Murder at Ryans Run: exposing the cult of John Africa
A true-crime investigation into the Philadelphia cult that operated as the MOVE Organization. Survivors and insiders describe abuse, lies, and lost lives, alongside exclusive tapes, FBI files, and real-time reporting of a daring cult escape. It is the story its leaders do not want told.
Episodes
Happy Independence Day: How July 2nd Changed the MOVE Narrative Forever
July 2nd resonates with profound significance – marking both the launch of this podcast four years ago and the day Pixie Africa broke free from MOVE with her five children. That courageous exodus, described as "driving a tank through a concrete wall," shattered decades of silence and control, allowing truth to finally emerge from within the organization.This date now stands as an Indepen
Hate Mail From A Cult Leader: inside MOVE's language of control
WARNING: disturbing language and content.Behind the veneer of revolutionary rhetoric and claims of natural living lies a darker reality that few have ever glimpsed. For decades, MOVE has carefully cultivated an image of a loving, principled liberation movement, but newly uncovered internal communication reveals something far more sinister.These never-before-seen letters—what can only be described
Love Letters From A Cult Leader: inside MOVE's language of control
“I love y’all so much. Ain’t nothing I wouldn’t do for y’all.” —John Africa (Vincent Leaphart), founder of MOVEThanks to a confidential source, we gained access to dozens of private MOVE letters sent to incarcerated followers. At first glance, some of these letters appear warm, loyal, even loving - representative of what MOVE says they are - a chosen "family". But beneath the surface lie
MOVE lies about John Gilbride Part 2- Look Who's Talking
*warning: discussion of violence, threats, and the use of a racial slur that is explained but is censored. What happens when a cult's carefully crafted narrative faces public scrutiny? The answer lies in this shocking exploration of MOVE's 2005 radio appearance and their confrontation with America's Most Wanted five years later.Following Fox 29's coverage of John Gilbride&a
MOVE lies about John Gilbride Part 1: Play The Tape
When MOVE feels threatened, they turn to friendly media outlets to control their narrative. This episode takes you inside a revealing 2005 WURD Radio broadcast where MOVE members responded to a Fox News segment about the unsolved murder of John Gilbride. The previously unreleased audio exposes how cult propaganda works in real-time.Ramona Africa, MOVE's Minister of Information, leads a coordi
"He Said He Said" - The Confession of Mumia Abu Jamal
Here is the very interesting Howard Stern show mentioned in previous episode about Mumia - TC 01:30:47 -01:51:08 (thanks to listener Alex).A prison friendship leads to an unexpected confession that threatens to collapse the entire Free Mumia movement. Twenty-five years after a bombshell Vanity Fair article claimed Mumia Abu-Jamal admitted to killing Officer Daniel Faulkner, the source of that reve
The Cult of Mumia: from convicted killer to campus icon using the MOVE playbook
A powerful moment in 1999 captures everything you need to know about how MOVE operated. When Rage Against the Machine held a benefit concert for Mumia Abu-Jamal, they didn't just pack an arena with passionate fans—they delivered approximately $75,000 straight into MOVE's coffers. The organization's leadership understood that Mumia's case was their golden ticket to Hollywood, ma
May 13, 1985: A Police Officer’s Account from Osage Avenue
The haunting story of the MOVE bombing unfolds through the eyes of Philadelphia police officer Jim Berghaier—the Stakeout Cop who rescued 13-year-old Birdie Africa, the only child to survive when authorities dropped explosives on a West Philadelphia rowhouse on May 13, 1985.Standing in the same narrow alley where it happened, Berghaier walks us minute by minute through his experience of that day.
