I just want one dang cult topic oriented podcast that isn’t so obviously hosted by a bunch of irritating lib women with grating voices and an undeserving sense of self importance. I think it could be a great podcast but dang keep your politics to yourself! It’s super off putting to a lot of people.

Like these pods. Someone called Lola a narcissist. Found that fascinating. Because if she is a narcissist she’ll believe it’s your fault. If it’s not true, it’s just a hurtful word. The show itself is really good. It does feel a little patronizing at times, but I just ignore that stuff. The information is still good. Also, these pods are beginning to define cult a little too vaguely. We should define a cult differently from HCGs, etc. anyway, 5 stars because it’s good… well it’s alright.

Making fun of people who sing TS songs as part of recovery?!…. I mean dude, whatever it takes. These two should take a hike.

i am currently obsessed with your pod and am binging it every day while i work! you guys should reach out to Kibby Linga on TikTok, her mother was a high priestess of a cult!

*Update: I recommend you put your merch link at the end of each episode and on the show page. People want to support you and don’t know how!* I love the perspective the 2 hosts bring because they are former cult members of different cults. It’s fascinating learning about their cults and experiences throughout the episodes. I was a little turned off initially because of their voices and banter, but I’ve grown to love it. I know Lola speaks fast, but I really enjoy it. Maybe others could slow down the podcast in their settings? Also, you can also skip through the banter. They start with a segment “what’s the cultiest thing you’ve experienced this week”, have the interview, then do a segment on if Megan would join the cult or not. They have lots of guests with different specialities (experts) or experiences (former cult members). Sometimes the guest is both a former cult member and expert in cult recovery. I like the variety. Some experts seem more knowledgeable and trustworthy while others don’t. I think it’s brilliant that the hosts push back sometimes with the guests. It makes for a more honest and genuine conversation with a goal of knowledge versus marketing a certain personal or idea. Give it a chance! Listen to a few since they can vary greatly. Keep up the awesome work Lola and Megan. This is my favorite podcast right now and I’m learning SO much. It’s also helping me recover from a toxic relationship surprisingly. I just thought I had an interest in cults which is how I discovered the podcast. I wasn’t expecting it to be helpful in my personal life.

Been listening to the podcast for awhile now and really enjoying the varying topics and groups they dive into. But lately I have been especially happy to hear Lola talk about the genocide happening in Palestine, so many other podcasts are too afraid to talk about it but I admire Lola’s strength and knowledge that has led her to speak out multiple times. I wish Meagan would do the same because she’s the reason I started listening (used to listen to her old podcast) but happy that Lola is using her platform for good 🤍 Thank you for speaking out and making your muslim and palestinian listeners feel heard

I listen to so many cult podcasts and this has become my favorite. I love how they have so many testimonies and seem to honor those people and their stories well. I also like that we are getting a wide range of small cults vs the main ones.

I love to hear about cult idk why. Jim Jones hit my hard because my mom is from Guyana. But I love the inside look at how people get drawn in and fight there way out.

I love your podcast, I’m listening to the last episode right now! I need more lol you guys should look into the new cult in my hometown Ashland, Oregon. They are called Twinray. They just started before the pandemic.

I have always been interested in the psychology behind cult mentality and abuses of power. The hosts do a great job tackling a variety of stories related to this in a matter of fact way but always with a respectful tone rather than leaning into infotainment. They provide levity when it’s appropriate which is hard to do when dealing with such heavy topics. I love their intro - “what is the cultiest thing that happened to you this week?” - always leads to interesting convos. Keep it up ladies! I dig it.

I’m a cult survivor and I really love some things about this show. I love hearing about the guest’s experiences and how they are doing now BUT- Lola is frequently just straight up condescending and it’s giving narcissism. So, half the time I’m loving the pod and half the time I’m super triggered by her attitude. It’s unfortunate, because these are important stories, and guests don’t deserve to be talked down to, talked over, or condescended to because they still engage in spiritual practices and beliefs that Lola herself doesn’t subscribe to. I know she’s also traumatized, and it seems like her response to her own past cult trauma is to become overly analytical, hyper critical and defensive towards belief or “magical thinking” of any kind. But like- back off of other people’s coping mechanisms. She’s entitled to her own coping mechanisms FOR SURE, but being a know it all and acting like anyone else who processes differently from her is stupid is giving CULT LEADER. Meagan does a really good job of holding space for people and where they are at, and she’s incredibly patient and accepting of Lola, even when Lola is talking down to her and basically telling her she’s stupid for still being a spiritual person. So, good job Meagan.

