35 Best Brainwash Podcasts

1. Sounds Like A Cult

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Website Spotify YouTube
Putting the 'cult' in culture… Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about the Royal Family? What about Disney Adults? Or spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? We're Sounds Like A Cult, an iHeart Radio Award-winning podcast that analyzes a different fanatical group every week to try and answer the big question: This ~sounds~ like a cult, but is it really? Created and hosted by New York Times-bestselling author Amanda Montell, co-hosted and produced by Chelsea Charles and Reese Oliver.For advertising opportunities please email ****@Studio71us...MORE Hosts Amanda Montell, Isabela Medina-Mate
Producer/Network Studio71
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 3.9/5Apple Reviews 4.7KTwitter 2.7KInstagram 59K Avg Length 62 min Format Long form Get Email Contact Get access to full database of 2.7M podcastsCreate podcast lists, export in spreadsheet or CSV file with email contacts and start your podcast outreach in minutes.Sign Up for Free with Email Continue with Google

2. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation

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Trust Me is a weekly interview podcast about cults, extreme belief, and the fine line between devotion and delusion—told through firsthand accounts from the people who lived it. Hosted by two women who've been in cults themselves, Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth, the show features survivors from groups like Heaven's Gate, the Manson Family, NXIVM, OneTaste and more sharing personal stories of how they got in, how they got out, and everything in between...MORE Hosts Lola Blanc, Meagan Elizabeth
Producer/Network PodcastOne
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5Apple Reviews 2.1KTwitter 939Instagram 17K Avg Length 65 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

3. IndoctriNation

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Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.
Host Rachel Bernstein
Producer/Network IndoctriNation
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 645Facebook 2KTwitter 782Instagram 4.5K Avg Length 51 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

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Steven Hassan, PhD, is one of the leading experts on cults and undue influence in the world. A former member of the right-wing Moonie cult, Hassan was deprogrammed 45 years ago and has dedicated his life to helping people out of cults and destructive situations. Dr. Hassan is a licensed mental health professional and has written four books, including The Cult of Trump and the seminal book Combating Cult Mind Control. On this podcast, Steve will explain HOW mind-control works, and how to protect yourself from its grips...MORE Host Dr. Steven Hassan
Producer/Network MeidasTouch Network
Email ****@freedomofmind.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 865 Avg Length 58 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

5. Brainwashed

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Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Brainwashed investigates the CIA's covert mind control experiments from the Cold War and MKULTRA to the so-called War on Terror. It's the story of how a renowned psychiatrist used his unwitting patients as human guinea pigs at a Montreal hospital, and the ripple effects on survivors, their families, and thousands of other people around the world. It also examines the cultural impact — how the CIA brought LSD to America and inadvertently created counterculture influencers such as author Ken Kesey and poet Allen Ginsberg...MORE Host Michelle Shephard
Producer/Network CBC True Crime
Email ****@frequentflyerfilms.ca
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 856Facebook 917.1KTwitter 11.8KInstagram 28.3K Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

6. Better Offline

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Apple Spotify
Better Offline is a weekly show exploring the tech industry's influence and manipulation of society - and interrogating the growth-at-all-costs future that tech's elite wants to build. Combining narrative-form storytelling, one-on-one interviews and panel-based discussions, Better Offline cuts through the buzzwords and obfuscation of the tech industry, investigating and evaluating the schemes and scams of everyone from cryptocurrency scumbags to the greediest of the venture capital elite...MORE Host Ed Zitron
Producer/Network Cool Zone Media
Email ****@betteroffline.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 665 Avg Length 78 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

7. Speaking of Cults

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A podcast about cults, coercive control and recovery. Formerly called the Sensibly Speaking podcast, in this weekly show host Chris Shelton interviews cult survivors, psychologists and other professionals and specialists about the topics of cult recruitment, retention and recovery. This also includes non-religious cults and extreme political movements including the more divisive elements of MAGA and left-wing culture war issues. There is nothing off-limits but we always try to be respectful of the people involved even if we do not respect the beliefs or actions involved.MORE Host Chris Shelton
Producer/Network Chris Shelton
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 344 Avg Length 96 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

8. The cult.ture podcast

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Apple Spotify
Welcome to the cult.ture podcastExploring the fine line between belief and manipulationIn this podcast, we dive deep into the stories of cult survivors—unraveling the psychological, emotional, and social forces that pull people into high-control groups. Through candid interviews, analysis, and firsthand accounts, we explore how belief can transform into manipulation, and how resilience leads to recovery.MORE Hosts Derek De Vol, Trinity P. Herrera
Email ****@proton.me
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5 Avg Length 94 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

