'Heaven's Gate' documentary podcast tells the stories of the people behind the infamous cult

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Oct 18, 2017, 10:24 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stitcher has launched "Heaven's Gate," a 10-part documentary podcast series that tells, for the first time, the complete, fascinating story behind cult members' 1997 mass suicide, the largest in U.S. history.

"Heaven's Gate" is about what happened to an idealistic group who aspired to a better, more connected and spiritually meaningful life.

“Heaven’s Gate” launches on Oct. 18 on all podcast listening platforms.

Glynn Washington is the host of the “Heaven’s Gate” podcast.

Host Glynn Washington, who also hosts the popular podcasts "Snap Judgment" and "Spooked," brings a unique perspective to the story of Heaven's Gate: he was raised in a cult.

"I've experienced firsthand how the line between 'normal' and 'zealot' is thinner than we imagine," said Washington. "This project feels deeply personal to me. In investigating the story of Heaven's Gate, I get to examine my own."

Washington interviews a range of important figures in the story, including former Heaven's Gate members, their families and some who still believe in the group's theological principles. Terrie Nettles, daughter of cult co-founder Bonnie Lu Nettles, talks about living with the legacy of a mother who, to some, was a god. Ben Zeller, the leading scholar of Heaven's Gate, reveals the inner workings of the religion and explains why it was so hard to pry some people away from it. And the documentary features never-before-heard tapes from co-founder Marshall "Herff" Applewhite, revealing some of his own questions and struggles.

The podcast is produced by Stitcher and Pineapple Street Media, the team behind 2017's hit podcast "Missing Richard Simmons." Sun Basket is the show's presenting sponsor.

"Heaven's Gate" is available on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and everywhere listeners access podcasts. Episodes are available one week early and ad-free to members of Stitcher Premium. To try Stitcher Premium, use promo code GATE and enjoy one month free.

Learn more and find behind-the-scenes content at heavensgate.show.

About Midroll Media
Midroll Media is a leading podcast content company, advertising network and distribution platform that is changing the face of digital audio. It is the parent company of the Earwolf network and its top-ranked comedy podcasts; popular podcast listening platform and content network Stitcher and its premium subscription service; and the Midroll advertising network, representing over 300 of the world's largest podcasts. With offices in Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco, Midroll was founded in 2010 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP).

About Pineapple Street Media
Pineapple Street Media produces high-quality, deeply produced shows with partners including The New York Times, Hillary Clinton, Lena Dunham and Google. Pineapple also produces inventive, award-winning original shows including "Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara" and the surprise hit "Missing Richard Simmons."

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company