Anyone who grew up evangelical Christian and/or plugged into teen celebrity news circa 2008 will be familiar with today's cult: Purity Rings. You know, the dainty piece of jewelry placed ritualistically on a teen girl's wedding finger to signify her vow of chastity until marriage, or else?? Purity rings are not just an accessory—they're a bonafide industry, complete with rules, ceremonies, secrets, veiled threats, and religious trauma up the wazoo... but are they a cult? This week, a very special (ex-evangelical) guest, Normal Gossip's Kelsey McKinney, is joining host Amanda to unpack just that!

Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod

To check out Amanda's new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking, click here! The Magical Overthinkers newsletter can be found here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Go to thefarmersdog.com/cult to get 50% off your first box.

Go to Zocdoc.com/CULT and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. 

The Cotton collection and more are available now at SKIMS.com.

This episode reflects solely the opinions and work of Amanda and special guests.

Anyone who grew up evangelical Christian and/or plugged into teen celebrity news circa 2008 will be familiar with today's cult: Purity Rings. You know, the dainty piece of jewelry placed ritualistically on a teen girl's wedding finger to signify her vow of chastity until marriage, or else?? Purity rings are not just an accessory—they're a bonafide industry, complete with rules, ceremonies, secrets, veiled threats, and religious trauma up the wazoo... but are they a cult? This week, a very special (ex-evangelical) guest, Normal Gossip's Kelsey McKinney, is joining host Amanda to unpack just that!
Follow us on IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeacultpod/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeacultpod/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1688761189042000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OxWz88AUSmKXPLp3uSYOC">@soundslikeacultpod</a> 
To check out Amanda's new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Age-of-Magical-Overthinking/Amanda-Montell/9781668007976">click here! </a>The Magical Overthinkers newsletter can be found <a href="https://amandamontell.substack.com/">here</a>.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go to <a href="https://thefarmersdog.com/cult">thefarmersdog.com/cult</a> to get 50% off your first box.
Go to <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/?utm_medium=audiopodcast&amp;utm_campaign=cult">Zocdoc.com/CULT</a> and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. 
The Cotton collection and more are available now at <a href="https://skims.com/">SKIMS.com</a>.
This episode reflects solely the opinions and work of Amanda and special guests.

A podcast about the modern-day “cults” we all follow. Each episode asks the culty questions we’re all wondering… Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about Elon Musk stans? Or the Royal Family? What about spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? Sounds Like A Cult, hosted by Amanda Montell, author of Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, analyzes a different zeitgeisty group every week to try and answer the big question: This group sounds like a cult, but is it really? And if so, how bad is it? 

Follow Us:

Podcast Instagram - @soundslikeacultpod

Host Amanda Montell - @amanda_montell (Preorder her new book!)

A podcast about the modern-day “cults” we all follow. Each episode asks the culty questions we’re all wondering… Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about Elon Musk stans? Or the Royal Family? What about spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? Sounds Like A Cult, hosted by Amanda Montell, author of Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, analyzes a different zeitgeisty group every week to try and answer the big question: This group sounds like a cult, but is it really? And if so, how bad is it? 
Follow Us:
Podcast Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeacultpod">@soundslikeacultpod</a> 
Host Amanda Montell - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanda_montell">@amanda_montell</a> (<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Age-of-Magical-Overthinking/Amanda-Montell/9781668007976">Preorder her new book!</a>)

A show about the modern day "cults" we all follow.

Sounds Like A Cult

A podcast about the modern day "cults" we all follow. Do you think SoulCycle is a cult? What about Elon Musk stans? Or the Royal Family? What about spiritual influencers? Is Instagram itself a cult? We’re Sounds Like a Cult, a podcast that analyzes a different zeitgeisty group every week to try and answer the big question: This group sounds like a cult, but is it really? And if so... how bad is it?

The Cult of Purity Rings

~A cosmic new episode of Sounds Like a Cult lies in your near future, Virgo~ No? Capricorn? Pisces, maybe? Whatever your sign is, today’s episode is sure to deliver all of the celestial wisdom you’ve been seeking straight from the comfort of your mobile device, much like today’s cult of discush, astrology apps! The astrologically inclined have fully infiltrated Silicon Valley (thanks, Elon), leaving in their data-farming path a vast plethora of galactic apps to suit whatever flavor of push notification strikes your fancy. Truly a product of the 21st century, astrology apps provide a dystopian look into the spiritual sects of our future, (which, spoiler alert, might not even have human leaders?!), giving us reason to question what “cults” might be lying right beyond our grubby screen protectors. Here to help Amanda and Reese navigate the digital cosmos is astrologer and astrology app co-founder Aliza Kelly, host of the Horoscope Weekly Podcast. Calibrate your sundials, clear up some iCloud storage, and suit up for a light-speed cruise through this astral listen!

Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod @amanda_montell@reesaronii @chelseaxcharles

Watch the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on YouTube!

Thank you to our sponsors! 
Dipsea is offering an extended 30-day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/cult. 
Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to joinbilt.com/CULT.
Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to LiquidIV.com and use code CULT at checkout.
Shop the SKIMS Holiday Shop at skims.com/cult. 