On the positive side, I appreciate the perspectives that the hosts bring as former cult members and the quality of some of the guests. I’ve listened to other podcasts who discussed cults who just wanted to make fun of everything. On the negative side, the intro is too long. Many other podcasts save the personal stuff for the last segment of the podcast so that those who are not interested can skip it. Next, it would be nice if you could skip the political talk. I am so tired of having to hear about Trump. Finally, the vocal fry makes you two sound like Kardashians, which is sad because Lola sounded authoritative on Netflix, but on this podcast you sometimes sound like an adolescent.

The stories and insight into cults are so interesting!! It’s incredible to hear about how easy it is to fall into one and heartbreaking to hear about the many struggles people deal with on their way out. There is much more candidness than I would expect which I attribute to the safe and open environment created by the hosts. Time and again the hosts prove their humanity with the way they speak to their guests and their awareness of what’s happening around the world. Highly recommend!

This is my favorite pod to listen to during my work day. Love the hosts approach and treatment of their guests. Highly recommend!

Lola is uneducated and refuses to mention the hostages that terrorists stole from their homes while being “so affected” by Israel defending itself in a war it didn’t start. Stop the performative activism, that’s a cult too.

Newsflash - You ladies are part of a political Marxist cult. Just started listening to first few episodes and podcast isn’t bad. Episode I just started, one of the hosts started off about how she is struggling with all of the bad things happening to Palestinians, and I agree some pretty bad stuff is happening to them as the result of what Hamas did. I notice she isn’t struggling with the hostages still being held, tortured and raped. And then she starts talking about mistreatment of LGBTQ populations in Russia…which is terrible. What about the way LGBTQ populations are treated in Gaza? Did you have a problem with that? Your cognitive dissonance is as toxic as some of the cults and terrible people you cover in your show. Please do some research. You’re in a liberal group think cult.

I started listening randomly and did not have particularly high expectations. And yet! I've been consistently impressed with the hosts' treatment of their guests. Often times the folks they are talking to has been through some great trauma, yet they manage to draw out powerful stories in a way that feels respectful and compassionate.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and this is the one I look forward to the most each week. Lola and Meagan are smart, funny, and down to earth. A rare combination indeed! They are incredibly well researched and always have interesting guests. I particularly enjoy the laid back style of their interviews. They have a refreshingly honest approach that helps the interviewees feel safe to open up. They are clearly very empathetic individuals and they connect with guests in a way that I don’t find with many other podcast hosts. Keep up the great work, ladies!

This podcast made me like podcasts! I love the empathy and compassion mixed with funny comments and real stories. It shows how valuable lived expertise is because they are able to interview guests in much more nuanced way.

It is not ok to bash more than 50% of Americans who work hard for every little bit they have. We are not in a cult because we vote conservatively, and bashing our lifestyles and our beliefs just because we don’t believe in big government is not ok. You may need to read and research more about how people are able to retain freedom and liberty and it is not by following Liberal socialist or communist ideals! It was a good show until you began spouting your cultish beliefs and bashing us!

When the host, Lola, takes a break from virtue signaling, she indulges in misandry and toxic femininity- concerning

Disappointed that you only mention one side at the same time you mention being able to see both sides. What about the hostages?

First of all, I love how sexy your voices are!!! But really I found the podcast a few months ago and have almost listened to them all. I really appreciate the rawness of this show. As a person that struggles with her own traumas, this show makes he feel human and less alone in this. I have also gained so much perspective. Keep talking about hard things ladies!!

Very interesting topics but generally poor to zero production quality. The hosts may have their own personal experience with cults but overall are uneducated and not particularly insightful. Highly recommend “was I in a cult” podcast for the opposite of what I just described.

Meagan and Lola are incredibly smart, empathetic, and insightful. I love how they connect with guests with so many different backgrounds—from scientists and professors with PhDs to cult and gang survivors (and sometimes guests are both). I think they do a great job of humanizing cult survivors and broadening the conversation to discuss related phenomena, like the science of groupthink, belonging, conspiracy theorists, purity culture, MLMs, etc. I also love all the research Lola does and how both of them do their best to read or watch their guests’ work prior to interviewing them. I used to be a bit annoyed by their style of speaking, which contains a lot of cursing and uncomfortable laughter. But now I appreciate that they are being authentic rather than pretending to be anyone but themselves. Language control, after all, is characteristic of cult-like groups, so I am all about using whatever discourse you want. I’m obsessed and am working my way through all of their episodes.

