Analysis of the Source Family and Jim Baker (Father Yod) | Dangers of Cult Leader Hang Gliding

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of the Source Family and “Father Yod” (Jim Baker)?
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[@roverdover4449]

There was a cult (didn't know it at the time) in South Korea offering Korean lessons. I went to a few, and they tried to get me to join their "Peace Day Festival". I declined that but wanted to keep studying with them. They stopped answering my calls and messages. I was ghosted by a cult. I'm rather proud of that.

[@stephaniesamra7960]

🤣🤣🤣 funny

[@bg6364]

This reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where George gets mad because a cult doesn’t want to recruit him 😂

[@paulforder591]

Smart thinking, indeed! 😸

[@IMWeira]

And you should be proud. Too many go for these things, looking for peace and !ove. Then discover it is more about shysters separating them from their cash.

[@cabooseabs6864]

At first I imagined they were lessons on being Korean, not just the language.

[@anonymousstrangeness7348]

There are so many of us who greatly appreciate your videos, Doctor Grande. You're rapidly approaching 1 million subscribers. I am proud of you. ☺ 👍

[@bthomson]

I'm assuming irony or sarcasm? Never know the difference! These videos are as far from brainwashing as you can get! Besides those are shirts not robes!

[@elanahammer1076]

We are so lucky 🍀 to have a daily dose of Dr. Grande in this crazy world!

[@anonymousstrangeness7348]

@hauberrisser You could post your counterweight standpoint on your own channel.

[@anonymousstrangeness7348]

@hauberrisser Nobody is obligated to let you use their channel as your platform, Karen.

[@blombidobadila8084]

@hauberrisser I used to teach English. As far as I can ascertain your writing is what we call incoherent gibberish.

[@sherunswithscissors]

I am quite happy following a cult led by a psychologist in snappy shirts. Without his daily video I too would feel lost and alone.

[@michaelgreer9023]

spot on! Psychiatry is another "cult"

[@robertafierro5592]

I don't think you understand the meaning of a cult.

[@BUDDAH.K]

You are such a privilege to learn from About many things including mental health. I even enjoy the narrative of Which I slightly disagree with .. but no doubt The George Carlin admiration is one of those other many things I agree with you upon. Congratulations on the well earned reach 💚

[@SolzeyeJewels]

😂😂😂

[@BUDDAH.K]

@@robertafierro5592 and she runs with scissors 🏃🏽‍♀️ ✂️

[@sjrlas]

You slay me Dr Grande. Your dry sense of humor is spot on.

[@elanahammer1076]

He’s great! I am wondering if Dr. Grande has thought about stand up comedy if he should ever get burned out from analyzing some of these peoples behaviors? Lol 🤔❤🇺🇸

[@cyndyp7903]

Love his sense of humor

[@shanneff1639]

And it wouldn’t be as funny coming from anyone else! 😂😂😂

[@tabittheha]

“They approached many record labels and were rejected every time… because they were horrible.” 💀💀💀

[@jujudreamz84]

😂signing wasn't there thing

[@martyal]

But they were allowed to play at local high schools?

[@scottricci5063]

Just like Manson.

[@oldbatwit5102]

@@scottricci5063 The Beach Boys recorded a Manson song.

[@deviantoutcast]

@@martyal As this was in the 60's, perhaps the local high schools still implemented this notion of "spare the rod, spoil the child"? Or maybe it was ment to act as a general cult deterrence? =)

[@natekeyes2297]

This is the most hilarious cult I have ever heard of. I laughed throughout this video and am now watching it again.

[@Hollylivengood]

No the most hilarious was Love Has Won, but this is right behind it.

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@@Hollylivengood Is there a video on that you'd recommend?

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@@Hollylivengood Weren't they an offshoot of that cult, that was run by a Buddhist hotdog vendor, 'Make Me One With Everything'?

[@Hollylivengood]

@@skepticusmaximus184 Wow, there's a bunch but I think the best one was on the channel Ask A Mortician and it was called "Is it Legal to Mummify your Cult Leader". It was well researched, and has a lot of the cults own videos. Pretty wild.