Straight Outta Holmesburg -MOVE’s Prison Recruiting—and One Inmates Encounter With Their "God"
The shadows of Philadelphia's MOVE organization stretch far beyond the infamous 1985 bombing on Osage Avenue. Through an exclusive interview with Richard Garland—a former gang member who encountered MOVE while incarcerated at Holmesburg Prison—we uncover the cult's prison recruitment tactics and the mysterious figure at its center.Garland reveals his extraordinary three-day encounter wit
Mike Africa Jr. Is Lying About Richmond
Mike Africa Jr. likes to share a vivid account (read: made up) of his MOVE childhood and often includes a story about Richmond, Virginia when he was not even two years old. Through painstaking research, including interviews with the retired detective who led the 1980 operation, the prosecutor who brought charges, and the attorney who represented MOVE women, I uncover the actual evidence that led t
Mike Africa Jr. Version 2001 - Part Deux
This is Part 2—or as they say in France (where MOVE often solicits donations for themselves and Mumia)—Part Deux. It’s not as shocking as Part 1, but it’s still never-before-heard audio from 2001, recorded in the basement of MOVE’s Philly headquarters. A 23-year-old Mike Africa Jr. (aka Michael Davis) reflects on legacy, identity, and his self-declared natural rapping talent (pro tip: double the p
Mike Africa Jr. Version 2001 - Part 1
In this immersive, unedited episode, you’re sitting in the basement of MOVE headquarters in West Philly—24 years ago—listening as Michael Davis (known publicly as Mike Africa Jr., and within MOVE by the nickname “Puga,” which he no longer uses - talks freely while being interviewed by longtime MOVE "supporter" Peter Gordon, aka Dubside. At 23, Mike shares a version of MOVE’s history—and
We'll Burn This House Down - Ramona Africa's Letter
Two days before the 1985 fire that killed 5 children and 6 adults inside 6221 Osage Avenue, MOVE’s Minister of Information, Ramona Africa, sent a letter to police: “We will burn this motherf***ing house down and burn you up with us.” This handwritten letter has been publicly available for 40 years. So why is it rarely included in books, documentaries, or retrospectives—especially now, 40 years lat
MOVE loves Philly cheese steaks and not answering our questions about missing children.
This episode was put together quickly in order to publish before current charismatic spokesperson Mike Africa Jr. goes on WURD radio to talk about remains of MOVE children so this is my effort to put some questions out there for WURD to ask Mike. I will write up better show notes tomorrow. Going hit the hay so I can wake up at 5am my time to catch WURD in Philadelphia. Will post images etc. that
Shaeida: the little girl who was disappeared in MOVE.
*cw: profanity and death of childrenIt's hard to believe that an organization like MOVE, which preaches about natural foods and healthy living, could be responsible for the neglect and abuse suffered by its children. In this episode we share exclusive investigative information about Shaeida "She She" Hollaway, who disappeared from the group's care in 1978 at the age of five. Th
THE MOVE FAMILY
*explicit language and threats of violenceWhenever MOVE speaks it is always in "the plural" as "The MOVE Family" but what happens in the family stays in the family, like the movie FIGHT CLUB but even more insidious and culty. So outsiders think MOVE is what they say they are - a loving committed family. Over the two seasons you have heard exclusive interviews with former MOVE
All About Ria, the other White "Africa"
*explicit: child abuse, animal abuse and racial slursMOVE wants the public to see them as a black liberation group and so Ria Africa has been conveniently erased from their current narrative which is why we made this entire episode all about the white rich girl named Suzy who became Sue Africa and then Ria Africa. For decades Ria has used the power given to her by MOVE founder Vincent Leaphart a
Mumia Abu Jamal and the MOVE Minister of Confrontation, Pam Africa
Mumia Abu Jamal is mostly known to the world as a former black panther, former radio journalist and for the last 41 years as a convicted murderer who had been sentenced to death but now is serving life in prison without parole. What is less known about Mumia Abu Jamal is his long history with MOVE before he shoots Officer Daniel Faulkner on December 9, 1981 and that Mumia's lead publicist &q
50 Years A Cult - Media, Money, Mumia & Monsters featuring former MOVE member Rain Africa
Born into MOVE 15 years after the most deadly confrontation on Osage Avenue, Rain Africa was groomed to be a spokesperson and "fundraiser" for MOVE and Mumia Abu Jamal which she says is one in the same. Rain breaks down how MOVE deftly and deceptively uses the media, academics and "the movement".The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in th
I survived MOVE: the story of Jeanne Africa
