Last year, I have the pleasure and privilege to write several episodes for the renowned Cults podcast on the Parcast Network. The good folks at Parcast have numerous channels broadcasting a slew of terrific deep-dive documentary style podcasts released every week. I’m delighted to have contributed to the Cults series which was a rewarding challenge but also incredibly educational.

Here are links to the four stories, I wrote. Each one is about 2 45 or so minute episodes, perfect for long walks to sprucing up the commute. These do, however, go unapologetically to some dark places. Parcast endeavors to be as truthful (and tasteful) as possible with some disturbing subject matter so there’s aren’t for the kids.

RAËLISM – Claude Vorilhon went for a hike one day which he claims led to being contacted by the alien race which supposedly created humanity. He then launched a following of free love & orgies – all at the behest of the aliens – that continues to this day.

Raëlism Part 1: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e45-raelism-claude-vorilhon-30009346/

Raëlism Part 2: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e46-raelism-pt-2-claude-30009456/

THE RIVER ROAD FELLOWSHIP – Listener discretion very much advised. Victor Bernard convinced dozens of families that he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. He lead them to create a commune in remote Minnesota. What happened next was true horror which lead to manhunt across several countries.

River Road Fellowship Part 1: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e70-river-road-fellowship-victor-30480298/

River Road Fellowship Part 2: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e71-river-road-fellowship-pt-2-30513126/

NEW VRINDABAN – This is a truly epic story of a con-man who created America’s Taj Mahal, the Hare Krishna city of New Vrindaban in West Virginia. But within those halls, he inspired the crimes of theft, committed sexual deviancy and even ordered mafia-style executions to hold on to his power.

New Vrindaban Part 1: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e75-new-vrindaban-kirtanananda-30646284/

New Vrindaban Part 2: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e76-new-vrindaban-pt-2–30679172/

LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS CHURCH: (AKA STRONG CITY) Wayne Bent felt his church wasn’t interpreting the Bible literally enough. So what does he do? Branches out to create a commune where convinces people he’s a Messiah and cuddles naked with underage girls. This all leads to a trial which captivated the nation.

Lord Our Righteousness Church Part 1: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e89-lord-our-righteousness-church–45895763/

Lord Our Righteousness Church Part 2: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/409-cults-28501448/episode/e90-lord-our-righteousness-church-pt-46190054/

I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I enjoyed writing them. These are a fascinating look into a darker side of our reality, but they also can answer a lot of questions about human behavior in some of today’s headlines.

And if you like these, dig into the other content Parcast has to offer here: https://www.parcast.com/

Happy Listening!