The Evolution of Cults in ‘Cultish’
Today, let’s dive into something really fascinating—how Amanda Montell took her book “Cultish” and turned it into a conversation that extends well beyond the book.
So, “Cultish” is all about cults, but not the more popular type of cults we see in the media like Jonestown, or Heaven’s Gate.
Amanda explores how everyday organizations and movements can exhibit tendencies that have the same influence as a cult through the powerful use of language.
It’s a refreshing take that connects historical cult dynamics to modern phenomena, showing how deeply language influences and controls groups.
When “Cultish” was released in June 2021, it didn’t just sit quietly on bookstore shelves.
It grabbed attention left and right, earning accolades from The Washington Post and The Atlantic, and even made it onto NPR’s best books of 2021 list. The book resonated with readers, as seen by its strong ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.
But Amanda carried on with her efforts after the book was published. She leveraged her insights and launched a podcast titled “Sounds Like A Cult.” This podcast isn’t just a rundown of her book; it’s an expansion of her themes, where each episode tackles different everyday topics or organizations that may have influence and tendences that could resemble the characteristics and tactics of a cult. It’s a brilliant move that keeps the discussion alive and introduces her work to a broader audience.
It snagged the title of “Best Emerging Podcast” at the 2023 iHeart Radio Podcast Awards and was highlighted by Vulture and Esquire as one of the top podcasts last year. It’s a perfect example of how dynamic and engaging content can stem from the core ideas of a book, bringing those ideas to new platforms and keeping the audience engaged.
Networking and collaboration are also in Amanda’s toolkit. She’s active on YouTube, collaborating with other creators to reach new people and keep the buzz going around her work. Her expertise in language and cult dynamics is widely recognized, as she is featured in Netflix documentaries and on platforms like Discovery+ and Vice TV, stretching her influence even further.
What’s really inspiring here is Amanda’s approach to her work. It shows us that a book can be just the starting point. Whether it’s through launching a podcast, collaborating with others, or stepping into different media, there are endless ways to amplify your message and engage with more people.
If you want to learn more about how Amanda Montell expanded her mission beyond her book, make sure to listen to this podcast episode.
