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Undercover in a Cult

Undercover in a Cult

Time: 40:29
The Kabbalah Centre took off when Madonna changed her name to Esther and joined their ranks. Soon enough, Ashton Kutcher, Victoria Beckham and many other celebrities were wearing the Kabbalah Centre’s signature red string bracelet.
But, the centre’s teachings were unconventional. They claimed that you could simply scan the words of the Zohar, even if you didn’t understand the Aramaic text, and reap spiritual benefits.
Journalist John Sweeney started an investigation and sent in an undercover agent to infiltrate the centre. What he found out was shocking.
A Somethin' Else production.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode ID: 1000547820169
GUID: 160beb8a-2cc7-4ac2-8924-7c0b3460172a
Release Date: 25/01/2022, 06:00:00

Description

Have you ever wondered about those people in life who don’t play by the rules? Maybe it was the person who looked over your shoulder in that exam. The person who got the job instead of you because they lied on their application or the nice fella on the phone who said he was from the bank and ended up taking all your money.
We have a name for these people. We call them cheats. People who cheat the system, largescale cheats, social media cheats. We are fascinated by them. We read about them in paper. Or watch news stories about them on TV. We marvel at their rise and take a weird pleasure in their fall. But do we ever ask what makes these cheats actually do the bad things they do? What makes them cheat?
From Somethin’ Else, makers of ‘Power: The Maxwells’ and ‘The Fault Line: Bush, Blair and Iraq’, hosted by storyteller Alzo Slade, ‘Cheat!’ tells the inside stories behind some of the biggest scandals in contemporary history and the flawed protagonists at their heart: controversial and contentious figures from the world of pop culture, business, sport, music, politics. Why do people cheat? Is it ever justifiable? And most importantly are cheats – these people we think of as the dregs of our society – actually not so different from ourselves?
A Somethin' Else production.

Apple Podcasts: Customer Reviews

Intriguing

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Kais T
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2022-01-09
I literally binge listened to this podcast. Very entertaining but also learned a whole lot. The host is also quite witty and probably says what you’re thinking.

Interesting, fun and shocking in equal measure.

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Diddlesmum
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2021-12-27
I’m not sure how I found this podcast but I’m so glad I did.
Each one has been really interesting and I’ve learned a lot of ‘back stories’ to events I was vaguely aware of.
Alzo is a great narrator too. Do yourself a favour and download these.

Fab

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Bergperson
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2021-12-07
Alzo is one of the best podcast hosts. His personal quips and evaluations are gems. And the podcast subjects are diverse, not limited to Anglo/western areas.

Great variety and beautiful voice!

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JetWG
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2021-11-17
Such a wide range of subjects and different types of cheating, it’s never dull. The narrator has a beautiful voice too. Highly recommended!

Brilliant podcast

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Lady_Mondegreen
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2021-11-13
One of my all time favourite podcasts. Stories are fascinating, well researched and totally random.
And Azlo Slade - swoon! Clever, funny, insightful & a voice I could listen to forever.

Great show

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professor lucy
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2021-11-09
I love alzos voice and delivery - feels like a friend. Stories are wide-ranging which is generally a good thing although occasionally I find them outside my areas of interest. Overall excellent podcast.

Interesting

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Badge 109
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2021-11-07
The story’s you don’t hear about or the full story you don’t get told. Really interesting. Not too long either so keeps your interest

Great storytelling

 – 
RachLondon
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2021-11-02
Just in-depth enough, fast paced, great narration. Enjoyed all the episodes.

Narrator great

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Sparkling Swifty
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2021-10-31
Thanks for such great storytelling

Great listen and always learning

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j0aneycakes
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2021-10-27
This podcast is fabulous , narrator is great, and the subjects are fantastic! And fantastical From scientist to chess players they’re all on it!

Great narratives & great narrator’s voice!

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evennicknamefeaturefails
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2021-10-12
Entertaining & thoughtful & easy on the ear

The legacy of the empire - great episode

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christinarazelle
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2021-10-12
Thank you for this episode on Stolen Art and Stolen Back, and for posing the question of reflecting on how stolen artifacts in history brings us to the political and socio-cultural situations of today. Hit home for a South-East Asian mixed race person who has lived in two colonised countries and the UK. Thanks for calling out this cheat!

Great stories!

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babochina
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2021-10-09
Topics are a bit random and it makes the charm of this podcast because the stories are always interesting, very well-researched, brought into context, and the host is like a friend telling you a good anecdote, always worth a listen! (More about financial crimes please)

Top draw

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allllllleeeeeeeexxxxxxxx
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2021-09-28
Presenter is perfect love the voice and narration, great content and perfect length

Fantastic!

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Katherinaminola
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2021-09-17
I love this podcast! The presenter is great, and funny! Listen, just for the description of Major Charles Ingram as “Mr Bean in a military uniform”!!
Fascinating stories, and as a Joe Bloggs you can feel great that a lot of these cheats are just scamming the stupidly rich!
Funny, interesting and bite size! Much to be enjoyed!

