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Was I In A Cult?

PodcastOne
Cults
Mental Health
Zendik Farm
Mormonism
Gloriavale
Scientology
Multi-Level Marketing
Helen Zuman
Cult
New Age Spiritual Cults
Emily Lynn Paulson
Marketing Tactics
New Zealand
Fear Tactics
Narcissistic Abuse
Self-Awareness
Child Abuse
Shannon Payton
Financial Exploitation
Coercive Control

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 ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes121Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Comedy

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Artwork for Was I In A Cult?

Latest Episodes

Last week, we met Paige: a bright-eyed engineer who joined SpaceX believing she was helping to save humanity. In Part 1, we followed her through the seduction — the mission, the 80-hour weeks, the Elon slogans on the walls, the slow loss of self unti... more

An ex–SpaceX engineer asks our favorite question: when does mission become mindset—and then eventually something more? Paige was convinced she was helping save humanity by working at SpaceX.

In Part 1, she traces the seduction: the purpose, the perk... more

What if the yoga class you signed up for wasn’t yoga at all, but the doorway to something much darker?

In this episode, Angel takes us inside Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi — a strip-mall wellness studio that seemed harmless enough. Until it wasn’t. ... more

She thought she was enrolling in a Bible college.

Instead, she was signing up to give her identity, her labor, her choice—and her fire—to a man who called himself the Holy Ghost Bartender.

At “River University,” worship looked like laughing fits an... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Paige Holland Thieland
Former SpaceX engineer who spoke about her experience under SpaceX's demanding company culture.
SpaceX
Episode: SpaceX—PT1: “It’s About to Get Musky in Here”
Sarah Rix
Former member of the River at Tampa Bay Church, recounting her experience of being in a cult led by Rodney Howard-Browne.
Episode: The Cult of Rodney Howard-Browne: “Holy Ghosted”
Barry Rothbart
Comedian, actor, and podcaster who discusses his childhood and family dynamics with a father involved in mafia activities.
Searching for Allan Rothbart
Episode: The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”
Lee Tilghman
Ex-influencer and author of 'If You Don't Like This, I Will Die'
Episode: The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”
Dan McIntrye
Survivor of two cults, including the Worldwide Church of God.
Episode: Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]
Jim Picariello
Former member of Frederick Lenz's cult and now a screenwriter.
Screenwriter
Episode: Zen Master Rama’s Meditation/Computer Programming Cult: “Going For the Gold!”
Jorjina Broadbent
A former member of the FLDS community who left in 2007
Episode: The Cult of Warren Jeff’s FLDS Pt1: “Keep Sweet”
Billy Holdeman
Individual who grew up in the Holdeman Mennonite community
Episode: The Holdeman Mennonite Cult: “The Truth Behind the 'Humble' People”
Jamie Mustard
A survivor of Scientology and author of 'Child X'.
Author
Episode: The Lost Children of Scientology Pt2: “Free At Last”

Hosts

Tyler Measom
Co-host with extensive experience in storytelling and presentation, bringing a blend of humor and empathy to sensitive subjects.
Liz Iacuzzi
Co-host known for her comedic timing and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests to share their stories.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 7.8k ratings
  • Hate the new add format!!!

    I love this show. I have listened to almost every episode. As someone who has been in a high control group I love that there’s no belittling suspenseful music. It really speaks to the hope that can come after and the way it can be spoken about as you’re healing. Thanks for your work!

    I also hate this new ad format. I’m not sure why the choice is to read it weird. It draws so much attention to the ads I can’t ignore them! I have to run over and skip.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ezrat885
    United States23 days ago
  • I adore Liz, Tyler and Rob!

    A lot of work goes into this podcast and it shows. Episodes are fairly emotional but there are warnings at the beginning of each one. “Michael’s” story of a cult that was an entire town in Germany made me cry and need to take a few minutes but even when it’s emotional, it’s worth listening to. The heaviness is broken up by humour which helps a lot. After years of listening my only complaint is I wish they chose a better time for ads. It’s very possible the team doesn’t get to choose when the ads... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nintend-hoe98
    Canadaa month ago
  • Ehh…

    I love this podcast, usually…. But Lee from America episode- more like Lee Scammer. Do not approve. She definitely was not in a cult but rather had very cult leader tendencies herself (that she’s still using to get rich). She constantly contradicts herself, and I hate that this podcast that I love has also fallen for her. Oy….

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    aylorbay
    United Statesa month ago
  • Funny, interesting & authentic

    My fav podcast ever! Love Liz’s sense of humor and Tyler’s fun facts! Never stop 🥹

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kae 💘
    United Statesa month ago
  • Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

    Sometimes the music facts become too much for my personal interest, but it’s all worth it for the generosity and care you put into each episode. The specific humanity you bring to each guest is what brings me back week after week. Thanks!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Landen Bates
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There are mixed feelings about the hosts' interjections, with some finding them funny and relevant while others feel they detract from guest stories.
The sensitive handling of traumatic experiences is commended, highlighting the show's empathetic approach to storytelling.
Critics express a desire for more focused interviews, wishing guests had more uninterrupted time to share their experiences.
Listeners appreciate the blend of serious topics with humor, making heavy narratives accessible and engaging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#164
United States/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#144
Canada/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#54
Italy/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#192
Australia/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#77
United Arab Emirates/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#92
Russia/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

SpaceX—PT1: “It’s About to Get Musky in Here”
Q: Why did you stay at SpaceX despite the challenges?
Paige explains it was a combination of loyalty to the mission, the high salary, and the environment that made her feel part of something meaningful.
SpaceX—PT1: “It’s About to Get Musky in Here”
Q: What was it like starting your job at SpaceX?
Paige describes it as overwhelming due to a lack of support, leading to feeling inadequate and alone.
The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”
Q: What was your father's background, and how did it influence your life?
My dad painted a much sunnier picture than my mom, but gambling and transitions influenced my childhood significantly.
The Cult of My Mafia Dad: “An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse”
Q: What motivated you to do this podcast and a little bit about what it is?
It's about the fact that when I was 14 years old, my dad got arrested and I found out that he was doing illegal stuff and working with the mafia.
The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”
Q: What was it like growing up in a town designed like a cult?
Michael describes the strict rules and isolation he faced in his cult-like environment, which led to trauma and confusion around his identity as a transgender individual.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Was I In A Cult?

What is Was I In A Cult? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast presents powerful and often humorous firsthand accounts from individuals who have experienced life within various cults and the process of leaving them. With a mix of storytelling and personal reflection, the episodes often explore deep and sensitive topics such as identity, trauma, and resilience, all while maintaining a comedic undertone that makes the heavy themes more approachable. Noteworthy is the way in which the hosts engage with guests, allowing them space to share their complex narratives while also interjecting lighthearted commentary, creating a balance that resonates well with listeners seeking both information and entertainment.

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How many listeners does Was I In A Cult? get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Was I In A Cult??

These podcasts share a similar audience with Was I In A Cult?:

1. The Cult Next Door
2. A Little Bit Culty
3. Life After MLM
4. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
5. Cults to Consciousness

How many episodes of Was I In A Cult? are there?

Was I In A Cult? launched 4 years ago and published 121 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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What guests have appeared on Was I In A Cult??

Recent guests on Was I In A Cult? include:

1. Paige Holland Thieland
2. Sarah Rix
3. Barry Rothbart
4. Lee Tilghman
5. Dan McIntrye
6. Jim Picariello
7. Jorjina Broadbent
8. Billy Holdeman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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