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Was I In A Cult?
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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 our listeners asking themselves…“Wait…Was I In A Cult?” If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at info@wasiinacult.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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Today we’re joined by Finrod Jellybottoms, a chosen elf who escaped Santa’s magical workshop. Beneath the candy-striped facade lies a grueling cultic system of manipulation, free labor, and fear-based loyalty. Finrod shares his harrowing journey from a hopeful young elf in Frost Hollow to years of exploitation under Santa’s rule, uncovering the dark truths behind the “joy” of Christmas and the infamous Elf on a Shelf. We are glad Finrod got out and is able to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas…
Happy holidays everyone! Thank you for your continued support. We’ll be back JAN 13th 2025!!! Until then, stay safe and out of cults!
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
In the gripping conclusion to Jeanne Nolan's story, the idyllic facade of Zendik Farm finally shatters. Beneath its promises of revolution and a self-sustaining community lies a darker reality: broken families and devastating power plays. Jeanne recounts her heart-wrenching separation from her baby, the unraveling of relationships under the commune’s twisted rules, and her ultimate escape after 17 long years. Through painful truths and a hard-won sense of clarity, Jeanne forges a new life outside the cult, turning trauma into a legacy of love, family, and a thriving organic gardening business that inspires others to embrace sustainability, growth, and connection… and all in a very healthy and not-at-all culty way of course. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and the extraordinary ability to cultivate beauty from even the darkest of places.
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Buy Jeanne’s book here!!
Jeanne’s incredible business “The Organic Gardener” https://www.theorganicgardener.net/
And if you want more Zendik, read Helen Zuman’s memoir, “Mating in Captivity”
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Stop Scooping! With the Littler Robot. As a special holiday offer, Whisker is offering up to $100 off Litter-Robot bundles. AND as a special offer to listeners, you can get an additional $50 off when you go to stopscooping.com/CULT .
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Get holiday gifts here! Quince.com/CULT
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Resist aging at the cellular level, try Qualia Senolytic. Go to Qualialife.com/CULT for up to 50% off and use code ‘CULT' at checkout for an additional 15% off.
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
What happens when an idealistic teen swaps suburban comforts for a “revolutionary” arts cooperative promising harmony with the Earth, free love, and organic farming? Jeanne Nolan thought she’d found utopia at Zendik Farm—a bohemian paradise where creativity and sustainability reigned supreme. But behind the lush gardens and groovy slogans lurked manipulation, sexual politics, and a strict hierarchy led by two enigmatic leaders. In part one of this captivating two-parter, Jeanne reveals her journey from wide-eyed seeker to “Zendik warrior,” the allure of life on the fringe, and the cracks that began to form in the farm’s idyllic facade. Was Zendik Farm truly a haven, or just another cleverly veiled cult? Let’s dig into the dirt.
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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code inacult at Lumepodcast.com/inacult! #lumepod
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This holiday season, gift yourself some peace of mind. If you’re 21+, head to Viiahemp.com and use the code [inacult] to receive 15% off.
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! wasiinacult.com
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially triggering topics around sex and sexual dynamics.
Amelia returns to share the conclusion of her story, exposing the hidden dangers she encountered within the BDSM kink scene in the UK. While this subculture promised sexual liberation and empowerment, Amelia reveals how it often justified harmful dynamics and enabled exploitation.
In this episode, Amelia reveals the unsettling realities of concepts like ‘dark age play’ and ‘consensual non-consent,’ where blurred boundaries and the guise of consent are used to excuse abuse and shield predators from accountability. Her candid account delves into the manipulation, cult-like groupthink, and the profound psychological toll of her more than 10-years immersed in the scene.
Through her story, Amelia highlights the importance of questioning systems that silence dissent, the slippery slope of power dynamics, and the courage it takes to finally shut the door for good on an environment that no longer reflects your values. Amelia's journey serves as a reminder that true empowerment comes from recognizing harm, standing against exploitation, and reclaiming your voice—even when it means walking away from the spaces you once called home.
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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code “INACULT” at LumeDeodorant.com!
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Resist aging at the cellular level, try Qualia Senolytic. Go to Qualialife.com/CULT for up to 50% off and use code “CULT” at checkout for an additional 15% off.
____
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! wasiinacult.com
***Head to squarespace.com/INACULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code INACULT.***
Content Warning: This episode discusses sex and adult themes.
