Popaganda Episode: Cults

On this episode, we’re exploring the gender dynamics of real-life American cults and the representation of cults in pop culture, from Mad Max to Prophet's Prey. On this show, we talk with author Peggy Riley about the history of cults in America, hear the voices of survivors of Jim Jones’ cult, discuss how cults play into current shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and food writer Megan Giller joins us to reveal the bizarre cult history behind one very mundane beverage.

FULL SHOW: 

INTERVIEW WITH PEGGY RILEY: 

POP CULTURE PORTRAYALS OF CULTS: 

THE CULTISH HISTORY OF CELESTIAL SEASONINGS: 

SPONSOR: 

This episode of Popaganda is sponsored by Lewis & Clark College’s 35th Annual Gender Studies Symposium in Portland, Oregon.  This year’s symposium title is “Game On! Gender and Sexuality in Play.” Don’t miss out on this exciting series of free lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and an art exhibit, March 9-11.  See you at the symposium!

FURTHER READING: 

• For Publishers Weekly, Peggy Riley wrote a brief history of cults in America. 

• Check out Megan Giller's original article “Cults, Conspiracies, and the Twisted History of Sleepytime Tea.” 

• This show features a segment on Jonestown survivors from Invisible Ink. Listen to their full episode on cult survivors here. 

Subscribe to Bitch's podcasts on iTunes, Soundcloud, or the Stitcher mobile app.

Download an MP3 of this podcast on Soundcloud or just browse our podcast archives here on Bitch Media. 

Our show will be transcribed by Cheryl Green of StoryMinders. We're proud to make Popaganda accessible to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.