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William Miller gave numerous dates for the apocalypse, starting with October 22, 1844. None resulted in the end of the world. However, his prophecies did result in the eventual formation of the Seventh-day Adventist movement.

Harold Camping was a Christian radio evangelist who claimed life on Earth would end on May 21, 2011. When it didn’t, he amended his date to October 21st, 2011. It didn’t end then either. 

Pyotr Kuznetsov convinced his followers the world would end on May 28th, 2008. As a result, around 29 to 35 cult members created a man-made cave, and buried themselves in it for six months.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: As society approached the year 2000, there was worry about a Y2K bug that might cripple technology. But there was also fear that cults with doomsday prophecies would do whatever it took to fulfill them.

Founded by Saul B. Newton and Dr. Jane Pearce in 1957, the Sullivan Institute was designed to be an alternative to the traditional nuclear family—part therapy center, part polyamorous commune. 

Franz Edmund Creffield was the leader of the Brides of Christ church. Often referred to as the Holy Rollers, members were known to roll on the floor, pleading for God’s forgiveness.

Along with his brother Yaaqob, Yisrayl Hawkins founded the House of Yahweh in 1980. They produced their own version of the bible and made numerous predictions that did not come true.

In 1986, Ryuho Okawa founded Happy Science to promote love, enlightenment and the creation of utopia. But beneath the surface of this modern sect lie a number of strange, even nationalistic, beliefs that shape their worldview. 

Established in the early ‘90s, Eastern Lightning—also known as The Church of the Almighty God—believed Christ was reborn, manifesting in the form of a woman named Yang Xianbin. In 1991, followers scrambled to prove how devoted they were to her… even if it meant murder. 

He grew up impoverished and had a lonely childhood before finding comfort and belonging in religion. Jimmie T. Roberts took devotion to its extreme, amassing followers and persuading them to sacrifice everything for the sake of salvation. 

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: Dorothy Martin claimed to receive communications from outer space, warning of disastrous loss of life in 1955. Her wild prophecies attracted Dr. Charles Laughead and a small group of followers known as the "Seekers."

Lee Jang Rim frightened his followers around the world into believing that the Rapture was coming—an apocalypse that would end humanity on October 28, 1992. But after that date came and went, many members of the Dami Mission were left in a different kind of devastating state.

He was known to his followers as “Moses” but his actual name was Roch Theriault, and he led one of the most infamous cults in Canadian history: The Ant Hill Kids. Theriault fooled many into thinking he was good-natured—but beneath his affable persona lurked a sadistic monster with horrific plans.

The child of missionaries and grandson of a reverend, David Berg was destined for religious leadership. But as a victim of sexual abuse who never received support, David developed twisted ideas…

In the 1980s, a Japanese Buddhist-inspired cult called Aum Shinrikyo formed under a leader who tried to end the world. It became one of the most feared cults in history.

In the late 1940s, Krishna Venta opened a religious compound in the San Fernando Valley. He preached about love and knowing oneself, and claimed to be the embodiment of Christ. Then he announced the world would end in 1965, and only his chosen followers would survive. 

Charles Manson transformed from a troubled child into a now-infamous cult leader, using psychological warfare to control his “Family.” Charismatic and manipulative, he broke members down until they’d do anything to stay in his good graces—including murder.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: In a country torn apart by civil war, Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibwetere were united by their desire for power. Claiming they were messengers of God called upon to save the world from its impending apocalypse, they preyed upon the vulnerable and passionately religious in Ugandan society.

In 1981, 50-year-old Valentina De Andrade convinced her neighbors that God was non-existent. Then she told them that Jesus was an extraterrestrial who would be arriving soon in an alien craft to save them from the end of days.

In 1989, Wayne Bent formed the Lord Our Righteousness Church. He convinced his followers that the end of the world was coming. And by 2007, the members of his church were prepared to die.

They alleged that a close encounter with an undiscovered 10th planet would lead to catastrophic natural disasters and the destruction of humankind. Today’s episode features self-proclaimed prophet Yuko Chino and her Pana Wave religious cult.

In the fall of 2008, pastor Ronald Weinland announced that the final seventh seal referenced in the Book of Revelation had been opened, signaling the start of a countdown to end times.

She founded The Church Universal and Triumphant and encouraged her followers to dig fallout shelters to prepare for nuclear war in the late-1980s. Discover the peculiar beliefs—and visions—of Elizabeth Clare Prophet.

In 1995, Hon-Ming Chen founded a UFO cult in Taiwan. His followers believed he could save them from an imminent nuclear apocalypse. Instead, he led them on a wild goose chase that involved searching for an Abraham Lincoln look-alike, interpreting clouds, and waiting for God to make a nationally televised debut.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: Throughout the mid-1980s and ‘90s, Di Mambro and Jouret convinced followers that the apocalypse was near—but salvation could still be found. They ultimately triggered three mass suicides as members “transitioned” into spiritual enlightenment through purification… of fire.

