Episode Summary: In this episode of Heinous Beliefs , we dive into the disturbing true story of Amy Carlson and the Love Has Won cult —a movement that started with New Age spiritual teachings and quickly spiraled into manipulation, abuse, and tragedy. Amy, who claimed to be Mother God , convinced her followers she had lived over 500 past lives , including as Jesus, Cleopatra, and Marilyn Monroe . Under her control, cult members lived under strict rules, suffered sleep deprivation, financial exploitation, and psychological abuse , and watched as their leader wasted away due to alcohol addiction and silver poisoning —all while believing she was undergoing a divine transformation. When authorities finally discovered Amy’s body, it was mummified, wrapped in Christmas lights, and still being worshiped by her followers. The case raises deep questions about the dangers of blind faith, cult psychology, and why legal systems struggle to hold cult leaders accountable . Key Topics Covered: ✅ How did Amy Carlson convince people she was a god? ✅ The disturbing lifestyle inside the Love Has Won cult ✅ The group’s bizarre mix of New Age beliefs and conspiracy theories ✅ The horrifying discovery of Amy’s mummified body ✅ The aftermath: What happened to the cult after her death? ✅ Why were members only charged with mishandling a corpse? If you're fascinated by the dark side of belief , cult psychology, and how extreme ideologies can lead to horrific consequences , this episode is a must-listen. Follow & Contact Us: 📩 Email: heinousbeliefs@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @heinousbeliefs 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow true crime fans! 🚨 Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we uncover another chilling case of belief gone wrong. Until then— stay safe, stay skeptical, and don’t join a cult.…

Episode Overview In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we uncover the heartbreaking case of Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old girl from Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, who tragically lost her life due to religious medical neglect. Elizabeth was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires regular insulin to manage blood sugar levels and prevent life-threatening complications. However, her parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, made a devastating choice—to stop her insulin treatment entirely, trusting that their faith and prayers would heal her instead. Under the influence of an extreme religious sect called The Saints, led by Brendan Stevens, Elizabeth’s parents, along with 12 other group members, stood by for six agonizing days, watching as she grew weaker and sicker. Instead of seeking urgent medical help, they fasted, prayed, and sang hymns, believing that their faith alone would restore her health. When Elizabeth finally succumbed to diabetic ketoacidosis, the group waited a full 24 hours before calling emergency services—still clinging to the hope that she might be resurrected. This episode breaks down the shocking details of this case, how religious extremism led to a preventable death, and the legal aftermath that followed. 📖 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ Who was Elizabeth Struhs? A glimpse into Elizabeth’s life, her diagnosis, and how her parents’ beliefs dictated her medical care—or lack thereof. ✅ Inside The Saints: The Sect That Rejected Medicine How Brendan Stevens, the leader of The Saints, created a closed-off, extremist religious group that rejected modern medicine, convinced followers that illness was a test of faith, and controlled every aspect of their lives. ✅ The Six Days of Suffering A step-by-step timeline of Elizabeth’s rapid health decline, her unbearable suffering, and how the adults around her chose to ignore obvious medical red flags in favor of prayer. ✅ How Police Discovered the Truth The shocking moment when authorities arrived at the Struhs home to find Elizabeth’s lifeless body surrounded by praying sect members. How investigators pieced together the events leading up to her death and arrested 14 individuals, including Jason and Kerrie. ✅ The Trial and Sentencing: Did Justice Prevail? The courtroom battle where prosecutors argued that every person involved played a role in Elizabeth’s death, either through direct negligence or enforcing harmful beliefs. How the Australian legal system handled the case and what the sentencing meant for religious freedom vs. child protection laws. ✅ How This Case Sparked a National Debate The larger conversation around faith-based medical neglect, parental rights, and government intervention. Can religious freedom go too far? And when should the law step in to protect children from dangerous beliefs? ⚖️ The Legal Outcome – What Happened to The Saints? After an intense trial, all 14 members of The Saints were found guilty of manslaughter for their roles in Elizabeth’s death. Sentences handed down included: Jason & Kerrie Struhs (Parents): 15 years in prison, no parole for 10 years. Brendan Stevens (Leader of The Saints): 12 years in prison for his role in enforcing faith-based medical neglect. Other Members of The Saints: Sentences ranging from 7 to 10 years, based on their level of involvement. The court ruled that faith is not a legal defense for criminal neglect—a landmark decision that reinforced the duty of care parents and guardians must uphold, regardless of religious beliefs. 💭 Why This Case Matters Elizabeth’s death wasn’t just a tragic accident—it was a direct result of extreme religious beliefs overriding common sense and medical reality. Cases like this raise difficult but necessary questions: ❓ Where do we draw the line between religious freedom and criminal negligence? ❓ How do cult-like communities manipulate people into ignoring basic medical care? ❓ What can be done to prevent more children from suffering the same fate? 📢 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @heinousbeliefs 📧 Email us: heinousbeliefs@gmail.com 💬 We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this case, suggest future topics, and connect with other listeners. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child death due to medical neglect and religious extremism. Listener discretion is strongly advised.…

