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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.

Was I In A Cult?

What happens when your entire life revolves around likes, follows, and perfectly staged smoothie bowls?

For Lee Tilghman — better known as @leefromamerica — it meant rising to the top of Instagram’s wellness world… and losing herself in the process.

This week, we explore what it means to devote yourself to the cult of social media: when every thought and action becomes about what to post, when friends are replaced by followers, and when your online identity becomes the only one you know.

From the outside, the influencer life looks aspirational. But Lee asks: at what cost?

____________

COME SEE US LIVE!!

Los Angeles • September 9, 2025

With special guest: comedian Moses Storm

@ Dynasty Typewriter

VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!

Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!

FOLLOW US for more culty content and behind-the-scenes chaos:

Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

The average person spends over 2 hours a day on social media. If this episode resonated—or even made you rethink your daily doomscroll—share it, leave a review. Hug a friend IRL. 

Huge thank you to our Patreon members—you keep this thing going.

Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.

Have a culty story? We wanna hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

And if you want more from today’s guest, Lee from America:

Her brand-new book “If you Don’t Like This, I Will Die” is out now

Find Lee → @leefromamerica

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cult of Influencing: “The Algorithm Giveth, The Algorithm Taketh Away”

Michael grew up believing his hometown in Germany was just that — a quiet, picturesque community with cobblestone streets, tidy homes, a school, and a grocery store. At its heart stood the church, looming over daily life.

But what looked like small-town order was really something far darker. Built in the aftermath of World War II, by leaders with lingering Nazi ties, the town was engineered for control: walls without walls, designed to keep its people in and the rest of the world out.

Years later, in a casual conversation with a sibling, the truth unraveled:

This wasn’t just a devout community.

It was a cult.

COME SEE US LIVE!!!

Los Angeles • September 9, 2025

With special guest: comedian Moses Storm

@ Dynasty Typewriter

VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!

Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!

Special Thanks:

Big thanks to Maura Streppa for her gorgeous rendition of “Die Gedanken sind frei”

→ Follow Maura on Instagram @maurastreppamusic

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

Support the Show:

If this episode moved you — share it. Leave a review. Scream-sing Die Gedanken sind frei in your kitchen.

Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.

Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”

It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’t just a brand — it was a vibe. And today’s guest, Zsuzsi was on the front lines of it all. From art school to assistant manager to overseeing a hot New York City store, she was living the dream… until it started to feel more like a fever dream — and eventually, a cult. 

Today’s story is about what happens when the "American dream" disguises exploitation in trendy cotton basics — and how one man's charisma fueled a culture of unchecked abuse, manipulation, humiliation, and grooming… all hidden behind the label “Made in the USA.”

And the worst part? He’s still at it.

___

COME SEE US LIVE!!!

Los Angeles • September 9, 2025

With special guest: comedian Moses Storm

@ Dynasty Typewriter

VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!

Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

Find Zsuzsi: @hdbyz & @hellozhia / https://www.hdbyz.com & https://www.hellozhia.com

Support the Show:

If you learned something, felt something, or are angry too and want to make a little noise — share this episode. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. And maybe… make a call to:

(213) 275-3120

Just for some light, constructive feedback.

Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.

Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”

**Note: This episode originally aired in February 2022**

COME SEE US LIVE!!! In LA on Sept 9, 2025 with special guest, comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter. LINK TO TICKETS!! 

A humble upbringing is an understatement for Dan McIntrye. Canada born and bred, Dan's cult journey took him from guitar god, to free desserts to cult escape, only to land him right in the arms of... another one? A double survivor. A triple thriver. And one extremely nice guy. Damn, Canadians, you really are as kind as they say. 

——

COME SEE US LIVE!! In LA on Sept 9, 2025 with special guest, comedian Moses Storm @ Dynasty Typewriter. LINK TO TICKETS! 

VIP meet n greet available… see you then!

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

Support the Show:

This show is listener-powered. If Dan’s story got you thinking—rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]

This week, meet Jim Picariello, who, in the early ’90s as a hopeful college kid hyped up on way too much coffee, thought he was signing up for a meditation class… and ended up in a tech-driven, enlightenment-seeking, quasi-Buddhist spiritual cult. Yeah… this one was a new one for us too. 

Led by Frederick Lenz - aka Rama - aka Zen Master Rama - aka the most spiritually enlightened dude who could glow gold - shapeshift into Egyptian gods, and… also totally needed your entire paycheck in order to - oh wait, hmm, we forgot… but we’re sure it was very spiritually necessary.

___

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

Connect w/ Jim: 

Instagram: @jimpicariello

Bluesky: @jimpicariello.bsky.social

LinkedIn: Jim Picariello 

Support the Show:

This show runs on listener energy (and we promise we don’t drain it like a cult leader).

If Jim’s story got you thinking - rate, review, and share.

Big love to our Patreon members… you’re the real gold.

And if you want ad-free episodes and exclusive content, come join us on Patreon. Enlightenment not included.

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zen Master Rama’s Meditation/Computer Programming Cult: “Going For the Gold!”

