Why Modern Cults Are Booming & Fergie Denies Planning To Clone Queen’s Corgis

When you hear the word 'cult', you probably picture white robes and remote compounds. But in 2026, the reality is much more ordinary. From wellness communities to 'coaching' gurus and high-control religious groups, a new wave of organisations is recruiting young people who are searching for certainty in an unstable, post-pandemic world. As the Victorian Parliament conducts a landmark inquiry into the recruitment methods of these fringe groups, we investigate how the traditional cult has morphed into something far more sanitised and harder to spot. 🗞️ HEADLINES Public schools in Victoria & Tasmania impacted by teacher's strikes today Trump says deal with Iran coming soon to settle the war The pilots of an Air Canada flight have died in a crash with a fire truck at NY's La Guardia airport Sarah Ferguson denies she planned to clone the Queen's corgis  📩 GET IN TOUCH Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma? Send us a voice note or email us at [email protected] Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code ends April 1st. 🎙️ CREDITS Hosts: Taylah Strano & Claire Murphy Guests: Dominique Bayens, ABC Reporter & Host of Expanse: The Nannup Four Anke Richter, Journalist, Author of Cult Trip & Head of DeCult Clare Heath-McIvor, Cult survivor, Co-runner of the Australian Cult Survivors Network   Audio Producer: Lu Hill Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Support independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here Discover more Mamamia podcasts here Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.