Sounds Like A Cult

Today's episode is brought to you by Incognito Mode. This week, Amanda, Reese, and Iman descend into one of the internet's strangest corners: The Cult of Gooning. Joined by journalist Daniel Kolitz (@daniel.kolitz), author of Harper's viral feature The Goon Squad, the gang explores the bizarre online world where pornography has evolved into a full blown fandom complete with its own language, rituals, Discord servers, and the pursuit of the mythical "goon state." From goon babble to goon caves, we're unpacking how irony, loneliness, porn culture, and the algorithm collided to create one of the internet's strangest subcultures. Is this just an extremely niche fetish or proof that men will invent literally anything except therapy?

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You're not controlling, you're a 1. You're not dramatic, you're a 4. You're not avoiding your problems, you're a 7. This week, certified 3's, Reese and Iman investigate the cult of the Enneagram, where a mysterious set of numbers has convinced millions of people they finally understand themselves, their exes, their coworkers, and the reason they forgot to text back. They're joined by Enneagram expert Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober (@enneagramashton) to unpack how Enneagram has become a sacred culty language for explaining literally everything. We dig into its surprisingly mystical origins, devoted followers, and the irresistible appeal of having your deepest flaws neatly organized into a convenient numerical category. Whether you've spent three years debating your wing, accidentally made your type your entire personality, or have weaponized attachment styles and the Enneagram in the same conversation, welcome home. The numbers already knew you were coming. 

Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles, @imanharirikia. 

To pre-order Iman's new book, Once in a Timeline, click here!

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What do seed oils, vaccine skepticism, beef tallow, and a guy with a dead bear in Central Park have in common? Welcome to the Cult of MAHA. This week, Amanda, Reese, Chelsea, and Iman dive headfirst into the increasingly influential world of Make America Healthy Again, the wellness-meets-politics movement promising cleaner food, healthier kids, and freedom from Big Pharma. But where does legitimate criticism of America's healthcare system end and pseudoscience begin? And how did a movement that started with organic groceries and food dyes end up helping measles make a comeback? Joining us is physician, internet educator, and professional misinformation debunker Doctor Mike (@doctor.mike) to help us separate fact from fiction, unpack RFK Jr.'s growing influence, and examine why so many otherwise smart, well-meaning people are getting pulled into the MAHA rabbit hole. Put down the raw milk, step away from the parasite cleanse, and join us as we ask: Is MAHA making America healthy "again"... or just making conspiracy theories easier to swallow?

Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles, @imanharirikia. 

To pre-order Iman's new book, Once in a Timeline, click here!

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Maybe you hated the kids who went. Maybe you were just mildly annoyed by them. Maybe, you were one of them. No matter your relation, most people have encountered today’s cult in one way or another. Whether you were soaking up the spotlight or cringing from back home, the cult of Theater Camp is always looming just in the wings. Is the world of adolescent summertime theater nothing more than a harmless, whimsical romp, or is there something sinister going on behind all that jazz? Bonafide theater nerds Amanda, Reese and Chelsea are joined by none other than Anna Camp (@therealannacamp) and Dara Sussman (@daralaine) in this week’s stage-fright inducing episode to get to the bottom of it.

Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles, @imanharirikia. 

To pre-order Iman's new book, Once in a Timeline, click here!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Join the loyalty program for renters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://joinbilt.com/cult⁠

To Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain, Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.squarespace.com/CULT⁠

If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Use code PODCAST15 for fifteen percent off your first order at ⁠bit.ly/3OdtU5X

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Sul sul, culties. Remove the pool ladder and cancel your real-life plans, because this week Reese is joined by guest host Amanda Kohr (@amandamkohr) of This Feels Bi to unpack The Cult of The Sims. From trapping Sims in windowless rooms for “science” to meticulously designing dream homes we could never afford, The Sims has had us playing digital god for over two decades. But what is it about this bizarre little universe of WooHoo, grilled cheese obsessions, tragic kitchen fires, and suspiciously autonomous free will that keeps us coming back? Reese and Amanda K. dig into the chaos, control, queer awakenings, elaborate lore, and deeply unhinged player behavior that turned a life simulation game into a full blown personality trait. Is this harmless escapism, the ultimate creative sandbox, or a benevolent dictatorship in Build Mode? Dag dag.

Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod,  @amanda_montell,  @reesaronii,  @chelseaxcharles,  @imanharirikia. 

To pre-order Iman's new book, Once in a Timeline, click here!

Thank you to our sponsors!

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