Lisa Joins a Cult

In this episode, Lisa and John explore the pervasive influence of Fundamentalist Christianity in America. Lisa recounts her personal experiences visiting various evangelical landmarks, including Liberty University, Focus on the Family headquarters, Salvation Mountain, Holy Land USA, and the Billy Graham Library. They discuss the psychological control mechanisms of figures like James Dobson, and th...

In this episode, Lisa and John dive into the provocative and dangerous world of Rod of Iron Ministries, an offshoot of the Unification Church led by Sean Moon. They explore the group's intense practices, including militaristic church services, bizarre rap sermons, and apocalyptic ideologies. Sean Moon's transformation into 'King Bullethead' and his use of rap to spread radical, oft...

Join hosts Lisa and John as they delve into the intricate and often controversial world of the Twelve Tribes. In this episode, Lisa shares her extensive experiences visiting various Twelve Tribes communities over the past year, including locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Colorado. The discussion encompasses the ideology and practices of the group, ranging from their communal liv...

Join Lisa and John as they delve into the unique world of Christian Science. In this episode, Lisa recounts her visit to the Mother Church in Boston, providing an in-depth look at the history, beliefs, and practices of Christian Scientists. They discuss the church's inception by Mary Baker Eddy, its stance on medical care, and the complex blend of faith and healing that defines it. The convers...

In this episode, hosts Lisa and John explore the intriguing world of Swedenborgianism. They explore the theological vision of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish scientist who claimed to have visions of the spiritual realm. The discussion covers Swedenborg's ideas, his writings on heaven and hell, and the foundational beliefs of The New Church, also known as the Church of the New Jerus...

Join hosts Lisa and John as they dive into the world of Scientology. In this episode, Lisa shares her diverse experiences with Scientology, from her interactions with their recruitment efforts in New York City subways to a more in-depth visit to their well-funded Church in Times Square. Lisa reminisces about her house of worship day and her many run-ins with Scientology, including personal audits...

In this episode, Lisa delves into her immersive experience among the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, known for its significant Amish population. Staying with an elderly Amish couple, Lisa explores the intricacies of the Amish lifestyle, emphasizing their strict adherence to traditional practices and their aversion to modern conveniences. Her intimate encounter provides a rare insight i...

When Lisa embarked on her exploration of the 12 Tribes, what she encountered was a microcosm of communal living that operates at the intersection of Christian communalism and retro-hippie idealism, underscored by a unique self-sufficiency reminiscent of a Mennonite settlement. The 12 Tribes, with their self-governing ethos and economic reliance on internal businesses like the Yellow Deli, illustra...

In this episode, Lisa shares her unique experiences with the Catholic Church, starting with a childhood misunderstanding at a relative's wedding, leading to humorous encounters with church customs. She recounts living in a nun-operated dorm in New York, her initial awe and subsequent interactions with nuns, and a reflective visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral. The discussion broadens to include Lisa'...

In this episode of "Lisa Joins a Cult," join Lisa as she embarks on a journey deep into the heart of Mormonism. It all begins with her fascination with touring a temple, leading her to anticipate visiting the iconic Washington, D.C. temple for its open house. However, plans take an unexpected turn, and Lisa finds herself heading to Idaho to explore a newly constructed temple, immersing herself in...

In this podcast episode, the host, Lisa, shares quirky experiences with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. The stories span various regions of the United States and highlight the distinctions between mainstream Mormons (LDS) and fundamentalist Mormons (FLDS). The episode delves into the history of the Mormon Church, including the founder Joseph S...

Listen in as Lisa tells her tale of visiting the infamous community started by the illustrious Father Divine. Welcome to Lisa joins a cult

Welcome, welcome, welcome, one and all. You’re listening to the inaugural episode of Lisa Joins a Cult. A show that explores the world of cultic organizations through real life encounters and lived-in research. In each episode you’ll hear a conversation about a group Lisa VanArsdale has infiltrated in her curious quest to understand faith and the belief systems of others. Joining Lisa in these con...

Welcome, welcome, welcome, one and all. You’re listening to the inaugural episode of Lisa Joins a Cult. A show that explores the world of cultic organizations through real life encounters and lived-in research. In each episode, you’ll hear a conversation about a group Lisa VanArsdale has infiltrated in her curious quest to understand faith and the belief systems of others. Joining Lisa in these co...