[@Hollylivengood]

@@skepticusmaximus184 Oh man. Now I have to look that one up, just because.

[@micheleparker8123]

I'm laughing hysterically; the crap expose continues!!! The ear, nose, and throat doctor joke had me rolling on the floor. Love you, Dr. Grande.😂🤣❤️

[@kennethandrews6295]

Oh my, repressed memories just surfaced yesterday of a time before Dr. G made videos. I don't want to say it went bad but I'm in hospice watching this video. Thanks for the all the content Dr. G.

[@micheleparker8123]

😂🤣

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

🌱🌏💚 KiaOra (Hello) from New Zealand

[@emilyflotilla931]

Love and Light!

[@bthomson]

Time passed with Dr. Grande is time well spent!😻

[@sassycat6468]

Very sorry to hear that Kenneth.... keep fighting and i'm sending prayers 🙏🙏🙏

[@nancyincanada5553]

Good morning, Dr. Grande:) This is the most bizarre case I've ever heard. thanks again for a brilliant and fascinating case analysis. Nice shirt!:)

[@micheleparker8123]

I agree; nice shirt!!!😁

[@pepelemoko01]

If you like bizarre, look up the Herman Rockerfella murder case, in Australia.

[@gwendolynsinclair]

Documentary is pretty amazing

[@pepelemoko01]

@@gwendolynsinclair I always wanted Dr Grande to do a story on his murder.

[@nancyincanada5553]

@@pepelemoko01 Thanks, I will check it out.

[@aeulogyforsociety2375]

I remember this story so well. He had a picture of Gondi or something at the restaurant and someone said I'm waiting for the day you replace that with your picture and he was like oh I could never do that... then the next time they came back he did just that

[@ktcooki276]

Ghandi?? Or someone I haven't heard of??🇬🇧

[@jeanbrooks3367]

@@ktcooki276 iñ 7uu

[@alexandersilady4751]

You also misspelled his name, it's Gandhi. ;)

[@bthomson]

As a terrible speller this thread made me feel a little better!

[@skepticusmaximus184]

One day it was Gandhi and the next day Gonedi. 🙃

[@diannastafford1241]

Can’t stop laughing…”cult leader removal strategy…” is just one reason.

[@bthomson]

Yeah! That one was especially great!

[@MatthewMuhammad]

😂😂😂

[@lnc-to4ku]

"He promoted himself to....God." "One" of the things I love most about your content is how unpredictable it is! Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us! ♡♡ Also, that shirt looks amazing on you!

[@BlueSkyes17]

My poor sweet dog was sick all night and I was up with her, and listening to these videos and Bella grande media videos really helped me be okay with being awake for so long. Thank you!

[@bthomson]

🙏🐾

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I sure hope your dog is felling better.

[@BlueSkyes17]

@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom thank you, I think she is headed in the right direction after a visit to an urgent vet! So hard to see our furry kids sick....

[@BlueSkyes17]

@@bthomson thank you! She is feeling a little better so far this evening.

[@jimmieraper5807]

You're the true original gangster

[@beeimaginative]

If Jim Baker had chosen to be a hair model, he would have been much more successful. Your thumbnail of Jim Orson Baker is perfect.

[@stephenpmurphy591]

Wigs & hair pieces.

[@adam2797]

@@stephenpmurphy591 w yy says r

[@beeimaginative]

@@stephenpmurphy591 Just think of all the money he could have made with shampoo commercials. He could have afforded hang gliding lessons!

[@sophieyin]

Really big hair makes the chairisma

[@lorisutherland7728]

He looked like moses

[@iainholmes2735]

Interesting vid. Enjoyed the robust critique of the music: 'horrible'.

[@bthomson]

He tells us what he REALLY thinks!🙉

[@briangarrow448]

Nothing good comes from religious organizations that have “family” in their names.

[@quester09]

same goes for the workplace

[@briangarrow448]

@@quester09 You have that right!

