Description

They came to rural Oregon dressed in shades of orange and red, following a spiritual guru who rarely spoke and a powerful woman who did all the talking. What began as an ambitious attempt to build a utopian community quickly turned into one of the most controversial religious experiments in American history. In this episode, we trace the rise of the Rajneesh movement, from its roots in India to the creation of Rajneeshpuram, through escalating legal battles, immigration fraud, internal control, and the largest bioterror attack ever committed on U.S. soil.

Part 1 – The Making of a Guru: From Chandra Mohan to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Part 2 – From Pune to Oregon: Ma Anand Sheela and the Rise of Rajneeshpuram
Part 3 – Exile and Reinvention: From Bhagwan to Osho
Part 4 – After the Master: The Osho Brand, the Digital Turn, and the Battle for Legacy
Part 5 – Aftermath and Accountability: Survivors, Truth-Seekers, and the Unfinished Reckoning
Part 6 – Legacy in the Ashes: The Echo of Osho and the Market of Modern Enlightenment
 
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place. New episodes weekly. Listener stories always welcome. Anonymity guaranteed.

Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources

• International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
  https://www.icsahome.com
  Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
• Open Minds Foundation
  https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
  Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
• The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)
  https://www.thehotline.org
  📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
• Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
  https://freedomofmind.com
  Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
• FaithTrust Institute
  https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
  Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.

• Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
  📞 1-239-514-3081
  Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
  https://www.rainn.org
  📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.

• Cult & Trauma Support Resources 
• Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org
• Phone: 📞 514-274-2333
• Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
• Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coercive groups, and spiritual abuse.
• Offers confidential support, referrals, and information in English and French.

• The Family Survival Trust
  https://familysurvivaltrust.org
  Support and advocacy for those affected by cults and coercive control.
• Cults Information Centre and Family Support
  https://cults.org.uk
  UK-based information and guidance for cult survivors and families.
• Mind UK (Mental Health Support)
  https://www.mind.org.uk
  📞 0300 123 3393 — Non-judgmental mental health advice and support.

• Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)
  https://www.cifs.org.au
  National support for individuals and families affected by cults.