# CULT: The Breatharians

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/conspiracy-theories-cults-crimes-7424027/cult-the-breatharians
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/conspiracy-theories-cults-crimes-7424027/cult-the-breatharians.md
Podcast: [Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes](https://stenobird.com/podcast/conspiracy-theories-cults-crimes-7424027)
Published: 2026-06-03T07:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/serve.castfire.com/audio/8240487/8240487_2026-04-14-024927.256.mp3?rssID=5994
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/serve.castfire.com/audio/8240487/8240487_2026-04-14-024927.256.mp3?rssID=5994
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/conspiracy-theories-cults-crimes-7424027/episodes/cult-the-breatharians
Duration seconds: 2475

## Resource

In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes, host Vanessa Richardson traces Breatharianism from its fringe origins to a worldwide movement that has been linked to at least six deaths. Beginning with con man Wiley Brooks in the 1980s and culminating with Australian guru Jasmuheen, whose 21-day fasting plan killed three people in under two years, the episode examines how a pseudoscientific belief system survived scandal, criminal trials, and a failed televised experiment to keep attracting followers. Contains descriptions of death by starvation and neglect, and the physical and emotional abuse of a child. Head over to our Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Conspiracytheoriescultscrimes If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Crime House 24/7, Murder True Crime Stories and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social Instagram: @Crimehouse TikTok: @Crimehouse Facebook: @crimehousestudios X: @crimehousemedia YouTube: @crimehousestudios

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## Transcript

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