Cults & Cons: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and The Rajneesh Movement

In today's second episode of Cults & Cons, Vanessa Richardson unpacks the rise and collapse of the Rajneesh Movement, a New Age cult that transformed a remote stretch of rural Oregon into a powerful and deeply disturbing experiment in control. What began as a promise of spiritual enlightenment and communal living under the guidance of guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh quickly devolved into paranoia, political manipulation, and violence. As the cult’s leadership consolidated power, its members carried out election interference, intimidation campaigns, and ultimately the largest bioterror attack in U.S. history. And for more cases just like this one, be sure to check out the Crime House Original, Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes. If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Crime House 24/7 to never miss a case! For ad-free listening and exclusive bonus episodes, subscribe to Crime House+. Join at crimehouseplus.com or if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, tap “Try Free” at the top of this show’s page. Crime House 24/7 is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes of Reddit, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, Murder True Crime Stories, and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social Instagram: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247 TikTok: @Crimehouse | @crimehouse247 Facebook: @crimehousestudios X: @crimehousemedia YouTube: @crimehousestudios