Interesting podcast but lose the potty mouth. Makes you sound like immature teenagers trying to sound cool. But it doesn’t. You are contributing to the degradation of social discourse. Kids may be listening. Do you want your children to constantly drop f-bombs? Show some respect for your audience.

For a podcast that claims to be about truth, you have completely bought into lies about Israel. Israel has EVERY RIGHT to defend itself after a Oct 7th. Stop perpetuating Jew hatred if you are supportive of truth and not part of “cult thinking”. I’m done listening to your podcast

Yes! Yes! Yes! Cults, comedy, and women talking. This podcast actually combines my favorite things. Y’all are amazing. Y’all are perfection. Y’all are gorgeous and so so smart. I’m obsessed with this podcast and how truly fabulous you guys are. So much love!!

I love this podcast. It is consistently high-quality, the stories are fascinating (even when I think I won’t be interested in that episode), and the podcasters are delightful

These interviews and content are GREAT - focused, personal, important. But once the pod opened itself up to ads, it went ALL THE WAY into massive ad territory, seemingly overnight. There are WAY too many (maybe the most I’ve ever seen?)- the ratio of ads to content feels very out of balance. In the episode I just tried to listen to, there were TEN ads in 38 minutes. TEN. I’m all for creators earning for their work, but this seems excessive and really dilutes the show quality.

Recently there are so many ads — Loud, random frequent ads. Just can’t listen any longer.

This is a great podcast I’ve recently become addicted to. I saw some of the more critical ratings, and I get the points made - I just think it misses the point of the podcast. Don’t count on one source to meet your needs! Overall it’s amazing- they do this podcast in their style, which usually I like, but sometimes don’t. Which is fine!!! What and who is perfect? And even if they/it are, not everyone likes perfect. It’s been the best find I’ve had in 2024, and I’ll miss being able to binge these episodes!

We are listening to this podcast to hear about cults. Why do you think your listeners want to hear a 25 minute soliloquy about Hamas Israel? I just don’t get it. Start another podcast if you want to opine on your political beliefs. It comes across as so self righteous. Like, you’re not an educated political scientist here.

I was just listening to an episode that mentioned Buddhist principles and Lola just talked over them and said no worries reincarnation isn't a thing. I don't think you can talk to people about their belief experiences and belittle beliefs at the same time.

The ladies on this podcast provide the right level of inane chat, and deep and informed discussions. The folks they’ve interviewed have been stellar. The best part is that it is focused, with great questions, on the guest(s). I appreciate the hosts including their personal experiences and knowledge, offered for additional meaning not seeking recognition. Great show I highly recommend!

I am confused and disappointed by the commercial for Alliance Defending Freedom on a recent episode. This is not the type of show that I would ever have thought would promote a far right organization. I previously left a 5 star review because I love the show but now I feel like to have to stop listening.

LOVE this podcast!! Lola and Meagan seem so kind, charming, and informative and show so much respect to their guests coming from all walks of life. The space they have created gives the guests as well as the listeners an opportunity to discuss and learn about very important yet hard topics. I couldn’t understand Marji at all in the last episode though!

I love the contents and the hosts, but the amount of ads makes me wanna go back to watching cable tv. Ugh!

they’re a great duo and as someone who grew up in a cult, i appreciate the work they do in regards to sharing stories and allowing voices to be heard. while i don’t think they said anything particularly “bad”, i don’t think they realize the privilege of being able to say “both sides are bad“ or “this isn’t a black & white issue” when there are 12,000 Palestinians dead and many more suffering. as a poc, it’s really scary and disheartening to see so many “allies” play this both side card when innocent civilians are dying. sad to be taking this pod out my rotation but i’m so sick of the both sides game from yt ppl who will never have to deal with things like this. neutrality in the face of oppression is siding with the oppressors 🇵🇸

If your curious about cults and crazy groups listen to this podcast. These women have been members of a cult and know what they are talking about. They ask the questions we all want to know and they can see how people can be manipulated to join these groups.