Amelia King spent over a decade immersed in the UK’s BDSM scene, an underground world of role play, power dynamics, and boundaries—both pushed and broken. In this candid conversation, Amelia sheds light on how what began as playful exploration became a subculture steeped in manipulation, exploitation, and troubling parallels to cult-like behavior. From “munches” to “play partners,” she shares the layers of the scene’s allure, hierarchy, and darker truths.
This is the first of a two-part series delving into Amelia’s story. Next week, we’ll explore the deeper, more sinister aspects of this subculture.
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Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference!
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! wasiinacult.com
In this special bonus episode, Liz sits down with actress, writer, and singer Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) to discuss her harrowing and deeply personal journey through a Christian cult called “The Big House Family.” Having recently published her New York Times bestselling memoir, Dinner for Vampires, Joy opens up about how the group’s leader preyed on her longing for deep connection, manipulated her emotions and exerted financial control— eventually isolating her from her family and friends. From years of spiritual gaslighting to reclaiming her identity as an artist and mother, Joy’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.
Want more? Patreon members can access the full, extended interview HERE
Buy Joy’s memoir, Dinner For Vampires HERE.
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Find Joy (see what we did there?): @msbethanyjoylenz
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
In this heart-wrenching continuation of Emily Maldonado’s story, we delve into the life of her brother, Drew Matthews. Drew grew up under the domineering influence of his father, “Dollar Bill” Matthews, a pastor whose self-interest knew no bounds. From childhood indoctrination to traumatic "exorcisms" and endless demands for loyalty, Drew was constantly searching for the love and acceptance his father never offered.
This episode unravels a tale of betrayal on every level—Drew’s own father not only controlled his life but ultimately orchestrated the unthinkable: the estrangement of Drew’s wife and daughter. As Drew sought refuge in the military, hoping to escape his father’s grip, his father seized the opportunity to drive a permanent wedge between him and his family by doing the unthinkable.
Drew’s resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss serve as a powerful testament to the endurance of the human spirit. We are in awe of you, Drew!
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Visit www.uncommongoods.com/cult for 15% off!
Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code Inacult LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod
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Follow Drew on TikTok: @notreallysur.e / Instagram: @dapper_mann
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
What happens when your father becomes your pastor and eventually your cult leader? In this episode, Emily Maldonado shares the raw truth about growing up in a cult led by her own dad. From staged exorcisms to discovering that love and freedom could only come by breaking every rule, Emily’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring. With gripping honesty, she unpacks the jaw-dropping moment she knew she had no choice but to leave… and for Emily, leaving meant losing her entire family. With humor and profound resilience, Emily shares how she escaped a life dictated by manipulation—and found the strength to rebuild a life of joy and authenticity.
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Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code “inacult” LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod
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Follow Emily on Insta/Tiktok: @styledmicasa
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
Ashley takes us inside the twisted world of QAnon—an online cult that spread like wildfire during the pandemic, offering false hope through dangerous conspiracies to those seeking community, connection and autonomy in an unraveling world. Ashley reveals how fear tactics and manipulation lured her into a space where JFK Jr. was alive, Tom Hanks was an international trafficker, and every catastrophe was proof of an elite plot.
From Instagram rabbit holes to FOIA requests about hot dogs at the White House, Ashley unpacks the absurdity and real danger behind QAnon’s grip. This is not just a story of strange beliefs—it’s a story of control, trauma, and ultimately, resilience. Join us as Ashley explains how she reclaimed her mind, her sanity, and her life—one hard truth at a time.
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
In Part 2 of Angela's story, the realities of Falun Gong’s grip on her family deepen. Angela reflects on the emotional toll of a cult that prioritized spiritual salvation over physical health—even as her mother’s condition worsens. But escaping isn’t easy when your family remains deep in the cult’s ideologies… Angela’s journey out of this cult is filled with heartbreaking revelations and the resilience that defines a true “surthirver.”
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Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference!
Angela on TikTok/Instagram: @workplace_doodles
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys)
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
When her mother fell sick, young Angela had no idea that she would spend her childhood growing up in a dangerous cult. Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual movement-slash-religion-slash-cult, known for its Shen Yun dancers and its ties to 'The Epoch Times’ entangled her family in its facade of meditation and enlightenment. In this two-part episode, Angela recounts her experience in a world where karma is not just a bitch, but a force that can dictate life and death… with suffering seen as path to salvation and modern medicine demonized as an obstacle to spiritual purity. And just when you think it can’t get any wilder, the Capitol Insurrection storms into the story…
Stay tuned next week for Part Two.