[@skepticusmaximus184]

Or even political parties for that matter. It's a word that seems to elicit a kind of preordained single minded ideology, as if to say, 'we're a family because we all indulge in X beliefs and Y rituals and behaviours.' A family is so much closer than just an ordinary club or association. In politics the 'family' moniker is more often a dog whistle towards the actual 'normal' family, that is, the parents and children kind, but it also implies traditional (conservative) and religious connotations.

[@VolkXue]

@@skepticusmaximus184 hence a modern political movement against basic science and medical procedure like vaccinations and at the same time are willing to impose theocratic law over a nations populace.

[@dreadlord3627]

@Liam Quinn you felt alluded...

[@JS-bm9tf]

Your videos are gold, at a time when truth & well-reasoned discourse have become scarce. Love to escape from the noise & sit down to another of your quiet tellings & analyses, not to mention the tongue-in-cheek asides. Also wholly appreciate the absence of music & special effects, allowing your straight-story delivery to shine. Thank you!

[@michelefizer2774]

Loving the shirt, Dr. Grande! Also, thank you for another great analysis. Have a great weekend!

[@oatmanbecauseilikeoatmeal]

I love how much you’re posting. This is my favorite channel

[@Puccini1966]

Wow! The name "Jim Baker", when applied to religious studies, seems to have created at least two spiritual crooks!

[@soulvigilante]

I still have my dad's "Come to Hawaii and Start a Cult!" poster. They gave them away for free at the Rolls dealership he hung around.

[@skepticusmaximus184]

Rolls Royce have always played it smart. You can't just rely on the sparse loony cult leader market. You have to diversify into areas like the illuminati and greedy televangelist markets too. They made it through the depression and the crash of 2008, now they're gunning for a covid-19 surge, with lucrative wins in the youtube conspiracy theorists sector. 😉

[@bthomson]

Excellent use of example markets!

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@@bthomson it's not easy making luxury automobiles when you have to consider not only what public leaders in the antivax movement want, but also bible thumping evangelists and lizard brained overloards of the finance industry. Of course we mustn't forget the greasy slimy artisans and partisans of the political establishment. They'll want Rolls Royce's for official motorcades and personal transport. Home James!

[@maddieb3332]

Wait was that really a thing??? Like an actual slogan?

[@GelatinousCube-jw8vg]

I’m surprised he only had 3 children with 14 wives.

[@bradholliday7251]

Maybe he was gay and all the wives were a front

[@lornaginetteharrison7168]

Your analysis was indeed more intriguing than lightning ears, but what an age to live in where there exists the opportunity to use lightning ear emojis!!👂🏼⚡️

[@bthomson]

Emojis rule!

[@rdhawk929]

😹😹😹

[@Ali-kb8gr]

Lol 😂

[@natalielawyerchick]

I’m way too lazy to be in a cult. Jeez. They’re always so industrious. Growing things, running a restaurant, following rules. Much more relaxing to just think for yourself

[@queenreg7]

Agreed. They don’t seem to have any cults where you just get to sit around and eat brunch…..

[@bluecollarlit]

Oh my gosh, that's the restaurant in "Annie Hall" where Woody Allen says, "Yes, I'll have a plate of mashed yeast "...? LOL, I love this.

[@bthomson]

So that's where the mashed yeast came from!

[@JP-wx6uh]

There are some extremely manipulative human beings on this planet and there never seems to be a shortage of people who are manipulated. By the way, for the people who came and went through the cult, did they get their possessions and/or money back when they left? I'm guessing they didn't.

[@toweypat]

Oh wow, as awful as it is to say, I can't think of a reason why they would get back their possessions. When you give something to a person, there's no reason they have to give it back, even if they die.

[@JP-wx6uh]

@@toweypat I mean when they decided it was a fraud. It seems like at least some of them would try to fight to get their stuff back. They probably wouldn't be successful though.

[@johnnysphere3510]

Study MBTI or Socionics....ENxx types makes cultures....and the XSxx and INFPs enjoy the cultures they create...

[@aarondavis8943]

I think it was worth giving up all their possessions to see Father Yod plummet to the Earth in what would have to be one of history's Funniest Deaths. It was a fine example of pain being "transmuted" into laughter. And it is still paying off to this day!

