This podcast is an excerpt from Amanda Montell's book "Cultish" which examines the language of fanaticism in various groups, ranging from well-known cults like Jonestown and Heaven's Gate to seemingly innocuous communities like CrossFit studios and social media gurus. Montell argues that the language used by charismatic leaders, from Jim Jones to Jeff Bezos, is a key factor in attracting followers and maintaining their loyalty. She identifies several techniques common to cultish language, including love-bombing, thought-terminating clichés, loaded language, and us-versus-them labels, and shows how these techniques can be used to exploit people's fundamental needs for community and meaning. While she acknowledges that not all cultish groups are inherently dangerous, Montell emphasizes the importance of being aware of the language of fanaticism and its potential to influence behavior and beliefs.