Skip to main content
The CULTure

The CULTure

By The CULTure

Welcome to the CULTure, a true crime podcast that focuses ONLY on cults. Hosted by Anna, a nerd who's obsessed with religion and psychology, and her co-host Mark, who's afraid of all things spooky. Each week we'll uncover the story behind a different cult with belly laughs and good conversation. We warmly welcome you into.....the CULTure.

Produced by The Parea Collective
Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 41 - Mother God

The CULTureJan 06, 2024

00:00
40:21
Episode 41 - Mother God
Jan 06, 202440:21
Episode 40 - Escaping Twin Flames

Episode 40 - Escaping Twin Flames

Anna and Mark react to the recent docuseries in Netflix "Escaping Twin Flames". Covered in a past episode (8) of this podcast, episode 40 is more of a reaction and commentary on the docuseries as a whole. Thank you to everyone who continues to support this podcast, please reach out if you have any thoughts or suggestions for future episodes. Have a great holiday and remember, dont drink the kool-aid.


Sources used in this episode: Netflix's "Escaping Twin Flames"


Follow us on instagram for additional content and a way to connect with the hosts @The.Cult.ure

Nov 21, 202353:48
Episode 39 - Church of God Restoration

Episode 39 - Church of God Restoration

Anna and Mark are back discussing a group based out of Greensville Ohio called "The Church of God Restoration". A group that started in 1880, this religious group bases their teachings on the Christian faith, but continues to write scripture and has living Apostles.


Sources for this episode:

The church of God Restoration Facebook Page

www.churchofgod.com

"Apostate Ashley" on Youtube

Nov 10, 202339:18
Episode 38 - La Luz Del Mundo Pt. 2

Episode 38 - La Luz Del Mundo Pt. 2

Anna and Mark finish their two part series on La Luz Del Mundo. Inspired to cover this group from the recent docuseries on HBO entitled "Unveiled", part 2 is a direct commentary on the three part series. From allegations & eventual convictions of sexual assault, bribery, and physical violence, this episode touches on it all as told by former members of La Luz Del Mundo. If you haven't listened to episode 36 yet, make sure you get the background on this group before listening to this episode. Thanks to everyone who continues to support the pod and remember, dont drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure

Jul 08, 202338:55
Episode 37 - Shiny Happy People

Episode 37 - Shiny Happy People

Anna and Mark discuss the recent docuseries available on Amazon entitled "Shiny Happy People". This is a 4 episode series that examines the Duggar family from the television show 19 Kids and Counting. For those unfamiliar with the IBPL and their teachings, make sure you listen to episode 7 of the podcast where they cover that group in depth. Thanks to all the fans of the pod and remember, don't drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure

Jun 24, 202339:26
Episode 36 - La Luz Del Mundo Pt. 1
Mar 26, 202324:10
Episode 35 - Sins of Our Mother Pt. 2
Dec 30, 202243:55
Episode 34 - Sins of Our Mother Pt. 1

Episode 34 - Sins of Our Mother Pt. 1

Anna and Mark are back to break down the Netflix limited series "The Sins of Our Mother".  The show follows the true story of Lori Vallow and her vanishing children.  From hyper religiosity to becoming a prophet of God, there is plenty to talk about in this cult-adjacent story.  Follow along with our hosts over the next couple weeks as they dissect the rest of the episodes and as always, don't drink the kool-aid.



Follow us on IG @The.Cult.ure

Dec 22, 202231:13
Episode 33 - Anna's Big Fat Greek Wedding

Episode 33 - Anna's Big Fat Greek Wedding

Anna and Mark are back with some life updates and a recap of Anna's wedding a few months back.  It was Mark's first Greek Orthodox wedding and he has some thoughts, a few of which are cult-adjacent.  Our hosts give a few life updates and whether or not these newest batch of true crime shows are good for society.  They will be back soon with new episodes about religious groups but for now enjoy the sound of their voices and remember, don't drink the kool-aid......



Follow us on Instagram @The.Cult.ure for updates and episode previews

Nov 22, 202235:33
Episode 32 - Teal Swan Pt. 2

Episode 32 - Teal Swan Pt. 2

Anna and Mark are back with their two-part series on the documentary "The Deep End".  The relationships become complicated and Mary Scott has decisions to make about her inner circle.  Lives are altered and some people will never be the same.  As always, dont drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure

Sep 04, 202253:18
Episode 31 - Teal Swan Pt. 1
Aug 03, 202252:04
Episode 30 - Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey Companion Pt. 2

Episode 30 - Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey Companion Pt. 2

Trigger Warning****** This episode contains conversation about sexual assault


Anna and Mark finish their discussion of the Netflix limited series "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey".  Episode 3 and 4 focus on the creation of "Zion" and the trail and downfall of Warren Jeffs.  Thanks to everyone who continues to support the podcast!  And remember, dont drink the kool-aid.