So I’ve had some issues with this podcast before but I like learning about cults & thought it was in general pretty interesting. However, they basically said I was in a cult a couple of time & I was willing to look over one (kpop & fandom) but this one I can’t. What I took away from the intro about Palestine is them playing into bothsideisms pretty hard. I’m especially concerned about Meagan Elizabeth’s opinion because from context, it seems that she is a pro Israel girlie. And maybe this makes me part of a cult or whatever (but like let’s maybe talk about the cult of bothsidesism okay), but I have zero respect for anyone who supports the Zionist agenda in any way. Lola talks about the terrible things her Jewish friends are seeing on their side of the internet when the Jewish people I’ve seen online are very much pro Palestine. They say they want peace but multiple experts have said that what Israel’s doing specifically will never lead to peace. Israel created Hamas both through financial support & by the horrors they’ve been putting Palestinians through for 75 years. So, sorry Meagan, but I don’t think you can be friends with people who support genocide & ethnic cleansing. And I can’t support a podcast that could possible justify a genocide & ethnic cleansing.

After working with human trafficking survivors in both sides of the experience (pre-policy, post-rehabilitation), this podcast highlights voices and questions that don’t make it to the air because they can’t be sensationalized. Being close to and more alike to everyone on the podcast can make us uncomfortable - but everyone here is still human and we’re like them. Superiority complex is extremely examined and I love that because we all have it. Yes - episodes ‘make more sense’ with interviews with experts - psychologists, PR, etc etc., but I found we learn so much but letting people speak about their own experience without generalizing - which the hosts AND their Guests do well. The science The MLM episode stuck because a host said “I hate the mockery that’s made out of people who fall for it” - and that’s so accurately describes where my empathy lies too. It’s SO EASY to enact our ‘superiority complex’ to say “how could these people ever fall for this?” But, given the right value and circumstance, you’d fall for it too. Personally - I’d love 3hr love episodes on all this stuff, maybe they even record 3 hours worth of stuff!!! But I wanna hear it alll. I am left with questions, always - so much *I* want to know - but this is a podcast, this is a business and supports/highlights the endeavors of survivors of all of this - I get why it’s structured in the way it is and doesn’t do a free form about a topic that could take days to explain. Really - just love and appreciate these girls for what they’re doing. If you ever say anything about the ‘jokes’ they make - please know that most of the world laughs to keep from crying. Humor is a very viable way to deal with trauma. Don’t ever be told otherwise.

Israel is not at fault for what is happening. Hamas is to blame & they are coming for you next. 🇮🇱

💯

Great content. Stop the politics. I want to listen to your guest experiences not your political views. It would be nice to listen and learn from the guest and get AWAY from politics

I have listened for quite a while. Lola’s and Meagan’s compassion shines through on every episode. They have helped me have a better understanding about cults and if you want to have hope to get someone out you need to show care and compassion. I’m very grateful for their perspective.

I love this podcast, I really do. I think the hosts do an amazing job interviewing and balancing between letting the guest tell their story while asking important questions listeners want to know. I think the hosts work well together and have great chemistry. I do not like the politics that get into the show as I don’t think its necessary but other than that I love this podcast.

They ask excellent questions that are seamlessly woven into the convo. I can’t tell where the exposition starts and the new information for them begins

This show has potential… but as a professional woman, I can’t take these women seriously. 1) you’re grown ups. Stop talking like parodies of 90’s Valley Girls. Put your serious women voices on. 2) do your research. 3) stop what I can only assume is your nervous laughter. A lot of what you discuss isn’t funny. 🙄🙄🙄 Furthermore, PLEASE do your guests the courtesy of allowing them to speak? You “like, literally, like interrupt them, like, all, like the time”. And not every portion has to sound like a question. “So like when I was hearing this? I felt like? You know? What you said was so sad?…” completely not a serious podcast when it comes to such serious topics.

I’ve listened to every episode from the very start and have found each one informative and excellent… especially the ones dealing with Mormonism and its myriad offshoot legacy enterprises. If you’re just discovering it, I recommend starting with the first one to get a proper introduction to these two wonderful podcasters and their intent at the outset. As I write this, it’s three years on. In that time, they’ve built an extraordinarily important and indispensable compendium of honest, sometimes painfully relatable, but ever-illuminating conversations… not just about cults, but so many other aspects of mental, emotional and physical abuse which similarly lurk in the strata of interpersonal relationships and pockets of society at large. With each guest, the shared approach is always set in a spirt of empathy and healing around the traumas discussed. Nonetheless, in each conversation they don’t shy away from the often uncomfortable truth of matters… willing to fully confront and cut to the core of these concerns… particularly, those vexing pathologies and permutations of unwarranted self importance that all too often manifest in malignant, emotionally manipulative behaviors.