This week the girls chat about cults...
What is a cult? What does a cult do? The girls chat about some more interesting groups of humans which have gotten together and created what we call a cult.
** Graphic content warning! This episode may not be for all people as there are stories relating to abuse which includes that of children.
But first, what were we drinking?
Bianca was drinking Yarra Burn Premium Cuvee Brut
Available from BWS
Sarah was drinking Angel Song, Angelic Rosé
Available from Liquorland
Amy was drinking Heresy Pinot Grigio
Available from Naked Wines
Amy introduced the topic explaining what a cult is, how some religions were once considered cults, and what the telltale signs are of a destructive cult.
Amy followed on with a description of a cult she looked into that might be considered "not that bad" on the scale of cults. These people are called the Cosmic People of Light Powers and generally want to save the human race from an alien invasion.
Amy also wanted to give a special shout-out to our fellow Victorian podcasters - Two brothers one pilot. These guys are hilarious! They review pilot episodes of TV shows and provide a unique critic! Get on to it you will love it -
Bianca discussed NXIVM (pronounced nex-e-im), this has been described as a pyramid scheme, a sex-trafficking operation, a cult, and a sex cult. NXIVM is a self-proclaimed American multi-level marketing company created in 1998 by Kieth Raniere and Nancy Salzman and is based in Albany, New York.
The company offered personal and professional development seminars through its "Executive Success Programs" which most just called ESP and is basically large-group awareness training.
Raniere claimed that the programs' "main emphasis is to have people experience more joy in their lives."
In early 2018, NXIVM's founder, Keith Raniere, and his associate, actress Allison Mack, were arrested and indicted on federal charges related to DOS, including sex trafficking. Others associated with NXIVM were also charged with federal crimes.
So what is DOS?
Dominus Obsequious Sororium, a "secret sisterhood" within NXIVM, in which female members were allegedly called slaves, branded with the initials of Raniere and Mack, subjected to corporal punishment from their "masters", and required to provide nude photos or other potentially damaging information about themselves as "collateral". Law enforcement representatives have alleged that DOS members were forced into sexual slavery.
(survivor) Sarah Edmonson's Brand - on the hip
Sarah closes the episode talking about the Children of God, also known as Family International, and its beginnings as Teens of Christ. She then talked about its history as a sex cult, how it gained new members, the celebrities that were members and escaped, and the downfall and reboot of "the family".
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