Entertaining and informative

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Cassiecupcake81
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2021-09-16
I could listen to Alzo read the phone book. His voice is captivating and I love his style. He is clearly a very intelligent man, but he is never condescending and he breaks down the complexities in the story in a comprehensive way. I always feel that I’ve learned something after having listened to one of his episodes, and I always look forward to the next one. Highly recommend.

Fantastic Show

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JMDMCM
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2021-09-13
I love the format of this show and the presenter has a great sense of humour. Some of the stories I have heard of but this brought a new perspective that I wasn’t aware of.

Love it!

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TK 1138
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2021-09-07
Alzo Slade is perfect at narrating this podcaste. Love the stories and the way he tells them.
Always listen as soon as I get the next episode.

Cheat!

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_mrroberts_78
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2021-08-31
This podcast from SomethinElse’ is really great! Such a diverse selection of stories where people have tried to cheat their way to success etc. Alzo is a very good host.

Love the host, already now the stories

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GeorgieLondon
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2021-08-25
I love the simplicity of this podcast, and the host is great, but most of the stories are tired. I’ve given up downloading them because I’ve heard them all before, many times, in other places. Such a shame.

Love this podcast, shame I won’t be able to listen to it anymore

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Manusimpson18
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2021-08-24
Very disappointed to see that it’s subscription only now, I know it doesn’t cost much per month but it’s the little things that add up, and simply, podcasts are usually free.

Great podcast

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Northern Potter
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2021-08-21
Just discovered Cheat!
Love the whole concept, and have learned so much!
And yes - what a voice!
Have listened to some more than once (by accident, but even so ..)

Love it

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Di the Diamond
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2021-08-20
Really interesting. Delivered with humour and I love the
Presenters voice. I look forward to the weekly episodes.
Would highly recommend it.

Great content!

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deigdgjrss
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2021-08-17
Interesting content, I like the guys voice too! I look forward to each weeks new episode

Excellent!!

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Dinkyhhhhh
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2021-08-17
Very good podcast. Fascinating topics, good humour, and Alzo's voice <3

More Analysis Please

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SMOTP
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2021-08-16
The podcast is great, thank you for sharing! I, personally, would really appreciate either a whole episode devoted to the philosophy and morality of cheating, or more of this debate/analysis at the end of each episode.

Everything you want and more

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jj211010
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2021-08-11
If this show sounds like something you’d like but you’ve been left disappointed from other podcasts that talk a big game and fall flat, you will LOVE this show! Episodes are engaging, research is perfect and presented brilliantly. From someone who easily gets bored of shows, is left disappointed by content or finds shows just falling flat after one or two good episodes, I can honestly say this is one I count down the days till the new episodes drop. Keep up the great work Aldo and team! 🇮🇪

Stunning Voice Great Show

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k8bell
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2021-08-03
Love love love Alzo’s voice and hysterical sublime humour. Well researched and brilliantly presented.

Superb!

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Gilena Simons
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2021-08-02
I totally agree with Vanhelsingh on all points. Well done! Keep on being you. I don’t understand cheaters either. At. All. You are the best!

Poor research

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bgf1974
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2021-07-29
Was enjoying these stories until the Marion Jones story, when a so called expert claimed that the fact Jones cheated, got caught and received a 6 month jail term was an example of white supremacy. The podcast repeatedly claimed that Jones is the only athlete to serve jail time for doping, when even a cursory search in google will show you that is not true, but obviously doesn’t fit the agenda. Very very poor, do your research and don’t select facts to fit your narrative, lazy, lazy journalism.

Brilliant Podcast!

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Vanhelsingh
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2021-07-28
The narration on this is amazing from Alzo, and the investigation work is amazing.
I haven’t looked forward to a podcast like this in a long time. I genuinely wish this podcast never ends. I’m letting as many people I know about it.

Dope af

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Jeevy Jeeves
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2021-07-24
I’ve been ploughing through the podcasts and looking for new content. This is like a breath of fresh air. The episodes about the boxer and the hipster grifter are standout. Dope af

Great!

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CaraJR_
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2021-07-20
Great podcast with excellent narrator - his voice is so chill.

Great listen

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BetNMonti
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2021-07-18
Great listen, not to long, not to short, love the narrator too.

Amazing Narration

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JoAJo20
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2021-07-17
I’ve just found this podcast and I love it! Love the narration and the stories are told really well. I look forward to many, many more episodes… please! Keep up the amazing work.

Excellent

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mazzy20
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2021-07-15
I love this podcast it’s narrated so well. Love it please keep them coming

Recommended listen

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LondonW10
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2021-07-11
Entertaining podcast. Really enjoying listening to these. I knew about the coughing major already but still enjoyed the episode. Looking forward to hearing more.

