“The Ant Hills Kids” - Roch Thériault

They came to the edge of extinction in Tennessee, then had a revival in Island Pond, Vermont. The group led by Elbert Spriggs had roots in the Jesus Movement of the ‘70s, but in time, began to reflect the early Christian church of the first century. Critics fear the still-active group is brainwashing teenagers, abusing children, and exploiting the labor of its unpaid volunteers.  Countdown to the CULTS book release! Parcast’s first book hits shelves July 12th. It’s an unflinching exploration of shame, secrecy, power, exploitation, and destruction. Learn more at www.parcast.com/cults!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Juni 202240min

In 1945, the Agape Lodge welcomed a new resident, and Jack Parsons began his attempts to summon the goddess Babalon.  Parcasters, we have exciting news! Our first book hits bookshelves July 12th. Don’t miss this chilling summer read that takes you deep into the darkest sides of human nature. Learn more and grab your copy at www.parcast.com/cults! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Juni 202243min

A trailblazing rocket scientist led a double life as an Aleister Crowley acolyte, jumping headfirst into the OTO after reading one of the famed occultist’s books in 1939. Jack Parsons was always daring and unorthodox — how could he be part of Caltech’s “Suicide Squad” if not? — and his forays into magick were no less extreme. Parsons rearranged his life and marriage in accordance with Thelemic teachings, turning his Pasadena mansion into the hotspot of the American OTO.   Parcasters, we have exciting news! Our first book hits bookshelves July 12th and is based on this very show. If you love the Cults podcast, you won’t want to miss this chilling summer read. Grab your copy at www.parcast.com/cults! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31 Maj 202242min

He was called the King of Depravity, Wickedest Man in the World, and — by his own mother — The Beast. Aleister Crowley was a notorious occultist who rejected the religion of his childhood and devoted himself to a new kind of morality: “Do what thou wilt.” He joined the OTO in 1910, finding their beliefs — particularly around sex magick — aligned, but his initiation would prove to be a double-edged sword.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 Maj 202241min

Denounced by local clergy, the Vatican, and even her own husband, Debra Geileskey was backed quickly into a corner. But Triple M was her empire. And she wasn’t going to lose everything without a fight.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 Maj 202240min

In the early 1990s a devout Catholic and former school principal starts claiming she’s a divine prophet with a special connection to the Virgin Mary. Within a decade, Debra Geileskey has hundreds of followers in Australia, a monopoly over the town of Helidon, and donations pouring in for her “New Jerusalem.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Maj 202239min

By 2015, Grace Road Church had planted itself in Fiji to prepare for the apocalypse. They start a corporation and several businesses, allegedly all part of the Reverend’s “master plan” for the island. For loyal members and newcomers alike, the road to Paradise is paved with intense sermons, “cleansing” beatings, and confiscated passports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Maj 202239min

For much of her religious career, Okjoo Shin espoused mainstream Christian beliefs and stayed out of the spotlight – until she discovered a new way to interpret the Bible. Her followers grew to believe she was a divine figure who would be important in the end-times... so no one spoke up when her teachings became violent.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 Apr 202241min