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5 of 24

24. Indiana Jonesing: Raiders of the Lost Artifacts
In this episode, we dig into the bizarre saga of American evangelicals, stolen artifacts from Iraq, and a DIY biblical empire-building project gone very, very wrong. Then, some riffing on current events and a few past episodes. Support us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at [email protected] music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies
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23. The almighty dollar: how church became a $1.42T business
We’re joined by Nathan Apffel, filmmaker of the upcoming Amazon docuseries The Religion Business. In exposing the dark underbelly of America’s wealthiest preachers, he’s faced arrest, a shattered elbow, and more than a few powerful enemies — yet each setback only fuelled his determination to follow the money in this trillion-dollar grift.You can watch the film at: https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/ and follow Nathan’s exploits and forthcoming podcast series on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/religionbusinessSupport us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at [email protected] music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies
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22. Spells and Soccer: The Secret Magic of African Football
In this episode of Hell to Pay, Sipho and Elle explore the fascinating world where football and spirituality collide. From Paul Pogba’s alleged consultation with a marabout, to Egypt’s sacrificial rituals before the Africa Cup of Nations, to stories of witchdoctors on the sidelines, we trace how magic continues to shape the beautiful game across Africa. Along the way, we unpack the deep roots of African Traditional Religion, share personal stories of sangomas, and examine why chants, rituals, and spells are not mere superstition but part of a larger cultural tapestry. At stake is more than just winning matches — it’s about empowerment, identity, and how African players reclaim space in a global sport that often sidelines them.Sources: Huffington Post: I was taught not to remember my grandfather. This is why I do. ESPN: Witchcraft central to Paul Pogba blackmail saga, but it's nothing new in French footballAfrica is a Country: the ‘magic’ of the beautiful gameYoutube: Players are forced to use magic in South African football
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21. Gospel of the Gun: the story of church-run organized crime
In the north of Rio de Janeiro, a drug lord and evangelical pastor has dominion over a series of favelas known as the ‘Israel Complex’. The streets are clean and building walls are painted with verses from Psalms… while religious minorities are persecuted and rival gang members are sent back to their homes in gift wrapped boxes. From Brazil to Texas to Romania and South Africa, the phenomenon of religiously-inspired gang leaders is becoming more and more common — and we explain why.Support us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at [email protected] music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies
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20. Fowl play: How Chick-fil-A's anti-LGBT owners are flocking to Hollywood
We’re joined by our friend Conner from the Propagandos podcast to talk about how the famously hardcore evangelical, anti-LGBT Chick-Fil-A empire has invested in an original content app and Trilith Studios, the second largest production lot in all of North America — home base for nearly every Marvel movie made since 2017. The Cathy family, owners of the fast food chain, the aren’t the kind of people you’d usually associate with Hollywood — so what are they really up to?Check out Propagandos at https://rss.com/podcasts/propagandos/ and on Instagram: @PropagandospodSupport us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at [email protected] music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies
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