When you hear the word 'cult', you probably picture white robes and remote compounds. But in 2026, the reality is much more ordinary.

From wellness communities to 'coaching' gurus and high-control religious groups, a new wave of organisations is recruiting young people who are searching for certainty in an unstable, post-pandemic world.

As the Victorian Parliament conducts a landmark inquiry into the recruitment methods of these fringe groups, we investigate how the traditional cult has morphed into something far more sanitised and harder to spot.

🗞️ HEADLINES
Public schools in Victoria & Tasmania impacted by teacher's strikes today
Trump says deal with Iran coming soon to settle the war
The pilots of an Air Canada flight have died in a crash with a fire truck at NY's La Guardia airport
Sarah Ferguson denies she planned to clone the Queen's corgis

 📩 GET IN TOUCH

Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?

Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code ends April 1st.

🎙️ CREDITS

Hosts: Taylah Strano & Claire Murphy

Guests:
Dominique Bayens, ABC Reporter & Host of Expanse: The Nannup Four
Anke Richter, Journalist, Author of Cult Trip & Head of DeCult
Clare Heath-McIvor, Cult survivor, Co-runner of the Australian Cult Survivors Network  

Audio Producer: Lu Hill

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Support independent women's media

Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

When you hear the word 'cult', you probably picture white robes and remote compounds. But in 2026, the reality is much more ordinary.
From wellness communities to 'coaching' gurus and high-control religious groups, a new wave of organisations is recruiting young people who are searching for certainty in an unstable, post-pandemic world.
As the Victorian Parliament conducts a landmark inquiry into the recruitment methods of these fringe groups, we investigate how the traditional cult has morphed into something far more sanitised and harder to spot.
🗞️ HEADLINES
<ul>
<li>Public schools in Victoria &amp; Tasmania impacted by teacher's strikes today</li>
<li>Trump says deal with Iran coming soon to settle the war</li>
<li>The pilots of an Air Canada flight have died in a crash with a fire truck at NY's La Guardia airport</li>
<li>Sarah Ferguson denies she planned to clone the Queen's corgis</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;📩 GET IN TOUCH
Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?
<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">Send us a voice note</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/nala-discount-code/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=discounts">here</a> to get your code ends April 1st.
🎙️ CREDITS
Hosts: Taylah Strano &amp; Claire Murphy
Guests:
<ul>
<li>Dominique Bayens, ABC Reporter &amp; Host of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/expanse/01-expanse-the-nannup-four-the-people-in-the-blue-house-/106396544">Expanse: The Nannup Four</a></li>
<li>Anke Richter, Journalist, Author of <a href="https://ankerichter.net/">Cult Trip</a> &amp; Head of <a href="https://decult.net/">DeCult</a></li>
<li>Clare Heath-McIvor, Cult survivor, Co-runner of the <a href="https://socchg.org/">Australian Cult Survivors Network</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Audio Producer: Lu Hill
Group&nbsp;Executive Producer:&nbsp;Ilaria Brophy
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=quicky">Support independent women's media</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequicky/">Check out The Quicky Instagram here</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequickypod"> and our TikTok here</a>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/">Discover more Mamamia podcasts here</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Do you find the news cycle overwhelming?  Depressing? Confusing? Boring? Endless?
Then you need The Quicky.   Mamamia's daily podcast that gets you up to speed on the top stories, then deep dives on one topic you want to know more about.  
It's the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day.

The Quicky

A daily news podcast that gets you up to speed on everything happening in the world. Hosted by journalist Claire Murphy. 

A daily news podcast that gets you up to speed on everything happening in the world. Hosted by journalist Claire Murphy.&nbsp;

The Quicky by Mamamia

Do you find the news cycle overwhelming? Depressing? Confusing? Boring? Endless?

Then you need The Quicky. Mamamia's daily podcast that gets you up to speed on the top stories.

It's the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day.

Do you find the news cycle overwhelming? Depressing? Confusing? Boring? Endless?
Then you need The Quicky. Mamamia's daily podcast that gets you up to speed on the top stories.
It's the easiest and most enjoyable way to get across the news every day.

