Podcast
Was I in a Cult?
Hosted by Liz Iacuzzi · EN
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.
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A TikTok Astrology Cult: “Mystic Manipulation”
Feb 10, 202500:52:41Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your dreams of becoming a therapist are unexpectedly dashed and a TIkTok astrologer promises to solve all your problems? Meet Taylor Marie, who found herself in an online cult that claimed to have "the only astrology system that works." Led by a charismatic married couple, this group charged outrageous prices for "life-altering" astrology readings, promised entrepreneurial and personal success, and preached that all other astrologers were frauds. Taylor’s story is a cautionary tale about online communities, manipulation, and the dangerous power of social media cults. In this episode, she shares how she got entangled in the group, how it slowly consumed her life (and bank account), and the toxic breaking point that forced her to see the truth and get out. Her exit isn’t pretty — the leaders fought back with lawsuits, public smears, and astrology-based threats. But today, Taylor has reclaimed her power, faced the fear-mongering from the cult head on, and found her true purpose—one that wasn’t predicted by a TikTok “guru.” _____ Follow Taylor’s NEW account: @taylormarietherapy Follow us for more culty content: @wasiinacult Got a story that’ll make us say, “The stars did NOT see that coming”? Email us at info@wasiinacult.com —we promise we won’t charge $555 for it. Want ad-free episodes? Support us on Patreon and help fund our cult-unmasking, truth-telling, astrology-free-but-still-fun journey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Evangelical Dragon Ball Z Doomsday Cult: “I’ll Take Space Dragons for 500, Please”
Feb 3, 202500:55:10Tap to summarizeWhen the pandemic hit, Aaron found himself isolated and searching for community. So when he discovered an online occult group, he thought he’d finally found his spiritual people. What he didn’t expect? Signing an NDA, pledging allegiance to a self-proclaimed “Master,” and being told he was destined for an apocalyptic battle… alongside seven ancient space dragons. At first, the group felt like a place of deep discussion, curiosity, and meaning. But as the leader’s grip tightened, so did the demands for obedience. And when the leader finally revealed his true agenda—a disturbing spiritual “shadow ritual,” Aaron realized he wasn’t just in a mystical study group—he was in a full-blown cult. So how did he go from believer to whistleblower? Listen now, because—like we always say—you can’t make this shit up. LINKS: Find Aaron’s anti-cult shared profile page: https://www.facebook.com/Michelle.rugsby And the group email: holybullcrapclub@gmail.com Follow us for more culty goodness: @wasiinacult Got a story that’ll make us say, “Wait… WHAT?!” Spill the tea at info@wasiinacult.com —we promise we won’t make you sign an NDA Want ad-free episodes? Support us on Patreon and help fund our cult-unmasking, story-telling, snack-buying habits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →A New-Age Hypnotherapy Cult PT2: “Hypno-Con-Artist”
Jan 27, 202500:51:40Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of her jaw-dropping story, actress and writer Danielle Nicolet continues to unpack her harrowing experience in a cult disguised as a new-age hypnotherapy practice—led by a woman who shattered families, implanted false memories, and turned lives upside down. Danielle’s journey resumes as she’s sent back to Ohio to live with her father, forced to leave behind friends, gymnastics, and the group she had come to see as family. But instead of healing, the damage only deepens. Alienated from her dad and entangled in her mother’s unraveling, Danielle finds herself emancipated at just 16, navigating the cutthroat world of Hollywood while still grappling with the scars of her past. Danielle’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Her ability to turn deep trauma into a life of joy, creativity, and meaning is nothing short of remarkable. She inspires us, and we’re honored to have her share this story with the world for the first time on our show. LINKS: Find Danielle: @daninicolet Follow us: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →A Pagan Cult?: “Witch, please!”
Jan 13, 2025Tap to summarizeIn today’s spellbinding episode, Melissa, a self-proclaimed millennial misfit, shares her journey into a Wiccan coven that took a hard left towards culty. Melissa’s tale brews up all the ingredients for a wild cauldron of a story: witchy retreats, trance magic, Norse gods, and even perfume-making. What began as a quest for spiritual identity one day led her down a winding path of manipulation, dashed promises and blind devotion. She follow the yellow brick road, only to discover that the Great and Powerful Oz was just a woman charging $90 a week for unlicensed therapy while dangling the carrot of future financial success through channeling Norse deities. But fear not—this episode isn’t all toil and trouble. Melissa’s sharp wit and self-awareness make her story as empowering as it is entertaining. Plus, she managed to turn her culty coven experience into a thriving perfume business (fittingly named Sif Sniffs). Proof that even the wildest detours can lead to a magical comeback. _______ January is CBD Awareness month! We love our sponsor VIIA Hemp. Try VIIA today! viiahemp.com and use code INACULT! ________ LINKS: Follow Melissa on Instagram @sifsniffs Melissa’s Perfume Company: Sif Sniffs Melissa’s Forbes article Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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