The CULTural Zeitgeist
A true crime podcast exploring the dark side of yoga and wellness, hosted by Jess and Jenna.
Episodes
MAHA: WTAF
This week, we discuss Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the MAHA movement. What does it really mean, and is it as good as it sounds? Short answer: Probably not.
Love Has Won: Mother God's Weekend at Bernie's
We finally cover Amy Carlson A.K.A. Mother God, who's cult of personality may have led to her undoing.
Madame Helena Blavatsky: Everyday She Hustlin'
Possibly one of the most influential people we have covered this far, Helena Blavatsky is considered a fraud by some but to us, she is just a 19th-century hustler girlie, who may or may not have been hustled herself.
Bentinho Massaro: Douchebag Guru
Bentino Massaro leveraged the internet to grow a devout following. His teachings are a spiritual circle jerk of nonsense that has led to one death and a trail of sexual assault allegations.
The Rajneeshees: Terrorism at Taco Time (Re-release)
Originally aired November 1, 2023
In 1981 residents of Antelope, Oregon found their small conservative town of 40 residents overtaken by thousands of orange-clad strangers. The outsiders came to Oregon looking to create a utopian society dedicated to their leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. But years of investigations would find the Rajneeshees responsible for the first and largest bioterror attack on
Belle Gibson: The Worst - Part Two (Re-release)
Belle Gibson continues to take her scheme to new levels, gets blasted on 60 Minutes, and takes cultural appropriation to a new level.
Please Consider Donating To
Cancer Research Institute
Cancer Research Institute’s mission is to save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. It holds an A- from charity watchdog CharityWatch for it’
Belle Gibson: The Worst - Part One (Re-release)
Originally aired November 13, 2023
Wellness influencer Belle Gibson claimed that she had cured herself of malignant brain cancer through clean eating and coffee enemas. But, spoiler alert, she was a huge F*CKING liar.
Please Consider Donating To
Cancer Research Institute
Cancer Research Institute’s mission is to save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies
The Seekers: A Casual Christmas Doomsday Abduction
JZ Knight: White Girl Wasted on Alien Wine
JZ Knight rose to prominence for channeling a Ramtha, a 35,000-year-old entity from a lost civilization. However, she quickly contorted her message of love and self-acceptance into a racist doomsday prediction that pit reptilian aliens against only the most enlightened of mankind.
Guru Jagat: Qanon Alien Wars and Melon Diets (Re-release)
This episode was previously aired on 12/6/2023
Katie Griggs was a girl-bossing yoga teacher and somehow a follower of two cult leader creeps (Osho and Yogi Bhajan) we have already covered. So things went really well...
Resources
Phelan, Hayley. “The Second Coming of Guru Jagat.” Vanity Fair. 1 December 2021
Orecchio-Egresitz, Haven. “Before the sudden death of its leader, Ra Ma Yoga Institu
Krishna Venta: Train Ho
Krishna Venta was a vagabond before dedicating his life to cosplaying as Jesus and peddling a doomsday race war that would live on in infamy long after he was gone.
Body and Brain: A Shooting Star to Nick Cage Rushmore
Ma Jaya Bhagavati and The Stigmata Diet
Joyce Green was a stereotypical 60's housewife before abandoning her kids and transforming into the guru Ma Jaya Bhagavati, complete with visions of the dead and full-blown stigmata.
Marcia Moore: Broadcasting from the Twelfth Dimension
This week, we cover the unsolved death of Astrologer and Yogi, Marcia Moore. Moore was a renowned writer on the metaphysical and went missing in 1979.
The Salem Witch Trials Part 2: F*ck You, More Weight
This week, we continue our two-part episode on the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. We cover the court of Oyer and Terminer and the low-key serial killer running the show.
CULTured #3
CULTured is our irregular, monthly roundup of news in the wellness, yoga, and true crime space.....plus whatever the hell else we want to talk about.
This month, we try to wrap our heads around the Diddy controversy and how deep the scandal goes.
The Salem Witch Trials: Yes, And....She's A Witch
It's SPOOKY SEASON!
Join us for a deep dive into one of the most notorious events in American history, The Salem Witch Trials. We discuss the societal tensions and personal vendettas that fueled the hysteria, leading to the persecution of many innocent people.
Magdalena Solis: High Priestess of Blood (Human and Chicken)
It's spooky season, and this week we cover the takeover of a small Mexican town by a group of hustlers that spirals into forced blood rituals, orgies, and human sacrifice. You know, super casual stuff.
