Sara Tasneem's journey began in Boulder, Colorado, where she was born into the Islamic faith. However, at the age of five, her parents divorced, causing her faith to split as well. Her mother distanced herself from the religion, while her father delved deeper, immersing himself in a Sufi group that would soon dominate Sara's existence.

Then, at the age of 15, Sara's life took an unexpected turn when her father brought her to a conference led by the group's sheikh in Los Angeles, California. Little did she anticipate that this seemingly ordinary weekend would change the trajectory of her life in ways beyond imagination.

Find Sara: https://tasneemsfadvocacy.home.blog/
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Sufism - Part 1: “Forced at 15”

Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfully left a cult. Told first-hand by the experiencer themself, these are raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. Using levity and info-tainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves&hellip;&ldquo;Wait&hellip;Was I In A Cult?&rdquo; If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com. We'd love to hear from you.

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SHOWNOTES: 

"A ballet cult?” We asked the same thing. But today’s brave guest, Summer Smith, shares what happens when the world of pliés and pirouettes meets dogmatic devotion. Raised in a strict religious family and molded by the intense world of competitive ballet, Summer's journey takes a surprising twist when she joins Ballet 58, a seemingly innocuous Christian ballet company in Chicago. Soon devotions blend with dance routines, and artistic discipline intertwines with cult-like control. As Summer navigates the thin line between dedication and manipulation, you'll be left questioning just how far the influence of a charismatic leader can reach. 

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Find Summer and all the ex Ballet 58’ers sub Reddit: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/ex58/

Watch In The Balance:

https://vimeo.com/535912792/7551d1ed90

Ballet 58: “Pray, then plié!”

Meet Rachael Reign, a tenacious activist battling to dismantle a billionaire megachurch cult. The cult that once owned her life. From her innocent introduction to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in South London as a 13-year-old girl, to devastating financial coercion and insidious practices, including exorcisms and grooming to become a pastor’s wife, Rachael's journey is one of transformation from victim to advocate. Through her story, she exposes the cult’s billionaire leader, Edir Macedo, and the exploitation under the guise of religion. With unwavering determination, Rachael empowers survivors and fights for justice, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. She's an inspiration for reclaiming freedom and standing against abuse. And she was a delight to have on the show.

LINKS:
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Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com
Follow Rachael: Instagram : @msrachaelreign
Follow her movement: Instagram/Tik Tok: @survivinguniversaluk

UCKG: “ Taking down a Billionaire Megachurch Cult”

SHOWNOTES: 
Our youngest guest to-date, Aliya Kasabian recounts her chilling involuntary initiation into the Boise Girls Academy, an institution that masquerades as a haven for troubled teens. From controlling communication with families to enforced silence and the denial of basic necessities like tampons, Aliya’s story exposes the depths of manipulation and coercion wielded by the program’s directors. But resistance only extends your time at this prison-like “healing facility.” So, eventually, Aliya discovers that if she is ever to be free, the only way out is to become… a true believer. 

LINKS:


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Follow Aliya: Instagram/Tik Tok : @sandb0xb0y
Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)

Teen Challenge: “444 Days Without Love”

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2023** **NEW EP DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY MAY 6TH**

Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that's what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to explore her interest in eco-farming, visited Zendik Farm in North Carolina shortly after graduating from Harvard. A two-week experience turned into years of her life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you spell C-U-L-T. 



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MORE ABOUT HELEN: https://helenzuman.com/

Zendik Farm: “Mating in Captivity” (UPDATE)

Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Peirano. Today, Kim recounts her bizarre experience with the Foundation for Spiritual Development (FSD). From hypnotic meditations to chilling encounters with supposed extraterrestrial beings, Kim's account unveils the disturbing truth behind the FSD's facade of spiritual growth. And as she progresses through the levels, Kim finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, fear and coercion, questioning her own sanity and the true intentions of those she once trusted.

LINKS:


Find Kim: Acupuncture: https://www.lionsheartwellness.com/ & 
Coaching: https://couragetotransform.com/
Follow Kim: @couragetotransform
Follow Us: Instagram @wasiinacult
Support Us: https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Have a story to share on our show? Email Us: info@wasiinacult.com
Try VIIA Hemp! https://bit.ly/viiainacult and use code INACULT! (15% off)

Sufism - Part 1: “Forced at 15”

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