[@medea27]

A cult that asks followers to bring their possessions with them & then give them to the cult isn't keeping them.... you usually see the cult leaders cherry-picking what they like (jewellery, electronics, etc), they might redistribute things like clothes among the followers, and they sell the rest. That's how the cult makes money - you'll often find that followers will sign over deeds to a house or property that becomes the cult's "church" or "sanctuary." Your possessions become the cult's possessions & they can do whatever they like with them. That's part of the control that the cult leader holds over their followers... knowing that if you leave the cult you literally have _nothing_ because you handed it all over. They scam their followers - pure & simple.

[@Olive131]

Your presentation is always enjoyable. My sympathy to the victims of men like this.

[@ashleywest5427]

My good friend Libra is the " baby taken to the hospital with a staph infection". She is healthy and happy and has no involvement with the source.

[@Timothy4186]

I did a lot of research on The Source Family before watching this video. Todd provides an excellent summary overview, with all the relevant facts and perspective. Well done, Todd!

[@AMM3.]

Looking sharp today Dr Grande! Damn I love that shirt!!

[@bthomson]

🌈👕💖💗💙💝💜

[@catharinepizzarello4784]

Thank you so much, Dr Grande. Such a sad situation. What kind of desperation drives people to hitch their star to someone like him? Maybe you could speak with us on this. I have a cousin who got caught up in one of these cults. She was there for many years and had 2 children there. Eventually she left. Thank goodness!

[@fishypaw]

Untrained hang-gliding by cult leaders should be encouraged.

[@candacechandler8601]

It's a solid plan! 😅😅😅😅

[@Natalie_K_4991]

Cult leaders are so morbidly fascinating. They often have so much in common, no matter how different they were before forming their cult - down to the most petty level. Although forming a band and going hang gliding is a particularly interesting feature of Father Yod.

[@nz5988]

The band was made of actual musicians, but Father Yod would bust in, off beat with out of tune singing. Just RUINED it, but they made him front man. Hawhawhaw

[@Swansong321]

These spiritual leaders always have a financial bottom line..💰

[@EricDodsonLectures]

... and/or a sexual one.

[@Swansong321]

Of course!😀

[@bthomson]

Ya think!

[@Swansong321]

@B Thomson obviously I know..😀..but people are STILL falling for that shtick!

[@DerangedMerger]

I absolutely love Dr Grande's shirt today 🌼🌼🌼🌵

[@DerangedMerger]

@Jeff C I absolutely love the word "absolutely" 😘

[@DerangedMerger]

@Jeff C As a matter of fact, I fu*kin hate that word, but somehow I can't stop myself using it in almost every comment. And belive me, it's abs... no! its terribly painful 😓 some kind of fu*cking compulsion. I just can't stop, and it is not sarcasm. There must be something seriously wrong with me.

[@DerangedMerger]

@Jeff C Nevertheless, I still think that shirt is just banging!

[@DerangedMerger]

@Jeff C Oh, thank you! That is absolutely nice of you 😁😅 You are also cool! Not many people would get both, the joke and this slightly more serious part 😎😄

[@sheikahjin]

I watch these every single day after work. Always a highlight of my afternoon to sit down and remember you probably posted 😄

[@bthomson]

"Probably?"

[@suezannemarie292]

I remember showing this to some ladies who follow a local guy named Quinn Eaker who runs the Garden of Eden in Tx. At the time The Source Family was on Netflix I showed this to them to see if it would make them think about how they were living etc My friend left but the other ladies I believe remain.

[@bthomson]

Good on you!

[@Raelven]

Used to eat at the family restaurant back in the day. The food was excellent. The atmosphere was interesting and not threatening. Everyone there wore white and looked very healthy. That was pre-Father Yod times.

[@imnotperfectjust4givn617]

🌷🌷🌷Love the shirt Dr. Grande! Now to listen to the content 😊

[@maureeningleston1501]

Could Dr Grande be a cult leader ?...we all seem to eagerly await his words of wisdom everyday, I think we need to check how many wives he really has just to be on the safe side.

