She thought she was enrolling in a Bible college.

Instead, she was signing up to give her identity, her labor, her choice—and her fire—to a man who called himself the Holy Ghost Bartender.

At “River University,” worship looked like laughing fits and collapsing bodies. Romance was arranged. Submission wasn’t suggested—it was glorified. And your soul? That was just a tally mark on a clipboard.

For Sarah, what started as a mission from God turned into a 12-year descent through emotional control, spiritual abuse, and religious labor trafficking.

___

FOLLOW US for more culty content, behind-the-scenes chaos, and updates from our unholy quest to expose charismatic conmen:

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Rodney’s followers emptied their bank accounts at the altar. We just ask you to visit Patreon.

If this episode hit you—or made you question the price of obedience—share it, and leave a review.

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A limo to Atlantic City. Pizzerias with back rooms. Garbage bags vanishing across boroughs.

Comedian Barry Rothbart grew up believing his dad didn’t just live large—he made life larger. Then the tapes surfaced.

This isn’t a mob story. It’s what happens when your identity is forged from someone else’s legend—only to discover the legend was a lie. As Barry unravels the mythology, his father’s world curdles into something darker… and uncomfortably familiar to our show.

For the full, uncut conversation, hop over to our Patreon.

____

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Barry’s dad kept his money in stacks above the bed. We prefer Patreon. If this episode hit you—or made you think twice about charisma, cons, or cult leaders—share it and then leave a review (but take the cannoli).

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CHECK OUT BARRY:

Barry Rothbart’s investigative series Searching for Allan Rothbart is exclusively on Audible. It’s equal parts mob tale, family reckoning, and cult-like indoctrination story. Don’t miss it.

You can also follow Barry on social media → @barryrothbart

HAVE A CULTY STORY? We wanna hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

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What happens when your entire life revolves around likes, follows, and perfectly staged smoothie bowls?

For Lee Tilghman — better known as @leefromamerica — it meant rising to the top of Instagram’s wellness world… and losing herself in the process.

This week, we explore what it means to devote yourself to the cult of social media: when every thought and action becomes about what to post, when friends are replaced by followers, and when your online identity becomes the only one you know.

From the outside, the influencer life looks aspirational. But Lee asks: at what cost?

____________

COME SEE US LIVE!!

Los Angeles • September 9, 2025

With special guest: comedian Moses Storm

@ Dynasty Typewriter

VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!

Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!

FOLLOW US for more culty content and behind-the-scenes chaos:

Instagram & TikTok → @wasiinacult

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

The average person spends over 2 hours a day on social media. If this episode resonated—or even made you rethink your daily doomscroll—share it, leave a review. Hug a friend IRL.

Huge thank you to our Patreon members—you keep this thing going.

Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our Patreon.

Have a culty story? We wanna hear it.

Email us: info@wasiinacult.com

And if you want more from today’s guest, Lee from America:

Her brand-new book “If you Don’t Like This, I Will Die” is out now

Find Lee → @leefromamerica

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.