Summary

This episode of How Did We Get Here explores the topic of cults, specifically focusing on the members of Heaven's Gate. The host discusses the types of people who join cults, including those who are well-educated, have time and money, and lack a solid religious background. The episode highlights some notable members of Heaven's Gate, such as Steven McCarter, Gail Mader, and Sawyer. It delves into the intense decision to join the cult and the complete upheaval of members' lives. The episode also explores the regimented lifestyle, celibacy, and self-renunciation practiced by the members.

Keywords

cults, Heaven's Gate, members, types of people, well-educated, time, money, religious background, Sawyer, decision to join, upheaval, lifestyle, celibacy, self-renunciation, suicide, finding yourself, finding god, true crime

emicat1018 AI (00:00.098)

Welcome to How Did We Get Here? The podcast where we dive deep and dissect the world of infamous and current cults and unearth the hidden psyche of their leaders. I am Emily, your guide in this journey and a professional psych nurse. That being said, I am not formally diagnosing anybody with anything on this show. I am only coming from my experience and research when I talk about mental disorders or other psychological phenomena. Every week we will examine the often overlooked allure of the macabre.

that has lured countless individuals into their fold. Together, we will delve into infamous cults, like the Manson family, the People's Temple, and lesser -known ones that might just be springing up in your neighborhood.

Summary

In this episode, Emily O'Brien explores the beliefs and teachings of the Heaven's Gate cult, led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. The cult believed in the existence of extraterrestrial beings and the opportunity for humans to ascend to a higher level of existence. They followed a strict set of rules and behaviors, and their ultimate goal was to leave their human bodies behind and join the Kingdom of Heaven. The episode discusses the origins of the cult, their recruitment methods, and the shared delusions that characterized their belief system.

Keywords

Heaven's Gate, cult, Marshall Applewhite, Bonnie Nettles, beliefs, teachings, extraterrestrial beings, ascension, Kingdom of Heaven, rules, behaviors, recruitment, shared delusions

Keywords

Heaven's Gate, cult, Marshall Applewhite, Bonnie Nettles, beliefs, teachings, extraterrestrial beings, ascension, Kingdom of Heaven, rules, behaviors, recruitment, shared delusions

Summary

This episode explores the beliefs and actions of the Heaven's Gate cult, led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Lou Nettles. The cult believed that planet Earth was about to be recycled and that their only chance for survival was to evacuate with the cult. The conversation delves into the background of the leaders. The podcast host also discusses the allure of cults and explores other infamous cults throughout history.

Keywords: Heaven's Gate, cult, Marshall Applewhite, Bonnie Lou Nettles, beliefs, evacuation, survival, allure, infamous cults, true crime, cults, UFO, aliens

SummaryIn this episode, Emily O'Brien explores personality disorders and how they pertain to cult leaders. She discusses the three clusters of personality disorders: odd and eccentric, dramatic and erratic, and anxious and inhibitive. Emily provides an overview of each disorder within these clusters and highlights examples of cult leaders who may exhibit these traits. Understanding the psychology of cult leaders can help identify red flags and prevent individuals from getting involved in harmful groups.

Keywords: personality disorders, clusters, cult leaders, red flags, psychology, borderline, paranoid, narcissistic, narcissist, true crime, cults, depression, psychotic, schizoid, jim jones

SummaryThe podcast explores the chilling and tragic tale of the Children of Thunder, a cult that terrorized California in the late 1990s. The story begins with Glenn Heltzer, the cult's charismatic yet troubled leader, and his descent into extreme religious delusions. The cult's beliefs and principles are outlined, including the concept of blood atonement. The cult's activities took a deadly turn when they murdered several individuals, including Selena Bishop and her mother. The cult members were eventually arrested and received harsh sentences. The story serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked mental illness and charismatic leaders.

Keywords: Children of Thunder, cult, California, Glenn Heltzer, religious delusions, murder, blood atonement, mental illness, charismatic leaders, cults, true crime

Summary

This episode explores the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) and the challenges faced by its members in leaving the cult. It discusses the history of the FLDS, the control exerted by its leaders, and the beliefs and practices that made it difficult for members to leave. The episode also highlights the stories of women who escaped the cult and the psychological tactics used by cult leaders to maintain control. The host provides tips on how to support someone who may be in a cult and emphasizes the importance of empathy and building trust.

Keywords

FLDS, cults, leaving a cult, Warren Jeffs, control, beliefs, practices, psychological tactics, support, empathy

SummaryThis episode explores the history and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church. It discusses the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, and the central beliefs outlined in the Articles of Faith. The episode also examines the rituals and practices of the LDS Church, including baptism after death and the importance of family. The question of whether the LDS Church can be considered a cult is explored using Stephen Hassan's BITE model, which highlights control over behavior, information, thought, and emotions. The episode concludes by discussing the experiences of former members and their perspectives on the LDS Church as a cult.Keywordscults, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, beliefs, rituals, BITE model, former membersTakeaways