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Jan 27, 2026 21 min

5 Shocking Cults That Somehow Existed

from Strange & Unusual Show Hosted by Lawrence Lease

From esoteric "healing" scams to doomsday predictions and deadly rituals, this episode dives into five of the world's most disturbing and unusual cults. We explore the manipulative world of Universal Medicine, the elitist secrecy of the Fellowship of Friends, the misunderstood rise of the John Frum cargo cult, the tragic end of Heaven’s Gate, and the violent extremism of the Order of Nine Angles. What makes a cult tick—and what makes them so dangerous? Tune in as we unpack the beliefs, leaders, and legacies of these controversial groups. Today's Sponsors: NordVPN: ⁠https://nordvpn.sjv.io/P04X5e⁠ Audible: ⁠http://www.audibletrial.com/larry21⁠ My Patriot Supply: ⁠https://www.rzmaf8trk.com/212KN5C/2CTPL/⁠Support The Show: Buy Me a Coffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/larrymlease

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5 Shocking Cults That Somehow Existed

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This episode was published on January 27, 2026.

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