Heinous beliefs

Heinous beliefs

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Heinous beliefs episodes

  • 12: Julius Christ: The Messiah from Connecticut Who Preached Power, Sex, and Control

    🎧 Episode 12 – Julius Christ: The Messiah from Connecticut Who Preached Power, Sex, and Control


    Podcast: Heinous Beliefs
    Host: Ria
    Instagram: @heinousbeliefs
    Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of spiritual abuse, sexual coercion, and cult violence. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

    Episode Description:
    In this jaw-dropping episode of Heinous Beliefs, we uncover the disturbing rise and fall of Julius Schacknow, aka “Julius Christ” a self-proclaimed messiah who ran a religious cult out of Connecticut during the 1970s and 80s. Claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus, Julius built a secretive, high-control religious group known as The Work, manipulating followers with fear of damnation, promises of salvation, and twisted “purification rituals.”

    We explore how Julius exploited apocalyptic fear to isolate, control, and abuse his followers, many of whom were vulnerable women and children. You’ll hear about the cult’s inner workings, the crimes that went unpunished, survivor testimonies, and the psychological profile of a man who weaponised belief for total domination.

    This isn’t a story of faith, it’s a warning of what happens when someone wraps harm in holiness.

    In This Episode:

    • Who was Julius Schacknow, and how did he become “Julius Christ”?

    • The belief system behind The Work and how it twisted scripture to justify abuse

    • Survivor accounts of spiritual manipulation and sexual coercion

    • How the cult avoided law enforcement for decades

    • What the FBI knew and why it took so long for anyone to speak up

    • The ripple effects of cult trauma on families and entire communities

    • Why this case still flies under the radar, despite its impact

      • Sources & Documents:

      • Hartford Courant Archives: “He Called Himself Christ” (1985)

      • FBI FOIA documents on Julius Schacknow (1986–1992)

      • New Haven Independent: Cult survivor interviews (2006)

      • Milford Mirror Archives (1979–1989)

      • “The Cult Next Door”  Investigative podcast, 2021 episode

      • Journal of Cultic Studies: “The Psychology of Religious Delusion”

      • Court documents from Paul Sweetman’s child abuse conviction, Florida (linked to Julius's teachings)

        • Mental Health, Abuse, and Cult Recovery Resources:

        • RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | www.rainn.org

        • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

        • Recovering from Religion: www.recoveringfromreligion.org

        • The Hotline (Domestic Abuse Support): 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

        • International Mental Health Helplines: www.checkpointorg.com/global

          Connect with Me:
          Got a story? Thoughts on the episode? Or just wanna support? Hit me up:
          📲 Instagram: @heinousbeliefs

          If you found this episode powerful, informative, or disturbing in the right way share it. Rate it. Review it. Let’s keep exposing how belief, when twisted, can turn deadly.

          Until next time, stay sharp, stay safe, and don’t get caught up in the madness.
           Peace. 🖤

          27 min
        • 11: Ervil LeBaron: The Prophet of Blood

          🎙️ Heinous Beliefs – Episode 8


          Title: Ervil LeBaron: The Prophet of Blood

          Episode Description:

          In this jaw-dropping episode of Heinous Beliefs, we crack open the dark legacy of Ervil LeBaron — the so-called prophet who turned religious doctrine into a death sentence. Known as “The Mormon Manson,” Ervil led a violent fundamentalist cult that weaponized blood atonement and sent his followers on a killing spree that spanned decades — even beyond his death.

          He didn’t just preach hellfire, he unleashed it — targeting his own family, rival sects, and anyone who dared to question his authority. From a dusty outpost in Mexico to a jail cell in Utah, Ervil’s grip on his followers ran deep. This ain’t just a cult story — this is a generational horror story wrapped in prophecy, manipulation, and murder.

          ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of cult abuse, religious violence, child exploitation, and multiple homicides. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

          What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

          • 📖 The roots of the LeBaron family’s break from mainstream Mormonism

          • 🧠 Ervil’s psychological descent into control, obsession, and paranoia

          • 🩸 How he twisted the doctrine of blood atonement to justify murder

          • 📓 His infamous hit list — even written into a scripture he authored in prison

          • 🔪 The murders of Joel LeBaron, Rulon Allred, and the chilling 4 o’clock killings

          • 💔 Survivor stories from children raised under his regime

          • 🚔 The FBI hunt, his prison writings, and the cult killings that continued long after his death

          • 🔍 How belief can become a weapon — and a family’s legacy can become a death sentence

            • 🔥 Notable Quotes:

            “If you didn’t laugh at one of his jokes, your name might end up in that book.”
             — Former follower on Ervil’s paranoia and spiritual hit list

            “He didn’t want a church — he wanted a damn dynasty.”
             — Host, Heinous Beliefs

            Sources & Further Reading:

            • FBI Records: Ervil LeBaron FOIA Files

            • Books:

              • Prophet of Blood by Ben Bradlee Jr. & Dale Van Atta

              • Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

              • Investigative Articles:

                • VICE – The Mormon Manson

                • The Guardian – Ervil’s Legacy of Blood

                • Deseret News – Polygamist cults and the killings that followed

                  🎧 Let’s Talk About It:
                  Hit me up on IG @HeinousBeliefs — and don’t forget to share the episode with someone who loves unraveling cult cases as much as we do.


                  28 min
                • 10: Cary Stayner: The Yosemite Sightseer Killer — “I Was Doing God’s Work”

                  🎙️ Episode Title:


                  Cary Stayner: The Yosemite Sightseer Killer — “I Was Doing God’s Work”

                  📌 Episode Summary:

                  In this gripping episode of Heinous Beliefs, your host Ria unpacks one of the most disturbing serial killer cases to ever unfold inside a U.S. national park. Cary Stayner, a seemingly quiet handyman at a Yosemite-area motel, turned out to be a cold-blooded killer with a god complex.

                  But this isn’t just about the crimes—it’s about what drove them. Cary believed he was “doing God’s work.” He said his victims were “sinful” and needed to be “cleansed.” He wrote about it in letters. He confessed to it. He even stuck to that story two decades later in a death row interview.

                  We go deep into his childhood, how his brother’s infamous kidnapping left him isolated and invisible, and how he spiraled into delusions, fantasies, and violence. From the Cedar Lodge triple homicide to the decapitation of park ranger Joie Armstrong, this case is brutal, twisted, and loaded with religious distortion.

                  You’ll hear how belief—whether real, feigned, or delusional—became Cary Stayner’s justification for murder. And how the justice system ultimately brought him down.

                  ⛓️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

                  • The trauma-filled childhood of Cary Stayner and his complex relationship with his kidnapped brother, Steven Stayner

                  • Red flags ignored for years, from naked forest walks to violent fantasies

                  • The brutal murders of Carole Sund, Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and Joie Ruth Armstrong

                  • How Stayner used religion and “divine purpose” as an excuse for killing

                  • Quotes from his chilling confessions and post-conviction interviews

                  • His federal and state trials, the death sentence, and where he is now

                  • A deep dive into how belief—especially religious delusion—can be manipulated into violence

                    • ⚠️ Trigger Warning:


                    This episode contains discussions of murder, sexual assault, childhood trauma, mental illness, and religiously motivated violence. Please listen with care.

                    ⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

                    • 00:00 – Welcome + Content warning

                    • 02:00 – The Stayner family: trauma, abuse, and neglect

                    • 08:30 – Steven Stayner’s kidnapping & media attention

                    • 12:00 – Cary’s spiral into delusion and violence

                    • 16:45 – The Cedar Lodge Murders: Carole, Juli, and Silvina

                    • 26:00 – The murder of Joie Ruth Armstrong

                    • 30:45 – FBI confession + twisted spiritual justification

                    • 36:20 – Trial, conviction, and California’s death row

                    • 44:10 – Ria’s final thoughts: belief vs delusion

                      🔗 Connect with Heinous Beliefs:


                      📸 Instagram: @heinousbelief
                      📧 Email: @heinousbeliefs

                      We want to hear from you! Have a case suggestion? Want to share your thoughts on this episode? DM us or shoot us an email!