~A cosmic new episode of Sounds Like a Cult lies in your near future, Virgo~ No? Capricorn? Pisces, maybe? Whatever your sign is, today’s episode is sure to deliver all of the celestial wisdom you’ve been seeking straight from the comfort of your mobile device, much like today’s cult of discush, astrology apps! The astrologically inclined have fully infiltrated Silicon Valley (thanks, Elon), leaving in their data-farming path a vast plethora of galactic apps to suit whatever flavor of push notification strikes your fancy. Truly a product of the 21st century, astrology apps provide a dystopian look into the spiritual sects of our future, (which, spoiler alert, might not even have human leaders?!), giving us reason to question what “cults” might be lying right beyond our grubby screen protectors. Here to help Amanda and Reese navigate the digital cosmos is astrologer and astrology app co-founder Aliza Kelly, host of the Horoscope Weekly Podcast. Calibrate your sundials, clear up some iCloud storage, and suit up for a light-speed cruise through this astral listen!
Follow us on IG<a href="https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeacultpod/"> @soundslikeacultpod</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanda_montell/"> @amanda_montell</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reesaronii/">@reesaronii </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseaxcharles">@chelseaxcharles</a>
Watch the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AmandaMontellPodcasts">YouTube</a>!
Thank you to our sponsors! 
<ul>
<li>Dipsea is offering an extended 30-day free trial when you go to <a href="https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?promo=cult&amp;utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=paid&amp;utm_campaign=cult">DipseaStories.com/cult</a>. </li>
<li>Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to <a href="https://go.biltrewards.com/podcast-r/cult?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast-rewards&amp;utm_campaign=cult&amp;APP_SOURCE=PARTNER_PAID_MARKETING&amp;lang=en&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sub_channel=PRT&amp;vendor_code=BL">joinbilt.com/CULT</a>.</li>
<li>Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to <a href="https://www.liquid-iv.com/">LiquidIV.com</a> and use code CULT at checkout.</li>
<li>Shop the SKIMS Holiday Shop at <a href="https://www.skims.com/cult" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.skims.com/cult&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1731520125714000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Y7bDBQ6Ub2T0YDLILe8ef">skims.com/cult</a>. </li>
</ul>

The Cult of Astrology Apps

Brew yourself a giant pot of Luke's coffee because we’re diving deep into the fast-talking world of Stars Hollow. That’s right, the cult Gilmore Girls. We know what you're thinking! It's just a TV show! It'a not a cult! Relax! But hear us out: From the intense rituals (hello, annual re-watch), patron saints (looking at you, Luke Danes), and fan behaviors that border on worship, your favorite mother-daughter duo has evolved from a quaint fictional series into a full-fledged lifestyle and pseudo-religion. To help us take a closer look at how Lorelai and Rory have become the unofficial God and Jesus of fall, Tara & Haley of the Gilmore To Say Podcast join the pod. Whether you're Team Jess, Team Logan, Team Dean (really?), or don't even care because you think Rory is actually just the worst, we hope you enjoy this cozy episode. Oy with the poodles already!!

Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod @amanda_montell@reesaronii @chelseaxcharles

Watch the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on YouTube!

To subscribe to Amanda's new Magical Overthinkers podcast, click here :)

Thank you to our sponsors! 
Go to squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month atMINTMOBILE.com/cult. 
Go to joinbilt.com/CULT to start earning points on your rent.
Get up to $100 off Litter-Robot bundles and an additional $50 off when you go tostopscooping.com/SLAC.

Brew yourself a giant pot of Luke's coffee because we’re diving deep into the fast-talking world of Stars Hollow. That’s right, the cult Gilmore Girls. We know what you're thinking! It's just a TV show! It'a not a cult! Relax! But hear us out: From the intense rituals (hello, annual re-watch), patron saints (looking at you, Luke Danes), and fan behaviors that border on worship, your favorite mother-daughter duo has evolved from a quaint fictional series into a full-fledged lifestyle and pseudo-religion. To help us take a closer look at how Lorelai and Rory have become the unofficial God and Jesus of fall, Tara &amp; Haley of the Gilmore To Say Podcast join the pod. Whether you're Team Jess, Team Logan, Team Dean (really?), or don't even care because you think Rory is actually just the worst, we hope you enjoy this cozy episode. Oy with the poodles already!!
Follow us on IG<a href="https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeacultpod/"> @soundslikeacultpod</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanda_montell/"> @amanda_montell</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reesaronii/">@reesaronii </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseaxcharles">@chelseaxcharles</a>
Watch the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AmandaMontellPodcasts">YouTube</a>!
<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Age-of-Magical-Overthinking/Amanda-Montell/9781668007976"></a>To subscribe to Amanda's new Magical Overthinkers podcast, <a href="https://bio.site/magicaloverthinkers">click here :)</a>
Thank you to our sponsors! 
<ul>
<li>Go to <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/?channel=Podcast&amp;subchannel=atc&amp;source=soundslikeacult">squarespace.com/CULT</a> to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.</li>
<li>Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at <a href="https://www.mintmobile.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=mint_podcast&amp;utm_content=cult&amp;dnfemfkahqkdlf=cult">MINTMOBILE.com/cult</a>. </li>
<li>Go to <a href="http://joinbilt.com/CULT">joinbilt.com/CULT</a> to start earning points on your rent.</li>
<li>Get up to $100 off Litter-Robot bundles and an additional $50 off when you go to<a href="http://stopscooping.com/SHOW"> </a><a href="http://stopscooping.com/DOLLOP">stopscooping.com/</a>SLAC.</li>
</ul>