[@micheleparker8123]

I agree!!!😂

[@nightwood4379]

Yes!

[@bthomson]

Well! That worked well!

[@natekeyes2297]

Yeah. Why don't more cult leaders try to attract followers through KZbin? Or maybe they do and I just haven't come across those videos.

[@GGiblet]

Your dry wit is always the best and you are in top form today! I'm howling over here😄 love the analysis as always (and the crying PTL man photo was perfection) 🙌👏💙🌞💙

[@jandavis1523]

Dr G, this is a lovely treat on a Saturday morning! Just imagine: he could have used his flame 🔥 throwing ears to heat a large air balloon. 😉

[@skepticusmaximus184]

Yeah! That might have saved the crematorium fees too. 😜

[@melvynobrien6193]

I met Yogi Bhajan in Toronto decades ago. I've never had such an impression of evil from anyone as from him. He made clicking sounds in his throat like a snake; I got away from him as quickly as possible; a few musician friends had a few yoga sessions with him, but didn't persist. Evil shit.

[@lionandlamb4754]

Dr. grande, I really enjoy it when you say something with a deadpan face but I can see the corner of your mouth teasing into a smile. Like you’re struggling not to laugh. You can say the craziest funniest things and see them in a way that it sounds like you’re reading a newspaper. I love it

[@yasuke9317]

"Not discouraged by their lack of talent" I'm screaming 🤣🤣🤣

[@Scroticus_Maximus]

Well, herb is sacred. As a matter of fact I feel the call to prayer right now!

[@freelyization]

Dr grande, I’ve been a fan of your channel for a while. I appreciate the way you combine humor with educational insights . It would be be interesting to hear an analysis of the interview between Joe Rogan and Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Thank you for the great channel.

[@chrishenniker5944]

Sky Saxon of The Seeds was involved with The Source, helping them record music. Pretty good it was too.

[@andybeans5790]

I'd go further and say there will always be conmen called "Jim Baker" around, even if they spell it differently

[@KBXband]

That tesla charging joke prompted me to come up with a follow-up: gives a whole new meaning to butt-plug

[@feiticeiras]

A morning Dr. Grande video, perfect 🌞!

[@penelopehughes-jones5265]

Priceless as always, where would we be without the good doctor?👏👏👏👏👏

[@bthomson]

Bored and in need of a good laugh!

[@TheKoolbraider]

"Not discouraged by lack of talent." That has to explain why all the really bad music "entertainers" are around!

[@stevebragg4256]

The first young picture of him looked just like a photo of my young grandpa who also served in WW2 and was born within a couple weeks of him the same exact year. (1922)

[@autumnedwards4448]

I love when you do an analysis of a religious cult! Informative and hilariously peppered with your dry humor. Thank you Dr Grande for having an awesome channel!💙💙

[@lulufavs4519]

Dr. Grande, your zingers and sarcasm kills me! Thanks for also being informative.

[@pearlvader]

Informative case analysis dr. Grande. It's amazing how one individual can influence and change people's mind set. On another note, I was wondering if you could produce an analysis on the 1000 lb sisters Tammy and Amy Slaton?

[@xiangqiforchessplayers9209]

‘There will always be people vulnerable to cult leaders’. So true.

[@darlalathan6143]

I suspect either social instincts or codependency from a dysfunctional family upbringing.

[@jerryedwards456]

If only Jim would have started the hang gliding hobby years earlier.

[@kaihunlu2345]

He was getting depressed at the whole failure of his operation. Having given up sex and useless religious teachings, he was sunk, and basically went for a flight knowing and asking for it all to end. When they got down to the beach, and he was in a crumpled ball, it's been documented, he was at rest knowing his whole facade was coming to an end. Then it did.

[@BenState]

DAT SHIIIIIRT!!! lol love it

[@mikelobrien]

I think that 21st century America has replaced cult leaders like this with political leaders. Some people would rather lose their families, associates, and friends than question the validity of the political figure(s)/party's ideologies that they've committed to. I would love to hear your explanation of the Cult of Personality phenomenon which seems to be an ever present pitfall of the human psyche. Another great analysis, Dr. Grande. Thank you!