                      🖤 Support the Show:

                      Love the pod? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps more people discover these untold stories and helps us keep digging into the dark side of belief.

                      Share this episode with your true crime bestie, your podcast-obsessed cousin, or anyone who’s fascinated by how belief and brutality collide.



                      24 min
                    • 9: La Corriveau: The Iron Cage of Justice and Myth


                      🎙️ Episode Title:
                      La Corriveau: The Iron Cage of Justice and Myth

                      📌 Episode Summary:
                      In this haunting episode of Heinous Beliefs, we dive deep into the true crime case of Marie-Josephte Corriveau—a woman whose name still echoes across Quebec. Was she a murderer, a victim, or both? And how did her story twist into one of Canada's most terrifying folktales?

                      We uncover the historical facts behind her trial and execution, the strange display of her corpse in an iron gibbet, and how colonial beliefs and fear twisted her into a ghost story. From the courtroom to the crossroads, this episode is packed with mystery, injustice, and cultural mythology.

                      🔍 Topics Covered:

                      • The suspicious death of Louis Étienne Dodier
                      • Marie-Josephte's confession and retrial
                      • The British military tribunal in New France
                      • The symbolic use of gibbeting
                      • How her legend evolved into Québécois folklore
                      • The rediscovery of the iron cage
                      • Belief, patriarchy, and punishment in colonial society

                        • 🕯️ Why It Matters:
                        This case reveals how deeply belief systems—colonial, religious, and cultural—shape the way justice is carried out and remembered. The transformation of Marie-Josephte from a real woman to a ghost in a cage shows how folklore often grows from fear and trauma.

                        📥 Have a case suggestion or want to say hi?
                        Email us at: [email protected]

                        📲 Follow us on Instagram for episode drops, dark history content & behind-the-scenes:
                        @heinousbeliefs

                        🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share!

                        15 min
                      • 8: The Ant Hill Kids Cult – A Reign of Terror

                        Episode Notes: The Ant Hill Kids Cult – A Reign of Terror

                        Episode Overview

                        In this chilling episode of Heinous Beliefs, we dive deep into one of the most disturbing cult cases in history—the Ant Hill Kids, led by the sadistic and delusional Roch Thériault. What began as a seemingly harmless commune in rural Canada quickly morphed into a nightmarish cult ruled by terror, manipulation, and brutal violence.

                        This case is a prime example of how unchecked power, religious fanaticism, and psychological control can turn deadly. Thériault convinced his followers that he was God’s chosen prophet, using his charisma to keep them under his command. Over time, his paranoia, delusions, and sadistic tendencies escalated, leading to horrific acts of torture, mutilation, and murder within the cult.

                        This episode explores:
                         ✅ Roch Thériault’s early life – how his intelligence and charm masked a manipulative and dangerous personality.
                        ✅ The formation of the Ant Hill Kids cult – how he lured people into his doomsday ideology and established total control.
                        ✅ The brutal realities of life inside the commune – including starvation, physical torture, forced amputations, and mind control.
                        ✅ The gruesome murders – including Solange Boilard, Samuel Giguère, and Claude Ouellette, victims of Thériault’s unchecked brutality.
                        ✅ How Thériault’s cult operated for years without intervention – and the tragic failures that allowed his abuse to continue.
                        ✅ The downfall of Roch Thériault – how one survivor’s escape finally led to his arrest and conviction.
                        ✅ The aftermath and impact of the case – the psychological toll on survivors and how Thériault’s influence lasted even behind bars.

                        This episode is not just about exposing the horrors of one cult leader—it’s a warning about how belief, when placed in the wrong hands, can be twisted into something lethal.

                        Key Quotes from the Episode

                        💬 "When a leader demands absolute obedience and isolates followers from the outside world, they gain the power to turn people into prisoners of their own faith."
                        💬 "Roch Thériault didn’t just manipulate—he broke people down, convinced them that pain was purification, and turned them into accomplices in their own suffering."
                        💬 "Even after his arrest, some followers remained devoted. That’s how deep the psychological grip of a cult can be."

