Was I In A Cult?

So… remember that acting class? Well, turns out this “human behavior expert” has her eyes on a much larger prize. I mean, you can’t be the next Tony Robbins while just teaching scene analysis.
In Part 2 of Liz’s story, Sandy’s world shifts into trying to become what it’s been after all along: a spiritual self-help empire. Except this one is built on word salad, public humiliation, and the slow, steady squeeze of control. (Spoiler: Her goal never "manifested")
In this shift, the class expands beyond Los Angeles… all the way across the world to India. Because when you’re in a class to learn scene analysis, the obvious next step is a spiritual retreat.
The language changes. The pressure shifts. And suddenly, “transformation” comes with a hefty price tag. A world where boundary crossing is reframed as growth and the cost of admission is total and complete loyalty. And if you can’t afford it? No worries. Just sell your car. One student did.
And if you learn nothing else - as Liz would tell you, when someone slaps you in India, kick ’em in the cooch.
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Either Liz finally stepped up to the mic to tell her own story… or Tyler finally cornered her and hit record. Either way — it’s happening.

After moving to Los Angeles with a toxic boyfriend, Liz leaves behind the Chicago comedy scene and finds herself nudged into a Hollywood acting class — one he introduces her to via a “free” class that’s anything but. What starts as a supposedly legit acting class quickly earns a reputation as “the place where comedy goes to die.” And yet… it’s somehow worse than that.

Because this “class” slowly morphs into a spiritual self-help cult.
Yes. An acting class cult.
No, she did not see it coming.
And neither will you.

In Part 1 of Liz’s story, we dive into how this Chicagoan accidentally wandered into the hollyweirdest chapter of her life.
_______

FOLLOW US
For more culty content — follow us on Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

SUPPORT THE SHOW
If you believe in what we’re doing — shining a light on manipulation, coercive control, and cultic abuse — please rate, review, and share the podcast.
Want even more?
Join us on Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes conversations.

HAVE A CULTY STORY TO SHARE?
If you’ve been part of a cult — we want to hear from you.
Email us → [email protected]
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years after we first met her in our studio - just days after her victim impact statement in Alison Mack’s NXIVM trial - Jessica Joan is back.

Since we last spoke, Jessica shared her story on the Hulu docuseries “How I Escaped My Cult”, and a lot has shifted: in her healing, in what “justice” means, and in what accountability actually looks like over time.

This follow-up conversation was prompted by our recent interview with journalist Natalie Robehmed, host of the podcast “Alison After NXIVM”, where listeners hear Alison speak publicly about NXIVM and her life post-prison. After that episode, it felt important to come back to Jessica - to hear directly from someone harmed by Alison, and to explore the messy questions of empathy, forgiveness, and what we’re really asking for when we say we want “accountability.”

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FIND JESSICA
Get your copy of The Untouchable: Jessica Joan & the Downfall of NXIVM
Check out her new website: www.thisisjessicajoan.com
Instagram/TikTok: @thesirenandthesunflower

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If you believe in what we’re doing - shining a light on manipulation, coercive control, and cultic abuse - please rate, review, and share the podcast.
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Join us on Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes conversations.

HAVE A CULTY STORY TO SHARE?
If you’ve been part of a cult - we want to hear from you.
Email us → [email protected]
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2021**

Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience, bravery, and inspiration. Being born into a cult always comes with its challenges, but learning how to have an original thought in your mid-20s is a rare struggle that most people are fortunate enough to never have to face. This is just one of many obstacles Angel had to overcome as she ventured out of the cult and into the world.But when you've spent over 20 years of your life in a cult and it's all you know, the real world isn't always as sparkly as you hoped.

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For more culty content — follow us on Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

FIND ANGEL
Instagram: @whatisangeldoing
Youtube: @AngelDeSantis

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If you believe in what we’re doing — shining a light on manipulation, coercive control, and cultic abuse — please rate, review, and share the podcast.
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HAVE A CULTY STORY TO SHARE?
If you’ve been part of a cult — we want to hear from you.
Email us → [email protected]
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A comet. A cultural fever. And a cult’s failed prophecy.

In 1973, as the holidays approached and the world felt increasingly unstable, a comet named Kohoutek was predicted to light up the sky in way never seen before… right at Christmas. The media obsessed. The artists sang. And David Berg, an apocalyptic sex cult leader, saw confirmation that judgment was imminent. Christmas would be the end.

In this episode, we trace how the Children of God turned a celestial event into The Christmas Monster, sending families fleeing the United States, scattering members across the globe, and quietly erasing the idea of home altogether.

We speak with Perry Bulwar, who was recruited into the cult as a teenager and lived inside it for over twenty years. He takes us through belief, fear, failed prophecy, and the moment a pop song cracked the spell.

It’s a holiday story - just maybe not the kind you’re used to.

___________

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For more culty content - follow us on Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

PERRY’S BOOK
Get your copy of “Misguided: My Jesus Freak Life In a Doomsday Cult”

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If you believe in what we’re doing - shining a light on manipulation, coercive control, and cultic abuse - please rate, review, and share the podcast.
Want even more?
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HAVE A CULTY STORY TO SHARE?
If you’ve been part of a cult - we want to hear from you.
Email us → [email protected]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.