Best Bikram Podcasts (2024)

1
Bikram Yoga: “Smells Like Wet Carpet” 1:03:25

23d ago1:03:25

1:03:25

After finding her passion in Bikram Yoga while in her 20s, Jennifer Boeder aspires to become a Bikram teacher and plops down $5000 to sign up for the two-month teacher training. But after only a few days of being trapped in a smelly, windowless warehouse and getting yelled at by sycophantic trainers, she starts to see the truth. Turns out the "grea…

1
Munchausen by Proxy: “My Sister the Perpetrator” 1:05:19

1d ago1:05:19

1:05:19

When your sister, whom you love, fabricates a pregnancy with twins, it’s alarming. But when you eventually come to discover that your sister is the culprit of Munchausen by Proxy, life as you know it will never be the same. Today, Andrea Dunlop, a novelist and podcaster of the successful podcast, “Nobody Should Believe Me” joins us to share her per…

1
Parents and Children: Transmitting the Buddhist Heritage across Generations

8d ago

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Parents and Children: Transmitting the Buddhist Heritage across Generations by Ven. Medagama Vajirañāṇa Nayaka Thera One essential requirement for a happy society is that the individuals constituting the society must have tranquillity of mind. This tranquillity of mind arises from purity of thought, word, and action, which means the observance of a…

1
Maum Meditation “Cleanse Mind (aka) Brain Wash” 49:30

8d ago49:30

49:30

Today, Diamond King shares her poignant journey of being ensnared by a meditation cult known as MAUM Meditation. Promising enlightenment, the group diverted her from personal goals and desires, ultimately causing her to completely disassociate from reality. Through the unwavering support of a loved one and diligent personal research, Diamond uncove…

1
Millionaire’s Club: “The World Was Gonna Open Up” (UPDATE) 1:06:39

16d ago1:06:39

1:06:39

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022** CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault. Arianna was a recent college graduate with dreams of one day opening her own marketing company. So when a LinkedIn opportunity for a social media marketing assistant fell into her lap, it felt too good to be true. Soon, she would be brushing should…

1
My Dad’s A Cult Leader: “The Failed Love Movement" 1:06:32

30d ago1:06:32

1:06:32

A couple weeks ago we published an episode featuring Ashleigh Teeter, who was ostracized from her family because of her cult leader father. Today we feature her youngest brother's story of growing up in that house long after Ashleigh was gone. 14 years her junior, Mattie was just a young boy when her sister was deemed demonic by his father. And for…

1
MLM LuLaRoe: “What’s Your Why?” (UPDATE) 1:12:43

1M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022** She's a hustler, baby. And she just wants you to know. Roberta Blevins was taught to be a self-starter. Inspired by her self-made father, she knew that if you put your mind to it, anything can happen. And it's true. Anything can happen. But that's the problem with anything. Anything sometimes includes M…

1
Introduction to Vipassana by Patrick Given-Wilson

1M ago

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Introduction to Vipassana This short introduction to Vipassana talk was given on June 29, 2024 at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. by Patrick Given-Wilson 2024 32 minutes 48 seconds Listen to Streaming Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. Download Audio (16MB) Audio copyright, 2024 Pariyatti More by Patrick Given-Wilson. View more …

301
A Cult Divided: “Running to Freedom" 1:03:50

1M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Today's episode dives into the extraordinary story of Ashleigh Teeter, who grew up in the World Wide Church of God... a cult in its own right. But when the church splits due to a new leader’s ideas, Ashleigh’s world gets turned upside down. She witnesses her own father become a cult leader, and then get ostracized from her nuclear family for almost…

351
US Air Force: “Not Just a Pretty Face, Sir.” 1:06:37

2M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

WARNING: This episode discuss sexual assault. A girl with a dream, Amanda was recruited from high school into what she thought would be the path to fulfilling that dream. But a superior's abuse of power forced her life in a different direction. This is a powerful and important story shared from an often underrepresented perspective: a woman in the …