                        Resources & Further Reading

                        Want to dig deeper into this terrifying case? Here are some verified sources and in-depth reports on the Ant Hill Kids cult and Roch Thériault’s crimes:

                        📖 Murderpedia - Roch Thériault – Read more
                        📖 The True Crime Database - Ant Hill Kids Cult – Read more
                        📖 National Post: How Roch Thériault Built a Cult of Horror – Read more
                        📖 CBC Archives - Cult Crimes in Canada – Read more
                        📖 Criminal Code of Canada - Laws on Cult-Related Crimes – Read more

                        These sources provide deeper insight into the psychological manipulation, legal loopholes, and systemic failures that allowed Thériault’s cult to exist for so long.

                        Help & Support Resources

                        If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation involving cult manipulation, religious abuse, or coercive control, there are resources available to help. You are not alone.

                        🔹 International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) – Offers education and support for cult survivors. Visit site
                        🔹 Cult Awareness & Recovery (Cult Education Institute) – Resources for recognizing cult tactics and getting out safely. Visit site
                        🔹 RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – The largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. for survivors of abuse. Visit site | Call: 800-656-HOPE
                        🔹 National Domestic Violence Hotline – If you are in danger or experiencing coercive control, help is available 24/7. Visit site | Call: 800-799-7233
                        🔹 The Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Resources for reporting and preventing child abuse. Visit site
                        🔹 StrongHearts Native Helpline – Culturally specific help for Indigenous survivors of domestic abuse. Visit site | Call: 844-762-8483

                        If you need help, reach out to one of these organizations. You deserve safety and support.

                        Stay Connected & Share Your Thoughts

                        The discussion doesn’t end here. Let’s keep the conversation going—your thoughts, feedback, and questions are always welcome!

                        📧 Email: [email protected]
                        📷 Instagram: @heinousbeliefs

                        💬 Have a case suggestion? Know of another terrifying cult or belief-driven crime we should cover? Send us an email or DM!

                        🎧 Love the episode? Share it with your friends, tag us on Instagram, and leave a review! Your support helps us keep bringing you deep dives into the darkest corners of true crime.

                        🔎 Stay skeptical. Stay safe. Keep questioning everything.


                        31 min
                      • 7: Faith, Control, and Abuse – The Disturbing Case of Ruby Franke

                        Episode Notes – Heinous Beliefs Podcast

                        Episode Title: Faith, Control, and Abuse – The Disturbing Case of Ruby Franke

                        Episode Summary:

                        In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we pull back the curtain on one of the most disturbing cases of parental abuse in recent years—the downfall of Ruby Franke.

                        For years, Ruby was the face of 8 Passengers, a YouTube channel that promoted family values, strict parenting, and a faith-based approach to raising children. But beneath the surface, something much darker was happening. With the influence of her so-called counselor and mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby’s idea of discipline escalated into full-blown psychological and physical abuse.

                        By the time authorities got involved, two of her children had endured months of starvation, isolation, and physical torture—all in the name of “righteousness.” This case is not just about bad parenting—it’s about the dangers of religious extremism, cult-like ideology, and the unchecked power that comes with being an internet personality in a world where people trust influencers too easily.

                        Today, we’ll break down the rise and fall of Ruby Franke, the warning signs that were ignored, and what this case tells us about the fine line between faith and fanaticism.

                        Timestamps:

                        🔹 00:00 – Introduction & Listener Discretion
                        Before we dive in, we discuss the heavy nature of this case, why it’s important to talk about these issues, and a shoutout to all our amazing listeners.

                        🔹 03:15 – Who Was Ruby Franke? The Rise of 8 Passengers
                        How did Ruby go from a wholesome family vlogger to one of the most hated figures on the internet? We explore the early days of her channel, her strict parenting philosophy, and the slow shift into something more dangerous.

                        🔹 10:45 – The Red Flags: When “Tough Love” Becomes Abuse
                        Meal deprivation, extreme punishments, public shaming—viewers noticed things weren’t adding up. We discuss the biggest warning signs in Ruby’s parenting and how the internet tried to intervene before it was too late.