Why Modern Cults Are Booming & Fergie Denies Planning To Clone Queen’s Corgis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/09b1d995-6c82-475f-8fa0-b4160042028b/transcript

HEADLINES:
Burning the Australian flag of defacing public war memorials would result in jail time under a Coalition Government.
A Sydney-bound Qantas flight had to be diverted to Christchurch after flames appeared to be coming from the aircraft.
As the black market for tobacco booms, the Coalition has announced it wants to cut the tobacco excise.
Many Australians have enjoyed an early taste of summer for the first week of Spring.
Once estranged brothers and Oasis bandmates Liam and Noel Gallagher have done something that has Millenials in a spin. 

PLUS What’s behind the exodus from childcare? 

GET IN TOUCH
Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?
Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

HELPFUL LINKS: 
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.

CREDITS
Host: Tamsin Rose and Charlotte Mortlock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Group Executive Producers: Georgie Page and Tamsin Rose

Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

HEADLINES:
<ul>
<li>Burning the Australian flag of defacing public war memorials would result in jail time under a Coalition Government.</li>
<li>A Sydney-bound Qantas&nbsp;flight had to be diverted to Christchurch after flames appeared to be coming from the aircraft.</li>
<li>As the black market for tobacco&nbsp;booms, the Coalition has announced it wants to cut the tobacco excise.</li>
<li>Many Australians have enjoyed an early taste of summer&nbsp;for the first week of Spring.</li>
<li>Once estranged brothers and Oasis bandmates Liam and Noel Gallagher have done something that has Millenials in a spin.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
PLUS What&rsquo;s behind the exodus from childcare? 
GET IN TOUCH Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma? <a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">Send us a voice note</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
HELPFUL LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Become a <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;amp;utm_campaign=wayw">Mamamia subscriber </a>and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.</li>
<li>Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We&rsquo;ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to<a href="http://veryperi.com.au/"> veryperi.com.au</a> today. You hot? Same.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host: Tamsin Rose and Charlotte Mortlock
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Group&nbsp;Executive Producers: Georgie Page and Tamsin Rose
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequicky/">Check out The Quicky Instagram here</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequickypod"> and our TikTok here</a>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/">Discover more Mamamia podcasts here</a>
Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/mamamia/id6442502456">check it out here!</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Your AM Headlines + Why Australian Parents Are Leaving Childcare

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/95deca12-a812-4ff9-937f-b4bb0099d2cf/transcript

Gloria Steinem, one of the most recognisable voices of modern feminism, has died at 92. In tribute, we're re-sharing this 2016 conversation between Gloria and Mia Freedman, recorded during Gloria's visit to Australia.

Gloria talks openly about the illegal abortion she had in London in 1957, her decision not to have children, her marriage later in life to "the friend I married," and the mother whose own ambitions were given up for family. She reflects on ageing in public, the pressure on women to stay young, celebrity feminism, and her friendships with a younger generation of feminists including Lena Dunham.

It's a candid, wide-ranging conversation with a woman who shaped the modern women's movement — full of the warmth, wit and clarity she was known for.

CREDITS:

Guest: Gloria Steinem

Host: Mia Freedman

Executive Producer: Eliza Ratliff

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

 

Gloria Steinem, one of the most recognisable voices of modern feminism, has died at 92. In tribute, we're re-sharing this 2016 conversation between Gloria and Mia Freedman, recorded during Gloria's visit to Australia.
Gloria talks openly about the illegal abortion she had in London in 1957, her decision not to have children, her marriage later in life to "the friend I married," and the mother whose own ambitions were given up for family. She reflects on ageing in public, the pressure on women to stay young, celebrity feminism, and her friendships with a younger generation of feminists including Lena Dunham.
It's a candid, wide-ranging conversation with a woman who shaped the modern women's movement &mdash; full of the warmth, wit and clarity she was known for.
CREDITS:
Guest: Gloria Steinem
Host: Mia Freedman
Executive Producer: Eliza Ratliff
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.
&nbsp;

SPECIAL EPISODE: When Mia Freedman Met Gloria Steinem

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/8656a60e-9803-469a-a876-b4bb0098bbc6/transcript

HEADLINES:


Two more Australians have been found safe following the catastrophic glacier collapse and floods in Nepal and Tibet.
A new report shows almost 60 percent of Australians believe their politicians don't serve their interests.


Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month ban from tennis after testing positive to cocaine, and has entered a treatment program.


Hugh Jackman says he's keen to buy a stake in English club Norwich City, following his mate Ryan Reynolds into football club ownership.

Today in the Weekly Debrief, the world is farewelling a feminist icon, Gloria Steinem. We remember her achievements. Plus the Lindsay Clancy trial in the US has taken yet another dramatic turn.. We’ll be bringing you all the latest from Massachusetts.

In tribute to Gloria Steinem, we are re-sharing this 2016 conversation between Gloria and Mia Freedman, recorded during Gloria's visit to Australia. She reflects on ageing in public, the pressure on women to stay young, celebrity feminism, and her friendships with a younger generation of feminists including Lena Dunham. It's a candid, wide-ranging conversation with a woman who shaped the modern women's movement — full of the warmth, wit and clarity she was known for. Here is the link for this amazing chat. 

GET IN TOUCH
Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma?
Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

HELPFUL LINKS: 
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.

CREDITS
Host: Tamsin Rose

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Group Executive Producers: Georgie Page and Tamsin Rose

Check out The Quicky Instagram here and our TikTok here

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here

Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and check it out here!

Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

HEADLINES:
<ul>
<li>
Two more Australians have been found safe following the catastrophic glacier collapse and floods in Nepal and Tibet.
</li>
<li>A new report shows almost 60 percent of Australians believe their politicians don't serve their interests.</li>
<li>
Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month ban from tennis after testing positive to cocaine, and has entered a treatment program.
</li>
<li>
Hugh Jackman says he's keen to buy a stake in English club Norwich City, following his mate Ryan Reynolds into football club ownership.
</li>
</ul>
Today in the Weekly Debrief, the world is farewelling a feminist icon, Gloria Steinem. We remember her achievements. Plus the Lindsay Clancy trial in the US has taken yet another dramatic turn.. We&rsquo;ll be bringing you all the latest from Massachusetts. In tribute to Gloria Steinem, we are&nbsp;re-sharing this 2016 conversation between Gloria and Mia Freedman, recorded during Gloria's visit to Australia. She reflects on ageing in public, the pressure on women to stay young, celebrity feminism, and her friendships with a younger generation of feminists including Lena Dunham.&nbsp;It's a candid, wide-ranging conversation with a woman who shaped the modern women's movement &mdash; full of the warmth, wit and clarity she was known for. <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/gloria-steinem-tribute-in-memoriam-interview/">Here is the link for this amazing chat.&nbsp;</a>
GET IN TOUCH Got a story, news tip-off, feedback or dilemma? <a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">Send us a voice note</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:thequicky@mamamia.com.au">thequicky@mamamia.com.au</a>
HELPFUL LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Become a <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;amp;utm_campaign=wayw">Mamamia subscriber </a>and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.</li>
<li>Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We&rsquo;ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to<a href="http://veryperi.com.au/"> veryperi.com.au</a> today. You hot? Same.</li>
</ul>
CREDITS Host:&nbsp;Tamsin Rose
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Group&nbsp;Executive Producers: Georgie Page and Tamsin Rose
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequicky/">Check out The Quicky Instagram here</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequickypod"> and our TikTok here</a>
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/">Discover more Mamamia podcasts here</a>
Did you know some of our shows are now in video on the Apple Podcast app? Make sure your phone is up to date and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/mamamia/id6442502456">check it out here!</a>
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Arvo News Headlines + Your Weekly Debrief 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/ad9e2bb5-dd16-4d17-862c-b4bb002917e3/transcript

Why Modern Cults Are Booming & Fergie Denies Planning To Clone Queen’s Corgis

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