Ep 1. Cults

In the first episode of Explained season 2, titled "Cults," we delve into the dark and mysterious world of cults. From Heaven's Gate to the Manson Family, cults have been around for centuries and continue to exist today. With the rise of social media, their grip on people's lives has become even more pervasive.

The episode begins with the story of the Jonestown Massacre, one of the deadliest incidents involving a cult. More than 900 people died in this mass suicide led by Jim Jones in Guyana. The show explores how cult leaders like Jim Jones are able to exert such a powerful hold over their followers, even leading them to commit suicide.

To understand the psychology of why people join cults, the show turns to experts like clinical psychologist and cult expert, Dr. Janja Lalich. They explain that cults often prey on vulnerable people who are seeking a sense of community or fulfillment. Once someone joins a cult, the leader uses indoctrination techniques to control the member's thoughts and behaviors. Techniques like public humiliation, sleep deprivation, and even physical abuse are commonly used in cults to break down a person's sense of self.

The episode also looks at how cults have evolved over time. In the 1960s and 70s, cults often had a spiritual or religious bent, but since then, they have taken on different forms. Today, we have "guru" figures like Keith Raniere from the NXIVM cult, who presented himself as a self-help guru. Raniere had a large following, including Hollywood actresses, before he was arrested for sex trafficking and other charges.

Finally, the episode explores why it's so difficult for some cult members to leave. Experts suggest that for some individuals, leaving the cult means losing their entire social support network, which can be incredibly daunting. In some cases, members may also fear physical harm or even death if they try to leave. The episode ends with the story of Sarah Edmondson, a former member of NXIVM who left the cult and helped to expose its dark secrets.

"Cults" is a chilling and thought-provoking episode that explores the allure of these secretive and dangerous groups. Through expert interviews and real-life stories, the show sheds light on how cults are able to manipulate and control people, and offers insight into why some individuals find it so difficult to break free.