The Fox Sisters: Toes Crackalackin'
The Fox Sisters claimed to be able to speak to the dead, a claim that captivated a pre-Civil War America — but years of opposition, tragedy, and in-fighting proved to be their undoing.
Recommended listening:
The Foxes of Hydesville
Louis DeWohl: The Astrologer Hired to Thwart Hitler (And Possible Drag Icon)
Be prepared for our first on-air argument about spam thickness...Spoiler alert: We agree to disagree (but do we really?)
Louis DeWohl is a sham astrologer hired by the Brits to help stop Hilter. It's a weird one....but a fun one.
CULTured #2: Shirtless Men's Drum Circle VS Bear
This month, we dive into Netflix's Dancing for the Devil, the TwinRay cult, Men's Group ethics, and Swami Satchidananda's possible VD
Netflix's Dancing for the Devil
Be Scofield's Twin Ray expose (please donate to help keep her work going)
MA'AT - Advocacy for victims of Aubert Bastiat
Yogaville Lawsuit (again, Be Scofield - go donate if your can)
I've Had It Podcast
Lilias's Bones - A Witch Pod
Miss Cleo: That Shady Hotline Bling
In this episode, we dive deep into the life of Miss Cleo, the charismatic face of the Psychic Readers Network. We explore her rise to fame, the controversies that surrounded her, and the eventual downfall that left her devastated.
We discuss the deceptive practices of the Psychic Readers Network, the legal battles that ensued, and how Miss Cleo was exploited by the very company that made her famo
NXIVM Part 2: Serve, Set, Sentence
Sarah burns it down.
Sarah Edmondson, with the support of Mark Vicente and Bonnie Piesse, take their case against Keith Raniere public and that POS goes on the run.
Trigger warnings for mentions of suicide and sexual assault are included as we delve into the darker aspects of this case. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with justice, heartbreak, and the resilience of those who
NXIVM: Burn It Down, Sarah, Burn It Down
In this episode, we delve into the disturbing world of NXIVM, a so-called self-improvement organization founded by Keith Raniere and Nancy Salzman. Promising personal development and success through their proprietary "technology," NXIVM quickly garnered a following of dedicated members. However, beneath the surface lurked a sinister reality.
The Vow on MAX
Teal Swan: Spiritual Influencer and Pathological Liar
In this episode, Jenna and Jess dive into the controversial world of Teal Swan, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader who has garnered a large following by claiming to be a spiritual catalyst. Teal hosts retreats and workshops but is unlicensed, unregulated, and dangerous as hell.
This episode is one huge trigger warning for suicide and sexual assault, please skip if you are not in the headspace t
CULTured #1: Culty News Roundup featuring Joey Donner and his Venice Burner Friends
Join Jenna and Jess for their possible monthly roundup, where they dive into spirituality, wellness, pop culture, and all the things.
First up: Andrew Keegan clarifies his status amidst cult rumors on the 'Pod Meets World' podcast. Hear the backstory and why Jenna and Jess think he's just a hippie with a lot of money.
Next: Claire Bronfman, a former benefactor of NXIVM, has been released from pris
Modern Mystery School: Banging for Magik and Maybe World Peace
The Modern Mystery School is an organization that considers itself the Harvard of Metaphysics. They teach a mixture of martial arts, meditation, reiki, and witchcraft to enact the will of ancient aliens, all while raking in millions by stoking fear of apocalypse demons. So. Super cool.
Gregorian Bivolaru: King of Yoga Porn and Professional Fugitive
Gregorian Bivolaru made headlines last year for being caught after 8 years on the run from international law enforcement for being an unhinged perv while marketing himself as a yoga guru.
Serge Benhayon: The DaVinci of Toilet Prophets
Serge Benhayon is a nut job who believes (amongst many things) that he received divine messages while taking a prolonged #2. Needless to say things don't get much better from there.
One Taste: An Orgasmic Mediation Circle Jerk
OneTaste was a San Francisco-based startup in the early aughts based on the concept of Orgasmic Meditation. But what started as a women's empowerment group turned real fucking shady as its founder tried to turn their circle jerk into a religion.
The Omnipotent Oom: America's First (V. Racist) Yoga Scandal
Travel back to the turn of the 20th century for a glimpse into America's first yoga sex cult starring a gaggle of harlots wearing (gasp) tights, and a man unironically and inappropriately donning a turban.
