The Business of Cults is a three-part series hosted by Rebekah Sebastian with the DIE-ALOGUE Podcast and Javier Leiva of PRETEND podcast. Over the next three episodes, you will hear from; cult experts Rick Alan Ross and Dr. Janja Lalich, author and linguist, Amanda Montell, ABC Correspondent, Rebecca Jarvis, Cult Survivors, Frank Lyford, and Sarah Edmondson.

Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans.

Many of these religious sects are tax-exempt. Like Scientology, even some fringe religions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Not all cults are religious. At first glance, some cults don't seem culty at all. For example, take a closer look at businesses such as multi-level marketing companies. These companies are masquerading as a business, but in reality, they're run by narcissistic ego-maniacs.

I had so much fun talking with Amanda Montell, a linguist, who uses that background as the lens through which to explore cults. Between that and her Dad coming of age in the cult, Synanon, she has a lot to say about cults, and the language we all have grown used to which is ... cultish. This is a fascinating and funny conversation and will make you think twice next time you go to Soul Cycle, recovery meeting, or Boss Babe seminar.