Cults

By Spotify StudiosSociety & Culture True Crime History

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40 min
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Cults episodes

August 31, 2021 Buddhafield Pt. 2: A Hawaiian Escape
Fleeing to Austin, Texas in the early ‘90s was supposed to be a clean break for “The Teacher” and his followers. For a while, it was. But after an explosive accusation threatened to destroy Buddhafield for good, Andreas — as he now called himself — fled again, this time to an island paradise where he was free to do whatever he wanted.

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36 min
August 24, 2021 Buddhafield Pt. 1: A Poisoned Oasis
Jaime Gomez came to the U.S. from Venezuela in the 1960s looking for stardom, but when careers in dance and film didn’t materialize, he shifted focus. Feeling a deep connection to eastern philosophy, he started leading meditation classes and founded a group called the Buddhafield. Before long, he was claiming he had divine information about the secrets of the universe… and controlling the lives of over 100 people.

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37 min
August 17, 2021 Miracle of Love Pt. 2
After Gourasana passed away, his wife Kalindi took over Miracle of Love and propelled the group to new heights. She held increasingly demanding seminars that broke down attendees until they joined the fold. As time wore on, Kalindi’s enthusiasm and exploits brought many of her followers to the brink, and she showed no signs of slowing down.

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39 min
August 10, 2021 Miracle of Love Pt. 1
By 1987, David Swanson and his wife Carol Seidman had been on a decades-long journey to find enlightenment. Their prayers seemed answered when a divine presence launched itself into David’s body. Donning new identities, the pair spread their “wisdom” around San Diego — preaching material abandonment as they amassed a fortune.

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39 min
August 03, 2021 The Church of Wells Pt. 2
The Church of Wells cemented its place in the small Texas town by being uncompromising and radical. But when a runaway in her 20s named Catherine Grove joined the group, a new level of scrutiny followed. Clashes with local residents escalated in 2014. Still, the congregation remains…

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38 min
July 27, 2021 The Church of Wells Pt. 1
When Baylor University students Sean Morris and Ryan Ringnald met in the mid 2000s, they both felt the world around them was spiritually empty. They leaned into a strict, uncompromising version of Christianity, joined by fellow literalist Jacob Gardner. The trio eventually formed a small congregation that settled in a small town. But for residents of Wells, Texas, the move was more like an invasion… and their lives would never be the same.

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37 min
July 26, 2021 Introducing: Deathbed Confessions
Imagine living with a secret so big, if anyone were to find out, it would change everything. From love affairs and fake identities to heists and murder — do you think you could take a secret like that to the grave? Discover the most explosive things people have admitted to just moments before the end in the new Spotify Original from Parcast, Deathbed Confessions. Listen to an exclusive clip from the first episode right here, then search and follow “Deathbed Confessions” to hear more. New episodes air weekly!
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11 min
July 20, 2021 Brother Julius and The Work Pt. 2
By the 1980s, The Work was a real estate empire worth millions. But Julius didn’t concern himself much with the business. Instead, he focused on preaching armageddon and engaging in “special work” with his young female followers. Several lawsuits, a disastrous TV interview, and a brutal murder marked the beginning of the end.

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43 min
July 14, 2021 Introducing: Obituaries
They’re some of the most iconic figures of all time, celebrated in death for their individual achievements and impact on society. But in life, the relationships they kept tell a different story — one of unexpected connections that yielded extraordinary change. In this new Spotify Original from Parcast, explore the shared legacies of prolific pairs from the past. Listen to an exclusive clip from the first episode right here, then search and follow “Obituaries” for new episodes every Wednesday!
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15 min
July 13, 2021 Brother Julius and The Work Pt. 1
While stationed in the South Pacific with the Navy during World War II, Julius Schacknow had a divine vision. Armed with the knowledge of his supposed destiny, he established a devoted following in New England in the 1970s.

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46 min

About Cults

From the publisher's feed

Doomsday predictions. Religious doctrines. Extraterrestrial orders. What really goes on inside a cult? Step into the minds of those who led and joined the most controversial organizations in history.…