9. Hoax Hunters

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Apple
Some stories are too good to be true. And some lies are too good not to believe. Hoax Hunters is your daily deep dive into the anatomy of a lie. We track down history's most audacious frauds, forgeries, and fakes—from the lost princess who wasn't lost, to the petrified giant that captivated a nation, to the Martian invasion that never happened. Each episode is a forensic investigation into a single, masterful deception. We'll meet the brilliant con artists, the charismatic cult leaders, and the scientific frauds who managed to fool the world. But the real mystery isn't how they did it...MORE Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Avg Length 31 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

10. Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes

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Apple
Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes is a true crime and conspiracy theories podcast about the people who take belief too far and the deadly consequences that follow.Hosted by Vanessa Richardson, each weekly episode unpacks real stories of murderous cults, criminal cover-ups, mass manipulation, and twisted conspiracies. From Jonestown and Heaven's Gate to CIA mind control experiments, presidential assassinations, and the Octopus Murders. This is true crime at the intersection of faith, fear and manipulation. Follow now for new episodes every Wednesday...MORE Host Vanessa Richardson
Email ****@vrvoice.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5 Avg Length 46 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

11. The Skillful Art Of Manipulation | Mastering Psychology & Influence

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In the realm of true crime, dark psychology, and mind manipulation, The Skillful Art of Manipulation is your immersive gateway into the chilling world of psychological thrillers, real-world mind games, and behavioral control. Hosted by Joe & Ryan, this gripping podcast and audiobook series dissects the tactics of emotional coercion, deception, and influence used in romance, business, politics, and beyond...MORE Hosts Joe, Ryan
Producer/Network 10X Pod Group
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 6 Avg Length 18 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

12. Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast

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Cultimatum: The Cult & Human Trafficking Podcast From the studio of Anonymous Andrew Podcast, we present 'Cultimatum,' a new podcast show that uncovers the hidden world of cults and human trafficking. Cultimatum is a cult podcast that dives deep into the hidden world of manipulation, control, and survival. Hosted by Anonymous Andrew and survivor-advocate Melody Post, each episode shares powerful stories from cult survivors, experts, and whistleblowers — exposing the tactics used to recruit and control, and the path to reclaiming freedom...MORE Hosts Andrew Polizzo, Melody Ann Post
Producer/Network Anonymous Andrew & Melody
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 14 Avg Length 58 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

13. How Were U Brainwashed?

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Apple Spotify
How Were U Brainwashed? is a podcast hosted by your new best friends, Nicole Spiezio and Jenny Donheiser, that asks guests just that. What did you grow up thinking was true that you now know is just full brainwashing, babe? How did you unpack that bullshit and come out the other side? From religion to Jersey Shore, from Monogamy to Pepé Le Pew, the pod tackles women stuff, fat/body stuff (Nicole is fat! Trendy!!!), mental health stuff (you know your girls are in therapy), and a fair share of lowbrow pop culture (hiiiiii Real Housewives). Hosted on Acast. See acast...MORE Hosts Jenny Donheiser, Nicole Spiezio
Producer/Network Jenny Donheiser
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 69 Avg Length 62 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

14. A Think First Podcast with Jim Detjen

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Apple
Think First is a short-form podcast that makes you pause — before you scroll, share, or believe the headline. Hosted by Jim Detjen , a guy who's been gaslit enough to start a podcast about it, Think First dives into modern narratives, media manipulation, and cultural BS — all through the lens of gaslighting and poetic truth . Some episodes are two minutes. Some are an hour. It depends on the story — and the energy drink situation. No rants. No lectures. Just sharp questions, quick insights, and the occasional laugh to keep things sane...MORE Host Jim Detjen
Email ****@detjengroup.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5Instagram 88 Avg Length 23 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

15. DisAllusioned Podcast

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Apple Spotify
Disallusioned Podcast was created to spread awareness on themes of coercive control, cult dynamics, and recovery from high control environments. From shedding light on cults not heard of before to diving deep into relevant philosophical and psychological perspectives, DisAllusioned Podcast brings a variety of viewpoints, discussions, and survivor testimonies. Watch every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. EST.MORE Host Ari Sherwood
Producer/Network Ari Sherwood
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Avg Length 69 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

16. Hidden Cults

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Apple Spotify
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome...MORE Host Nik Hunter
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Avg Length 41 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

17. deepdive4truth

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Apple Spotify
Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deep-dive4truth/subscribeSubscribe - https://anchor.fm/deep-dive4truth (Hear It First) The Deepdivefortruth Team Is About Digging For The Truth.The Truth About Topics That May Or May Not Be Based In Reality, But Based In The Control And Manipulation And Misguidance Of Our Species By The 'SYSTEM.' The 'SYSTEM' That Is Not For The Human Species, But For The 'ENTITLED ONES' Of The Human Race.Connections Between Humans And Aliens. Who's Really Controlling The Earth And Human Race...MORE Producer/Network Conspiracy theories, Aliens/bases/species, UFO abductions, Bigfoot, NWO, MIB
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 3.6/5Apple Reviews 43 Avg Length 66 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

