Twin flames or toxic flames? In this episode, we dig into Twin Flames Universe — the high-control online group led by Jeff and Shaleia Divine. Marketed as a path to love and spiritual ascension, TFU has instead been accused of manipulation, financial exploitation, and disturbing gender ideology.

We’ll unpack where the idea of “twin flames” came from, how Jeff and Shaleia built their empire, and the harmful practices that keep members hooked — from the so-called “Mirror Exercise,” to high-cost coaching packages, to redefining people’s identities for control. Along the way, we’ll look at the human vulnerabilities that cult-like groups prey on: heartbreak, loneliness, the longing to belong.

Join us as we explore the tender and the twisted sides of love, devotion, and power.

Content Warning: emotional abuse, coercion, high-control group, forced gender ideology

Today we’re stepping away from true crime to tackle a taboo subject: medical aid in dying (MAID). We break down what MAID actually is, the process involved, and why it remains such a charged and controversial topic. From ethics and autonomy to grief, family dynamics, and personal stories, we explore the messy, complicated, and deeply human sides of choosing when and how to die.

We’ll also talk about how MAID impacts loved ones, whether it eases or complicates grief, and share our own raw reactions, discomforts, and reflections. This isn’t an easy conversation — but it’s one worth having.

Content warning: death, grief, suicide, addiction, and medical aid in dying

On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a Manhattan hotel. Within days, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione — valedictorian, Ivy League grad, and outspoken critic of the U.S. healthcare system — was arrested and charged with the murder.

This isn’t your typical true crime case. In this episode, we look beyond the headlines to explore who Mangione is, what shaped his worldview, and the manifesto that framed the killing as a symbolic attack on a system he believed was broken beyond repair.

We’ll also dive into the ethical dilemmas this case raises: Can we separate ideology from violence? How do privilege, mental health, and public perception influence the way we view perpetrators — and victims? And why has Mangione inspired both condemnation and a #FreeLuigi movement online?

Content warning: gun violence, political themes