CHEAT : Alzo Slate -

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I.Only.Back.Winners!
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2021-07-08
This podcast on people who cheat the system is extremely informative and very interesting. Updated weekly.
I started to listen to the first episode of cheats, and got sucked right in. Unfortunately, distractions of life intervened! I’m now back and ready to consume some more…. Just one more thing… I expect to see this excellent Podcast Series Updated, with more lined up. For instance, there has recently been some important news regarding England’s major win against Denmark in the International Football Stadium in London. Broadcast to the world, so Sky and the BBC etc., should be feeling elated! Whilst, I am not the slightest bit interested in any ball games, I do realise many people do enjoy watching. I am equally aware of the enormous strain that the English Squad were under. Losing was not an option! Their Captain’s expression resembled a pressure cooker. The political edge was abundantly clear. Especially, when Germany was playing. Same could also be maybe said, when Sweden played too. However, Ireland was now automatically claimed as being from England, whether they liked it, knew it, or whatever? The major media channels inserted their win and glory in every available slot, so even I could not fail to hear about it. It wasn’t until today, Thursday, 8th July, 2021, that another video emerged, which now sheds a new light and has left the English Win in dispute! The newsreel showed the English Team Captain about to take a shot. All eyes were on him to achieve and kick it into the Danish Goalie’s net. Nobody else was allowed to move. Just before he kicks the football, the video quickly pans to the watching, waiting Dane guarding his net. Suddenly, a bright light is beamed onto his forehead very close to his eyes. Then the English Captain scores his expected goal. Afterwards, the newsreader announces that it was a laser device which momentarily blinded the Danish Referee and the police are looking at their surveillance to apprehend the culprit!!!
Then there is also the strange ending of a very young female tennis player and her first time on the Centre Court at Wimbledon. She had already proved herself to have arrived! She had everything going in her favour, then she quits the Court in tears….?
Then there is the even stranger tail of a very fit young Scandinavian young man, who is in his physical prime, who suffers a Cardiac Arresst?
I wonder if any of them had been injected beforehand?
I heard today on Main Stream Media for the very first time some truly shocking news! 13 healthy people who do NOT have Aides, have agreed to be injected with an Aides Drug for a new Clinical Trial! I wonder how much money they were promised? Given the desperate pleading for more “Lab Rats” to be tested on, I would not bet that they ever receive a penny! Especially, as 2,000 Corona Virus Injectors were to be ejected!
Lastly, I feel it prudent to point out that anybody can fall from a high place. It can also be said, the higher their position, the harder they fall! Everybody can screw-up if they back the wrong horse or coarse.

An interesting, fun listen

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kiwimac21
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2021-07-06
I’ve really enjoyed this series. I was left a bit puzzled by the Ashley Madison episode. It seemed to end abruptly- what happened to the founder of the site? Did people pay up? Has another similar site popped up? I would have liked more info!

Very interesting good listen

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seasidegirl x
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2021-07-05
I think the storytelling of each episode is great. You get the facts of every eps and in a very none bias way meaning it’s down to you on whether you think it is cheating or not. Apart from the newest episode the rest of them were new to me which is fab!!

Love this!

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new phoebe
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2021-07-05
What a refreshing take on some of the most interesting stories of scandal I’ve heard in the last few years! Not too long with good detail and varied stories! Love it

Completely different

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zengardensuk
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2021-06-29
apart from the latest episode (coughing major) I didnt know about the rest of these stories. Keep them coming, very interesting. Plus, alzos voice is smoooooth

New favourite podcast!

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L Wiseman
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2021-06-26
Really enjoying this podcast. Alzo’s presenting style is great and the subject matter is always interesting and a little bit different. I just wish they were a bit longer! Looking forward to future episodes.

Can’t get enough of CHEAT

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bawbag1962
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2021-06-26
Six episodes so far
Six 5 star episodes
Loving it
Great narration
And some brilliant scams or very bad scams
That’s for you to decide

Fabulous

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Queenofthestoneage69
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2021-06-22
Love Alzo’s narration. The material is a bit different and so interesting. Definitely worth a listen!

Excellent podcast

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whyyouasking.
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2021-06-22
Love this; interesting stories told well. What more can you want?

Needs a subscription

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C3INSIAN
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2021-06-22
I was very much enjoying this until I found out you need a subscription to keep listening.

Very eclectic mix of fascinating stories!

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Rubyparis234
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2021-06-22
I’m really enjoying this podcast and look forward to each episode. The narrator’s voice is one of the best I’ve heard

Loving it!

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Sparklesister
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2021-06-21
Really enjoying this podcast. Listened to 5 episodes so far & they’re great. Well researched and produced. Keep them coming 🙂

Worth a listen

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cyborg from the city
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2021-06-16
I've only listened to one episode, but thoroughly enjoyed the unique story telling. Love Alzo's voice too. Looking forward to more episodes.