While on a nature walk in his native France, 27-year old Claude Vorilhon saw a small, alien spacecraft land in front of him. A four foot tall affable humanoid named Yahweh emerged and told Vorilhon to relay the encounter to all mankind… 

He controlled the most notorious American cult of all time: the Peoples Temple. In 1978, Jim Jones’ leadership brought on the largest mass suicide and cult murder in modern history, where over 900 people died. 

She says she developed a sixth sense after traumatic brain injury—leading Erika Bertschinger to change her name to Uriella and start Fiat Lux, a UFO cult that believed the end of the world was coming… in 1998.

David Koresh, born Vernon Wayne Howell, became an international name in 1993 as he led many of his followers in The Branch Davidians, and himself, to violent deaths after a 51-day standoff with the FBI.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults. First up: Heaven’s Gate and its leader, Marshall Applewhite. Heaven’s Gate rose to infamy in the late ‘90s when police found its 39 members dead in a mansion. If you enjoy these mini episodes, be sure to check out our full length episodes of Cults every Tuesday! 

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women. Today, we’re discussing Belle Gunness, who murdered husbands, suitors, and even children for financial gain. For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify. 

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women. Today, we’ll meet Blanche Taylor Moore: the middle-aged churchgoer convicted of poisoning her boyfriend in 1986... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Martha Needle, who discovered early on in life that an arsenic product called “Rough on Rats!” also had a deadly effect on people... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Susan Lee Russo. This wife and mother of two manipulated two men into shooting her husband so she could collect a sizable payout... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Louisa Collins. In 1888, Collins was found guilty of murdering her second husband with rat poison. She’d previously stood trial for murder three times... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Tillie Klimek. In addition to murdering three husbands, Tillie is also believed to have killed acquaintances, a couple relatives, and one or two puppies... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’ll meet Margaret Rudin, the antiques dealer accused of shooting and killing her husband in December 1994... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Betty Neumar. While she was never officially convicted of any murders, the marital mayhem that followed her for fifty years has led some to call her the Black Widow Granny… For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’ll meet the “Black Widows of Liverpool,” a pair of sisters who poisoned lodgers and family members to collect insurance money… For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Patricia Dagorn. Known as the “Black Widow of the Riviera,” Dagorn targeted older men through manipulation and sexual favors, creeping her way into their lives, and often, their wills… For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’ll meet Denise Williams—a Florida wife turned murder conspirator. On December 6th, 2000, she colluded with her secret lover to bump off her husband during a fishing trip… For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Nannie Doss. Dubbed the “Giggling Granny” or the “Lonely Hearts Killer,” Nannie was a jovial Southern grandmother who’d been widowed four times over. But after her fifth groom dropped dead, the real cause would be discovered… For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Lyda Southard, also known as Lyda Trueblood, a serial widow who used illness to disguise her crimes... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Betty Lou Beets. Betty was dubbed a “Black Widow” when police uncovered her fourth and fifth husbands’ dead bodies buried side by side... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Melissa Ann Shepard, otherwise known as the “Internet Black Widow.” Using an online dating profile, she lured multiple men into her web. Once they were trapped, Melissa made sure they couldn’t escape... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Elfriede Blauensteiner. Dubbed “Austria’s Black Widow,” Blauensteiner is believed to have killed over ten people with poison... For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Mary Ann Cotton, who repeatedly married and then killed her family, collecting their insurance money… For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Judy Buenoano—a Florida woman who murdered a number of boyfriends in order to cash in on their life insurance. For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Chisako Kakehi. Known as “Japan’s Black Widow,” Kakehi used cyanide to kill a string of elderly and rich lovers. For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

We’re taking a brief break from highlighting the “Black Widows” month-long special to showcase a couple of classic full-length episodes from Female Criminals: From 2000 to 2007, Stacey Castor was primarily known for two things—her use of antifreeze to commit murder, and the personal gain she stood to acquire from her victims. If you enjoy these episodes, make sure and subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify. We’ll be back with another “Black Widows” episode tomorrow!

We’re taking a brief break from highlighting the “Black Widows” month-long special to showcase a couple of classic full-length episodes from Female Criminals: From 2000 to 2007, Stacey Castor was primarily known for two things—her use of antifreeze to commit murder, and the personal gain she stood to acquire from her victims. If you enjoy these episodes, make sure and subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify. We’ll be back with another “Black Widows” episode tomorrow!

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: Today, we’re discussing Narcy Novack. In 2009, her marriage to Florida millionaire Ben Novack Jr. ended in an intricately orchestrated tragedy. For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from the Female Criminals special series, “Black Widows.” Every day in June, Female Criminals is taking a closer look at the web of lies, deceit, and murder spun by some of history’s most deadly women: First up, we’re discussing Mary Elizabeth Wilson. Dubbed the “Merry Widow of Windy Nook,” Mary’s lovers had a strange habit of suddenly dropping dead. For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Female Criminals on Spotify.