*CW: discussion of domestic abuse, threats of violence and loss of life.After more than 30 years Jeanne Africa is breaking her silence about the 5 years she was a devoted MOVE member sharing never-before-heard details about what she alleges was the true nature of MOVE - to overthrow the system by violent revolution and that in following Vincent Leaphart's teachings all of his followers were w
The Coordinator
This episode examines the real man behind THE COORDINATOR of MOVE, Vincent Leaphart, the leader and creator of the group who gave himself the name of JOHN AFRICA and the title of THE COORDINATOR. Vincent Leaphart, like most cult leaders, put his followers on the front line of his "revolution" and they certainly paid the price with their freedom and in some cases their lives.If you have
The Meaning of Life Africa: how MOVE exploited the deaths of their own children
*CW: discussion of infant deaths, child neglect, child abuse, and police brutality. MOVE says their religion is Life. "JOHN AFRICA taught us that Life is the priority. Nothing is more important or as important as Life, the force that keeps us alive. All life comes from one source, from God, Mom Nature, Mama. Each individual life is dependent on every other life, and all life has a purpose
Kwashiorkor: the deliberate malnourishment of MOVE children
*CW: child neglect and abuse.MOVE has always bragged about the health/strength of the children raised in MOVE were even more exceptional because they were raised as the "pure generation" under MOVE Law - the teachings of John Africa but the reality was the children were sick with diseases like Kwashiorkor which is only seen in developing countries experiencing famine. What are the signs
Vince Leaphart & The Black Panther
*Sensitive content about police brutality, abuse against children and women. Mention of racial slurs.MOVE began in the West Philadelphia neighborhood of Powelton Village at a time when counterculture and revolution were the norm and a former Black Panther once crossed paths with a handyman named Vince who then became John Africa. The Black Panther Party Ten-Point ProgramTimothy Hayes BlogBig shou
Guidelines, Guns and Going Against John Africa
MOVE claims that their "organization" was created by one man, a black man named Vincent Leaphart. Vincent did not create the MOVE cult by himself, he had a lot of help from a white graduate student named Donald Glassey who then escaped and became a government informant in order to stop Vincent's bomb plot. The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals referenc
MOVE: Small but Deadly with Cult Expert Rick Alan Ross
Welcome to Season 2 of the podcast. In this episode you will get some updates and behind-the-scenes information on Season 1 and then you will hear from cult expert and author Rick Alan Ross about MOVE and the overall nature of destructive cults and MOVE. . Links and Resources mentioned in this episode:Tony Allen's blog: AntiMOVEKevin Price's blog: Leaving MOVE 2021 RICK ALAN ROSSTwit
Knock, knock, it's Beth.
MOVE likes to say that John Gilbride is still alive and living under an assumed name working for the US Government who is, of course, hell bent on destroying MOVE. John Gilbride is dead and we have obtained the Medical Examiner's Report stating exactly how he died on September 26, 2002. And we knock on the front door of MOVE leader's house and have a brief and bizarre interaction with h
Bonus Ep #3: This all began with Anarchism, Black Cats and Lies
This whole podcast got started when Bob shared the story of MOVE and May 13th 1985 with Beth and got her hooked on learning as much as she could but then one interview spins her around and sends the whole focus and podcast down an unsolved murder rabbit hole that leads deep into the MOVE organization that even ties back to Hollywood film royalty - Steven Spielberg. If you have any information tha
The Power of Truth is Final
CONTENT WARNING: child sex abuse and graphic description of child birth.While MOVE continues to claim their belief is LIFE and protecting all life, they are not in mourning of their former MOVE brother John Gilbride who was murdered in cold blood, but rather they are hanging decorations in preparation for not one wedding, but two and only the most trusted, loyal members and supporters are invited.
Follow The Money
Every murder investigation looks at motive - why does someone want someone else dead? Common motives are jealousy and money. One of the core secrets about MOVE is the source of their money and that would be a something that John Gilbride would have been privy to and so maybe MOVE vs. John Gilbride is about more than child custody. . The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individ
Rosario - The Secret 2nd Wife
It is only after John is murdered that a secret second wife is discovered who ends up getting the life insurance payout. Who is this Rosario and more importantly, where is she now and what does she know? JThe producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of l
John is dead.