                        🔹 18:20 – Jodi Hildebrandt: The Manipulative Mind Behind It All
                        Jodi wasn’t just a therapist—she was a master manipulator who used faith-based fear tactics to push Ruby into extreme beliefs. We take a deep dive into Connexions, Jodi’s twisted counseling methods, and how she isolated Ruby from her family and the outside world.

                        🔹 25:00 – The Horrific Discovery: A Child’s Desperate Escape
                        On August 30, 2023, a malnourished 12-year-old boy fled Jodi’s house, duct tape around his ankles and wrists, begging for food and water. What police found inside was beyond horrifying. We break down how authorities finally stepped in.

                        🔹 33:30 – The Arrest, Trial, and Public Backlash
                        Ruby and Jodi’s arrest made headlines worldwide. But even after being charged, Ruby showed no remorse, insisting she was doing “God’s work.” We go over the trial, their sentencing, and how the internet reacted.

                        🔹 40:00 – Faith, Fear, and Control: When Religion Becomes a Weapon
                        We wrap up the episode by discussing how religious beliefs are sometimes manipulated to justify abuse. What can we learn from this case, and how can we protect others from similar situations?

                        Key Takeaways from This Episode:

                        ✔ Influence Can Be Dangerous: Just because someone appears wholesome online doesn’t mean they should be trusted blindly.
                        ✔ Religious Extremism Can Enable Abuse: When faith is twisted into a tool for control, it becomes dangerous.
                        ✔ Community Awareness Matters: The internet saw the red flags years before authorities did. Public concern can save lives.
                        ✔ Kids Deserve Protection, Not Suffering: Discipline should never come at the cost of a child’s safety.

                        Resources for Abuse & Help:

                        If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there are resources available:

                        📞 National Child Abuse Hotline (U.S.) – 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
                        📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
                        📞 RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | www.rainn.org
                        📞 Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support
                        🌍 Child Helpline International – www.childhelplineinternational.org (For help in various countries)

                        🚨 If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please contact 911 or your local authorities.

                        You are not alone. Help is available.

                        Join the Conversation:

                        📩 Email: [email protected]
                        📸 Instagram: @heinousbeliefs

                        We love hearing from you! Have thoughts on this case? Want to suggest future episodes? Send us an email or DM us on Instagram!

                        If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review, share with a friend, and spread awareness—because the more we talk about these cases, the harder it becomes for abusers to hide behind faith and power.

                        Stay safe, stay skeptical, and always question everything.

                        24 min
                      • 6: From Healer to Horror: The Dark Side of Amy Carlson

                        Episode Summary:

                        In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we dive into the disturbing true story of Amy Carlson and the Love Has Won cult—a movement that started with New Age spiritual teachings and quickly spiraled into manipulation, abuse, and tragedy. Amy, who claimed to be Mother God, convinced her followers she had lived over 500 past lives, including as Jesus, Cleopatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Under her control, cult members lived under strict rules, suffered sleep deprivation, financial exploitation, and psychological abuse, and watched as their leader wasted away due to alcohol addiction and silver poisoning—all while believing she was undergoing a divine transformation.

                        When authorities finally discovered Amy’s body, it was mummified, wrapped in Christmas lights, and still being worshiped by her followers. The case raises deep questions about the dangers of blind faith, cult psychology, and why legal systems struggle to hold cult leaders accountable.

                        Key Topics Covered:

                        ✅ How did Amy Carlson convince people she was a god?
                        ✅ The disturbing lifestyle inside the Love Has Won cult
                        ✅ The group’s bizarre mix of New Age beliefs and conspiracy theories
                        ✅ The horrifying discovery of Amy’s mummified body
                        ✅ The aftermath: What happened to the cult after her death?
                        ✅ Why were members only charged with mishandling a corpse?

                        If you're fascinated by the dark side of belief, cult psychology, and how extreme ideologies can lead to horrific consequences, this episode is a must-listen.

                        Follow & Contact Us:

                        📩 Email: [email protected]
                        📸 Instagram: @heinousbeliefs

                        🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow true crime fans!

