From 1977-1989, the Ant Hill Kids Cult (AKA the Holy Moses Mountain Family) operated in isolated areas of Quebec and Ontario, Canada. The leader of this group, Roch Thériault, collected followers while working at a homeopathic clinic. Roch was able to convince his followers to sell all of their belongings and sever ties with their family members and follow him. Things were fine at first, but as Roch’s drinking got worse, so did the abuse. Roch believed he was a holy healer and to prove this to his followers, he performed amateur operations on anyone experiencing any kind of illness. Obviously, this led to multiple deaths on the commune. Eventually, authorities were alerted when a child passed away due to being abused by Roch. Roch was sentenced to 18 months in jail. His followers were waiting for him when he got out and things only got worse. 

Follow along with Hannah and Lainet as they discuss Lainey’s first time watching Twilight, the winter Olympics, and suffering but being happy about it. 

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, child death, sexual abuse, and torture. Listener discretion is advised.

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Sources:

Bala, S. & Maguire, H. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Castration, cults, and cauterisation: The ant hill kids. (No. 189) [Audio podcast episode]. In Redhanded. Redhanded.  

Cult Encyclopedia. (2025, March 30). Ant Hill Kids/Holy Moses Mountain Family (1977). https://cultencyclopedia.com/2025/03/30/ant-hill-kids-holy-moses-mountain-family-1977/

Cult Facts. (2023, August 24). The Ant Hill Kids. https://www.cultfacts.com/cults/ant-hill-kids

Morbidology. (2020, March 31). The Ant Hill Kids. https://morbidology.com/the-ant-hill-kids/

Wikipedia. (2025, November 26). Roch Thériault. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roch_Thériault