Talking Tiktok Psyhic Scammers with Rachael Cohen
Today we chat with our dear friend Rachael Cohen, an energy worker, intuitive medium, and author of the upcoming book Self Care of Eco-Anxiety. We dabble into Tiktok psychics, astrology, intuitive abilities, and mediumship.
Connect with Rachael Cohen - Our Infinite Nature
Website
Instagram / Tiktok / Youtube
Preorder Self Care for Eco-Anxiety
James Arthur Ray: The Sedona Sweat Lodge Deaths
James Arthur Ray was a motivational speaker who found success after he was featured in the 2006 film The Secret. But his hubris landed him in hot water after three people died at one of his self-help retreats.
Before attending an event or teacher training check out the site before for red flags to be aware of.
Seek Safely
The Samaritan Foundation: Rest in Distress, Linda
In 1995, filmmaker Allen Ross is missing and his friends begin to suspect that his involvement in a spiritual dowsing cult may have something to do with his disappearance.
Anne Hamilton-Byrne: The Original Mother God
Anne Hamilton-Byrne is a yoga instructor who used meditation and LSD to establish a cult centered around the idea that she was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, while also unlawfully acquiring 28 children to expand her following.
Join our Patreon to support our production and get a shout-out in our next episode. Try 7 days free!
Instagram - @spirituallyeffedpodcast
Bikram (emphasis on the "ick" of it all)
We knew we would eventually have to cover the human garbage that is Bikram Choudhury, but it doesn't mean we like it. Bikram is an over-the-top, abusive, and delusional predator who still has followers today but should just be in jail.
Join our Patreon to support our production and get a shout out in our next episode. Try 7 days free!
Instagram - @spirituallyeffedpodcast
Rose Marks: Operation Crystal Ball
Psychics. Romance Novels. Love faxes with Colin Powell. This story has everything you could ask for. Except for your money back.
Our Infinite Nature
Join our Patreon to support our production and get a shout out in our next episode. Try 7 days free!
Instagram - @spirituallyeffedpodcast
Aum Shinrikyo: Japan’s Most Notorious Anime Doomsday Yoga Cult Part 2
Aum Shinrikyo is a cult that transitioned from a new-age religion to a terrorist organization engaged in horrific crimes under the leadership of its ambitious and deluded leader, Shoko Asahara. Asahara used sensory, sleep, and food deprivation, sexual assault, and even murder, to ensure that his yoga cult could bring forth the end of days, leaving him as the supreme ruler of Japan.
Creepy Dancin
Aum Shinrikyo: Japan’s Most Notorious Anime Doomsday Yoga Cult
Learn about the devastating transition of Aum Shinrikyo from a spiritual organization to a terrorist organization engaged in horrific crimes under the leadership of its ambitious and deluded leader, Shoko Asahara. Asahara used sensory, sleep, and food deprivation, sexual assault, and even murder, to ensure that his yoga cult could bring forth the end of days, leaving him as the supreme ruler of Ja
The Buddhafield: Neon, Hot Bods, and Ballerinos
The Buddhafield is a bodacious cult from the 80’s that was devoted to yoga, dance, and maintaining rockin’ bods. Their leader was known for rocking guyliner, a speedo, and a penchant for sexual abuse.
Holy Hell - Will Allen’s Documentary on Peacock
How to Become a Cult Leader: Episode 3, Reform Their Minds - Narrated by Peter Dinklage so, need I say more
The Hare Krishna Murders: Part 2
Well, this one was full of trashy audio and went on for well over an hour before we artfully edited it to a manageable 52 minutes (you're welcome).
Today we finish our story about the disgusting Keith Ham (a week late...sorry, not sorry) and the multiple murders he committed to keep his followers from knowing he was a pedocreep.
In case you wanted one: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead Tee
The Hare Krishna Murders: Part 1
Keith Ham was a Hare Krishna leader of the West Virginia ashram called New Vrindaban, but he was harboring pretty gross secrets that would lead him to commit not one, but two grisly murders.
Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder - Documentary on Peacock
Hare Krishna Leader Tied to Murder Plot - Washington Post
doodooTerra
If you think Young Living was bad, doTerra isn't much better. doTerra turns a blind eye to the shady business dealings of it's middle man and lies about it's charitable work overseas
IUCN
The Price of Purity on Vice TV
Beeyo Mal
D. Gary Young: Essential Oil Tycoon, Ex-Convict, and Baby-killer
D. Gary Young is known as an essential oil trailblazer who started a wildly successful company with millions of devoted followers, but before Gary introduced the world to Thieves he had also spent a good amount of time in jail. Apparently, pretending to be a doctor is against the law, but don't worry, jail didn't stop this go-getter.
