The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”
Was I In A Cult?18 Aug 2025

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

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.

Episoder(148)

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

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

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 we...

1 Sep 202552min

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

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

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, loo...

25 Aug 20251h 2min

Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]

Armstrongism: “Saving For the Feast” [UPDATE]

**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 i...

11 Aug 20251h 7min

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

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

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, enligh...

4 Aug 20251h 12min

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

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

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 ...

28 Jul 20251h 2min

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

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

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-directo...

23 Jul 20251h

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

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

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...

17 Jul 202551min

Populært innen Humor

papaya
rss-spartsklubben
harm-og-hegseth
enkel-servering
tore-og-haralds-podkast
storefri-med-mikkel-og-herman
tusvik-tnne
topp-3-med-wold-og-fladseth
ma-pa-behandling-med-morten-ramm
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
folk-flest-med-linn-og-nils
misjonen-med-antonsen-og-golden
hanna-de-heldige
rss-snorre-med-gaute
wolfgang-wee-uncut
jan-thomas-og-einar-blir-venner
verdens-verste
rss-det-alle-snakker-om-med-siri-og-kim
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
gutta-backer