We can’t get enough of podcasts here at Female First. That’s why every week, we’re reviewing our favourite one to binge-listen to.
The great thing about podcasts is how conveniently simple they are to consume – you could be driving, cooking, working out – they require no visual engagement. All you need is a handy device to listen on, and you can go about your daily life listening to whatever you enjoy.
From crime to comedy, history to health, there’s something for everyone in the wonderful world of audio programmes.
Our favourite podcast this week is Cults.
Why: Cults are a fascinating concept, and in this series, Greg and Vanessa investigate some of the most notorious - and some less known - cases of cult activity. One of the main features of a podcast that makes it of interest and binge-able, is the way the story is told. Greg and Vanessa are easy to follow – even if you didn’t know that much about cults to begin with.
Who are the hosts? The show is hosted by Greg Polcyn and Vanessa Richardson, and they also present other shows within the Parcast network. They’re great at telling a story in an enticing way, creating suspense and intrigue for the audience.
What’s it about? There are plenty of true crime podcasts out there, but this podcast focuses in on specifically cults – giving a clear insight and understanding to the psychology of how cults work, through the examples of some truly crazy cases.
If you haven’t already listened to Cults then you’re in luck. You have over 70 episodes to take your pick to start your new obsession with.
“Mystery. Manipulation. Murder. Cults are associated with all of these. But what really goes on inside a cult? More specifically, what goes on inside the minds of people who join cults and leaders who start them? Every Tuesday, Greg and Vanessa (co-hosts of the podcast Serial Killers) explore the history and psychology behind the most notorious cults.”
If you love true crime but are looking for something a little different and more specific, Cults could be the podcast for you.
Not only that but it is a part of the Parcast network, which also produces some other notable series’, such as Serial Killers, Conspiracy Theories, Assassinations, and Hostage.
Where can I listen? You can listen to Cults on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. Alternatively, you can visit the Parcast website and catch up on there.
We chatted with the network president, Max Cutler about Cults and other podcasts by Parcast.
What is the Cults podcast about - how do the individual episodes differ?
"Cults tells the stories of unique groups of people, their doctrines, and the occasionally nefarious activities they undertake in the name of belief. Most of the cults covered in our podcast are examined in two parts. The first episode covers the early life of the leader, examining the formative influences that led them to start the cult. The second episode will typically cover the formation of the group, and the events that led to its downfall, if the cult is no longer active.
Every cult we cover has a different story. Some of them come from incredibly benevolent beginnings, only to end in violence and corruption. Others are more business oriented and have amassed large fortunes. The leader will often dictate the direction, and that is the main reason we focus on them in the first episode."
What has been the favourite episode of Cults to record to so far?
"It is hard to pick a favorite, because the more time you spend researching a cult the more you realize that every group is a fascinating case study of the way we organize ourselves and seek belonging. Some of the most interesting groups we have covered include, Mankind United, Nuwaubian Nation, and Aum Shinrikyo."
As the founder of the whole network - what idea came along first, and how did this develop into multiple series of different topics?
"Unsolved Murders was launched in June of 2016 and the network grew from there! We look for interesting stories and topics that we believe our audience will love and then get to work researching our episodes.
"We are incredibly excited for the launch of our new podcast, Crimes of Passion, which covers murderous couple, love triangles gone wrong, and the intense stories of betrayal and revenge. Our network recently released Mind’s Eye, Parcast’s first fictional crime drama, which follows the story of a detective as she searches for an answer to her strange dreams while hunting an active serial killer. Finally, we produced a special twelve episode series last year highlighting the achievements of female business leaders called Great Women of Business."
Who should listen to Cults? What do you want people to take away from your podcast?
"Cults is the perfect show for listeners interested in true crime, human behavior, and group interplay. You’ll often hear about what a cult did, but we go above and beyond by giving insight as to how it was formed, and why it was successful in gaining followers. We hope that people come away from our show entertained, and most importantly informed. Using credible research is a priority of ours every episode."
Where can people listen to Cults and the rest of the podcasts from your network?
"Our shows are available wherever you listen to podcasts! An easy way to keep up with Parcast is by following us on your preferred social media platform, or by subscribing to our newsletter at Parcast.com. Be sure to check out our new show, Crimes of Passion, on Wednesday, February 20!"
Don’t forget to follow Parcast on social media, to be sure you don’t miss any news!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParcastNetwork
Website: https://www.parcast.com/cults
Tagged in Podcast True Crime