How to Become a Cult Leader

Episode 01

Build Your Foundation

Jul 28, 2023 · 32 min

Embrace your calling and reinvent yourself by studying the life of petty criminal and folk rock troubadour-turned-murderous legend Charles Manson.

Episode 02

Grow Your Flock

Jul 28, 2023 · 32 min

Build a fervent following by retracing the steps of Jim Jones, whose messiah complex turned a small healing grift into a dangerously loyal congregation.

Episode 03

Reform Their Minds

Jul 28, 2023 · 32 min

Return to Buddhafield and unlock the mastery of manipulation with Jaimie Gomez, a failed actor who built an army of servants by promising enlightenment.

Episode 04

Promise Eternity

Jul 28, 2023 · 30 min

Apocalypse, anyone? Create credible danger and consolidate power by studying the spiritual, sci-fi narrative of Heaven's Gate leader Marshall Applewhite.

Episode 05

Control Your Image

Jul 28, 2023 · 33 min

Leverage media coverage to cultivate a pious image like Shoko Asahara, who built the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo on positive PR and deadly methods.

Episode 06

Become Immortal

Jul 28, 2023 · 29 min

Avoid unhappy endings and cement your legacy by studying Sun Myung Moon, who transformed the Unification Church into a still-thriving economic machine.