“The Workers' Institute” - Aravindan Balakrishnan

The young co-founder of a church grew into a business tycoon who courted controversy until his death in 2014. Yoo Byung-eun built an empire on the backs of his devoted followers, who traded their money and labor for salvation. In 1987, a group associated with the church took part in a mass suicide. Nearly thirty years later, more than 300 people died in a ferry disaster that many believe Yoo Byung-eun was responsible for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Jan 202239min

A religious group in Japan is led by a man who claims he is an interdimensional god named El Cantare, peddles spiritual vaccines online, and was once targeted for murder by a rival cult leader.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Jan 202245min

By 2004, James King and Barbara Loran were well-versed in violating ethical boundaries. But that year, the church leader and his mistress crossed a new line when they groomed and seduced the 17-year-old daughter of two congregants.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Jan 202242min

In 1990s Washington, James King held dozens of devoted followers in his thrall. He used emotional “processing” sessions to prey on women, while his mistress — a chiropractor who wanted to cultivate “Godlife” — became his number one recruiter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Jan 202241min

As we look ahead to the new year, we want to take one last chance to say thank you for the year that was — and present our "Best of 2021"! Please enjoy this episode from our fan-favorite podcast, Solved Murders. In August 1969, actress Sharon Tate was living the Hollywood dream. Until it turned into the bloodiest kind of Hollywood nightmare.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Dec 202150min

On Christmas Eve nearly seventy years ago, Dorothy Martin and the Seekers stood outside in Chicago and sang carols. They were waiting for a spacecraft that would shepherd them away from Earth — and the impending apocalypse. On this Cults Christmas Special, join us for a look into a doomsday cult awaiting deliverance, and the psychological breakthrough that arose from studying them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Dec 202144min

The Manson Family’s infamous murder spree may have been partially inspired by The Beatles’ song “Helter Skelter” but it was The Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson who opened doors in Hollywood for their charismatic cult leader. From our friends at Sinister Societies, hear how Charles Manson almost became the next great pop hit of the ‘60s.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Dec 202138min

After a decade of abuse at the hands of Colin Batley, a young woman made a desperate escape. Early one morning, with her baby in her arms, she ran out of the cul-de-sac that Batley and his church called home and never came back. Now, out from under his grasp, she could bring Batley down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Dec 202140min