Fruitlands: Dickensian Hipsters Start A Cult
A non-depressing tale of how Little Women author Louisa May Alcott grew up in a failed Dickensian hipster cult run by her father, an educator and dedicated vegan, who was very much, ahead of his time.
Guru Jagat and the Secret Alien War
Katie Griggs was a girl-bossing yoga teacher and somehow a follower of two cult leader creeps (Osho and Yogi Bhajan) we have already covered. So things went really well...
Resources
Phelan, Hayley. “The Second Coming of Guru Jagat.” Vanity Fair. 1 December 2021
Orecchio-Egresitz, Haven. “Before the sudden death of its leader, Ra Ma Yoga Institute was accused by some former members of being
The Cult of Yogi Bhajan
Yogi Bhajan came to the US to spread the teachings of Kundalini Yoga, something he claimed was an ancient spiritual practice, but ...turns out he made the whole thing up and left a trail of sexual abuse and shady business deals along the way.
RESOURCES
Deslippe, Philip. “From Maharaj to Mahan Tantric: The Construction of Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga”
Dyson, Pamela Saharah. Premka: White Bird i
Belle Gibson: The Worst Part 2
Belle Gibson continues to take her scheme to new levels, gets blasted on 60 Minutes, and takes cultural appropriation to a new level.
Please Consider Donating To
Cancer Research Institute
Cancer Research Institute’s mission is to save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. It holds an A- from charity watchdog CharityWatch for it’
Belle Gibson: The Worst
Wellness influencer Belle Gibson claimed that she had cured herself of malignant brain cancer through clean eating and coffee enemas. But, spoiler alert, she was a huge F*CKING liar.
Please Consider Donating To
Cancer Research Institute
Cancer Research Institute’s mission is to save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. It holds
BONUS Episode - Kaitlin Armstrong Murder Trial Update
A quick update on the Kaitlin Armstrong trail, new evidence was presented, petty gauntlets were thrown, a muppet of a man got his foot stomped on by a grown-ass adult.
The Tragic Murder of Mo Wilson
Moriah “Mo” Wilson was a rising athlete in the world of gravel racing. As a competitive newcomer, she was soon winning races against the seasoned racers, catching the eye of one of gravel racings biggest stars and, unfortunately, the ire of his on-and-off-again girlfriend.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO
The Moriah Wilson Foundation
Promoting healthy living and community building by supporting orga
The Rajneeshee Bioterror Attack
In 1981 residents of Antelope, Oregon found their small conservative town of 40 residents overtaken by thousands of orange-clad strangers. The outsiders came to Oregon looking to create a utopian society dedicated to their leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. But years of investigations would find the Rajneeshees responsible for the first and largest bioterror attack on U.S. soil, and multiple attempted
The Botched Case of Dana Jones
Dana Jones was a kitchen designer and yoga practitioner who died in 2014 as a result of a yoga fall. Doctors and her family suspect the blunt-force trauma to the back of her head had more to do with her husband than her yoga practice, but a shady homicide detective and a corrupt police department thwart all their attempts to find answers.
Spiritually Fucked
Episode show notes
Instagram: @spiri
Yoga To The People Part 2
In 2019 Yoga to the People founder, Greg Gumucio was on top of the world. His yoga studio chain was a massive success, drawing in thousands of yogis and making him a millionaire. However, when COVID-19 forced their studios to close, an anonymous Instagram account would not only shutter the business permanently but put Gumucio behind bars.
Spirituallyfucked.com
Yoga To The People Part 1
In 2019 Yoga to the People founder, Greg Gumucio was on top of the world. His yoga studio chain was a massive success, drawing in thousands of yogis and making him a millionaire. But, when COVID forced their studios to close, an anonymous Instagram account would not only shutter the business permanently but put him on law enforcement's radar.
Spirituallyfucked.com
Chow Wai Yin A.K.A. Aqua Chow
In July of 2022, Instagram yoga influencer Chow Wai Yin, also known as Aqua Chow planned to travel from Hong Kong to the US for an advanced yoga teacher training, but never arrived for her flight.
Spirituallyfucked.com
INSTA: @spirituallyeffedpodcast
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