not exactly the honor she was expecting.
Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Follow us on Instagram: @was...
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