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Was I In A Cult?

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Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfu...

Comedy

BONUS: Bethany Joy Lenz on “The Big House Family”
In this special bonus episode, Liz sits down with actress, writer, and singer Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) to discuss her harrowing and deeply personal journey through a Christian cult called “The Big House Family.” Having recently published her New York Times bestselling memoir, Dinner for Vampires, Joy opens up about how the group’s leader preyed on her longing for deep connection, manipulated her emotions and exerted financial control— eventually isolating her from her family and friends. From years of spiritual gaslighting to reclaiming her identity as an artist and mother, Joy’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice. Want more? Patreon members can access the full, extended interview HERE Buy Joy’s memoir, Dinner For Vampires HERE. ___ Find Joy (see what we did there?): @msbethanyjoylenz Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
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Dollar Bill’s Cult: “My Father Stole My Wife”
In this heart-wrenching continuation of Emily Maldonado’s story, we delve into the life of her brother, Drew Matthews. Drew grew up under the domineering influence of his father, “Dollar Bill” Matthews, a pastor whose self-interest knew no bounds. From childhood indoctrination to traumatic "exorcisms" and endless demands for loyalty, Drew was constantly searching for the love and acceptance his father never offered. This episode unravels a tale of betrayal on every level—Drew’s own father not only controlled his life but ultimately orchestrated the unthinkable: the estrangement of Drew’s wife and daughter. As Drew sought refuge in the military, hoping to escape his father’s grip, his father seized the opportunity to drive a permanent wedge between him and his family by doing the unthinkable. Drew’s resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss serve as a powerful testament to the endurance of the human spirit. We are in awe of you, Drew! ———— Try VIIA! www.viiahemp.com/inacult and use code: inacult Visit www.uncommongoods.com/cult for 15% off! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code Inacult LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod ———— Follow Drew on TikTok: @notreallysur.e / Instagram: @dapper_mann Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/F B: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
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1:02:55
Solid Rock Church: “My Dad, the Cult Leader”
What happens when your father becomes your pastor and eventually your cult leader? In this episode, Emily Maldonado shares the raw truth about growing up in a cult led by her own dad. From staged exorcisms to discovering that love and freedom could only come by breaking every rule, Emily’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring. With gripping honesty, she unpacks the jaw-dropping moment she knew she had no choice but to leave… and for Emily, leaving meant losing her entire family. With humor and profound resilience, Emily shares how she escaped a life dictated by manipulation—and found the strength to rebuild a life of joy and authenticity. ___ Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code “inacult” LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod __ Follow Emily on Insta/Tiktok: @styledmicasa __ Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
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1:13:41
QAnon: “Control + Alt + Deception”
Ashley takes us inside the twisted world of QAnon—an online cult that spread like wildfire during the pandemic, offering false hope through dangerous conspiracies to those seeking community, connection and autonomy in an unraveling world. Ashley reveals how fear tactics and manipulation lured her into a space where JFK Jr. was alive, Tom Hanks was an international trafficker, and every catastrophe was proof of an elite plot. From Instagram rabbit holes to FOIA requests about hot dogs at the White House, Ashley unpacks the absurdity and real danger behind QAnon’s grip. This is not just a story of strange beliefs—it’s a story of control, trauma, and ultimately, resilience. Join us as Ashley explains how she reclaimed her mind, her sanity, and her life—one hard truth at a time. ____ Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys): https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
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1:04:33
Falun Gong P2: “Falun Gone… For Good”
In Part 2 of Angela's story, the realities of Falun Gong’s grip on her family deepen. Angela reflects on the emotional toll of a cult that prioritized spiritual salvation over physical health—even as her mother’s condition worsens. But escaping isn’t easy when your family remains deep in the cult’s ideologies… Angela’s journey out of this cult is filled with heartbreaking revelations and the resilience that defines a true “surthirver.” ____ Donate to CUDDLY today! Head to cuddly.com/CULT and help make a difference! Angela on TikTok/Instagram: @workplace_doodles Follow us on Instagram/TikTok/FB: @wasiinacult Have your own story? Email us: [email protected] Please support Was I In A Cult? Through Patreon (we appreciate the hell out of you guys) Merch is here! www.wasiinacult.com
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Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfully left a cult. Told first-hand by the experiencer themself, these are raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. Using levity and info-tainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves…“Wait…Was I In A Cult?” If you or someone you know has been in a cult and want to share your story, contact us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you.

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