18. jon atack, family and friends

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Apple Spotify
Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribeBecome a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/jon-atack-family--friends/subscribejon atack, along with his son sam, present a series of educational podcasts on how to spot, avoid, and overcome unethical manipulation of all kinds - from destructive cults and abusive relationships, to advertising, groupthink, bullying and more...MORE Host Jon Atack
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 67 Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

19. Politics & Psychology

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Apple Spotify
Exposing uncomfortable truths and mind games in politics, news, and society - using science & love. Join Dr. Renee Carr every Thursday to hear the psychology behind headlines. Listen and protect yourself from manipulation and deception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.MORE Host Dr. Renee Carr
Producer/Network Politics & Psychology
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 6 Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

20. Wicked Confessions Uncensored

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Apple Spotify
Two sisters who escaped a polygamist cult are finally telling the stories they were never supposed to share. Join Pamela and Vera as they expose the twisted truths, spiritual manipulation, and so-called 'God's will' that justified it all — with raw honesty, dark humor, and zero shame.From cult conditioning to reclaiming their power, they're pulling back the curtain on a world where obedience was holy, silence was survival, and sex came with a scripture.Get ready for a wild, unfiltered ride that will make you laugh, question everything, and feel a little more free.MORE Hosts Vera LaRee, Pamela Jones
Email ****@wickedconfessionsuncensored.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5 Avg Length 34 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

21. Exploring Brain and Mind

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Apple Spotify
Brain and mind are intrinsically connected but often seen as separate. Every week, 'Exploring Brain and Mind' will combine neuroscience research, tips to keep brain and mind healthy and functioning well as well as talks with guests in different professions from science, coaching, leadership, healing and spirituality.Join your host Elke Wallace, founder of Mastering Your Mind Matters, on her mission to help as many people as possible to understand how their brain and mind work so they can take more control of their lives and make better choices...MORE Host Elke Wallace
Producer/Network Elke Wallace
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Reviews 6 Avg Length 20 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

22. Outwitting the Manipulator

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Website Spotify
Welcome to Outwitting the Manipulator, the podcast that gives you powerful techniques to protect yourself as manipulation is taking place. Your hosts are authors and communication experts Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker. You can find the book, Outwitting the Manipulator, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Outwitting-Manipulator-Protecting-Yourself-Real-Time/dp/1953806244 Our main website: https://www.outwitinrealtime.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outwitting-the-manipulator/id1644706232 Spotify: https://open.spotify...MORE Hosts Dr. Dennis Becker, Robin Golinski
Producer/Network Dr. Dennis Becker & Robin Golinski
Email ****@speechimprovement.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 14 Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

23. MLM Recovery Room Podcast

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Welcome to the MLM Recovery Room, the podcast where former MLMers find a safe space to unpack their experiences and reclaim their lives. Hosted by Meggan J. Lanahan, a 14-year Amway veteran, this show dives deep into the emotional, financial, and spiritual toll of multilevel marketing-and offers practical tools to help you heal, rebuild, and move forward. Through candid conversations, expert advice, and personal stories, we'll explore the red flags, cult-like tactics, and psychological manipulation that make MLMs so harmful...MORE Host Meggan J. Lanahan
Producer/Network Meggan J. Lanahan
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 6 Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

24. Unmasking the Abuser - The Podcast

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Website Apple Spotify
Simple, accessible and accurate, this series exposes the specific moves used by Abusers to lure in and trap their partners in toxic relationships. Find out how to recognize Abusers' ploys and tricks from the earliest stages of a new relationship, along with the crucial knowledge necessary to break free and stay safe. This is genuine domestic violence prevention - currently the only program in the world that details Abusers' devious manipulation tactics. Since 2007, Dr. Dina McMillan has been offering 'Unmasking the Abuser' as a series of workshops and seminars...MORE Host Dina McMillan
Producer/Network Dina McMillan, Ph.D.
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 57 Avg Length 37 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

25. Feet of Clay—Confessions of the Cult Sisters

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Feet of Clay Confessions of the Cult Sisters What's it like to live in a Christian cult commune? How the hell do smart people get brainwashed into crazy beliefs and behaviors?  Tracey & Sharon share their parallel journeys into and out of Last Days Ministries, led by Christian music super-star Keith Green (and later his wife Melody Green).  Plus they interview others who also got out of high-control groups and toxic churches...MORE Hosts Tracey Phalen, Sharon Madere
Producer/Network Tracey and Sharon
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 311 Avg Length 88 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