Jul 01, 202252:01
Episode 29 - Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey Companion Pt. 1

Episode 29 - Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey Companion Pt. 1

Anna and Mark discuss the recent trending documentary series on Netflix called "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey".  Part one of this companion covers episode one and two of the FLDS mini-series.  The hosts give their reactions to the footage and go back and revisit moments from episode 5 of The Culture where FLDS is the focus.  More to come on this mini-series in the upcoming weeks.  Tune in and remember, don't drink the Kool-aid.  


Sources for this episode: "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey" on Netflix. 

Jun 15, 202242:36
Episode 28 - Eva's Eden

Episode 28 - Eva's Eden

Anna and Mark are back to dive into a not so scary religious group called Eva's Eden.  Started by Rev. Sheryl Ruthven in Washington, used a cat shelter as a front for this growing religious movement.  This hodgepodge of religious symbols and ceremonies have one thing in common, she is the prophet and the cats are the angels... Give the episode a listen to get more details and remember, dont drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure 


Episode Notes:

"Apocalypse Meow: How a Cult That Believe Cats Are Divine Beings Ended Up in Tennessee" by Bob Smietana

May 20, 202229:03
Episode 27 - John of God

Episode 27 - John of God

Anna and Mark break down Jaeo Teieira a.k.a. John of God.  This spiritual healer lived in Brazil and began performing miraculous signs and wonder through the power of the "entity" that he was able to embody.  People came from great distances to get help when modern medicine couldnt get it done.   From his compound called "Casa de Dom Inacio de Loyola", he performed thousands of spiritual and physical operations.  From tumors and cancer to paralyzed individuals, no ailment was too much for John of God.  The story takes a horrific turn as John began to use his power to sexually assault his patience.  Tune in to find out what happened to John of God.


***Trigger Warning, This episode contains stories of sexual assault



Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure


Show Notes:

"John of God" documentary on Netflix

Wikipedia - Teixeira de Faria

http://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/12/17/celebrity-brazilian-healer-john-god-once-featured-by-oprah-surrenders-sexual-abuse-charges/  

Apr 10, 202238:40
Episode 26 - NXIVM and "The Vow" Pt. 2

Episode 26 - NXIVM and "The Vow" Pt. 2

Anna and Mark are back with part 2 of their analysis of the documentary "The Vow".  In this episode the focus is on episode 2 and three of the limited series.  From NXIVM weddings to the inner circle DOS, Anna walks Mark through the downfall of this organization and the unfortunate situations that some of these women found themselves in.  Thanks to all our fans for tuning in and remember.....don't drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure


Sources for this episode:

"The Vow" documentary currently available on HBO Max

Mar 09, 202226:38
Episode 25 - NXIVM and "The Vow" Pt. 1

Episode 25 - NXIVM and "The Vow" Pt. 1

Anna and Mark look deeper into the documentary "The Vow" which is currently available on HBO Max.  The documentary, which originally aired in 2020, investigates the NXIVM group and follows the story through the trial and conviction of its leader, Keith Raniere.  Part 1 of our series focuses on episode 1 and 2 of this documentary series.  As always, thanks for supporting the pod and remember, don't drink the kool-aid...


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure


Sources used in this episode:

"The Vow" documentary series currently on HBO Max

Feb 24, 202236:29
Episode 24 - NXIVM

Episode 24 - NXIVM

Anna and Mark are back with their first episode of 2022.  To start the year, the hosts focus on Keith Raniere's group NXIVM.  This philosophical movement and social development program was established in 1998, but quickly gets out of hand.  Listen as Anna explains the mental manipulation that people were put through and the narcissistic actions by Keith and other leaders alike.  Anna brings it up to present day with current status of high ranking officials and Mark speculates on the future for this group.  Thanks for supporting the pod and remember, Don't drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure for visuals that accompany the episodes.  


Sources for this episode:

“Dont call it a cult” by Sarah Berman

Wikipedia

Escaping NXIVM-CBC Uncover

The Vow

NY TIMES

Feb 03, 202254:16
Episode 23 - Scientology Pt. 3 w/Going Clear

Episode 23 - Scientology Pt. 3 w/Going Clear

In this episode Anna and Mark discuss the documentary "Going Clear" which is currently available on HBO Max.  They give their reactions as well as fact check against the previous two episodes of the podcast where they covered this group in depth.  Anna cant get over the creation story as explained in the film, while Mark pieces things together now that he's seen some visuals.  This is the last episode of the year, and a huge thanks goes out to the cult fam for sticking with us.  Have a great holiday season and remember...don't drink the kool-aid.



Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure



Dec 22, 202101:00:04
Episode 22 - Scientology Pt. 2
Dec 08, 202154:59
Episode 21 - Scientology Pt. 1
Nov 24, 202154:59
Episode 20 - The Remnant Fellowship Pt. 2

Episode 20 - The Remnant Fellowship Pt. 2

Anna and Mark revisit the Remnant Fellowship (first covered in episode 14) after viewing the HBO Max documentary "The Way Down".  They re-hash the mini series and compare it to what they knew prior.  Whether you've watched the doc or not, this episode dives deeper into the group and somehow still leaves you wanting more.  And remember cult fam, don't drink the kool-aid.


Follow us on instagram for exclusive content @The.Cult.ure

Oct 22, 202153:20
Episode 19 - The Seekers

Episode 19 - The Seekers

Anna and Mark discuss the 1950's short lived movement called The Seekers, or sometimes called The Rapurists.  Started by Dorothy Martin, a once Scientologist, she receives a message from the aliens that the world is going down and they need to get off.  After a few failed attempts, or maybe a misreading of the calendar, the group disbands.  Mark and Anna both immediate recall the Parks and Rec episode with a similar plot line.  Mark enjoys covering a group with no violence or crime, but of course Anna has to ruin the vibe with a teaser for upcoming episodes and it will not stay g-rated.  Thanks for listening cult fam, and remember not to drink the kool-aid.   


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure


Sources for this episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seekers_(rapturists)

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/12/the-christmas-the-aliens-didnt-come/421122/

https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/may-2011/dorothy-martin-the-chicagoan-who-predicted-the-end-of-the-world-and-inspired-the-theory-of-cognitive-dissonance/

Sep 21, 202134:01
Episode 18 - Hare Krishnas

Episode 18 - Hare Krishnas

Mark and Anna are back!  This episode looks at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or Hare Krishnas.  This Hindu derived group found a home in areas like San Francisco during the 70s, but has found sustainable membership in the East.  Anna loves the idea of a cow sanctuary while Mark thinks the amount of daily mahamantras is a bit over the top.  Thanks for the support cult fam, and remember not to drink the kool-aid. 


Follow us on instagram for exclusive content @The.Cult.ure


Episode Sources: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Society_for_Krishna_Consciousness

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90643796

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/10/27/after-50-years-hare-krishna-believers-are-no-longer-berobed-white-hippies-who-drum-up-donations-in-airports/

Aug 31, 202139:27
Episode 17 - The Amish
Jul 26, 202150:26
Fun Size Bonus Ep 4 - Cult-Like Tendencies Pt. 2

Fun Size Bonus Ep 4 - Cult-Like Tendencies Pt. 2

Anna and Mark have come up with a few more "Culty" things in society that they share with the fam.  They tackle dentist offices, timeshares, and many more.  If you have any suggestions for the next fun size episode, send us a DM!  Hope you enjoy cult fam!  


Follow us on instagram for exclusive content @The.Cult.ure

Jul 07, 202121:60
Episode 16 - The Twelve Tribes
Jun 30, 202140:39
Episode 15 - The Moonies

Episode 15 - The Moonies

Click the link below if you want to support our podcast.  Thanks Cult Fam! 

https://anchor.fm/theculturepod/support

Anna and Mark discuss Sun Myung Moon's group who originated under the name of the Unification Church in South Korea.  Moon hears from God as a youth and must finish the work that Jesus started.  This group takes a lot from other spiritual beliefs in South East Asia, but is probably most well-known for their large "blessing ceremonies" that peaked in 2009 with 20,000 people attending.  Although this group was at its height in the 1960-80s, it still exists today and Mark thinks it wont be the last we hear about this group.  Thanks for listening cult fam, and remember not to drink the kool-aid.  


Follow us on instagram for images for this episode @The.Cult.ure


Sources for this episode: 

Jun 15, 202150:08
Episode 14 - Remnant Fellowship

Episode 14 - Remnant Fellowship

Anna and Mark discuss Gwen Shamblin Lara's Remnant Fellowship on this weeks episode.  Due to the recent tragedy, they felt it was right to skip ahead in their timeline to give the info on this current group.  Gwen's first successful endeavor, The Weigh Down Workshop, was started in 1986 and quickly took Christian churches by storm.  This weight loss for Jesus movement inspired her to take it one step further and she developed a behavior-driven gospel movement that will become the Remnant Fellowship.  Get all the details as well as the tragic end to this story that took place in May 2021.  Thanks for supporting the pod and remember, don't drink the kool-aid.


