Was I In A Cult?

• The Cult of Rodney Howard-Browne: “Holy Ghosted”

  She thought she was enrolling in a Bible college.Instead, she was signing up to give her identity, her labor, her choice—and her fire—to a man who called himself the Holy Ghost Bartender.At “River University,” worship looked like laughing fits and collapsing bodies. Romance was arranged. Submission wasn’t suggested—it was glorified. And your soul? That was just a tally mark on a clipboard.For Sarah, what started as a mission from God turned into a 12-year descent through emotional control, spiritual abuse, and religious labor trafficking.___FOLLOW US for more culty content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and updates from our unholy quest to expose charismatic conmen:→ @wasiinacult on Instagram & TikTokSUPPORT THE SHOW:Rodney’s followers emptied their bank accounts at the altar. We just ask you to visit Patreon.If this episode hit you—or made you question the price of obedience—share it, and leave a review.To our Patreon members:You're the real holy fire. Thank you for keeping the mic on and the bullshit detectors charged. Want ad-free episodes and exclusive extras?→ Join us on Patreon.HAVE A CULTY STORY?We wanna hear it.→ Email us: [email protected] 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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• The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”

  A limo to Atlantic City. Pizzerias with back rooms. Garbage bags vanishing across boroughs.Comedian Barry Rothbart grew up believing his dad didn’t just live large—he made life larger. Then the tapes surfaced.This isn’t a mob story. It’s what happens when your identity is forged from someone else’s legend—only to discover the legend was a lie. As Barry unravels the mythology, his father’s world curdles into something darker… and uncomfortably familiar to our show.For the full, uncut conversation, hop over to our Patreon.____FOLLOW US for more culty content and behind-the-scenes chaos:Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacultSUPPORT THE SHOW:Barry’s dad kept his money in stacks above the bed. We prefer Patreon. If this episode hit you—or made you think twice about charisma, cons, or cult leaders—share it and then leave a review (but take the cannoli). A huge thank you to our Patreon members—your support keeps us making episodes like this one. Want ad-free shows & exclusive extras? → Join our Patreon.CHECK OUT BARRY:Barry Rothbart’s investigative series Searching for Allan Rothbart is exclusively on Audible. It’s equal parts mob tale, family reckoning, and cult-like indoctrination story. Don’t miss it.You can also follow Barry on social media → @barryrothbartHAVE A CULTY STORY? We wanna hear it.Email us: [email protected] 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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• The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”

  What happens when your entire life revolves around likes, follows, and perfectly staged smoothie bowls?For Lee Tilghman — better known as @leefromamerica — it meant rising to the top of Instagram’s wellness world… and losing herself in the process.This week, we explore what it means to devote yourself to the cult of social media: when every thought and action becomes about what to post, when friends are replaced by followers, and when your online identity becomes the only one you know.From the outside, the influencer life looks aspirational. But Lee asks: at what cost?____________COME SEE US LIVE!!Los Angeles • September 9, 2025With special guest: comedian Moses Storm@ Dynasty TypewriterVIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!FOLLOW US for more culty content and behind-the-scenes chaos:Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacultSUPPORT THE SHOW:The average person spends over 2 hours a day on social media. If this episode resonated—or even made you rethink your daily doomscroll—share it, leave a review. Hug a friend IRL. Huge thank you to our Patreon members—you keep this thing going.Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.Have a culty story? We wanna hear it.Email us: [email protected] if you want more from today’s guest, Lee from America:Her brand-new book “If you Don’t Like This, I Will Die” is out nowFind Lee → @leefromamericaSee 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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• The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”

  Michael grew up believing his hometown in Germany was just that — a quiet, picturesque community with cobblestone streets, tidy homes, a school, and a grocery store. At its heart stood the church, looming over daily life.But what looked like small-town order was really something far darker. Built in the aftermath of World War II, by leaders with lingering Nazi ties, the town was engineered for control: walls without walls, designed to keep its people in and the rest of the world out.Years later, in a casual conversation with a sibling, the truth unraveled:This wasn’t just a devout community.It was a cult.COME SEE US LIVE!!!Los Angeles • September 9, 2025With special guest: comedian Moses Storm@ Dynasty TypewriterVIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!Special Thanks:Big thanks to Maura Streppa for her gorgeous rendition of “Die Gedanken sind frei”→ Follow Maura on Instagram @maurastreppamusicFollow Us for More Culty Content:Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacultSupport the Show:If this episode moved you — share it. Leave a review. Scream-sing Die Gedanken sind frei in your kitchen.Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.Share Your Story:Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.Email us: [email protected] 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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• The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”

  It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’t just a brand — it was a vibe. And today’s guest, Zsuzsi was on the front lines of it all. From art school to assistant manager to overseeing a hot New York City store, she was living the dream… until it started to feel more like a fever dream — and eventually, a cult. Today’s story is about what happens when the "American dream" disguises exploitation in trendy cotton basics — and how one man's charisma fueled a culture of unchecked abuse, manipulation, humiliation, and grooming… all hidden behind the label “Made in the USA.”And the worst part? He’s still at it.___COME SEE US LIVE!!!Los Angeles • September 9, 2025With special guest: comedian Moses Storm@ Dynasty TypewriterVIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!Follow Us for More Culty Content:Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacultFind Zsuzsi: @hdbyz & @hellozhia / https://www.hdbyz.com & https://www.hellozhia.comSupport the Show:If you learned something, felt something, or are angry too and want to make a little noise — share this episode. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. And maybe… make a call to:(213) 275-3120Just for some light, constructive feedback.Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.Share Your Story:Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.Email us: [email protected] 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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