Show Notes
A winery in California once produced wines that aren’t just good — they’re world-class. Behind the operations was a religious group called the Fellowship of Friends, whose prophesying leader conversed with angels, predicted the apocalypse, and now finds himself embroiled in sex abuse allegations.
This is our second episode in our series “Cult Brands: Financing a Movement,” where we explore cults that went commercial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Sinister Societies
A former compound in Chile is getting a second life as a German-themed resort. But it was once the home of a notorious religious group led by a Nazi. Hannah and Suruthi dive into the dark history of Colonia Dignidad (“Dignity Colony”), its pedophile leader Paul Schaefer, and his alliance with the brutal dictator Augusto Pinochet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Donning a robe and a single gold earring, the so-called “Sinful Messiah” preached doom to hundreds of followers in the 1970s. Hannah and Suruthi analyze the life of Julius Schacknow — how he manipulated women into sleeping with him for the sake of their own salvation, how he created a company worth millions, and the tumultuous end to his bizarre cult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It was supposed to be a return to a purer form of Catholicism. Instead, it led to one of the largest cult-related killings in history. Fueled by messages from the Virgin Mary, Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibwetere preached the apocalypse in Uganda. Then they created one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the winter of 1990, authorities uncovered five bodies that had been buried in a barn. An apocalyptic cult had put them there — convinced that human sacrifice was essential for Jesus Christ’s return. Hannah and Suruthi investigate the gruesome murders, dangerous beliefs, and spotted history of the man at the center of it all: Jeffrey Lundgren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taylor Helzer was a devout Mormon who was excommunicated from his church in the ‘90s. He toyed with starting an escort group, but ultimately settled on trying to usher in the “perennial reign of Christ.” Hannah and Suruthi discuss everything from his 12 Principles of Magic to the murders he committed during an extortion scheme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices