The Cult of Gooning
Sounds Like A Cult
06/30/26
•56m
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Today's episode is brought to you by Incognito Mode. This week, Amanda, Reese, and Iman descend into one of the internet's strangest corners: The Cult of Gooning. Joined by journalist Daniel Kolitz (@daniel.kolitz), author of Harper's viral feature The Goon Squad, the gang explores the bizarre online world where pornography has evolved into a full blown fandom complete with its own language, rituals, Discord servers, and the pursuit of the mythical "goon state." From goon babble to goon caves, we're unpacking how irony, loneliness, porn culture, and the algorithm collided to create one of the internet's strangest subcultures. Is this just an extremely niche fetish or proof that men will invent literally anything except therapy?
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Previous Episode
The Cult of Enneagram
June 23
•49m
You're not controlling, you're a 1. You're not dramatic, you're a 4. You're not avoiding your problems, you're a 7. This week, certified 3's, Reese and Iman investigate the cult of the Enneagram, where a mysterious set of numbers has convinced millions of people they finally understand themselves, their exes, their coworkers, and the reason they forgot to text back. They're joined by Enneagram expert Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober (@enneagramashton) to unpack how Enneagram has become a sacred culty language for explaining literally everything. We dig into its surprisingly mystical origins, devoted followers, and the irresistible appeal of having your deepest flaws neatly organized into a convenient numerical category. Whether you've spent three years debating your wing, accidentally made your type your entire personality, or have weaponized attachment styles and the Enneagram in the same conversation, welcome home. The numbers already knew you were coming.
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Next Episode
The Cult of Women for Trump
July 7
•62m
She's blonde. She's patriotic. She's wearing a Bible verse on her T-shirt while telling immigrants to go back where they came from. She's voting for Trump. This week we're revisiting our episode on The Cult of Women for Trump, with a new introduction reflecting on how much this movement has evolved over the past year. From homemaking influencers to conservative power players, the Women for Trump pipeline has never been stronger. But while some women have become the face of the movement, others seem to have vanished from the halls of power entirely. Curious! To help us unpack the contradictions, we're joined by journalist, author, and two-time courtroom victor over Donald Trump himself, E. Jean Carroll (@ejeancarroll1). Say a prayer for the republic, pour one out for Gloria Steinem, and press play while you still have rights. And be sure to tune in next week for a brand new episode where we tackle one of the most devastating examples of a cult creating a problem and then selling itself as the solution.
Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!
Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles, @imanharirikia.
Pre-order Iman's new book, Once in a Timeline, here! Your pre-order helps make more books possible!
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