Episode Details

This episode of Hidden Cults explores the University of Cosmic Intelligence, an online movement led by Rashad Jamal that grew rapidly through social media and conspiracy-driven spiritual teachings. Followers were told they were cosmic beings living in a false reality and were encouraged to separate from society and join a new spiritual mission. As the movement grew, it became linked to crimes, disappearances, and law enforcement investigations, eventually leading to Jamal’s arrest and conviction in 2023. The group still exists online today, showing how modern cults can form and spread in the digital world.

Part 1 – The Making of Rashad Jamal (1986–early 2010s)  
Part 2 – The Birth of the University of Cosmic Intelligence (early 2010s–late 2010s)
Part 3 – Life Inside the Movement (late 2010s–early 2020s) 
Part 4 – Growth, Influence, and Public Exposure (early 2020s–2022)
Part 5 – Crime, Disappearances, and Collapse (2022–2023)  
Part 6 – Aftermath, Ongoing Influence, and Legacy (2023–present)  

From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.

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Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com

International Resources

• International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)
  https://www.icsahome.com
  Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
• Open Minds Foundation
  https://www.openmindsfoundation.org
  Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
• The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse)
  https://www.thehotline.org
  📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
• Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan)
  https://freedomofmind.com
  Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
• FaithTrust Institute
  https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org
  Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.

United States

• Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA)
  📞 1-239-514-3081
  Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
  https://www.rainn.org
  📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.

Canada 

• Cult & Trauma Support Resources 
• Info-Cult / Info-Secte (Montreal-based, Canada-wide) Website: https://infosecte.org
• Phone: 📞 514-274-2333
• Email: infosecte@qc.aira.com
• Canada’s leading organization for individuals and families affected by cults, coerciv