Was I In A Cult?
PodcastOne
SummaryHave you ever wondered if the group you were part of—or perhaps the high-pressure community you grew up in—was more than just a lifestyle choice? Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? bridges the gap between true crime and personal memoir by sitting down with those who have lived through the reality of high-control groups. Each episode features firsthand accounts from survivors who share their journeys of recruitment, indoctrination, and the often perilous road to liberation. From the systemic child abuse hidden behind the serene facade of the Hare Krishna movement to the coercive, manipulative tactics of wellness startups like OneTaste, the show pulls back the curtain on environments that prioritize institutional control over human safety. The hosts approach these heavy, often heartbreaking stories with a balance of empathy and intellectual curiosity. They guide listeners through the complex mechanics of how intelligent people are drawn into extreme groups and how these organizations maintain their grip through gaslighting, isolation, and exploitation. Whether exploring the insular world of the Swartzentruber Amish or the dark side of spiritual capitalism, the podcast serves as both a sobering cautionary tale and an inspirational testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a space dedicated to reclaiming one's voice, uncovering the truth, and ultimately helping listeners navigate the thin line between community and cult.
Updated Jul 5, 2026
Episodes
[ENCORE] Eternal Values - Pt2: "Vanity Un-Fair"
Follow the rise of Eternal Values as a charismatic leader builds a high-stakes cult fueled by greed and vanity.
[ENCORE] Eternal Values - Pt1: "A Man From Nantucket"
Follow former supermodel Hoyt Richards as he recounts his twenty-year descent into a bizarre New Age UFO cult.
[ENCORE] Eternal Values - Pt3: "To Thine Own Self"
After years of psychological abuse and financial exploitation, Hoyt finally executes a daring escape from his cult.
The Organization: "Magic is Real"
Actor Hannah Murray shares how a search for healing after traumatic film sets led her into a high-control group.
Hare Krisha—Pt2: "Thank You For Not Drowning Me in a Bucket"
Escaping the Hare Krishna movement, a survivor navigates homelessness, abuse, and personal loss to reclaim her life.
Hare Krishna—Pt2: "Thank You For Not Drowning Me in a Bucket"
From childhood marriage and abuse to single motherhood, a survivor recounts her harrowing journey to reclaim her life.
Hare Krishna—Pt1: "Who Gives This Child Away?"
Born into the Hare Krishna movement, a survivor recounts the institutionalized abuse and neglect of her childhood.
Hare Krisha—Pt1: "Who Gives This Child Away?"
A childhood survivor reveals the systemic abuse and institutionalized neglect behind the facade of the Hare Krishna movement.
OneTaste: "Empire of Orgasm"
OneTaste marketed Orgasm Meditation as a path to spiritual enlightenment while allegedly exploiting members for profit.
Swartzentruber Amish — PT2: "Promoted to Wearer of Jeans"
A former Amish woman recounts the systemic abuse and complex escape plan that led her to break free from the faith.
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