John Gilbride was murdered in the final hours of September 26, 2002 and the investigative clock begins at 12:08am on September 27, 2002 when police come up the scene and John's death is recorded as a homicide. In the final hour of September 26, 2002, John Gilbride was murdered. He was shot by an unknown assailant(s) that was waiting for him to come home from work. Who wanted John dead and
The Meeting At Gary's
On the night John Gilbride was murdered, September 26th 2002, Alberta directed that there was to be a MOVE meeting held at house in New Jersey owned by a longtime MOVE member that has been flying under the radar for decades. This MOVE member Gary claims to have known MOVE founder Vincent Leaphart and definitely knew John Gilbride. With all of the MOVE supporters at Gary's then only MOVE mem
Gun
* Content Warning: this episode mentions threats of violence against children.MOVE cult leader Alberta Africa prepares her followers that they must be willing to lose their lives in order to keep John Gilbride from getting his son Zackary, and if necessary be willing to even kill Zack so that John does not get him. The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in thi
Bonus Ep #2: Growing up male in MOVE: Josh Africa
*EXPLICIT CONTENT - child sex abuse and homophobic slurs. This second bonus episode exposes what it was like to grow up as boy in MOVE featuring 2nd Gen MOVE member Josh "Africa" sharing that all decisions on child rearing originated from the leader Alberta Africa and her 2nd in command, Sue Africa aka Ria. Josh is breaking his silence and the cycle of abuse so that he can raise his
Bonus Ep #1: Growing up female in MOVE: Maria Africa
WARNING: Mentions of suicide, racism and disturbing events involving children. This episode is intended for mature audiences. Please take care while listening.This bonus episode exposes what it was like to grow up as a girl in the MOVE cult and features the former MARIA AFRICA who was born shortly after John Gilbride's son was born into MOVE which was 10 years after the most deadly police co
Board Up The House
6 weeks before JOHN GILBRIDE is shot dead, he is awarded the unsupervised visitation with his 6 year old son Zackary that has been fought in the Family Court of Philadelphia event hough John, Alberta and Zackary all live in New Jersey. This final order by the Judge crosses a red line for John's ex-wife, the leader of MOVE (alleged to by former members to be a cult). It is said that Alberta
Gilbride v. Gilbride: taking a cult to court
*Content Warning: this episode contains allegations of child neglect and child abuse. Please take care while listening.JOHN GILBRIDE leaves MOVE and his wife Alberta Africa, the leader of MOVE, in 1998 when he is 30 years old, Alberta is 50 years old and their son Zackary is 2 years old. For the next 4 years John will battle Alberta and the entire MOVE organization in public and in family court.
MOVE "Meetings"
*CONTENT WARNING - domestic abuse/violence and homophobic slurs. John Gilbride was a victim of cultic abuse and control inside of MOVE and according to Mario Hardy (formerly Mario Africa) John was also a battered husband who finally escaped MOVE only to resurface and take Alberta to court which was seen as an act of war against MOVE. This is the first time former MOVE member MARIO AFRICA has eve
Murder Scene
It was a rainy night in 2002 when ex-MOVE member John Gilbride arrives home to his apartment at RYAN'S RUN in Maple Shade, New Jersey and is shot dead in his car. Who would want to kill him? In this episode we take you along to the scene of the crime as we try to figure out who might have murdered John and how they have gotten away with it for more than 20 years. The producers of this pod
Into the MOVE Web
No one joins a cult. 17 year old John Gilbride gets lured into MOVE in the summer of 1985 after the deadly confrontation with police that resulted in a fire that destroyed 61 homes and took the lives of 6 adult MOVE members and 5 children who were inside MOVE headquarters on May 13, 1985. It would be years later when John's parents even discover that he has become a MOVE member which prompt
LAST NAME GILBRIDE
The crowds at John Gilbride's wake had the funeral director asking if he was someone famous, maybe a major league baseball player. John was a regular guy like by everyone but he before he died he was keeping his personal life a secret because it involved a notorious local organization known as MOVE. The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series
LAST NAME AFRICA - the escape of Pixie, Pam Africa's daughter
After decades of fear and silencing, members born into MOVE come forward with allegations that their "revolutionary family" is a cult that abused, terrorized and threatened them. Pixie Africa, daughter of globally known MOVE and Mumia Abu Jamal spokesperson Pam Africa, is escaping with her 5 children and shared her life story in order to expose the group so that she can leave without re
TEASER #2: LEAVING MOVE
Kevin got into the Philadelphia based group known as MOVE at at the age of 14 because he wanted to fight for equality and justice. Now, 24 years later Kevin is betraying MOVE by going public putting himself and his family at risk.Support the showExecutive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamaraAdditional research by Robert HelmsMurder At Ryan's RunInstagramFacebook PagePodcas
TEASER #1: WHO SHOT JOHN?
34 year old John Gilbride was murdered on September 2002 and to this day the case is unsolved. Many people claim this case will never be solved because John was once a member of the radical group known as MOVE. This series will take you down the dark and twisty investigative rabbits holes that will expose the true nature and history of The Move Organization as a deceptive, violent cult with a h
Recommended
TED Business
Dark Night Tales with Brian King
Fantasy Flex
زن بودن
Medicine with Meaning
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Collection
Take Back Your Health®
CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Old Time Radio
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