The Cult of Gilmore Girls

Munch on some ice chips and PUSHHHHH (sorry) play on this week's episode, in which we dare to apply our culty analysis to the ever-polarizing "free birther" community. Free birthing is a controversial catch-all term in and of itself, generally describing a style of medically unassisted birth that has turned into not just a movement but possibly a cult—why? Because this is America, and if something has the potential to turn culty, then it probably will! Doula (and loyal listener of the pod) Hehe Stewart joins for a discussion of power dynamics, misinformation, and why so-called free birthers have been pitted against the traditional medical establishment in a way that puts everyoneeee in danger. Trying our best to bring both cheekiness and empathy to this very casual and low-stakes discussion (joke). Love you culties!!!

Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod @amanda_montell@reesaronii @chelseaxcharles

Watch the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on YouTube!

To subscribe to Amanda's new Magical Overthinkers podcast, click here :)

Further reading:
Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States
Racism During Pregnancy and Birthing: Experiences from Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latina, and Middle Eastern Women
When Giving Birth, Opting to Go It Alone
Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison
Born Free: Unassisted Childbirth in North America
Just ‘birth’: the phenomenon of birth without a healthcare professional
She Wanted a ‘Freebirth’ at Home. When the Baby Died, the Attacks Began

Thank you to our sponsors! 
Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app to start earning cash back and use code CULT. 
Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to joinbilt.com/CULT.
Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/cult.

Munch on some ice chips and PUSHHHHH (sorry) play on this week's episode, in which we dare to apply our culty analysis to the ever-polarizing "free birther" community. Free birthing is a controversial catch-all term in and of itself, generally describing a style of medically unassisted birth that has turned into not just a movement but possibly a cult—why? Because this is America, and if something has the potential to turn culty, then it probably will! Doula (and loyal listener of the pod) Hehe Stewart joins for a discussion of power dynamics, misinformation, and why so-called free birthers have been pitted against the traditional medical establishment in a way that puts everyoneeee in danger. Trying our best to bring both cheekiness and empathy to this very casual and low-stakes discussion (joke). Love you culties!!!
Follow us on IG<a href="https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeacultpod/"> @soundslikeacultpod</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amanda_montell/"> @amanda_montell</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reesaronii/">@reesaronii </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseaxcharles">@chelseaxcharles</a>
Watch the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AmandaMontellPodcasts">YouTube</a>!
<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Age-of-Magical-Overthinking/Amanda-Montell/9781668007976"></a>To subscribe to Amanda's new Magical Overthinkers podcast, <a href="https://bio.site/magicaloverthinkers">click here :)</a>
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36767014/">Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States</a></li>
<li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9713108/">Racism During Pregnancy and Birthing: Experiences from Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latina, and Middle Eastern Women</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/07/health/when-giving-birth-opting-to-go-it-alone.html">When Giving Birth, Opting to Go It Alone</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2024/jun/insights-us-maternal-mortality-crisis-international-comparison#:~:text=Research%20from%20other%20studies%20has,period%20(2020%E2%80%932022).">Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison</a></li>
<li><a href="https://iro.uiowa.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/Born-free-unassisted-childbirth-In-North/9983777384702771">Born Free: Unassisted Childbirth in North America</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/freebirth-just-birth">Just ‘birth’: the phenomenon of birth without a healthcare professional</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/she-wanted-a-freebirth-at-home-when-the-baby-died-the-attacks-began/">She Wanted a ‘Freebirth’ at Home. When the Baby Died, the Attacks Began</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to our sponsors! 
<ul>
<li>Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/?channel=Podcast&amp;subchannel=atc&amp;source=soundslikeacult">https://www.squarespace.com/CULT</a> to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.</li>
<li>Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app to start earning cash back and use code CULT. </li>
<li>Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to <a href="https://go.biltrewards.com/podcast-r/cult?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast-rewards&amp;utm_campaign=cult&amp;APP_SOURCE=PARTNER_PAID_MARKETING&amp;lang=en&amp;locale=en_US&amp;sub_channel=PRT&amp;vendor_code=BL">joinbilt.com/CULT</a>.</li>
<li>Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at <a href="https://www.mintmobile.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=mint_podcast&amp;utm_content=cult&amp;dnfemfkahqkdlf=cult">mintmobile.com/</a><a href="https://www.mintmobile.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=mint_podcast&amp;utm_content=cult&amp;dnfemfkahqkdlf=cult">cult</a>.</li>
</ul>

The Cult of Purity Rings

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