Was My Choir A Cult? w/ Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell and caller Matt unpack the surprisingly blurry line between belonging and blind devotion, reflecting on a high school show choir that sometimes felt a little... cultish.

What You’ll Hear

The Charisma Factor: Matt revisits the magnetic show choir director who inspired fierce loyalty, unforgettable performances, and a few lingering questions about leadership and influence.

Rituals, Rivalries, and Red Flags: From pre-show traditions to intense competition and an "us versus them" mindset, Amanda explores how ordinary groups can take on surprisingly cult-like dynamics.

Finding Community Without Losing Yourself: Together they consider why close-knit groups can shape us for the better—and how to recognize the difference between healthy belonging and unhealthy control.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Amanda's sleep simplicity journey
03:00 Was high school show choir a cult?
09:48 Rituals that built belonging
12:35 Competition and us versus them
16:41 Amanda's cult rating

For the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.