Episode Summary: In this episode of Heinous Beliefs , we dive into one of the most calculated family annihilations in true crime history—the chilling case of John Emil List. In 1971, List meticulously planned and executed the murders of his wife, three children, and elderly mother in their Westfield, New Jersey mansion. He believed he was saving them from financial ruin and the temptations of a “corrupt world.” After the killings, List disappeared without a trace, assuming a new identity and living a normal life for 18 years before finally being caught thanks to a forensic bust and an episode of America’s Most Wanted . We explore the disturbing psychology behind his actions, his eerie lack of remorse in interviews, and how he managed to evade justice for nearly two decades. Topics Covered in This Episode: ✔️ John List’s strict religious upbringing and obsession with control ✔️ His financial downfall and increasing paranoia ✔️ The cold-blooded murder of his entire family ✔️ His shocking confession letter to his pastor ✔️ How he lived undetected for 18 years under a fake identity ✔️ His arrest, trial, and chilling 2002 interview with Connie Chung Listener Discretion: This episode discusses graphic violence, family annihilation, and religious extremism. Please listen with caution. CTA (Call to Action): Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow true crime lovers! Follow Heinous Beliefs on social media for updates and bonus content. INSTAGRAM : @heinousbeliefs EMAIL : heinousbeliefs@gmail.com…

Episode Title: The Aum Shinrikyo Cult – From Enlightenment to Terror Podcast: Heinous Beliefs Episode Summary: In this episode of Heinous Beliefs , we dive into the chilling story of Aum Shinrikyo, a doomsday cult that transformed from a so-called spiritual movement into one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations in modern history. Led by the manipulative and power-hungry Shoko Asahara, the cult attracted thousands of followers, including highly educated professionals, with promises of salvation and enlightenment. But behind the scenes, Asahara was preparing for war—stockpiling chemical weapons, brainwashing followers, and orchestrating one of Japan’s worst acts of domestic terrorism. We break down how this cult gained so much influence, the horrifying Tokyo subway attack, and how its remnants still exist today under different names. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Who was Shoko Asahara, and how did he convince thousands to worship him? How Aum Shinrikyo grew from a spiritual movement into a global threat. The 1995 Tokyo subway attack: What happened, who was affected, and how authorities responded. The shocking discoveries inside the cult’s compounds—chemical labs, weapons, and blueprints for mass murder. What happened to Aum Shinrikyo after Asahara’s execution and why offshoot groups are still active today. Key Takeaways: Blind faith can be dangerous when it leads people to stop questioning reality. Cults don’t just recruit weak-minded people; they prey on those searching for meaning and purpose. Even after their leaders fall, extremist groups often rebrand and continue their activities under new names. Resources & References: Investigative reports on the Aum Shinrikyo subway attack. Court documents and trial coverage of Shoko Asahara. Survivor testimonies and expert analyses on cult behavior. Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on this episode? Hit us up via email or on social media! Let’s talk about the dangers of unchecked belief and why critical thinking is more important than ever. Follow & Support: Subscribe to Heinous Beliefs on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram for episode updates and discussions. Email us at heinousbeliefs@gmail.com with your thoughts and feedback. Leave a review—it helps us grow and keep these stories coming! Tune in next time for another deep dive into belief gone wrong .…