[@brochocho2132]

I really appreciate your objective analysis with your subtle humour:)

[@helpyourcattodrive]

I’ve heard of them. I think they had The Source restaurant in Sunset here in LA. Let’s gooo!

[@micheleparker8123]

I'll pass on that one...😁

[@bthomson]

Did the kitty pass it's road test yet?🐱

[@cassandraespinosa2223]

"More intriguing than lightning ears"...🌩️👂🤪😆 Dr. Grande, you never cease to keep me laughing at night when I watch your *delightfully insightful* channel!!🤣❤️👍

[@hondafreedom9329]

I used to eat at the Source ALL the time when I came to CA as a teenager and older. Great food! Had my 20th birthday there. Almost worked there, almost. I am MUCH MUCH older now. Brief yet insightful analysis of the documentary on him and the "family."

[@bthomson]

Did he deserve more than brevity?

[@visionaryventures12]

Thanks for covering this. I learned about it from the documentary called The Source Family.

[@user-cs1un6sp1wRennata]

Another brilliant analysis!Thank You Dr. Grande.

[@jordanalandry1866]

Nice pic you chose of Jim Bakker there, Dr Grande, lmao 🤣 I'm sick at home recovering (I think) from covid a laugh was needed

[@bthomson]

May health visit you soon!

[@BetaBuxDelux]

Well now I want a Rolls Royce with a license plate that reads “CULTLDR”.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Good morning Dr. Grande!☀️ That’s a great start to my day.💕🙂💕

[@bthomson]

Hi Rejane! We know we are not a cult but... Dr. Grande is just the cat's pjs!

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@bthomson Oh yes, he truly is the cat’s pjs!👌🏼 Also, I just learned another expression, thanks for that!😉😄

[@bthomson]

Always welcome!

[@cottontails9003]

Rejane, haven't gone missing. My eldest twin boy was involved in a motor vehicle accident. They put him in an induced coma. He has a fracture leg ,arm and skull. He's a lot better and we will be returning tomorrow.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@cottontails9003 What?! Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear!🥺 I wish him a speedy recovery and I wish you and the rest of your family the strength required to deal with this difficult situation.❤️ I am glad he is coming home tomorrow, poor thing.😔

[@BucketHeadianHagg]

Lovin your Saturday finery, Dr. Grande!

[@bthomson]

Bucket head long time no see! Missed ya!

[@BucketHeadianHagg]

@@bthomson oh hey! What's up, sweetness?! Its good to see your name here with a kind word in my direction! I hope you're doing well and enjoying the Fall weather. Sending hugs your way 🤗

[@bthomson]

Like the pumpkin thumbnail!

[@brittanijohnson8661]

I love all of your shirts but this one is especially great. Does your wife pick them out? Thanks again for the video.

[@bthomson]

Notice his ONE wife!

[@brittanijohnson8661]

@@bthomson lololol

[@Cordoba82]

A great analysis with wonderful speculation, delightful sense of humor AND an amazing shirt! Dr., Dr., Dr. you are spoiling us, but we love you any way.

[@bthomson]

Oow! Dominoes! I love that game!

[@Cordoba82]

@@bthomson Could you believe I don't know how to play it? I just loved the picture...

[@bthomson]

Look up Mexican Train dominoes! So much fun!

[@Cordoba82]

@@bthomson will do, perhaps I'll get to learn something, ;)

[@awesomeguy45]

Nice Shirt Dr.G!

[@ChristinePerez903]

Yes Dr Grande you are more intriguing then lighting bolt ears. Great video Dr Grande!!!!

