Was I In A Cult?

The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”


Listen Later

What happens when your entire life revolves around likes, follows, and perfectly staged smoothie bowls?


For Lee Tilghman — better known as @leefromamerica — it meant rising to the top of Instagram’s wellness world… and losing herself in the process.


This week, we explore what it means to devote yourself to the cult of social media: when every thought and action becomes about what to post, when friends are replaced by followers, and when your online identity becomes the only one you know.


From the outside, the influencer life looks aspirational. But Lee asks: at what cost?


____________


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 and behind-the-scenes chaos:

Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult


SUPPORT THE SHOW:

The average person spends over 2 hours a day on social media. If this episode resonated—or even made you rethink your daily doomscroll—share it, leave a review. Hug a friend IRL. 


Huge thank you to our Patreon members—you keep this thing going.

Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.


Have a culty story? We wanna hear it.

Email us: [email protected]


And if you want more from today’s guest, Lee from America:

Her brand-new book “If you Don’t Like This, I Will Die” is out now

Find Lee → @leefromamerica

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Was I In A Cult?By PodcastOne

  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3

4.3

16 ratings


More shows like Was I In A Cult?

View all
Sword and Scale by Sword and Scale

Sword and Scale

62,622 Listeners

This Is Actually Happening by Wondery

This Is Actually Happening

10,422 Listeners

Let's Talk About Sects by Sarah Steel

Let's Talk About Sects

469 Listeners

Something Was Wrong by Broken Cycle Media

Something Was Wrong

25,535 Listeners

Radio Rental by Tenderfoot TV & Audacy

Radio Rental

32,964 Listeners

I Survived by A&E / PodcastOne

I Survived

5,829 Listeners

Chameleon by Audiochuck | Campside Media

Chameleon

7,742 Listeners

A Little Bit Culty by Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames

A Little Bit Culty

2,859 Listeners

The Opportunist by PodcastOne

The Opportunist

10,339 Listeners

Was I In A Cult? by PodcastOne

Was I In A Cult?

101 Listeners

Scamfluencers by Wondery

Scamfluencers

7,403 Listeners

Infamous by Campside Media / Sony Music Entertainment

Infamous

1,139 Listeners

Cults to Consciousness by Shelise Ann Sola

Cults to Consciousness

508 Listeners

What Came Next by Broken Cycle Media

What Came Next

648 Listeners