26. Manipulation Games: Psychology & Marketing

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Apple Spotify
Welcome to 'Manipulation Games: Psychology & Marketing,' a podcast that explores the intricate dance between the human psyche and the world of marketing. Join hosts Gene and Darren as they explore how psychological principles influence marketing strategies, and vice versa, revealing the subtle art of persuasion that shapes our decisions and behaviors.Each episode of 'Manipulation Games' will take you on a journey through fascinating topics at the intersection of psychology and marketing...MORE Hosts Gene Alder, Darren Kim
Producer/Network Envoice Media
Email ****@bloomalder.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 8 Avg Length 86 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

27. The Sunshine Place

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Website Apple Spotify
Welcome to the 1980s, where the war on drugs rages on and America's teenagers are caught in the crossfire. Enter Straight Incorporated, a controversial new rehab program that promises its tough love approach can set kids back on the straight and narrow. But for the survivors of Straight, their experience tells a horrifyingly different story — one of abuse, torture, and brainwashing...MORE Hosts Cyndy Etler, Sari Crawford
Producer/Network Audacy
Email ****@cyndyetler.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 2.1K Avg Length 45 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

28. The Dark Side of Devotion

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Apple Spotify
Welcome to The Dark Side of Devotion — where Sara, Steph, and Tony expose the hidden truths of religious abuse and cult-like organizations. Through stories and insights, we shed light on toxic environments, helping you recognize manipulation and control. If you've ever questioned a religious group, doubted a leader's intentions, or want a psychological and analytical perspective, this podcast is for you. Follow us on Youtube, Instagram and TikTok: @thedarksideofdevotion.MORE Hosts Sara, Steph Polan, Anthony Polanco
Producer/Network The Dark Side Of Devotion
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5 Avg Length 70 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

29. Cult Escape Artists

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Cult Escape Artists - Interview Podcast - Feature Documentary - Documentary Series We dive in to stories of artists escaping cults from around the globe. The director of the feature documentary WITNESS UNDERGROUND interviews artists, musicians, actors, directors, authors etc. who successfully navigated mind control tactics and got out of a cult. Through making our documentary, artists all over the world emerged with amazing music, art, and stories which we show off as powerful examples of resilience and empowerment...MORE Host Scott Homan
Producer/Network Scott Homan
Email ****@bananaislandfilms.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 4 Avg Length 63 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

30. Decoding Celebrities: Investigating Celebrities and the Dark Side Of Fame

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Apple
Step behind the velvet rope and into the shadows of stardom. Decoding Celebrities investigates the hidden forces behind Hollywood's brightest names — from media manipulation and industry coverups to exploitation, control, and the real cost of fame. Hosted by advocates and truth-seekers, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the celebrity machine to expose the stories they don't want you to hear. Because behind every image is a system… and behind every star, a strategy.MORE Hosts Jessica Sites, Matthew Parker
Email ****@nursejessicasites.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5 Avg Length 49 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

31. Propaganda Paradox

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Apple Spotify
Is the world being manipulated? It feels like overnight, old political ideas have resurfaced, fueled by a sophisticated blend of propaganda, media manipulation, PR stunts, and targeted marketing. Behind the headlines, a complex web of influence is shaping our opinions and driving our actions. But you don't have to be a victim. Join us as we unravel the tactics used to control public discourse, and learn how to navigate this turbulent landscape with critical thinking and discernment. Together, we can reclaim our power and shape a future free from manipulation.MORE Hosts Elliot Touretz, Tun Myaing
Producer/Network Elliot Touretz and Tun Myaing
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 30 Avg Length 40 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

32. Forbidden Archives: The Illuminati Conspiracy

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The Illuminati. A word that evokes images of power, secrecy, and global manipulation. But where did it really begin?In this premiere episode of Forbidden Archives: The Illuminati Conspiracy, hosts Chris and Isabella explore the true story behind the Illuminati's origins. Far from satanic cults or celebrity cabals, the Illuminati began as a radical Enlightenment movement—founded by Adam Weishaupt in 1776 Bavaria. Its mission? To replace monarchy and religion with reason and liberty.You'll learn how a short-lived intellectual society became one of the most feared secret groups in history.MORE Hosts Chris, Isabella
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5 Avg Length 22 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

33. The Chant

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Apple Spotify
An audio drama from 2e Production.In the heart of New York City, Detectives Jones and Mills are thrust into a chilling investigation as a series of seemingly unrelated murders rocks the urban landscape. Each crime scene reveals a perplexing pattern: no motive, no clear suspect, and a haunting chant from each murderer. As the detectives delve deeper, they uncover a sinister connection to a rising cult known as 'The Angels of Paragon', led by the charismatic yet mysterious Victor Stone...MORE Producer/Network 2e Production
Estimated listeners
Avg Length 19 min Format Short form Get Email Contact