Despre acest podcast
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.
Listener stories: [email protected]
International Resources
• International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
https://www.icsahome.com
Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
• Open Minds Foundation
https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
• The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)
https://www.thehotline.org
📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
• Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
https://freedomofmind.com
Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
• FaithTrust Institute
https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
• Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
📞 1-239-514-3081
Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
https://www.rainn.org
📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.
Canada
• Cult & Trauma Support Resources 🧠
• Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org
• Phone: 📞 514-274-2333
• Email: [email protected]
• Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
• Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.
United Kingdom
• The Family Survival Trust
https://familysurvivaltrust.org
Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
• Cults Information Centre and Family Support
https://cults.org.uk
UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
• Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
https://www.mind.org.uk
📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.
Australia
• Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
https://www.cifs.org.au
National support for individuals and families affected by cults.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hidden-cults--6633392/support.
Episoade
Cele mai noi 20 din 65 episoade
- Ep.63 The Saints · 53 minIn Toowoomba, Australia, a small Christian sect led by Brendan Stevens rejected medicine in favour of divine healing. In January 2022, those beliefs ended in tragedy when…
- Ep.62 Lev Tahor · 40 minFounded in Israel in 1988, Lev Tahor presented itself as a return to pure Judaism under the leadership of Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans. Over the following decades, the group crossed…
- Ep.61 The Superior Universal Alignment · 34 minThe Superior Universal Alignment began in Brazil in 1981 as a small UFO-inspired religious movement led by the self-proclaimed prophet Valentina de Andrade. Promising spiritual…
- Ep.60 Colonia Dignidad · 43 minColonia Dignidad began as a secluded German religious settlement in rural Chile, promising faith, hard work, and a better future. Behind its fences, however, Paul Schäfer built…
- Ep.59 The Sullivanians · 42 minThe Sullivan Institute began in New York during the 1950s as an unconventional psychotherapy movement that promised personal liberation, emotional growth, and freedom from…
- Ep.58 The Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult · 47 minIn 2010, a recently released ex-convict named Larry Ray moved into his daughter’s dormitory at Sarah Lawrence College. What began as friendly dinners, life advice, and mentorship…
- Ep.57 3HO The Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization · 50 minTonight on Hidden Cults, we explore 3HO, the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization, the spiritual movement founded in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. What began as a counterculture yoga…
- Ep.56 Japa Meditation Ireland · 39 minTonight on Hidden Cults, we examine Japa Meditation Ireland and the rise of Irish spiritual teacher Dennis Curran. What began as meditation groups built around mantra practice…
- Ep.55 Desteni · 38 minTonight on Hidden Cults, we explore Desteni, the bizarre internet-era movement founded by Bernard Poolman in South Africa. Blending channeling, reptilian conspiracies…
- Ep.54 Nation of Yahweh · 32 minThe Nation of Yahweh began in Miami in the late 1970s under the leadership of Yahweh ben Yahweh, born Hulon Mitchell Jr., who preached that Black Americans were the true…
- Ep.53 Aggressive Christianity Missionary Training Corps · 25 minThe Aggressive Christianity Missionary Training Corps began as a small communal group led by James Green and Deborah Green, who moved from counterculture living into a rigid…
- Ep.52 Gloriavale Christian Community · 30 minGloriavale is a remote Christian community in New Zealand, built on strict belief, total commitment, and a system that controls daily life from work to family structure. Founded…
- Ep.51 Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON) · 36 minThe Hare Krishna movement, also known as ISKCON, began with one man arriving in New York with a message rooted in devotion to Krishna. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada built…
- Ep.50 Alamo Christian Foundation · 47 minThe Alamo Christian Foundation started in Hollywood in the late 1960s, offering faith, purpose, and community to those searching for direction. Over time, it became something far…
- Ep.49 Remnant Fellowship · 31 minTonight’s episode explores the rise, transformation, and ongoing controversy surrounding the Remnant Fellowship. What began in the 1980s as a faith-based weight loss program…
- Ep.48 House of Prayer Cult (Achill Island) · 34 minIn this episode, we travel to Achill Island off the west coast of Ireland to examine the controversial religious movement known as the House of Prayer. Founded by Christina…
- Ep.47 Universe People · 31 minIn this episode we travel to the Czech Republic to explore one of the strangest UFO cults to emerge in modern Europe. Known as the Universe People, or the Cosmic People of Light…
- Ep.46 University of Cosmic Intelligence · 32 minThis episode of Hidden Cults explores the University of Cosmic Intelligence, an online movement led by Rashad Jamal that grew rapidly through social media and conspiracy-driven…
- Ep.45 Church Universal and Triumphant · 44 minIn this episode of Hidden Cults, we explore the rise, expansion, and controversy surrounding the Church Universal and Triumphant. Founded on the teachings of Mark L. Prophet and…
- Ep.44 Fiat Lux (Uriella) · 41 minIn this episode of Hidden Cults, we examine the rise and fall of Fiat Lux, a small but controversial European religious movement led by the self proclaimed prophet Uriella. Born…
