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b"Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans.\\xa0\\n\\nMany of these religious sects are\\xa0tax-exempt. Like Scientology, even some fringe religions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.\\xa0\\n\\nNot all cults are religious. At first glance, some cults don't seem culty at all. For example, take a closer look at businesses such as multi-level marketing companies. These companies are masquerading as a business, but in reality, they're run by narcissistic ego-maniacs.\\xa0\\n\\nThe Cult Startup\\xa0\\nLike businesses, cults go through different phases. First, there's a startup phase where an entrepreneurial cult leader leads a movement and brings new innovative and revolutionary ideas. Take, for example,\\xa0Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple. In the beginning, he integrated his congregation during the Civil Rights Movement. After that, he was heavily involved in politics and social activism. The allure was undeniable. But in the end, Jones ordered 909 commune members to end their lives.\\xa0\\xa0\\n\\nThe Cult Franchise\\nThen, there comes the point where the cult needs to expand its Business and influence. Take, for example, The\\xa0Twelve Tribes\\xa0religious sect. This organization, widely considered a cult, operates several businesses worldwide. I visited one of their\\xa0Yellow Deli\\xa0restaurants for the second installment of this series.\\xa0\\n\\nThe Cult Exit Strategy\\nIf you're not evolving, you're dying. And sometimes, literally dying. So, what happens when a cult becomes too big to fail? Some morally bankrupt cult leaders resort to mass suicide. Other cults grow so big and fast that they become worldwide institutional organizations.\\xa0\\n\\nThe Business of Cults\\xa0\\nThe Business of Cults is a three-part series hosted by Rebekah Sebastian with the\\xa0DIELAOGUE Podcast\\xa0and Javier Leiva of\\xa0PRETEND podcast.\\xa0\\nPart one focuses on\\xa0The C Suite: Chief Cult Executives. Part two features an interview with former NXIVM member Sarah Edmondson. And Part three explores the question, can a cult survive without its leader?\\n\\nListen to part two now on Patreon. \\n\\nBuy the t-shirt for this week's episode. Collage art by @kelletteworks\\nhttps://pretend-radio-3.creator-spring.com/\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"