Heaven's Gate (podcast)

Heaven's Gate is a documentary podcast series created and hosted by Glynn Washington, released in 2017. The podcast examines the Heaven's Gate religious group, a UFO cult known for its mass suicide in 1997. Unlike sensationalist accounts that primarily focus on the tragedy, the podcast aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the group, its beliefs, and the motivations of its members.

The podcast features interviews with former members, family members of deceased members, religious scholars, and cult experts. It explores the group's history, from its origins in the early 1970s to its tragic end, delving into the complex philosophical and theological ideas that shaped its worldview. It examines the leadership of Marshall Herff Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles (known within the group as Do and Ti, respectively), and the specific beliefs about ascension, extraterrestrial intervention, and the need to escape earthly attachments.

A key aspect of the Heaven's Gate podcast is its attempt to contextualize the group within broader social and cultural trends, including New Age spirituality, the rise of the internet, and anxieties about technological advancement. It seeks to understand how vulnerable individuals were drawn to the group and how its beliefs provided a sense of meaning and purpose. The podcast emphasizes empathy and understanding rather than judgment, encouraging listeners to consider the human stories behind the headlines. It is notable for its comprehensive research, thoughtful analysis, and its commitment to providing a balanced and respectful portrayal of a controversial and often misunderstood religious movement.