Behind the Bastards: Part One - The Sordid Story of Nature Boy: The Instagram Cult Leader Who Hates Toilets

Released on May 13, 2025 by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of "Behind the Bastards," hosts Robert Evans and Katie Stahl delve deep into the tumultuous life of Elysio Bishop, a man who transformed from a troubled youth into a modern-day cult leader known as "Nature Boy." This episode meticulously chronicles Bishop's early hardships, his descent into criminal activities, and his eventual rise within the online conscious community, culminating in his establishment as a charismatic yet flawed leader.

Early Life and Foster Care (00:01 - 21:46)

Elysio Bishop was born in Harlem, New York, in 1982. According to a Rolling Stone article, Bishop claims he was a "crack baby," though this narrative is contested by sources like the YouTube channel "Hood Horrors," which provides a more nuanced view of his upbringing.

[17:06] Robert Evans:
"Elysio Bishop was born in Harlem in 1982 and said that he was a crack baby. The story of his upbringing he lays out in his social media videos is troubled."

Bishop's early years were marred by instability. Shortly after his father's death from a heart attack, his mother struggled with severe drug addiction, leading to his removal and placement into the foster care system along with his siblings. At seven, after frequent behavioral issues with his younger brother Leo, Bishop was separated and placed in a foster home in Queens run by Mr. and Mrs. Pope.

[20:09] Robert Evans:
"And he's still childhood experiences, his parents are both dead. He's been moved to one foster home where he was sexually abused."

Bishop alleges sexual abuse in his foster home, a claim supported by broader statistics indicating that approximately 4-5% of foster children suffer sexual abuse. While his brother Leo acknowledges regular corporal punishment, there's a discrepancy in their accounts of severity and impact.

Descent into Crime and Incarceration (21:46 - 43:10)

Bishop's tumultuous childhood set the stage for his rebellious adolescence. Engaging in petty crimes—such as car thefts, burglaries, and thefts—he faced multiple arrests, culminating in a five-year juvenile detention sentence.

[43:10] Robert Evans:
"He was finally convicted and sentenced to five years of juvenile detention, which is where he spends the remainder of his time as a child."

During his incarceration, Bishop struggled with severe depression and multiple suicide attempts, a common plight among detained youth. Released at nineteen, he briefly reunited with his family but faced continued instability, moving between relatives and jobs, including a stint at a slaughterhouse that further deteriorated his mental health.

[43:22] Katie Stahl:
"It is disgusting."

Struggles Post-Incarceration and Entry into the Workforce (43:10 - 54:08)

Attempting to rebuild, Bishop took on various roles, notably as a security guard and later as a barber. His charm facilitated temporary success in these endeavors, but personal relationships were tumultuous, leading to repeated homelessness. To sustain himself, Bishop engaged in sex work and starred in pornography, activities he rationalized as necessary for financial survival.

[53:57] Katie Stahl:
"He's pretty hot. Looks like a lot of people's Tinder profile right there."

His work as a stripper under the name "Tyson for Tyson Beckford" showcased his ability to capitalize on his physical appeal, despite the inherent instability of such professions.

Transition to Cult Leadership (54:08 - 75:14)

Bishop's encounters with the conscious community online exposed him to a blend of black consciousness ideology and fringe conspiracy theories. Immersed in this subculture, he adopted beliefs that higher melanin levels correlate with greater intelligence and that conventional hygiene practices are detrimental.

[70:21] Robert Evans:
"He also starts to believe that bathing is bad for you. You don't need to bathe if you eat only fruit..."

These radical views began to permeate his public persona, especially during his tenure as a barber. Using his barbershop as a platform, he transitioned from providing haircuts to delivering elaborate rants intertwined with his newfound beliefs.

[73:41] Robert Evans:
"He thinks you should only shit in the backyard."

Bishop's increasing obsession with these ideologies led him to abandon his given name, adopting "Nature Boy" as his new identity, symbolizing his break from conventional societal norms and his embrace of his cult-like beliefs.

[74:00] Katie Stahl:
"And in general, probably. Bad for the yard."

Notable Quotes

• "[21:46] Robert Evans: "But it's not like this doesn't happen, Right? Being forced to work an unreasonable amount because you're a foster child, Particularly a black foster kid."*

• "[33:15] Robert Evans: "It's not uncommon. There's a lot about his background that I don't feel any need to question because it happens to a lot of kids."*

• "[70:38] Katie Stahl: "And as a reminder, Steve Job washed his feet in the toilet."*

• "[72:14] Robert Evans: "Stealing your poop by making you think you need a toilet to disconnect you from the universe so you don't realize, you know, the evil schemes they're perpetuating."*

Conclusion

The first part of this episode paints a vivid portrait of Elysio Bishop's descent from a troubled childhood into the chaotic world of cult leadership. His story is a testament to how personal trauma, combined with susceptibility to extremist ideologies, can forge a path toward infamy. As Bishop morphs into "Nature Boy," his blend of pseudo-scientific beliefs and online charisma sets the stage for his future as a significant, albeit malevolent, figure within modern cult dynamics.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where Robert and Katie will explore Bishop's rise within the conscious community and the full extent of his influence as Nature Boy.

Recommended Resources

• Hood Horrors YouTube Channel: A detailed 17-part documentary series on Elysio Bishop, offering in-depth interviews and original content.

• Rolling Stone Article: Comprehensive reporting on Bishop's life, albeit with some contested claims.

• Behind the Bastards YouTube Channel: Visual content supplementing the podcast's narrative.