401
S-Factor Pole Dancing - PT2: “Emotional Roadkill” 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

Welcome to PART 2 of Jessica Hopper’s journey into and out of a pole dancing cult. This episode takes us to the peak of the cult, including protégés, unpaid labor, surreal bookclubs, emotional breakdowns, and coercion retreats. The leader, Sheila, is quite “pole"-arizing, to say the least. Jessica’s breaking point, comes at an unexpected but import…

1
S-Factor - PT1: “Pole Dancing to Solve the Patriarchy” 1:13:15

2M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

Meet the very funny and very bold Jessica Hopper, as she dives into her bizarre and unexpected journey into a pole dancing cult. Yes, a pole dancing cult at a studio called S-Factor in Los Angeles, CA. What began as a fun pole dancing class turned into an intense, all-consuming experience. Jessica shares her story of quitting her job, enduring rigo…

1
An Islamic Sect: “Stolen Innocence” 1:04:05

2M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

WARNING: This episode contains graphic discussions of abuse and self-harm. Raised by a single mother in the Muslim community, Samir Ahmed was sent to a Tablighi Jamaat-focused madrasa at age 11, a religious boarding school for boys under 15. With good intentions and pressure from the community, his mother hoped this would keep her son away from dru…

1
John Frum Movement: “GI Joe, The American… God?” 40:01

3M ago40:01

40:01

Today we pay homage to Memorial Day by uncovering the bizarre and captivating tale of the John Frum Movement. Yes, that’s ‘from’ with a ‘u’, homies. We dive into the South Pacific volcanic island of Tanna, where WWII soldiers inspired a cult devoted to a mystical American GI promising endless cargo. Yup, infinite Spam. Think of it as Amazon Prime m…

1
Ballet 58: “Pray, then plié!” 1:02:29

3M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

SHOWNOTES: "A ballet cult?” We asked the same thing. But today’s brave guest, Summer Smith, shares what happens when the world of pliés and pirouettes meets dogmatic devotion. Raised in a strict religious family and molded by the intense world of competitive ballet, Summer's journey takes a surprising twist when she joins Ballet 58, a seemingly inn…

1
UCKG: “ Taking down a Billionaire Megachurch Cult” 1:03:06

3M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Meet Rachael Reign, a tenacious activist battling to dismantle a billionaire megachurch cult. The cult that once owned her life. From her innocent introduction to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in South London as a 13-year-old girl, to devastating financial coercion and insidious practices, including exorcisms and grooming to bec…

1
Teen Challenge: “444 Days Without Love” 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Our youngest guest to-date, Aliya Kasabian recounts her chilling involuntary initiation into the Boise Girls Academy, an institution that masquerades as a haven for troubled teens. From controlling communication with families to enforced silence and the denial of basic necessities like tampons, Aliya’s story exposes the depths of manipulation and c…

1
Zendik Farm: “Mating in Captivity” (UPDATE) 1:18:28

4M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2023** **NEW EP DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY MAY 6TH** Imagine having to ask a group of eco-farmers for permission to have sex. And when granted permission, your options of consummation include… the back of a van or the loft of a goat barn. Well that's what happened when Helen Zuman, a spelling bee whiz looking to ex…

1
The Jewel in Mumbai by Bikram Dandiya

4M ago

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The Jewel in Mumbai by Bikram Dandiya "The Global Vipassana Pagoda in Mumbai was built to mark the birth centenary year of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, the Burmese Dhamma teacher of Shri Satya Narayan Goenkaji. The monument is built in the Myanmar style of the Shwedagon pagoda, as a token of gratitude to that country where the essence of the Buddha’s teachin…

1
Psychic Scientology: “Clearing the BS” 1:06:08

4M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Ever heard of a Scientology-laced organization for spiritual growth? Neither had we, until we sat down with Kim Peirano. Today, Kim recounts her bizarre experience with the Foundation for Spiritual Development (FSD). From hypnotic meditations to chilling encounters with supposed extraterrestrial beings, Kim's account unveils the disturbing truth be…

