CTRL + ALT + DELUSION | Cults Don't Look Like Cults episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 19, 2026 · 43 MIN

CTRL + ALT + DELUSION | Cults Don't Look Like Cults

from Average Joe Nerdcast · host Average Joe Nerdcast

What does a cult actually look like?Not the Hollywood version.Not the robes-and-compounds version.The modern one.In this episode of CTRL + ALT + DELUSION, Nate breaks down the real psychology of cults and how they form, how they grow, and why smart, confident people fall into them without realizing it.We’re talking:Belonging before controlIdentity over evidenceCatchphrases instead of argumentsWhy facts bounce offHow loyalty slowly replaces moralityThis episode is an exploration of human behavior, certainty, and how movements turn into belief systems that can’t be questioned...until suddenly, the picture becomes very clear.There’s humor.There’s discomfort.And by the end, there’s no pretending we don’t see it.If you’ve ever wondered how people get pulled into cults and why they don’t leave this episode may help to connect the dots.Listen all the way through.The last act matters.“The most dangerous cults don’t ask you to leave society.They ask you to burn it down for them.”And if this episode made you think or made you uncomfortable help it reach someone who needs to hear it; and then follow the show wherever you're listening, please leave a 5-star rating and review too!And if you want to keep talking about it in good faith, join the Average Joe Nerdcast private Facebook group. That’s where Side Quest episodes take shape, longer discussions happen, and curiosity still wins over outrage. And we blow off some steam playing fun and silly games throughout the week.Link to the private group 👇https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17xYMsjsFC/?mibextid=wwXIfrLobbies always open.Stay gold. Nerd bold.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 19, 2026

NOW PLAYING

CTRL + ALT + DELUSION | Cults Don't Look Like Cults

0:00 43:56

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Shut Up I Love It Sasha Feiler and Joe Cabello Many years ago, Sasha Feiler and Joe Cabello met in line for an improv show. They were young, dumb, and full of it. What followed were comedy shows so explicit, “genitalia” was practically a term of endearment.Fast forward 5 dogs, 6 cats, and way too many weird inside jokes later, Sasha and Joe are no longer young or dumb—but they’re still brimming with you-know-what. Here, they’ve teamed up to bring you a podcast where they interview a guest who passionately defends something universally hated, misunderstood, forgotten, overlooked, Mandela-effected, canceled—you name it. The key? They LOVE it. From toupees... to B-movies... to aliens, psychedelics, and the occasional surprise character, Sasha and Joe are here to spread love to the world that birthed them (but maybe should’ve used protection).So come and get that love because no one else will give it to you like we do.Also, don’t forget to check out the Patreon Bonus version of the show:https://www.patreon.com/c/ShutUpILoveItP Explicit Mi Puck Drop Woodward Sports Network All things Michigan Hockey, from the Detroit Red Wings news and stories to Local High School. Everet and Joe cover all things Hockey in the state of Michigan. Bringing on local and interesting guests from the professional ranks to the Wednesday Night Beer League Hero. Explicit Elon Musk Fail Marlawn Heavenly VII Elon Musk Fail: Podcast consist of improv research and catalyzes imaginary conversations that seek to advance the science and practice of character, with a focus on moral, performance, civic, and intellectual virtues such as curiosity, diligence, fearlessness and honesty.WHO IS SHERLOCK HOMEBOY?Sherlock Homeboy is unique compared to an average human, but he is not a “high-functioning sociopath.” Sherlock Homeboy most likely suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a minor case of Bipolar Disorder, and a hint of Savant Syndrome. Asperger's Syndrome causes Sherlock Homeboy to think in pictures. He is extremely antisocial, also classified as aromantic and sapiosexual, never has love affairs and shuns society, with a split personality. Sherlock Homeboy is not just a outside of the box thinker, but a mystery himself. Aside from his obvious inability to behave in a social settings, his obvious lack of regard for the rules there is also the fact that his skills are not infallible. In rea Explicit Joe Pedrosa Podcast Joe Pedrosa Podcast A deeper armchair-philosophical take on the meaning of happiness. Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Average Joe Nerdcast?

This episode is 43 minutes long.

When was this Average Joe Nerdcast episode published?

This episode was published on February 19, 2026.

What is this episode about?

What does a cult actually look like?Not the Hollywood version.Not the robes-and-compounds version.The modern one.In this episode of CTRL + ALT + DELUSION, Nate breaks down the real psychology of cults and how they form, how they grow, and why smart,...

Can I download this Average Joe Nerdcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!