
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’t just a brand — it was a vibe. And today’s guest, Zsuzsi was on the front lines of it all. From art school to assistant manager to overseeing a hot New York City store, she was living the dream… until it started to feel more like a fever dream — and eventually, a cult.
Today’s story is about what happens when the "American dream" disguises exploitation in trendy cotton basics — and how one man's charisma fueled a culture of unchecked abuse, manipulation, humiliation, and grooming… all hidden behind the label “Made in the USA.”
And the worst part? He’s still at it.
___
COME SEE US LIVE!!!
Los Angeles • September 9, 2025
With special guest: comedian Moses Storm
@ Dynasty Typewriter
VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!
Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!
Follow Us for More Culty Content:
Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult
Find Zsuzsi: @hdbyz & @hellozhia / https://www.hdbyz.com & https://www.hellozhia.com
Support the Show:
If you learned something, felt something, or are angry too and want to make a little noise — share this episode. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. And maybe… make a call to:
(213) 275-3120
Just for some light, constructive feedback.
Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.
Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.
Share Your Story:
Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.
Email us: [email protected]
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
By PodcastOne4.3
1616 ratings
It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’t just a brand — it was a vibe. And today’s guest, Zsuzsi was on the front lines of it all. From art school to assistant manager to overseeing a hot New York City store, she was living the dream… until it started to feel more like a fever dream — and eventually, a cult.
Today’s story is about what happens when the "American dream" disguises exploitation in trendy cotton basics — and how one man's charisma fueled a culture of unchecked abuse, manipulation, humiliation, and grooming… all hidden behind the label “Made in the USA.”
And the worst part? He’s still at it.
___
COME SEE US LIVE!!!
Los Angeles • September 9, 2025
With special guest: comedian Moses Storm
@ Dynasty Typewriter
VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!
Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!
Follow Us for More Culty Content:
Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult
Find Zsuzsi: @hdbyz & @hellozhia / https://www.hdbyz.com & https://www.hellozhia.com
Support the Show:
If you learned something, felt something, or are angry too and want to make a little noise — share this episode. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. And maybe… make a call to:
(213) 275-3120
Just for some light, constructive feedback.
Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.
Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.
Share Your Story:
Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.
Email us: [email protected]
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

62,614 Listeners

10,431 Listeners

467 Listeners

25,541 Listeners

32,962 Listeners

5,828 Listeners

7,749 Listeners

2,859 Listeners

10,332 Listeners

98 Listeners

7,400 Listeners

1,139 Listeners

508 Listeners

647 Listeners