Hot Tub Cult Machine

In this episode, we relive the rise of the Taliban to power, al-Qaeda's relocation to Afghanistan, and bin Laden's rhetorical escalation. Also, we debate the meaning of the word "pretentious", drop some fun facts about the Soviet Union, and reflect on the leadership lessons we can learn from Osama bin Laden. #ALittleBernieUpTheUrethra

Welcome to the sweat lounge! We're halfway done with our al-Qaeda series. You heard me. Anyway, this week we talk about al-Qaeda's move to Sudan, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and receiving therapy referral from phone sex lines.

It's time for the fourth installment in our al-Qaeda series. Today, we'll talk about bin Laden's return to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf War, and bin Laden's falling out with the Saudi royal family. More importantly, we get deep into expanding the official podcast canon, including a controversial backstory of Ask Jeeves.

The boys are back with part three of al-Qaeda, in which they discuss the decade-long war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, which became the fertile womb from which al-Qaeda was birthed. In addition to this, we give you helpful advice on how to handle it when you are asked to pray at a family … Continue reading #11: al-Qaeda, Part III (The Soviet-Afghan War)

Today we hit double digits as we introduce you to the starting line-up of al-Qaeda: namely, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Osama bin Laden. In addition, we accidentally create an apocryphal legend about bin Laden that is now official podcast canon, sing High School Musical a cappella, and shit on the newest addition to the Star Wars franchise.

Today we begin what may end up being a 911-part series on al-Qaeda. Like, seriously, guys. Zach read multiple books in preparation for this series, so you're gonna want to check this one out. We talk about common misconceptions of Islam, Sayyid Qutb (the progenitor of modern Islamic fundamentalism), anaphylactic nut allergies, and why you … Continue reading #9: al-Qaeda, Part I (Prologue)

You want to kind of feel yucky and also feel bad about kids raised in tough situations and get yelled at by Willy to go read a book while also (maybe) laughing and (maybe) learning about a cult? Then listen to this episode. Otherwise, listen to this episode.

It's time to head out to the desert for part one of our obsessively scholarly two-part series on the Strong City cult, as well as our timely and informative discussion on being touched by the Holy Spirit and the debaucheries of Bert and Ernie. Or whatever.

This underground cult was literally underground. Whaaaat?! Yeah, dawg. Check it out, and find out what the Faizrakhmanist Movement has in common with Willy's mother-in-law.

If you prefer your yoga with a dash of alien intelligence, then we may have the cult for you. Slip into those swimsuits and join us in the hot tub as we discuss the Aetherius Society, amongst many other things.