Good Cult

By: Good Cult
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  • Summary

  • River Donaghey grew up in a cult. Or at least that’s what some people called it. His parents called it a “personal-growth seminar group.” Its leader called it “one big happy family.” But there was a dark side to the world River grew up in. One he never heard about as a kid.

    In the 1970s and 80s, a self-help company called Lifespring took America by storm. Hundreds of thousands of people walked out of Lifespring as true believers, convinced that the seminars had the power to change the world. But dozens of trainees claimed that after taking a seminar, they had a psychotic break. Some spent months in the hospital. Others attempted suicide. And at least four people died.

    River spent the past year digging into the bizarre, untold story of Lifespring and its controversial leader: a convicted felon turned New Age guru named John Hanley. What he uncovered made him question everything he thought he knew about his childhood. And about the seminars that are still changing lives—and ruining them—to this day.
    2022
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True Crime
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Episodes
  • Tim Ballard: Unmasking a Hero

    Tim Ballard: Unmasking a Hero
    Oct 21 2024

    Listen to the new season of Opportunist, out now wherever you listen to podcasts.

    In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," Podcast One will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking.

    Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade.

    Through exclusive interviews with victims and those who know him best, this podcast series aims to unravel the complexities of Ballard's dual persona- a savior to some, a predator to others.

    Join host Sarah James McLaughlin as she explores the rise and potential fall of a man whose actions have sparked a national conversation on trust, power, and accountability.
    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • Vigilante - Byron David Smith: THE DEER HUNTER

    Vigilante - Byron David Smith: THE DEER HUNTER
    May 30 2024

    Byron Smith was tired of his home being burgled. He said it had been broken into at least a half dozen times. And he was determined not to let it happen again.

    So, Smith set a trap and laid in wait to protect his “castle.”

    When two teenage cousins broke into his house on Elm Street, it set off a true-life horror story.

    Listen to Vigilante:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante/id1622288667
    https://open.spotify.com/show/49wzulSXKQKWYOIWoTVEPT?si=0d4c8835885e4fa1
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    38 mins
  • 6 of 6: So What? Now What?

    6 of 6: So What? Now What?
    Oct 12 2022

    "Your idea of how this came about ain't at all how it came about."

    Listen to Good Cult ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus

    Listen to Good Cult ad-free on Amazon Music

    Thank you to our sponsors:

    • Zocdoc: Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today at Zocdoc.com/GOODCULT
    • Splendid Spoon: Get $120 off your first three boxes at SplendidSpoon.com/GOODCULT.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins

What listeners say about Good Cult

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Profile Image for Stephen Holtzman

Good Cult is a great podcast

River Donaghey is an original talent. His podcast Good Cult is exciting, well produced, dynamic intelligent and intensely interesting. He has a great voice and authentic talent.

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No complaints here

This was awesome can't wait for the next season Loved every moment of it listening to this Podcast

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Profile Image for Sam

Fantastic

I’ve always been interested in psychology with a special interest in cults. This mans story and the stories he has brought to the surface for others is just so incredibly interesting. He is captivating and thought provoking. Highly recommend!!

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Profile Image for barb liberty

wasted time I can't get back

all the ads over and over again. I got a few minutes of story and tons of ads. as for the story there wasn't one. He basically went full circle and didn't come to any real conclusions. All I know is I will never ever sign up for these stupid seminars.

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