Last week, we met Jorjina Broadbent — mother of twelve, former sister-wife, and low-key badass hiding in plain sight.

This week? She stops hiding.

We pick up where we left off: deep inside the world of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS cult — a place where girls are married off as teens, obedience is salvation, and hairstyles left something to be desired… like choice. But for Jorjina, something inside her starts to shift. As the leash tightens and the rules get crueler, the exit comes into view.

What follows is a breathless series of near-escapes, terrifying threats, and secret plans that might as well have been scribbled on fast food napkins. Also, Tyler’s gorilla-style documentary filmmaking at its most high-stakes gets to be part of it all. 

How will she make it out? And all her children?

Get the popcorn ready… 

This is Part Two of Jorjina’s extraordinary story.

___

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

WATCH THE FILM:

Sons of Perdition (Tyler’s baby)

Stream on Amazon, Tubi, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Sling, Plex

FREE for Patreon members!

Help Jorjina get some Abba shoes! (Venmo @Jorjina-Broadbent)

Support the Show:

This show is listener-powered. If Jorjina’s story moved you—please rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us at info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cult of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS PT2: “The Great Escape”

Before he was your favorite podcast host, Tyler Measom was… just a dude with a camera and a crush.

It was 2005, and Tyler found himself driving deep into FLDS polygamist territory - with his co-director-slash-maybe-love-interest (hey, Jennilyn) - to make a documentary about the "Lost Boys" exiled from a fundamentalist Mormon cult run by none other than slimeball Warren Jeffs. That little film? Sons of Perdition premiered at Tribeca. 

And one of the mothers at the heart of that story? Jorjina Broadbent.

This week, Jorjina, mother of twelve (yes, twelve), former sister-wife - joins us to recount what life was really like inside the FLDS: arranged marriage, relentless obedience, magical underwear, and raising a family in a trailer where babies sometimes had to sleep in drawers.

And the escape is hair raising. And Tyler was there to capture it.

This is Part One of Jorjina’s extraordinary story.

___

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

WATCH THE FILM:

Sons of Perdition (Tyler’s baby)

Stream on Amazon, Tubi, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Sling, Plex

FREE for Patreon members!

Support the Show:

This show is listener-powered. If Jorjina’s story moved you - please rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us at info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cult of Warren Jeff’s FLDS Pt1: “Keep Sweet”

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse.

You’ve seen them — maybe at the airport with pamphlets, or quietly shopping at a farmer’s market. Dressed in starched shirts, tie-back bonnets, pressed skirts. Singing in gentle harmonies. Smiling softly. The Holdeman Mennonites, they’ll tell you, are just humble people of faith. 

Quiet. 

Nonviolent. 

Pure.

But purity can be a costume. And obedience, a weapon.

Today’s guest, Billy Holdeman-Bass grew up in that world.

And there were things that didn’t get sung about.

Doors that stayed locked.

And a question his mother never answered: “Why do you always follow me to the bathroom?”

Behind the hymnals and homemade apple pies lies a truth that can’t stay buried forever. In this episode, that truth begins to speak.

________

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

Support the Show:

This show is listener-powered. If Billy’s story moved you—please rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us at info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Holdeman Mennonite Cult: “The Truth Behind the 'Humble' People”

Content Warning: This episode contains references to sexual abuse, coercion, and emotional trauma.

Last week, we met Zipporah—a woman who spent 44 years inside a Utah cult so small and obscure, most people never even knew it existed. That is, until 1978, when a horrific tragedy made national headlines.

The cult was led by Emmanuel David, a self-declared prophet who eventually proclaimed himself God. After his suicide, his wife—his most devoted follower—carried out an unspeakable murder-suicide that took the lives of their children.

All but one.

Their daughter Rachel survived—and in many ways, because she did, so did the cult. It should’ve died with its leader. But for a small group of devoted followers, it didn’t.

Zipporah was one of them.

This is Part 2 of her story… how the cult kept its grasp on her for the next 40 years until she finally was able to break free. 

________

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

Support the Show:

This show is listener-powered. If Zipporah’s story moved you—please rate, review, and share.

Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon.

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us at info@wasiinacult.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cult of Emmanuel David Pt2: “The Cult’s Second Coming”

In August of 1978, one of the darkest chapters in Utah’s history unfolded. A man claiming to be God became the catalyst for a tragedy that left a city shaken and a family shattered. Emmanuel David—born Charles Bruce Longo—founded a small but insidious cult rooted in offshoot Mormon beliefs, prophetic delusions, and total control.

Despite the mass suicide—or murder-suicide, depending on who you ask—the cult didn’t die with its leader. The remaining believers held on. They kept the doctrine alive. And for decades, they waited for their God to return.

Today’s guest is one of the few who remained.

This is Part 1 of her story.

________

Follow Us for More Culty Content:

Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacult

Share Your Story:

Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.

Email us at info@wasiinacult.com

Support the Show:

This show is listener-powered. If Zipporah’s story moved you—please rate, review, and share.

Want ad-free episodes and exclusive content? Join our Patreon.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Town In The Shape of a Cross: “Thoughts Are Free”

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