                        🚨 Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we uncover another chilling case of belief gone wrong. Until then—stay safe, stay skeptical, and don’t join a cult.

                        27 min
                      • 5: Faith Over Medicine: The Death of Elizabeth Struhs

                         Episode Overview

                        In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we uncover the heartbreaking case of Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old girl from Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, who tragically lost her life due to religious medical neglect.

                        Elizabeth was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires regular insulin to manage blood sugar levels and prevent life-threatening complications. However, her parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, made a devastating choice—to stop her insulin treatment entirely, trusting that their faith and prayers would heal her instead.

                        Under the influence of an extreme religious sect called The Saints, led by Brendan Stevens, Elizabeth’s parents, along with 12 other group members, stood by for six agonizing days, watching as she grew weaker and sicker. Instead of seeking urgent medical help, they fasted, prayed, and sang hymns, believing that their faith alone would restore her health.

                        When Elizabeth finally succumbed to diabetic ketoacidosis, the group waited a full 24 hours before calling emergency services—still clinging to the hope that she might be resurrected.

                        This episode breaks down the shocking details of this case, how religious extremism led to a preventable death, and the legal aftermath that followed.

                        📖 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
                        ✅ Who was Elizabeth Struhs?

                        A glimpse into Elizabeth’s life, her diagnosis, and how her parents’ beliefs dictated her medical care—or lack thereof.
                        ✅ Inside The Saints: The Sect That Rejected Medicine

                        How Brendan Stevens, the leader of The Saints, created a closed-off, extremist religious group that rejected modern medicine, convinced followers that illness was a test of faith, and controlled every aspect of their lives.
                        ✅ The Six Days of Suffering

                        A step-by-step timeline of Elizabeth’s rapid health decline, her unbearable suffering, and how the adults around her chose to ignore obvious medical red flags in favor of prayer.
                        ✅ How Police Discovered the Truth

                        The shocking moment when authorities arrived at the Struhs home to find Elizabeth’s lifeless body surrounded by praying sect members.
                        How investigators pieced together the events leading up to her death and arrested 14 individuals, including Jason and Kerrie.
                        ✅ The Trial and Sentencing: Did Justice Prevail?

                        The courtroom battle where prosecutors argued that every person involved played a role in Elizabeth’s death, either through direct negligence or enforcing harmful beliefs.
                        How the Australian legal system handled the case and what the sentencing meant for religious freedom vs. child protection laws.
                        ✅ How This Case Sparked a National Debate

                        The larger conversation around faith-based medical neglect, parental rights, and government intervention.
                        Can religious freedom go too far? And when should the law step in to protect children from dangerous beliefs?
                        ⚖️ The Legal Outcome – What Happened to The Saints?
                        After an intense trial, all 14 members of The Saints were found guilty of manslaughter for their roles in Elizabeth’s death.

                        Sentences handed down included:

                        Jason & Kerrie Struhs (Parents): 15 years in prison, no parole for 10 years.
                        Brendan Stevens (Leader of The Saints): 12 years in prison for his role in enforcing faith-based medical neglect.
                        Other Members of The Saints: Sentences ranging from 7 to 10 years, based on their level of involvement.
                        The court ruled that faith is not a legal defense for criminal neglect—a landmark decision that reinforced the duty of care parents and guardians must uphold, regardless of religious beliefs.

                        💭 Why This Case Matters
                        Elizabeth’s death wasn’t just a tragic accident—it was a direct result of extreme religious beliefs overriding common sense and medical reality. Cases like this raise difficult but necessary questions:

                        ❓ Where do we draw the line between religious freedom and criminal negligence?
                        ❓ How do cult-like communities manipulate people into ignoring basic medical care?
                        ❓ What can be done to prevent more children from suffering the same fate?

                        📢 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation
                        📸 Follow us on Instagram: @heinousbeliefs
                        📧 Email us: [email protected]
                        💬 We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this case, suggest future topics, and connect with other listeners.

