Listen to the new season of Opportunist, out now wherever you listen to podcasts. In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," Podcast One will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking. Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade. Through exclusive interviews with victims and those who know him best, this podcast series aims to unravel the complexities of Ballard's dual persona- a savior to some, a predator to others. Join host Sarah James McLaughlin as she explores the rise and potential fall of a man whose actions have sparked a national conversation on trust, power, and accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Byron Smith was tired of his home being burgled. He said it had been broken into at least a half dozen times. And he was determined not to let it happen again. So, Smith set a trap and laid in wait to protect his “castle.” When two teenage cousins broke into his house on Elm Street, it set off a true-life horror story. Listen to Vigilante:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante/id1622288667https://open.spotify.com/show/49wzulSXKQKWYOIWoTVEPT?si=0d4c8835885e4fa1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Your idea of how this came about ain't at all how it came about." Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music Thank you to our sponsors: Zocdoc: Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today at Zocdoc.com/GOODCULT Splendid Spoon: Get $120 off your first three boxes at SplendidSpoon.com/GOODCULT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"I see the value in transformation, but I also see its shortcomings." Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music Thank you to our sponsors: Zocdoc: Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today at Zocdoc.com/GOODCULT BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT Jordan Harbinger Show: Check out cult-related episodes at jordanharbinger.com/start See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"We were never a cult and we wanted to remove everything that gave the appearance of being a cult." Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music Thank you to our sponsors: Jordan Harbinger Show: watch cult-related episodes at jordanharbinger.com/start See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"He was like a rockstar. He was a very attractive man. He was the Lifespring celebrity." Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music Thank you to our sponsors: BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT Splendid Spoon: Get $120 off your first three boxes at SplendidSpoon.com/GOODCULT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"He thought being put in that casket was the best thing that ever happened to him." Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music Thank you to our sponsors: BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"It's the single most impactful thing that ever happened in my life. You always have to say the birth of your child was the biggest impact. But I never would have had a child if it hadn't been for the seminars!" Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music Thank you to our sponsors: BetterHelp: Get 10% off at Betterhelp.com/GOODCULT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Hey, it might be a cult, but at least it's a good cult!" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nassim Akhbari
I'm reading the book Terror, Love and Brainwashing. Totally recommend it. I too have been involved in the series of endless courses, enrolment of others, volunteering countless hours of free labour, etc in an institution based on Lifespring for years. Little I knew that the founder and head instructor, Fereshteh Mirhashemi, had copied Lifespring in many ways, if not in every way until last year when I was reading Irvin Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy and learned about est and Lifespring.
Nita Atkinson
I appreciate the thoroughness and nuance. Thanks for being open to other's experiences and also for sharing your own. I think it's a great illustration of how trying to do good things can turn bad when the elements of individuality and autonomy are threatened.
jenn chicky
Wow, you sound like an entirely different person in the recording about the seminar & gathering $1000 to continue. Btw... I love this podcast, great job. Keep up the journalistic & informative work you're doing.
Alayna Baker
thank you for how honest you are when talking about all of this it really adds to the authenticity of the show
Mark Kurs
more episodes please. really enjoying your podcast.