All Episodes

March 24, 2019 10 mins

Why would anyone join a cult?

Maybe they're unhappy with their current religion, or they want to change the world, or they're disappointed with their lives and want to find something bigger or holier that makes sense of this confusing, chaotic and dangerous world.

Or maybe they just want to give themselves the best possible chance of having sex with aliens?

Either way, this is the topic of a fascinating new book by author Jo Thornley, who also has a popular podcast called Zealot (featuring some amazing guests).

Zealot: A Book About Cults by Jo Thornley is published by Hachette and is available online as well as bookstores. We started this Token Skeptic interview by chatting about how Zealot came to be.

**************

This show and website wouldn't exist if not for the help of patreons at Patreon. Thanks to them for sticking around, supporting the podcast and helping it continue!

If you'd like to join them, head to Patreon.com/kyliesturgess and check out the rewards available - including the rewards of behind the scenes bonus content and the knowledge that you're helping keep Token Skeptic going.

Theme songs for Token Skeptic podcast are "Leap Second" by Milton Mermikides, of www.miltonmermikides.com. Additional ambient music from Jukedeck – you can create your own at jukedeck.com.

As always, send in your positive reviews to your chosen download platform - you can get this show on Spotify, iTunes, iHeartRadio, RadioPublic and even at tokenskeptic.org. Send in feedback to tokenskeptic at gmail - and remember Patreon.com/kyliesturgess if you'd like to hear more!

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.