Today’s quote is from mafioso-turned-informant Henry Hill, an associate of the Lucchese crime “family,” as many Italian mafia outfits are called. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first quote is not actually by a criminal—it’s from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, written in 1513. But the book’s principles lie at the heart of every mobster’s philosophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the newest Parcast Original from Spotify, comedians and best friends Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone discuss all the trends, scandals, pop culture icons and personal stories they can’t shake from their minds. And they have a lot to cover! Listen to their debut episode right here, where Mary Beth shares her top 5 most iconic SNL musical performances and Benito shares how he got the “thank u, next” treatment from pop superstar Ariana Grande (and why he’s the opposite of mad about it)....

He’s faced his ghosts, and reckoned with his past. But after decades of relentless self-enrichment, how can Ebenezer Scrooge truly redeem himself? “A Christmas Carol” is presented by Tales, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more stories that aren’t afraid to get dark, follow Tales free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Nearly two centuries ago, Charles Dickens wrote a tale of greed and redemption. It starts with a miserly old man, his long-dead business partner, and the sound of rattling chains… When Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to reckon with his past, he’s in for a frightful night of ghostly visitations — and a long overdue moral awakening. “A Christmas Carol” is presented by Tales, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more stories that aren’t afraid to get dark, follow Tales free on Spotify, or wherever...

After acing an IQ test in 1988, 28-year-old Keith Raniere was able to brand himself “The Smartest Man in the World.” The moniker allowed him to seduce unappreciated businesswoman Toni Natalie, who would go on to help Keith grow the first of his predatory companies.

William Miller gave numerous dates for the apocalypse, starting with October 22, 1844. None resulted in the end of the world. However, his prophecies did result in the eventual formation of the Seventh-day Adventist movement.

Harold Camping was a Christian radio evangelist who claimed life on Earth would end on May 21, 2011. When it didn’t, he amended his date to October 21st, 2011. It didn’t end then either. 

Pyotr Kuznetsov convinced his followers the world would end on May 28th, 2008. As a result, around 29 to 35 cult members created a man-made cave, and buried themselves in it for six months.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: As society approached the year 2000, there was worry about a Y2K bug that might cripple technology. But there was also fear that cults with doomsday prophecies would do whatever it took to fulfill them.

Founded by Saul B. Newton and Dr. Jane Pearce in 1957, the Sullivan Institute was designed to be an alternative to the traditional nuclear family—part therapy center, part polyamorous commune. 

Franz Edmund Creffield was the leader of the Brides of Christ church. Often referred to as the Holy Rollers, members were known to roll on the floor, pleading for God’s forgiveness.

Along with his brother Yaaqob, Yisrayl Hawkins founded the House of Yahweh in 1980. They produced their own version of the bible and made numerous predictions that did not come true.

In 1986, Ryuho Okawa founded Happy Science to promote love, enlightenment and the creation of utopia. But beneath the surface of this modern sect lie a number of strange, even nationalistic, beliefs that shape their worldview. 

Established in the early ‘90s, Eastern Lightning—also known as The Church of the Almighty God—believed Christ was reborn, manifesting in the form of a woman named Yang Xianbin. In 1991, followers scrambled to prove how devoted they were to her… even if it meant murder. 

He grew up impoverished and had a lonely childhood before finding comfort and belonging in religion. Jimmie T. Roberts took devotion to its extreme, amassing followers and persuading them to sacrifice everything for the sake of salvation. 

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: Dorothy Martin claimed to receive communications from outer space, warning of disastrous loss of life in 1955. Her wild prophecies attracted Dr. Charles Laughead and a small group of followers known as the "Seekers."

Lee Jang Rim frightened his followers around the world into believing that the Rapture was coming—an apocalypse that would end humanity on October 28, 1992. But after that date came and went, many members of the Dami Mission were left in a different kind of devastating state.

He was known to his followers as “Moses” but his actual name was Roch Theriault, and he led one of the most infamous cults in Canadian history: The Ant Hill Kids. Theriault fooled many into thinking he was good-natured—but beneath his affable persona lurked a sadistic monster with horrific plans.

The child of missionaries and grandson of a reverend, David Berg was destined for religious leadership. But as a victim of sexual abuse who never received support, David developed twisted ideas…

In the 1980s, a Japanese Buddhist-inspired cult called Aum Shinrikyo formed under a leader who tried to end the world. It became one of the most feared cults in history.

In the late 1940s, Krishna Venta opened a religious compound in the San Fernando Valley. He preached about love and knowing oneself, and claimed to be the embodiment of Christ. Then he announced the world would end in 1965, and only his chosen followers would survive. 

Charles Manson transformed from a troubled child into a now-infamous cult leader, using psychological warfare to control his “Family.” Charismatic and manipulative, he broke members down until they’d do anything to stay in his good graces—including murder.

This month, we’re featuring mini episodes from our hit podcast Cults: In a country torn apart by civil war, Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibwetere were united by their desire for power. Claiming they were messengers of God called upon to save the world from its impending apocalypse, they preyed upon the vulnerable and passionately religious in Ugandan society.

In 1981, 50-year-old Valentina De Andrade convinced her neighbors that God was non-existent. Then she told them that Jesus was an extraterrestrial who would be arriving soon in an alien craft to save them from the end of days.