1
Tyler’s Story Part 2: “Man On a Mission” 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Today is the final part of your fearless co-host, Tyler Measom's, story of being raised a Mormon, and finding the strength to finally say goodbye to the underwear. Now an acclaimed filmmaker and podcaster, much of Tyler’s work is inspired by the shadows of his past. He would go on and on, but Liz is telling him to wrap it up. So, enjoy the episode.…

1
Tyler’s Story - Part 1: “Mormon Mission to… Not France” 49:22

4M ago49:22

49:22

Tyler Measom, your fearless co-host, stopped by the studio in his magic underwear to chat with Liz about his cultic upbringing as a good (clean) Mormon Boy in Pleasant Grove, Utah. It’s everything you could hope for and less… or more… more or less. LINKSFollow Tyler: @tylermeasomFollow us: Instagram @wasiinacultWant Tyler’s Magic Underwear? Support…

1
The Cult Guru: “How to Save The World w/ Dr. Steven Hassan” 59:45

5M ago59:45

59:45

WE NEED YOUR INPUT!! We’re launching a new membership on Patreon and want to know… If you were to support this membership, what content do YOU crave more of? Please head to THIS LINK and GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!: https://forms.gle/9M8TSjfBvpNHKbxD6 TODAY’S EPISODE:A former Moonie, Dr. Hassan has spent the last 45 years helping thousands break free fr…

1
Married to the Cult Leader: “Symbol of The Whore" 1:06:01

5M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

Christina takes us on a harrowing journey trapped in a cult led by (none other than) her husband, who claimed to be the reincarnation of Christ. Of course when they first met, he was a rebel who stole cars and did drugs, but we digress. From manipulation to isolation and justified adultery through 'God’s will,' Christina's story is a rollercoaster …

1
A Journey into Buddhism

5M ago

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A Journey into Buddhism by Elizabeth J. A. Harris . "The themes of the talks are rooted in my journey, as a Christian, into Buddhism. In the mid-1980s I felt the need to ’let go’ of my own religious conditioning to enter the world of another faith. It grew from a conviction that people with an interest in religion should not remain imprisoned withi…

1
Mormonism w/ Tal Bachman: “He’s So Hiiiiigh… On Doctrine" 1:25:43

5M ago1:25:43

1:25:43

In the electrifying world of rock ’n roll, Canadian Tal Bachman, son of legendary Randy Bachman from Bachman Turner Overdrive, seemed destined for stardom. Yet, his path was anything but straightforward. For Tal, it was a constant dance between the chords of fame and the doctrines of his devout Mormon upbringing. And as the spotlight beckoned, Tal …

1
Gloriavale: “Gloria Fail" 1:08:52

5M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Jason Christian was born into Gloriavale — a self-proclaimed utopic Christian community of more than 500 people on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. His grandfather, Hopeful Christian, was the leader. Shut out from the outside world and forced to work on the farm at the age of six, Jason was primed to live a life without actual freedom,…

1
Sufism - Part 2: “Freedom at 23” 54:28

5M ago54:28

54:28

This is Part 2 of Sara Tasneem’s heroic story. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, please start there. This episode reveals Sara’s immense strength, her re-brith, her new found freedom. But after years of imprisionment, the real world isn’t always an easy road… especially when you have mouths to feed.Thank you Sara. You’re an inspiration. Want to he…

1
Deconstructing Constructions: The Role of Saṅkhārā in the Buddha’s Discourses

6M ago

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Deconstructing Constructions: The Role of Saṅkhārā in the Buddha’s Discourses by Bhikkhu Bodhi . In this paper I intend to explore the Pāli term saṅkhārā, one of the pivotal concepts in the Buddha’s discourses. The Pāli word has such a rich gamut of meanings that merely to draw them out into the open sheds a flood of light on the Buddha’s understan…