[@mladydve]

While the subject matter you present is tragic and heartbreaking, your dry and ironic sense of humor along with your zingers are hilarious and is what caused me to subscribe to your channel. So thank you for providing an intelligent form of "entertainment." Seriously, "impromptu hang glider related cult leader removal strategy" has to be one of the best quotes ever. But on a more serious note, I think we can agree that our "family of origin" and our "family of creation" are significant concepts in family therapy. Family of creation is most often attributed to homosexual families where the family of origin (biological parents, siblings, extended family, etc) isn't on board with the homosexual lifestyle, thus, in a nutshell, the homosexual individual hooks up with other homosexual individuals who take them under their wing. Yet, this concept, might be extended to included other groups or associations. I'll use a personal example, and perhaps we can see how this type of relationship can correlate with cult mentality or behaviors. My father's mother was what my own mother described as a "floozy who looked like a witch." She and my father's father were hard core alcoholics. A few years later my grandmother gave birth to twin girls. My grandfather split, and my grandmother hooked up with another guy who adopted her kids. He was also a hard core alcoholic. My mother described my father as being raised in poverty and he was a "hoodlum." Truancy from school was his main thing, and he ended up dropping out of high school in 11th grade and joined the Marines. He had met my mother before he dropped out if school and he ended up marrying her after he graduated bootcamp. He got himself a good paying job, had 2 daughters (my sister and I), and he worked very hard and provided for us (he never got the "How to be the Best Husband or Best Father Handbook," but he did the best he could. He and my mother are alive, healthy, play golf, go on cruises, and love the bejesus out of me and my sister and her kids. Point being, I think in some way we can call the Marine Corps a cult if we examine the definition or purpose if cult. So, in that sense, it worked for someone in a positive way. Let's look at my twin aunts. Both of them became hard core heroin addicts. One of them married a heroine addict and had 4 children. When the fourth one was born with heroine withdrawal symptoms, my aunt turned him in to police. Long story short, someone introduced them to the Jehovah Witness faith. They have been clean and sober ever since. Can we call Jehovah Witnesses a type of cult? My personal opinion is yes; however, it worked for them. Where they might have had bigger troubles, their "cult" essentially saved them. Finally, my other aunt. Her "cult," while serving a need she had, wasn't the best for society. Knowing what I know now, it is fairly obvious she was a person who suffered from schizophrenia. If it was ever diagnosed, it wasn't until later in her life. She was just viewed as a derelict and essentially a piece of garbage. Keep in mind this was many years ago. The really interesting thing about her was that she would commit a crime (one was stabbing a convenience store clerk in the neck with a screwdriver because she didn't have enough money to purchase coffee) because she WANTED to get locked up again. The rationale was that when she was in the institution, she had power, people feared her, and she was treated with respect. It was her version of family of creation, which perhaps we could interpret it as a type of cult. When she was released and living among society, she had no power, got no respect, and people looked at her like she was trash, and she knew it. I think this dialouge can provide some insight into how "cult" members have a hard time separating themselves from whatever cult they associate with. Bottom line is that when the family of origin is shitty and general members of society don't accept you, you find a place where you seem to fit in and feel comfortable and receive the feelings of "love," "respect," "acceptance," or other "strokes" (sorry, "Games People Play.. Eric Berne) that they never experienced from their family of origin or society in general.

[@Magdalene777]

I was wondering if you could analyze the case of Brianna Maitland. She disappeared in 2004. Her car was later found backed into an abandoned barn and her uncashed paychecks were in the car. No sightings or traces of her have been found since.

[@michaelbedsole970]

Your analysis is always more intriguing than lighting ears.

[@MrChi31]

I LOVE YOUR SHIRT, DR. GRANDE!!

[@tiadiad]

This will never get old. A nice slap of reality to the face of the average musician. So good! 6:10

[@msmellowmood84]

Yeeesss. Looking forward to speculating about some situations like this while I clean the house! And love the shirt today! Also, the jokes are chef’s kiss. So funny. 🤌🏽😂

[@bthomson]

Darn! I dislike those emojis I can't see! They only show as a crossed box!

[@Ra3_ar1adnE]

Please do an analysis on Seito Sakakibara please. You'll have a field day on that one.

