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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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…

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices