Karen vanBarneveld
Karen vanBarneveld
Eat Pray Obey: The Worst Cult Diets in History (Part 2)
Eat Pray Obey: The Worst Cult Diets in History (Part 2)
Eat Pray Obey: The Worst Cult Diets in History (Part 2)
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Explore Aum Shinrikyo and Mormon diets, uncovering control through food rituals in cults. Dive into bizarre practices with humor and insights.
52 minutes
informative
challenging
dark
sarcastic
thought-provoking
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Author:
Karen vanBarneveld
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Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Cult Diets Uncovered: Aum Shinrikyo & Mormon Meals
Episode Overview
- Aum Shinrikyo's strict vegetarian diet and coercive practices.
- Mormon food storage: prepping for economic collapse.
- Cult diets as tools for control and manipulation.
- Cultural differences in food consumption like applesauce.
- Humorous take on dark historical dietary practices.
One minute you're debugging a bit of HTML, then actually brewing nerve agents for a blind yoga wizard.
In the latest episode of 'What the Food?', hosts Miles Dickinson, Andy Cantor, and Dom Gray delve into the bizarre and often disturbing world of cult diets, focusing on Aum Shinrikyo and Mormon food practices. This episode, aptly titled 'Eat Pray Obey: The Worst Cult Diets in History (Part 2)', continues the exploration of how food rituals are used in cults to exert control over followers.
The episode kicks off with a look at Aum Shinrikyo, a cult known for its strict vegetarian diet, where members consumed one meal a day. This diet was not just about enlightenment but about control, with severe punishments for those who disobeyed. The hosts reveal how the cult leader, Shoko Asahara, lived a life of luxury, indulging in rich, protein-heavy meals while his followers starved.
The narrative is enhanced with insights from Rin Ushiyama's work on religious terrorism, offering a glimpse into the terrifying reality faced by cult members. Next, the focus shifts to Mormon food storage practices, where families are encouraged to stockpile food for potential disasters. This section highlights the cultural aspects of Mormonism, including the avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, and the preparation for economic collapse with an 'apocalypse pantry'.
The hosts discuss the implications of such practices, including extreme calorie restrictions imposed on children to ensure obedience. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a humorous tone, providing a light-hearted take on dark themes. They discuss cultural differences, such as the American consumption of applesauce, contrasting it with British traditions. The episode concludes with a fictional cult menu, showcasing their wit and creativity.
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the episode, contributing to the growth of the podcast through word of mouth. Despite the challenging themes, the hosts manage to engage their audience with a blend of humor and historical insights, making this episode both informative and entertaining.