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Sounds Like A Cult

Sounds Like A Cult

By: Studio71
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Putting the “cult” in culture… Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about the Royal Family? What about Disney Adults? Or spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? We’re Sounds Like A Cult, an iHeart Radio Award-winning podcast that analyzes a different fanatical group every week to try and answer the big question: This ~sounds~ like a cult, but is it really? Created and hosted by New York Times-bestselling author Amanda Montell, co-hosted and produced by Chelsea Charles, Reese Oliver, and Iman Hariri Kia. For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com We want to make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy 2026 Amanda Montell & Studio71 Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • The Cult of Theater Camp

    The Cult of Theater Camp
    Jun 9 2026
    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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Cult of The Sims

    The Cult of The Sims
    Jun 2 2026
    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! Thanks to Article for sponsoring this podcast! Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://www.article.com/discount/cult and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to https://mintmobile.com/cult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • The Cult of Chess

    The Cult of Chess
    May 26 2026
    The timer starts now, cultie. This week’s cult is one that some find boring, some find thrilling, and some particularly fell into via a certain Netflix show starring Anya Taylor Joy (guilty). Whichever way you slice it, we can assure you the world of chess is far cultier than the cute little horsies would have you think. Whether you’re a total noob or grandmaster status, this week’s conversation with chess expert and cult survivor Danny Rensch (@dannyrensch) will have you on the edge of your seat. Come along with Reese as she looks beyond the cute academia aesthetic and into the strategic and not-so-black-and-white cult of chess. 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! For free shipping on your order and 365-day returns, Head to https://Quince.com/slac Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at ⁠⁠https://BollAndBranch.com/slac⁠⁠ with code slac. Download the Whatnot app today and get free shipping on your first order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    50 mins
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I used to use some aspects of the montessori method with my 8 yr old autistic child who is nonverbal to avoid meltdowns, but it's just not sustainable for the long run. even with a child with special needs-eventually boundaries are NECESSARY!

interesting to hear a nonbiased opinion about this

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