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PODCAST

Hidden Cults

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

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

44:49

Ep.10 The Family International

Hidden Cults ·

2025/07/13

Once known as the Children of God, The Family International began as a 1960s counterculture movement promising love, freedom, and a new way of life. But behind the music and missionary work was a dark legacy of manipulation, control, and widespread abuse. In this episode, we trace the rise of The Family from its hippie-era beginnings to its global spread, and examine how its teachings shattered lives across generations. This is the story of how an idealistic message became a nightmare for many who

en

44:59

Ep.9 The Raëlian Movement

Hidden Cults ·

2025/07/06

A French racecar driver walks into a volcano and comes out a prophet. That’s how the story begins. What follows is one of the most unusual and controversial new religions of the modern era. In this episode, we explore the rise of the Raëlian Movement, a UFO-based faith that claims humanity was created by extraterrestrials known as the Elohim. Guided by their messenger Raël, followers embrace a future of cloning, interstellar contact, and global peace through sensual meditation. But behind the

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47:22

Ep.8 The Nuwaubian Nation

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/29

It started in Brooklyn as a small religious group focused on Black identity and spiritual truth. Over time, it grew into something stranger. The Nuwaubian Nation built pyramids in Georgia, talked about UFOs and lost civilizations, and claimed their leader, Dwight York, was more than just a man. He called himself a prophet, a savior, even an alien messenger. But behind all the symbols, costumes, and shifting beliefs was something far more disturbing. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we follow the

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49:17

Ep.7 The Manson Family

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/25

In the heat and haze of the 1960s, Charles Manson didn’t look like a cult leader. He looked like a drifter with a guitar and some big ideas. But behind the music and the talk of love was something darker. Something that would end in blood. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we follow the story of the Manson Family from its earliest days on the fringes of the counterculture to the horrific murders that shocked the world. We dig into how Manson built his following, what he promised, and how he convinced

en

49:27

Ep.6 The Peoples Temple

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/22

Long before the tragedy in the jungle, the Peoples Temple looked like something good. Jim Jones preached equality. He fed the poor, welcomed the outcast, and promised a better world. But behind the sermons was a darker reality. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we follow the full rise and collapse of the Peoples Temple. From small-town Indiana to the remote settlement of Jonestown, this is the story of how one man’s hunger for control led to one of the largest mass deaths in modern history. It’s not

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52:55

Ep.5 The Order of the Solar Temple

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/18

It began as a secret society chasing spiritual enlightenment, and ended in ritual murder and mass death. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we uncover the chilling rise and fall of The Order of the Solar Temple. Founded in Europe in the late 1980s, this apocalyptic group blended New Age mysticism, Templar mythology, and conspiracy to justify its descent into control, paranoia, and fatal prophecy. From its charismatic leaders and wealthy elite followers to the carefully staged deaths across

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47:50

Ep.4 Heaven’s Gate

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/15

In this episode of Hidden Cults, we dive deep into the haunting story of Heaven’s Gate, the first digital-age cult to orchestrate a mass suicide in the name of transcendence. Led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, the group blended UFO mythology, New Age beliefs, and extreme spiritual discipline into a tightly controlled system that convinced 39 people to willingly "exit their vehicles" and board a spacecraft they believed was hiding behind the Hale Bopp comet. From their early days as

en

45:51

Ep.3 Aum Shinrikyo

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/08

In this harrowing episode of Hidden Cults, we dive into the chilling rise and catastrophic fall of Aum Shinrikyo a doomsday cult that began as a fringe yoga group in Japan and evolved into a domestic terrorist organization with apocalyptic ambitions. Led by the self-proclaimed messiah Shoko Asahara, Aum’s journey from spiritual seekers to the perpetrators of the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack exposes a disturbing fusion of mind control, science fiction, and mass delusion. We unravel the cult’s

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48:03

Ep.2 The Branch Davidians

Hidden Cults ·

2025/06/01

What began as a fringe religious movement ended in a fiery siege that shocked the world.This episode of Hidden Cults explores the rise of the Branch Davidians, the power of David Koresh, and the deadly 51-day standoff in Waco, Texas.A story of prophecy, control, and the moment faith turned to fire.Part 1 – Roots of Rebellion: From Prophecy to Power (1929–1981)Part 2 – The Making of David Koresh: Prophecy, Power, and ControlPart 3 – Preparing for War: Theology, Firearms, and the Coming Siege

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49:12

Ep.1 Scientology

Hidden Cults ·

2025/05/25

It began with a science fiction writer and a self-help book. Today, it’s a billion-dollar religious empire with tax-exempt status, celebrity ambassadors, secret doctrines, and a reputation built on fear and control. In this episode of Hidden Cults, we dive deep into the world of Scientology — from the early writings of L. Ron Hubbard to the rise of David Miscavige, from the promise of spiritual freedom to accusations of surveillance, disconnection, abuse, and coercion.Part 1 – The Mind Behind the

en

1:27

Introduction to Hidden Cults

Hidden Cults ·

2025/05/24

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

en

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