For exclusive content please follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure


Sources for this episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Shamblin_Lara

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/06/01/gwen-shamblin-lara-plane-crash-brentwood-remnant-fellowship-church-updates/7488918002/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2021/05/30/remnant-fellowship-church-continue-after-founder-gwen-shamblin-laras-death/5276463001/

https://www.remnantfellowship.org/welcome-to-remnant-fellowship/

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/controversy-surrounded-brentwood-church-founder-for-years-gwen-shamblin-lara-among-those-presumed-dead

https://www.reddit.com/r/nashville/comments/819qom/has_anyone_had_encountersexperiences_with_remnant/

https://www.spiritwatch.org/remnantwatch.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_v._Smith

https://www.wfial.org/index_fuseaction_artGeneral-article_4.html 

Jun 09, 202149:14
Episode 13 - People's Temple Pt. 2 & Jonestown
Jun 01, 202141:17
Episode 12 - Peace Mission Movement - People's Temple Pt. 1

Episode 12 - Peace Mission Movement - People's Temple Pt. 1

Anna and Mark discuss Father Divine and his Peace Mission Movement that took place in the United States during the 1920s & 30s.  His humanitarian approach to Christianity provided him with a lot of support during the Great Depression as many Americans were struggling for food and shelter.  However, it was his failure to address the problems with race in America, thinking that we should all be one big happy family,  that caused some people to turn away.  Divine was a very action based leader, but his personal actions spoke louder than his preaching.  His fancy cars, real estate purchases, and expensive clothing quickly separated him from his followers.  This movement serves as the jumping off point for Jim Jones and his People's Temple.  Jones picks up where Divine left off, with Socialism and action being the road to salvation.  A young hellion as a child, Jim found that he had the gift for preaching.  He loved the attention and applause, something that he never received as a child.  This would fuel his movement that would eventually lead to him convincing thousands of people to head to South America.  That's where Part 2 will pick up next week!  Remember, don't drink the kool-aid.  


Follow us on instagram for exclusive content @The.Cult.ure


sources for this episode:

May 24, 202135:46
Episode 11 - Synanon
May 10, 202146:43
Episode 10 - Heaven's Gate Pt. 2
May 03, 202132:14
Episode 9 - Heaven's Gate Pt. 1
Apr 27, 202134:58
Episode 8 - Theosophical Society/Twin Flames Universe
Apr 12, 202135:43
Fun Size Bonus Ep 3 - Q and A

Fun Size Bonus Ep 3 - Q and A

Anna and Mark keep it light with a Q&A episode.  Helping the listeners get to know the people behind the microphones.  Keep sending in questions on instagram and maybe it'll make our next Q&A episode.  From hobbies to post-pandemic travel plans, they cover a range of topics.  Enjoy cult fam!  


Follow us on instagram for more content @The.Cult.ure

Mar 23, 202129:30
Episode 7 - IBLP
Mar 15, 202140:52
Episode 6 - Aggressive Christianity
Mar 08, 202139:33
Fun Size Bonus Ep 2 - Cult-Like Tendencies

Fun Size Bonus Ep 2 - Cult-Like Tendencies

Anna and Mark discuss how prominent cult characteristics have made their way into the mainstream.  From Crossfit and veganism to tech companies and MLM's, there is a reason why they are successful and cult influence might have something to do with it.  


Follow us on instagram @The.Cult.ure

Mar 01, 202129:14
Episode 5 - FLDS
Feb 23, 202143:04
Episode 4 - Thelema Pt. 2
Feb 08, 202134:58
Episode 3 - Thelema Pt. 1

Episode 3 - Thelema Pt. 1

Episode 3 will uncover the weirdness of Thelema, a philosophical/ideological set of beliefs that focus on doing what you want!  Listen in for all the shenanigans as we start by discussing the founder, Aleister Crowley, and his spiritual awakening that include some borrowed ideas.  Try to keep from laughing as Anna is brought to tears and snorts over visualizing one of his ceremonies.  Stay tuned for next week's episode when we detail the most bizarre aspects of this cult.  

Feb 02, 202135:18
Fun Size Bonus Ep 1 - What is a Cult

Fun Size Bonus Ep 1 - What is a Cult

Welcome to the Bonus Ep!  The goal is to occasionally throw out bonus episodes with fan questions.  The first question asked was about the word 'cult' itself.  What does it mean, where does it come from, and why is there a negative connotation surrounding it.  Anna defends her stance and her love for all things 'New Religious Movements' while Mark gives a glimpse into why all things spooky or mysterious don't appeal to him.  Enjoy! 

Jan 29, 202127:12
Episode 2 - Christian Science

Episode 2 - Christian Science

Episode 2 of the CULTure dives into the history, beliefs, and controversies associated with the Church of Christ, Scientist.  Picking up where we left off last episode, we start in the 1870s with a wild ride into modern day America, with a bit of ooze.  Give it a listen and let us know what you think!  

Jan 24, 202147:38
Episode 1 - Spiritualism

Episode 1 - Spiritualism

Welcome to the CULTure!  Episode 1 takes us back in time to the 1800s in the U.S. when Spiritualism was running wild.  This will serve as the jumping off point as we give a historical survey of cults in America. 

Jan 18, 202136:10