Deeper Lore: 304 (102, 116, & 172)

Go deeper into the subject matter of our most recent episode (304: Cult Hero) with these three recommendations from further back in the Lore catalog: Episode 102: LorePodcast.com/episodes/102 https://www.lorepodcast.com/episodes/102 Episode 116: LorePodcast.com/episodes/116 https://www.lorepodcast.com/episodes/116 Episode 172: LorePodcast.com/episodes/172 https://www.lorepodcast.com/episodes/172 ———————— Lore Resources: Episode Music: lorepodcast.com/music https://www.lorepodcast.com/music Episode Sources: lorepodcast.com/sources https://www.lorepodcast.com/sources Official Lore Merchandise: www.lorepodcast.com/shop https://www.lorepodcast.com/shop ©2026 Aaron Mahnke. All rights reserved.

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:00Speaker 00

  Your joints help you keep doing what you love. Give them daily support with Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein. Two scoops deliver 20 grams of collagen from 10 types, including clinically studied eggshell membrane. Plus, vitamin C and probiotics to support skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Visit ancientnutrition.com/protein and use code PROTEIN for $15 off. That's ancientnutrition.com code PROTEIN.

• 0:27Speaker 01

  OnDeck is built to back small businesses like yours. Whether you're buying equipment, expanding your team, or bridging cash flow gaps, OnDeck's loans up to $400,000 make it happen fast. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and earning thousands of 5-star TrustPilot reviews, OnDeck delivers funding you can count on. Apply in minutes at ondeck.com. Depending on certain loan attributes, your business loan may be issued by OnDeck or Celtic Bank. OnDeck does not lend in North Dakota. All loans and amounts subject to lender approval.

• 0:56Aaron Mahnke?

  Hey folks, Aaron here. Welcome back to another edition of Deeper Lore, a bonus episode designed to give you a topical guide to the most recent episode of Lore. In this short bonus episode, I'm going to dig into our archive of 11 years of topics and point out some old ones that fit nicely with this week's newest. The hope is that you can keep the spooky feeling going into the weekend, putting a handful of old episodes into a new, more powerful context. So, let's get started, shall we? This week for episode 304, Cult Hero, we sign up for a wacky community of cult followers and, as you'd imagine, bad things ensue. But it's not the first time we've discussed cults of various types and tragedies on Lore.

• 1:37Aaron Mahnke?

  So, here are three older episodes that will pair up nicely with this week's new one. First up, episode 103, Disappointment. The road to hell, as they say, is paved with good intentions. The story might have started out with a noble goal, but it quickly veered off the road into a frightening new territory. Do check it out. Next, download episode 116, Something Blue. Mixing health and wellness with the promise of an easy button is always the quickest way for a leader to get rich and the followers to get used up. For this particular cult, wasting away was what they did best. And finally, there's episode 172, Under the Influence. This is a lesser-known cult with a horrible story to tell.

• 2:22Aaron Mahnke?

  Ruined lives, lost treasure, and a whole lot of weird behavior. You'll love this one, trust me. And there you go, folks. Follow up this week's brand-new episode with a trip into the past. Episodes 102, 116, and 172 are waiting for you in this podcast feed. Just scroll through the app to find them, or you can tap on their direct links in the description for this episode. And until next time, stay spooky.

• 2:48Speaker 03

  Cash flow crunch? OnDeck's small-business line of credit gives your business immediate access to funds up to $200,000 right when you need it. Cover seasonal dips, manage payroll, restock inventory, or tackle unexpected expenses without missing a beat. With flexible draws, transparent pricing, and control over repayment, get funded quickly and confidently. Apply today at ondeck.com. Funds could be available as soon as tomorrow. Depending on certain loan attributes, your business loan may be issued by OnDeck or Celtic Bank. OnDeck does not lend in North Dakota. All loans and amounts subject to lender approval.

• 3:19Speaker 04

  Breathe in and reset with Lincoln Rejuvenate, an available multisensory feature in the 2027 Lincoln Navigator SUV. Experience the luxurious massage, visuals, and sense to help you relax in the driver's seat. It's your time for a reset. Visit lincoln.com to learn more. Lincoln Rejuvenate does not operate unless the vehicle is in park. When the vehicle is off, or if any doors open, do not use the feature in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. See owner's manual for important operating instructions. Lincoln and Navigator are trademarks of Ford or its affiliates. All rights reserved.