Chasing Enlightenment
Chasing EnlightenmentThey called themselves the Students of Light. Their leader, John Hanas, claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. While some claim he had supernatural powers, others call him an abusive cult leader. Hear the group’s story on Chasing Enlightenment.
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| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 11 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | True CrimeHistory | ||||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
Cynthia Watson was one of the most memorable former Students of Light who contributed to Season 1 of Chasing Enlightenment. In this bonus episode, we chat about her reactions to the podcast and about some parts of her story we didn't have time to cov... more
The story of the Students of Light is closely tied up with the history of Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. In this bonus episode, local historian Neil Ross helps us dig a bit deeper into the area’s colourful history.
Visit chasingenlightenment.net ... more
Eric is a Junction resident who contacted us to share his story. He wasn’t a Student of Light, but he knew several members personally as a teenager and young adult, including one woman he dated while in university. While Eric had a few slightly stran... more
In this bonus episode, we interview former Student of Light Joseph C. about what he heard on Season 1 of Chasing Enlightenment. Does he still view John Hanas as a benevolent man with supernatural powers? And does he still think that former Students o... more
The Students of Light remain active in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. Current members believe they can communicate with John Hanas from beyond the grave. Some former members now reject the group’s brand of spirituality, while others live in fear o... more
Some who spent their childhoods in the Students of Light say their upbringing left lasting scars. There’s also one second-generation member whose story cast a minor spotlight on the group in recent years, after she accused John Hanas’ former right-ha... more
John Hanas delegated some power to his “core group” of followers. One was a woman who claimed to channel the voices of beings from other dimensions through her body. Another, John’s eventual wife, would become almost as revered within the group as Jo... more
John Hanas has been called everything from a spiritual master to an evil, manipulative man. Former followers claim he began as a humble religious leader, but some say he eventually exerted more and more control over their lives, sometimes with disast... more
Key Facts
Reviews
- Sold!
Listened to the first episode and I am so in! The host is great at pacing and is an excellent story teller. Episodes are a perfect length and leaves you wanting more. I will be listening to all of these! Sincerely recommend you do the same. :)
Apple Podcasts5Kai Bobbi
United States5 years ago - Great Cult Podcast
Love this series - such in depth work on a subject you can’t find much about online. Great production quality and interviews. Would love to see a second season about a different group.
Apple Podcasts5ICM95
United Kingdom5 years ago - Thx
Really enjoying hearing this history as a person who lives in the Junction. Very well researched and an interesting look back at something that I had not heard about before. Would love to know where in the Junction this happened and where the vegetarian stores were and where these members lived (I suspect somewhere near Keele& Dundas ) I have a listened to a lot of cult podcasts and what is also interesting is how they all follow pretty much the same model: charismatic leader one which you hand ... more
Apple Podcasts5Shajahfak
Canada5 years ago - I’m digging it!
Found this podcast on Twitter. Listened in and I’m digging the vibe! 5 out of 5 recommend. Check it out!
Apple Podcasts5Whit92106United States5 years ago - Excellent storytelling!
This podcast is a treat! I love how the voices all sound. The production is great and the stories are so compelling! Ready for more!!!
Apple Podcasts5Zelda K.United States5 years ago - Love it!
Such a cool idea for a podcast. Had no idea about this Canadian story! Really great research done by all involved.
Apple Podcasts5iBrown81Canada5 years ago - Looking forward to more seasons!
I love this podcast… I really hope they do a second season! First, I love the subject matter; it is so interesting to hear the stories of people that were members of these groups and then find themselves on the other side of it! Second, this podcast does such an excellent job of presenting it! It’s a combination of non-fiction storytelling and interview. It’s well produced, thoroughly researched, and presented in a clean and concise way. I also love the music!
Apple Podcasts5PeppermintPatsyUnited States5 years ago - Thx
Really enjoying hearing this history as a person who lives in the Junction.
Very well researched and an interesting look back at something that I had not heard about before.
Would love to know where in the Junction this happened and where the vegetarian stores were and where these members lived (I suspect somewhere near Keele& Dundas )
I have a listened to a lot of cult podcasts and what is also interesting is how they all follow pretty much the same model: charismatic leader one which you... more
Apple Podcasts4ShajahfakCanada5 years ago - A balanced survey
A good podcast for those interested in high control groups. It’s a balanced survey of this group and the approaches to therapy for those damaged by cults.
Apple Podcasts5CAPTAIN MAPCRAFT
Australia5 years ago - Chasing enlightenment
Great job on episode 4. Human behaviour is all so interesting; hard to believe the darkness of some people. Excellent podcast, really enjoying the storyline.
Apple Podcasts5Vancouver M-I-LCanada5 years ago - Pretty good
3 episodes out, pretty good audio and story. I will keep listening.
Apple Podcasts5RJPerry2007Canada5 years ago - Interesting
Really interesting story, especially as a local Torontonian!
Apple Podcasts5TJM202112345Canada5 years ago - Should have researched their guest
I was enjoying the start of this podcast until they decided to feature the owner of Shoxs bar, who was outed as donating money to a white supremacist's mayoral campaign in 2019.
Apple Podcasts1Initial PCanada5 years ago - Great!
Two episodes in and really enjoying so far!
Apple Podcasts5TheMan2112Canada5 years ago - Excited to hear more!
Very interesting topic and really well produced!
Apple Podcasts5KekercatUnited States5 years ago
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How many episodes of Chasing Enlightenment are there?
Chasing Enlightenment launched 5 years ago and published 11 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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