Sam and Lindsay review The Psychology of Cults live show hosted by Mike King and dive into the complexities of true crime narratives, ethical considerations in storytelling and the impact of cults on society.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Cults and Their Impact
• 03:12 Insights from a Cult Investigator
• 06:09 The Mechanics of Cult Leadership
• 09:54 Exploring the FLDS and Its Extremism
• 13:51 Cults and Political Parallels
• 17:29 Coercive Control and Its Effects
• 20:39 Personal Stories and Cult Experiences
• 25:32 Nexium: A Case Study in Cult Dynamics
• 27:43 The Horrors of Cults and Justice
• 30:22 Ethics in True Crime Reporting
• 35:56 Understanding Cult Dynamics
• 40:38 The Role of Social Media in Cults
• 46:06 Navigating Online Manipulation and Misinformation
• 52:49 Planning for Safety and Awareness

In this bonus episode, Sam hears from Mike King, host of the upcoming Psychology of Cults show coming through Regina and Saskatoon on November 4 and 5. Mike is a cult investigator and former police officer based out Utah. He shares some quick insights about society's fascination with cults and what the audience can expect.

Happy Halloween! Sam and Lindsay check in with their favourite sociologist, Dr. Cassandra Ozog, to ask why we gravitate to haunted houses, horror movies and things that make us scream in fear. Mirrors? Stairs? Ghosts? Curses? Witches? They get into all of it (while dressed in costumes).

• 00:00 Introduction to Halloween and Costumes
• 10:09 The Psychology of Fear and Horror
• 19:53 Personal Experiences with Horror Movies
• 28:17 Childhood Fears and Reactions
• 29:24 The Nature of Controlled Fear
• 30:04 Community and Shared Fear Experiences
• 30:31 Personal Responses to Fear
• 32:50 Parenthood and Heightened Awareness
• 34:57 The Psychology of Fear
• 39:22 Cinematic Fears and Preferences
• 44:00 Exploring the Supernatural
• 49:11 Cultural Beliefs and Mirror Fears
• 57:22 Haunted Experiences and Stories
• 01:03:03 Ryan Murphy and Horror Culture
• 01:04:27 Voodoo Tours and Historical Context
• 01:05:17 Witch Trials and Cultural Narratives
• 01:07:05 The Winchester Mystery House Experience
• 01:09:53 Beliefs in Ghosts and Mediums
• 01:11:12 The Science vs. Supernatural Debate
• 01:15:38 Personal Comforts and Rituals
• 01:21:33 Curses and Personal Power
• 01:25:35 Halloween Traditions and Celebrations