[@HMGarth]

Oh, yes! He's a real nut job! Youths killing younger kids, how despicable and pathetic. Seito's case reminds me of those 2 revolting boys who tortured and murdered little toddler James Bulger, in 1993 in England -- Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. Their identities were protected, as if THEY were the victims. The public would have torn them limb from limb if they'd been able to! And now they're out of prison, as if that poor little innocent baby's life was worth nothing😡

[@Lilboozibert]

Carbonnation (Instagram era cult) also moved to Hawaii (either before or after Puerto Rico). The leader had such an ego he thought he'd be an exception.

[@isabelletaljaard437]

I love your shirt Dr Grande. Thank you for your analysis on this case, it was very interesting

[@michaellykke100]

And he even used the mock-expression "Ave Cesar, noritamus.." before he went. Could not make this up.

[@EricDodsonLectures]

Even his Latin was horrible. He should have said, "Ave Caesar, moriturus te saluto" (since he was the only one who died).

[@bthomson]

Again I say Dr. Grande's fans are the summa cum laude!

[@HarringtonKyle]

Told my friend Dr Grande isn't diagnosing a cult leader today.

[@javantgarde]

I've used some spirituality to help with managing my ADHD. thankfully I have a good sense at spotting "fake gurus" and cults, the bad apples of the universe.

[@Z8Q8]

Never heard of this group, but when you've seen one cult, you've seen them all. In the '70's i had both Moonies & Hare Krishnas try and tell me they each had what i was missing in my life. Then a decade later "white" Sikhs said they too had The-Answer, altho' this last group always seemed to me to be just Hippies-with-Turbans, ha-ha! Luckily, at age 16 i had been enlightened/"vaccinated" against cults, having read a wonderful book called "The True Believer" by Eric Hoffer, which explained to my then young and gullible self about brain-washing & so-called gurus fishing for converts when all they really wanted was to take advantage of them in every possible way. Dr. G, some of us want to know if you have any Hawaiian-Shirts in your closet?

[@skepticusmaximus184]

It's wonderful to have grown up in an age where a 16 year old would actually read a book... *voluntarily.*

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@hauberrisser A curious but sceptical attitude can always be helpful. 😉👍

[@TNKabouter]

All that's still going strong, go to a nearby eco-camp, follower(s) is a way of life (between out and in therapy ofcourse). Most "camp leaders" seem to be some sort of former therapists. How come?

[@bthomson]

Z8Q8 - Going back to the REALLY important question does Dr. Grande have Hawaiian shirts? The answer is yes! He wore one for one of his celebratory videos and at least one other. 🌴🏝

[@bthomson]

Ooo! I loved Twin Peaks!

[@blackwindsignomancy8429]

I kinda respect the consistentcy in that he refused medical treatment and lay dying for 9 hours and died. Most people would change their mind

[@MatthewMuhammad]

I saw a documentary about this cult a while back. He changed the teachings several times throughout its life. It started out with a New Age vibe, Age of Aquarius stuff. His legal wife also called him out on his polygyny by quoting one of their early books stating that monogamy was eternal for everyone, and that law would never change.

[@bthomson]

Was that her plank?

[@tashastarling870]

"...more interesting than lightning ears." Haha Most definitely thank you

[@jeanbeasley9708]

Your dry wit is delightful.

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

Yay! I asked for this 🤗😊💕

[@patricialee1537]

Much more intriguing than lightening ears!

[@sekenamcmurren2217]

These cult leaders pray on the lost misguided and sometimes emotionally broken people.💔 Anytime a leader tells you to cut yourself off from your family and friends and to relinquish your money, property and passport, 👪💵 💰That's a huge red flag...Thanks again for your analogy Dr.G 👩🗽🍎

[@bthomson]

Nice emoji use!

[@sekenamcmurren2217]

@@bthomson Thank you!😁

[@kellyfelly6645]

Loved your analysis of this nutty guy. Thank you Dr Grande.

[@lf9341]

"He gave himself a promotion" . Hahahaha!

[@oldhick9047]

Never is a person more deserving of the description, " A container of fifth" than a "Cult Leader"

[@bthomson]

Fifth or filth?

[@oldhick9047]

@@bthomson lol

[@Mithrandir69]

THAT SHIRT 😍😍😍

[@angiedixon8017]

Good Morning 🌞