Mindful Mystics Podcast: The Cult Next Door: How to Spot the Signs

Brought to you by Paranormal Underground Radio

Episode Date: 3.22.2025

Hosts: Karen Frazier, Chuckie G, and Cheryl Knight-Wilson

Show Summary:

In this episode of “Mindful Mystics,” we pull back the curtain on cults — the obvious, the hidden, and the ones that might be closer to home than you think. We break down what defines a cult, why seemingly smart and grounded people can find themselves drawn in, and share personal stories of brushing up against cult-like experiences in everything from fitness groups to multi-level marketing.

You’ll learn what red flags to watch for, how to safeguard your autonomy, and how to recognize that cult-like traits might pop up in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s about spiritual groups, social circles, or self-help movements, this candid conversation will encourage you to reflect thoughtfully on the communities you choose to be part of.

Check out:

Paranormal Underground magazine: https://paranormalunderground.net/

Author and psychic medium Karen Frazier: https://www.authorkarenfrazier.com/#/

Paranormal Investigator and psychic medium Chuckie G: https://chuckieg.net/

Resources:

Podcasts:

Sounds Like a Cult: https://www.soundslikeacult.com/

Was I in a Cult?: https://www.wasiinacult.com/

Documentaries:

Wild Wild Country (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/80145240

Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults (Max): https://www.max.com/shows/heavens-gate-the-cult-of-cults/83f1cb47-bce8-4e60-a9d3-9153e5d4c455

Escaping Twin Flames (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81615919

Show Highlights:

[08:35] Setting the Scene: Why Talk About Cults?

Cheryl introduces the main topic — cults — and we set the tone by exploring their broad range, from infamous spiritual movements to modern fitness and business groups with cultic traits.

[10:38] Karen’s Lifelong Fascination with Cults

Karen shares how she’s been intrigued by cults since high school, explaining her deep dives into documentaries and books. She emphasizes that cult-like traits show up in everyday groups, from Disney fans to fitness classes.

[15:08] Karen’s Personal Brush With a Dance Cult

Karen recounts how she innocently joined a dance studio for fun but gradually noticed red flags, including love bombing, expensive advancement workshops, and manipulative leadership — all classic cult characteristics.

[23:58] Cheryl’s Experience With Multi-Level Marketing

Cheryl reflects on her younger years when she joined a seemingly harmless MLM group. She describes how the pressure to recruit and invest more money turned an initially fun side gig into an uncomfortable, high-pressure situation.

[27:26] Chuckie G Breaks Down Cult Traits + His Martial Arts Story

Chuckie G outlines the key warning signs of cults: charismatic leadership, isolation, high demands, financial exploitation, and unquestioning obedience. He also shares his own experience in martial arts, where rising costs and strict loyalty expectations mirrored cultic behavior.

[45:05] Exploring Paranormal & Spiritual Cults 

Cheryl dives into a few particularly intriguing paranormal/spiritual cults:

Twin Flames Universe: A modern online community promising soulmates, but rife with coercion and manipulation (see the Netflix doc “Escaping Twin Flames”).

Raëlism: A UFO cult founded in the 1970s, combining free love and alien prophecy, but critici