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Angela on TikTok: @workplace_doodles
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
Tyler’s Boring Book Club addition: "How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World"
**NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2021**
When the LA party scene didn't fit Jessica's lifestyle anymore, she replaced martinis and after-hour clubs with green juices and tonic bars. But the reemergence of a childhood trauma forced her to examine her inner self. One day, a friend told her about a class that could improve her life even more. That class turned out to be part of a larger entity. A self-empowerment company that purported to help you become the master of your own life. A little group called... NXIVM.
Find Jessica's book here
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
In this week’s episode, Hannah takes us from her Jehovah’s Witness upbringing to a wild journey through the world of an extreme vegan cult. What started as a passion for animal welfare escalated into living on a full fledged animal sanctuary, becoming the hub for Vegan’s of Geelong, and spiraling into breaking and entering in the name of “liberation.” Fueled by conspiracies and paranoia, Hannah’s new “family” pushed the boundaries of activism. With candor and lightheartedness, Hannah shares how she escaped one cult, only to fall into another, and what it took to break free for good.
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
Today’s guest, Meagan, host of the "Trust Me" podcast, shares her journey growing up in the secretive Christian cult known as the Two-by-Twos. From a childhood dictated by oppressive rules that governed her every move, she reveals how this “hidden” religion shaped her life. With wit and raw honesty, Meagan recounts the manipulation and isolation she endured, and how she finally found the strength to break free.
And shortly after, when the cult’s darkest truths finally surfaced for all the world to see, her entire idea of her childhood came crashing down. This wasn’t just a tightly controlled Christian sect, but something far more sinister…
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Listen to Meagan’s podcast, “Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Beliefs, & Manipulation” wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow Trust Me: @trustmepodcast
Follow Meagan: @meaganelizabethgrainger
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys)
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
They say when you dream, dream big. And teenage Alex did just that. With an accent to die fahhh, this East Bostonian shares his story of joining an acting class with the promise of stardom, only to eventually realize, he was in a manipulative cult. Under the influence of a charismatic coach, Alex and his fellow students were pushed to the brink—endless rehearsals, emotional abuse, and mind games that blurred the line between ambition and exploitation. Alex exposes the dangerous allure of fame when you place the success of your future in the wrong hands... What happens when your dream become a nightmare?
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Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys)
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
______
Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code Inacult at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod
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Try CBD at cbdistillery.com and use code CU LT for 20% off.
Dr. Nadine Macaluso joins us today to discuss our first of its kind on this show… a cult of one. Who exactly was her cult leader? None other than “The Wolf of Wall Street,” her ex-husband, Jordan Belfort. In the movie adaptation of Jordan’s book, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Dr. Nadine was portrayed by Margot Robbie and had no say in how her life was portrayed. Well, today Dr. Nadine is here to share the truth behind her picture perfect life. On the outside she had beauty, wealth, the doting husband, and two wonderful kids. But today she shares the truth about what was going on behind closed doors: the isolation, the loss of self, the abuse, the control, the manipulation and the gaslighting that kept her in a haze of confusion and pain. But, like every guest on this show, she shares the moment she finally found the strength and courage to walk away for good.
Now a respected therapist, Dr. Nae emphasizes the importance of therapy in her healing process and destigmatizing the experiences of victims of cult leaders or pathological lovers. A Brooklyn gal at heart, Dr. Nae is as real as they get and was an absolute joy to have on the show.
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Follow Dr. Nae: Instagram: @therealdrnadine / TikTok: @drnaelmft
Buy Dr. Nae's book HERE
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys)
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2021**
As an actor and writer, Guinevere Turner understands more than most, that some stories just can't be contrived. Because sometimes life is far stranger than fiction. As is the case with Guinevere's upbringing. Not your typical getting out story, it would take years for Guinevere to understand that, no, she didn't grow up on a hippie commune in the 1970s and 80s... she grew up in a cult.
