The Cult of Roller Derby
Sounds Like A Cult
07/15/25
•69m
About
Comments
Featured In
Once hailed as a feminist rebellion on wheels, modern roller derby spins a complicated web of DIY empowerment, body-positivity, and community. From punny alter egos and glitter-soaked uniforms, to initiation rituals and injury worship, we unpack how the derby track became a sacred stage for self-invention. Rachel Rotten (@rachtilldeath), a longtime skater and derby lifer, joins us to share what it’s really like on the inside: the unspoken rules, the identity shifts, and the brutal beauty of a sport that demands your body, your weekends, and possibly your soul??? Join us in our exploration of the cult-like sisterhood of Roller Derby!
Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!
Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles.
Thank you to our sponsors!
- Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/st3nalv7 #CashAppPod. As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Visit cash.app/legal/podc...
Previous Episode
The Cult of America's Next Top Model
July 8, 2025
•79m
This week, Chelsea, Amanda, and guest Sarah Hartshorne (@sarahbhartshorne) dig into the high-gloss, high-drama, and disturbingly high-control world of America’s Next Top Model. Once hailed as a launchpad for aspiring models, the long-running franchise masked emotional manipulation and identity erasure beneath a veneer of empowerment and fashion fantasy.
From Tyra Banks’ god-like authority to the cultish language of “smize” and “booty tooch,” we explore how ANTM built a reality TV empire on forced makeovers, psychological pressure, and spectacle disguised as self-improvement. Sarah, who rose to fame as the only plus-size contestant on Cycle 9, joins us to expose what really went down behind the catwalk, drawing from her upcoming memoir You Wanna Be On Top?
Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!
Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles.
Thank you to our sponsors!
- Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CULT
- Start paying rent through Bilt and ...
Next Episode
The Cult of Cruise Ships
July 22, 2025
•64m
Ahoy, Culties! This week we’re resurfacing one of our most popular episodes from last summer: The Cult of Cruise Ships. While we cook up some fresh new episodes for you (we see you, Labubu), we’re revisiting this sea-sickeningly good deep dive into the bizarre, floating world of loyalty tiers, all-you-can-eat shrimp, and high-seas herd mentality. But wait! Don’t set sail just yet. We’ve added a brand new intro with some juicy updates: from Carnival’s controversial new loyalty program to Netflix’s Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, the cruise cult has only gotten wilder since this episode first aired. So grab your towel animal, your lanyard, and your Dramamine... and let’s get back on board.
Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!
Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles.
Thank you to our sponsors!
- Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CULT
- Start paying rent through Bilt and take advantage of your Neighborhood BenefitsTM by going to https://joinbilt.com/CULT
Please consider donating to those affected by ICE activity in the LA Area. Team SLAC are donating to the Coal...
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted