Episode 285: The Cult of Synanon - Part 1

While cults sometimes prey on the vulnerable, this exclusive and esoteric group attracted the wealthy and successful. Was this in order to build an elite new colony of people in another dimension, or was their money used to fuel the lavish lifestyle of their leaders? When it all came crumbling down, the results were deadly. Support Sinisterhood

10 Juni 20201h 16min

Once a year, America’s wealthiest and most influential men descend on a collection of cabins in the lush forests of Northern California. They claim the retreat is a break from business, meant to recharge and relax their minds. But some people believe the true plans are something more sinister. Are these titans of politics and industry meeting to perform satanic rituals in an attempt to take over the world? Or is that even necessary since they already run it? Support Sinisterhood

27 Maj 20201h 25min

A man’s life was taken at the hands of an enraged murderer. But once the first verdict was thrown out on a technicality, the killer got another shot to present his case to a jury. The victim’s family then decided to take on the production company and very show that they believed had a hand in their son’s death. The outcome would have an impact on television and the legal system that would last for decades. fffpartner Support Sinisterhood

20 Maj 20201h 9min

Talk shows in the 1990s focused mostly on the outrageous - family drama, out of control teens, secrets, and surprises. But one secret set off a chain of events that tragically took a life. That crime started a national conversation that left the country searching for where to place blame. Was it the talk shows' fault or was the one to blame the man who pulled the trigger? Support Sinisterhood

13 Maj 20201h 18min

For centuries, humankind has seen objects in the sky. For every report they’ve made, those who have claimed to see unidentified flying objects have been mocked and brushed off by skeptics. But with the advent of modern technology, those sightings have now been recorded, and some have been released to the public. Were the US’s most elite pilots witness to a visitor from another planet? Or was this merely an encounter with a highly advanced Earth-based foe? Support Sinisterhood

6 Maj 20201h 14min

Tales of possession have endured since ancient times, warning the faithful of what may happen if they turn toward sin. But while most possessed souls are inhabited by a demon, this phenomenon of Judaism shows just what happens when one restless spirit takes up residence in another. Support Sinisterhood

29 Apr 20201h 3min

For centuries, treasure hunters have dug deep into the depths of this small island searching for the supposed treasure that lies beneath the earth. Hopeful searchers have sunk millions of dollars into the quest, with each hunt bringing back only fragments of the booty the legend promises. Is there a treasure chest waiting for them at the end of the hunt, filled with riches beyond their wildest dreams? Or will the search turn up nothing more than fool's gold? Support Sinisterhood

22 Apr 20201h 32min

After the media got ahold of the initial details of the case, the circus began. But the truth would come out via the testimony of dozens of witnesses at trial. One woman was both a defendant and a victim, and the trial focused on the reign of terror she had endured. But the verdict wasn't the end of her story. Support Sinisterhood

8 Apr 20201h 17min