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Follow Guinevere: @guinevereturner
Buy Guinevere’s book HERE
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon
Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
Link to Spotify playlist for this episode
Today, we're excited to bring you a special episode from our friend Andrea Dunlop of the “Nobody Should Believe Me” podcast.Last week, Andrea joined us to share her personal story about how Munchausen by Proxy tore her family apart, and the response was overwhelming. We know many of you were left with questions and a desire to dive deeper into this rare and troubling condition. That’s why we wanted to share Andrea’s own podcast, where she explores these themes in greater depth and answers the questions that our conversation only began to uncover. We hope you find this episode as compelling as we do. We’ll be back in two weeks with an all-new episode. Thank you, as always, for your continued support!
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We meet accomplished novelist and loving mother Andrea Dunlop as she embarks on a journey to understand the series of events that tore her family apart. We learn that her older sister has been investigated twice for Munchausen by Proxy abuse, which inspired Andrea to learn everything she could about this complex and misunderstood issue. We see Andrea become captivated by the story of Hope Ybarra and go along with her to meet Hope’s father, sister, and brother: the first people Andrea has ever spoken to who’ve actually lived through a case. But can anything prepare Andrea for the truth?
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LISTEN TO “Nobody Should Believe Me” here: https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com/
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Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon
When your sister, whom you love, fabricates a pregnancy with twins, it’s alarming. But when you eventually come to discover that your sister is the culprit of Munchausen by Proxy, life as you know it will never be the same.
Today, Andrea Dunlop, a novelist and podcaster of the successful podcast, “Nobody Should Believe Me” joins us to share her personal experience with her sister’s Munchausen by Proxy abuse and delves into her family background and where it all began. Fabricated illnesses and surgeries escalate to abuse of her own children. And the question we are all wondering: Are instigators of this disorder aware of what they are doing?? Listen now to find out…
Follow Andrea: @andreadunlop
Listen to “Nobody Should Believe Me” wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow the show: @nobodyshouldbelievemepod
Resources for those dealing Munchausen by Proxy, visit: munchausensupport.com
Andrea’s Books:
We Came Here to Forget
Losing the Light
She Regrets Nothing
Women are the Fiercest Creatures
Follow us on
Today, Diamond King shares her poignant journey of being ensnared by a meditation cult known as MAUM Meditation. Promising enlightenment, the group diverted her from personal goals and desires, ultimately causing her to completely disassociate from reality. Through the unwavering support of a loved one and diligent personal research, Diamond uncovered the cult's financial and spiritual abuse and manipulation, empowering her to break free. Now a thriving teacher, she travels the world, spreading her wisdom and embracing her authentic self. Diamond shares her cautionary tale with humor and compassion, and it was truly a delight to have her on the show.
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Find Diamond: @therealdiamondking
Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult
Have your own story? Email us: info@wasiinacult.com
Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon
We have MERCH! Head to our website for the link: www.wasiinacult.com
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Yeah, after she said that most preterm births are intentionally caused. I had to turn her off. She’s talking out of her ass. And she’s made her sister her entire personality. I would’ve cut her off too.
veterans crisis line dial 988 then press 1 text 838255
I LOVE YOU TWO!
seriously. stop rapping ugh
⭕𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗 ALL 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 MOVIES LINK👉https://www.justhd.online
Hosts need to point out the differences between LDS and FLDS... nothing like spreading total BS
🔴💚Really Amazing ️You Can Try This💚WATCH💚ᗪOᗯᑎᒪOᗩᗪ LINK >👉https://co.fastmovies.org
I love this podcast. keeping doing what you're doing!
He's a millionaire but he can't get laid. What a sad Little Man.
this story is crazy...it's like The Adventures of Derek Zoolander
😂😂😂
I couldn't finish this episode, it was too horrible. Those people are fucking monsters.
Shawn Thomas's website: https://askamillionaire.com/about-shawn/ I believe I can work for this podcast now? ;)
this episode fills me with so much rage towards this millionaire club person. I understand why they don't say their name, but the rage part of me really wants to know so I have a target for that rage.
I love the show just as it is. it is important to hear these stories and I think that finding a moment of laughter in them takes the power away from the cult/leader.
This is such an important episode. I've had similar experiences with employers and it's not okay.
"Celestial duties.." my ass.
Dreams are good and healthy and beautiful and the people that suck on them like batteries are vampires, it's disgusting.
Love Liz. Don't try the guac. 😝
Mormonism is a misogynists wet dream come true. #MultipleWivesSyndrome.