1
Sufism - Part 1: “Forced at 15” 52:27

6M ago52:27

52:27

Sara Tasneem's journey began in Boulder, Colorado, where she was born into the Islamic faith. However, at the age of five, her parents divorced, causing her faith to split as well. Her mother distanced herself from the religion, while her father delved deeper, immersing himself in a Sufi group that would soon dominate Sara's existence.Then, at the …

1
Multi-Level Manipulator (MLM): “Hey, Hun! Hey, Girl! Hey, sis!” 52:46

6M ago52:46

52:46

Emily Lynn Paulson was a busy, ass-kicking mom to five children when she realized something was missing. Wanting to find a way to enter the workforce again, she met up with an old friend one night who introduced her to some products. Products her friend was selling. Products that Emily could sell too. She could work her own hours, be her own boss, …

1
Children of God: “You’re Enough As You Are” (UPDATE) 44:52

7M ago44:52

44:52

**NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2021** **NEW EPS DROP NEXT WEEK MONDAY FEB 5th**Welcome to the worst cult ever (in our humble opinions). This is a story of incredible resilience, bravery, and inspiration. Being born into a cult always comes with its challenges, but learning how to have an original thought in your mid-20s is a rare struggle t…

1
Your Best Friend

7M ago

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Your Best Friend: And Other Essays by M. B. Werapitiya. "To understand ourselves, we must live with ourselves and know all about ourselves. The mind for that matter is flickering, fickle, difficult to guard and control and flutters like a fish taken out of its watery abode and thrown upon the land. Somebody causes you hurt and although the aggresso…

1
Thou Shan’t Be Named: “Non-Church Church” (UPDATE) 57:33

7M ago57:33

57:33

*NOTE: This episode originally ran in 2022*TITLE: Thou Shan't Be Named: "Non-Church Church" Non-Denominational Christianity. Sounds innocent enough, and for many non-denominational churches, it is. But for others, the non-affiliation creates a dangerous pathway to a choose your own adventure "religion." For Shannon Payton, it was an adventure all r…

1
Part 6 - Expanding Into New Frontiers by Bhikkhu Bodhi

11M ago

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Part 6 - Expanding Into New Frontiers from 'What Does Mindfulness Really Mean' by Bhikkhu Bodhi . Mindfulness has traveled a long way from its homeland in northeast India. It has journeyed to the island of Sri Lanka, the river basins of southeast Asia, the mountain monasteries of China, Korea, and Japan, and the hermitages of the Himalayan kingdoms…

1
Part 5 - Clear Comprehension by Bhikkhu Bodhi

11M ago

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Part 5 - Clear Comprehension from 'What Does Mindfulness Really Mean' by Bhikkhu Bodhi . While I said just before that clear comprehension plays a more prominent role in the contemplation of experiential phenomena, the refrain on right mindfulness shows that clear comprehension has been present to some degree all along. The formula describes clear …

1
Part 4 - What the Suttas Say by Bhikkhu Bodhi

11M ago

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Part 4 - What the Suttas Say from 'What Does Mindfulness Really Mean' by Bhikkhu Bodhi . Nevertheless, despite my reservations about the use of “bare attention” as an alternative expression for sati, if we consider how mindfulness is to be practiced in the system laid down in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, we can find considerable support for the idea tha…

1
Part 3 - Mindfulness and Bare Attention by Bhikkhu Bodhi

12M ago

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Part 3 - Mindfulness and Bare Attention from 'What Does Mindfulness Really Mean' by Bhikkhu Bodhi . Many commentators who teach and practice in the contemporary vipassana movement have sought to convey the experiential flavor of mindfulness by means of the expression “bare attention.” With certain reservations (which I will discuss), I believe this…

1
Part 2 - The Meaning of Sati by Bhikkhu Bodhi

12M ago

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Part 2 - The Meaning of Sati from 'What Does Mindfulness Really Mean' by Bhikkhu Bodhi . A problem in hermeneutics, with intimate bearings on the actualpractice of meditation, concerns the exact meaning of the wordsati both in general and in relation to Buddhist contemplativeactivity. We take the rendering “mindfulness” so much forgranted that we r…

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