In this episode of Heinous Beliefs, we explore the rise and fall of Yahweh Ben Yahweh, born Hulon Mitchell Jr., a preacher’s son who rebranded himself as a self-proclaimed Son of God. From his roots in Oklahoma to his unsettling control over the Nation of Yahweh in Miami, Yahweh’s journey was riddled with manipulation, coercion, and violence. Behind his promises of salvation and empowerment lay a reality of brutal murders, fear tactics, and a cult-like regime. This episode dives deep into his life, the crimes of the Nation of Yahweh, and the law enforcement efforts that brought him to justice. Key Points Covered: Introduction: Overview of the podcast’s theme: crimes driven by belief systems. A recap of Episode 1 and its connection to the podcast’s overall focus. Teaser: Yahweh Ben Yahweh’s transformation from a preacher’s son to the leader of a fearsome cult. Early Life of Hulon Mitchell Jr.: Growing up in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, as one of 15 children in a devout religious family. His father’s role as a preacher and how this shaped Hulon’s early ambitions. Experiencing racism and economic hardship in the Jim Crow South. The Path Before Miami: Military service and the discipline Hulon developed during his time in the armed forces. His brief attempt at law school and subsequent decision to join the Nation of Islam. Hulon’s fascination with Malcolm X and his adoption of the name Hulon X. Preaching under various names like "Father Mitchell" and "Reverend Hulon Shah" in cities like Atlanta, blending Christian theology, Nation of Islam teachings, and Jewish principles to attract followers. The Nation of Yahweh Takes Shape: Yahweh’s arrival in Miami in the late 1970s and his establishment of the "Temple of Love." How he targeted disenfranchised Black communities with messages of empowerment and salvation. His financial model: mandatory tithes, unpaid labor, and the operation of community businesses. Life Within the Nation: Strict rules: white robes symbolizing purity, early morning prayers, and communal meals. Isolation from family and the outside world, fostering a culture of dependence and loyalty. Circumcision rituals for male recruits and the psychological control these practices enforced. The roles of women, particularly the wives of enforcers, in maintaining secrecy and supporting Yahweh’s regime. A Culture of Fear and Violence: The murder of Aston Green and its use as a warning to other members. Initiation killings like that of Raymond Kelly, where recruits had to prove loyalty through violent acts. Testimonies from neighbors around the Temple of Love describing screams, disappearances, and a culture of silence enforced by fear. The Arrest and Trial: The FBI’s multi-state investigation into Yahweh’s activities and the coordination of local law enforcement. Yahweh’s dramatic arrest in November 1990 and the simultaneous raids on Nation properties in Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Key testimonies, particularly from Robert Rozier, detailing murders carried out on Yahweh’s orders. Courtroom revelations: recordings of Yahweh’s sermons, graphic crime scene photos, and victims’ families testifying. Yahweh’s conviction in 1992 on conspiracy to commit murder and racketeering charges. Yahweh Ben Yahweh’s Downfall and Legacy: His time in prison, continued proclamations of divinity, and his attempts to maintain influence. Yahweh’s death in 2007 from prostate cancer and the end of his physical reign. The lasting trauma he left on his followers, victims’ families, and the communities he manipulated. Closing Thoughts: Reflection on the dangers of unchecked power and blind faith. Encouragement to critically examine leaders and their messages. Memorable Quotes: “You didn’t just follow orders—you followed them, or you were next.” - Robert Rozier’s testimony. “It was like a prison, but you were supposed to be grateful to be there.” - Former Nation of Yahweh member. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Heinous Beliefs on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a review! Got questions or suggestions? Email us at [Insert Contact Email]. Tune in next Friday for another chilling story of belief turned deadly.…

In this episode of Heinous Beliefs , we explore the heartbreaking and disturbing case of Deanna Laney, a deeply religious mother from Texas who believed she was commanded by God to kill her children. Paralleling the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, Deanna’s delusions led to the tragic deaths of her two young sons, Joshua and Luke, and the severe injury of her infant son, Aaron. Through detailed research, we uncover the events leading to this unimaginable crime, the role of religious fanaticism and mental illness, and the aftermath that shocked an entire community. What happens when faith and mental health collide in the worst possible way? Join us as we discuss this devastating story and the broader implications of belief gone wrong. Key Points Discussed: Deanna Laney’s Background: Her upbringing in a deeply religious environment and her devotion to her faith. The Tragic Night: A timeline of the events leading to the murders of Joshua and Luke, and Aaron’s injuries. Religious Delusions: How Deanna’s belief that God was testing her faith mirrored the story of Abraham and Isaac. Mental Health and Religion: The intersection of psychosis, religious ideology, and violent behavior. The Legal Outcome: The insanity defense and Deanna’s acquittal on the grounds of mental illness. Broader Implications: How religious beliefs and mental health crises can fuel dangerous actions, and what society can learn from this case. Listener Discretion: This episode includes graphic descriptions of violence against children. Please listen with care. Follow Us: Instagram: @HeinousBeliefsPodcast Join our discussion community on discord (after subscription) Closing Note: If you found this episode thought-provoking, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. Your support helps us continue exploring the darker side of belief systems and their consequences.…