**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 ..read more

Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Periano. 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 ..read more

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/wasi ..read more

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? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com ..read more

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 bravely shares her experiences with humor and hope, showing us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light. LINKS Follow us: Instagram @wa ..read more

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 his religion. What led him to step away from the stage? And once he finally breaks free from the cult, does he find his way back?  LINKS: Jingle writer: @angela ..read more

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 marry a woman in the community that was chosen for him, Jason made a different choice.   LINKS Gloriavale documentary: https://www.gloriavale.com/ Follow us ..read more

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 child marriages for good. Here are some helpful links to get you started: —  Zonta USA: https://zontausa.org/end-child-marriage-in-the-usa/end-child-marriage ..read more

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 conference led by the group's sheikh in Los Angeles, California. Little did she anticipate that this seemingly ordinary weekend would change the trajectory of her life i ..read more

Now fully committed, Kit works her way through the Deer Tribe Medicine Society and Quodoushka programs, each level more intense than the last. After moving to Phoenix due to pressure from the group, she begins to really question whether or not this is providing the healing she set out to recieve. And then, when quarantine strikes, a woman joins the group that may just save her life.   LINKS Deer Tribe: dtmms.org/ Amara Charles: www.amaracharles.com/ Quodoushka: www.quodoushka.org/ Ruda Center (aka the Ashram): rudracenter.org Follow us: Instagram: @wasiinacult Support Us: https://www ..read more