                        ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child death due to medical neglect and religious extremism. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

                        27 min
                      • 4: “A Father’s Betrayal: How John List Killed His Family to ‘Save’ Them”

                        Episode Summary:

                        In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we dive into one of the most calculated family annihilations in true crime history—the chilling case of John Emil List. In 1971, List meticulously planned and executed the murders of his wife, three children, and elderly mother in their Westfield, New Jersey mansion. He believed he was saving them from financial ruin and the temptations of a “corrupt world.”

                        After the killings, List disappeared without a trace, assuming a new identity and living a normal life for 18 years before finally being caught thanks to a forensic bust and an episode of America’s Most Wanted. We explore the disturbing psychology behind his actions, his eerie lack of remorse in interviews, and how he managed to evade justice for nearly two decades.

                        Topics Covered in This Episode:
                        ✔️ John List’s strict religious upbringing and obsession with control
                        ✔️ His financial downfall and increasing paranoia
                        ✔️ The cold-blooded murder of his entire family
                        ✔️ His shocking confession letter to his pastor
                        ✔️ How he lived undetected for 18 years under a fake identity
                        ✔️ His arrest, trial, and chilling 2002 interview with Connie Chung

                        Listener Discretion:
                        This episode discusses graphic violence, family annihilation, and religious extremism. Please listen with caution.

                        CTA (Call to Action):
                        Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow true crime lovers! Follow Heinous Beliefs on social media for updates and bonus content.

                        INSTAGRAM : @heinousbeliefs

                        33 min
                      • 3: From Meditation to Mass Murder: The Aum Shinrikyo Story

                        Episode Title: The Aum Shinrikyo Cult – From Enlightenment to Terror

                        Podcast: Heinous Beliefs

                        Episode Summary: In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we dive into the chilling story of Aum Shinrikyo, a doomsday cult that transformed from a so-called spiritual movement into one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations in modern history. Led by the manipulative and power-hungry Shoko Asahara, the cult attracted thousands of followers, including highly educated professionals, with promises of salvation and enlightenment.

                        But behind the scenes, Asahara was preparing for war—stockpiling chemical weapons, brainwashing followers, and orchestrating one of Japan’s worst acts of domestic terrorism. We break down how this cult gained so much influence, the horrifying Tokyo subway attack, and how its remnants still exist today under different names.

                        What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

                        • Who was Shoko Asahara, and how did he convince thousands to worship him?

                        • How Aum Shinrikyo grew from a spiritual movement into a global threat.

                        • The 1995 Tokyo subway attack: What happened, who was affected, and how authorities responded.

                        • The shocking discoveries inside the cult’s compounds—chemical labs, weapons, and blueprints for mass murder.

                        • What happened to Aum Shinrikyo after Asahara’s execution and why offshoot groups are still active today.

                          • Key Takeaways:

                          • Blind faith can be dangerous when it leads people to stop questioning reality.

                          • Cults don’t just recruit weak-minded people; they prey on those searching for meaning and purpose.

                          • Even after their leaders fall, extremist groups often rebrand and continue their activities under new names.

                            • Resources & References:

                            • Investigative reports on the Aum Shinrikyo subway attack.

                            • Court documents and trial coverage of Shoko Asahara.

                            • Survivor testimonies and expert analyses on cult behavior.

                              • Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on this episode? Hit us up via email or on social media! Let’s talk about the dangers of unchecked belief and why critical thinking is more important than ever.

                              Follow & Support:

                              • Subscribe to Heinous Beliefs on your favorite podcast platform.

                              • Follow us on Instagram for episode updates and discussions.

                              • Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts and feedback.

                              • Leave a review—it helps us grow and keep these stories coming!

                                • Tune in next time for another deep dive into belief gone wrong.


                                28 min

                              About Heinous beliefs

                              From the publisher's feed

                              Heinous Beliefs is a true crime podcast exploring the dark intersection of belief and brutality. Each episode unpacks chilling cases of murder, genocide, and family annihilation, all influenced by deeply held ideologies—especially religious ones. From misguided faith to warped dogmas, we uncover the disturbing truths behind crimes committed in the name of belief systems. With extensive research and a relaxed, conversational tone, Heinous Beliefs sheds light on the human capacity for good and evil when faith goes astray.