Rephonic
Artwork for Sacred Scandal
El Salvador
Oscar Romero
Salvadoran Civil War
Death Squads
Roberto D'aubuisson
Civil War
United States School Of the Americas
Marisa De Martinez
La Alianza Republicana Nacionalista (ARENA)
El Mozote
Alvaro Saravia
Nico Van Alsten
FMLN
Immigration
Gang Violence
Ms-13
Violence
Catholic Church
Dorothy Cazel
Father Ignacio Ayacuria

SEASON 4: The Many Secrets of Marcial Maciel

The Many Secrets of Marcial Maciel is a gripping investigative podcast uncovering the shocking life and crimes of Marcial Maciel, the founder and former leader of the Legion of Christ. Praised as a holy figure, Marcial Maciel lived a life of abuse, manipulation, and deception. Hosted by Elena Sada, a survivor and former high-ranking member of the organ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes55Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ReligionTrue CrimeReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Sacred Scandal

Latest Episodes

The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Pr... more

In our last episode, we ask ourselves… Was Elena Sada part of a cult? We sat down to talk with Dr. Steven Hassan, an American mental health professional and author who specializes in cults, undue influence, and mind control.

See omnystudio.com/list... more

An exclusive interview with Mexican journalist Ciro Gómez Leyva. In this special episode, Ciro explains the struggle he went through before breaking the news about Marcial Maciel’s crimes in 1997.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.... more

Despite distance, memories persist, symbolized by a mysterious package. Elena recounts rebuilding a life in New York, finding solace in writing, and challenging the narrative of Marcial Maciel. The episode also tellsthe story of Mariana Martínez, ano... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mariana Martinez
Former consagrada turned human resources entrepreneur
Episode: Rebirth
Raúl Gonzalez
Son of Marcial Maciel who recounts his experiences with his father and the aftermath of his death
Episode: The Quiet End
Juan Manuel Fernández
Former legionary priest close to Marcial Maciel
Episode: Forgiven but Not Forgotten
José Barba
Former legionary who also experienced abuse by Maciel
Episode: Forgiven but Not Forgotten
Lourdes Barroso
A former member of the Legion of Christ who shares her experiences under Marcial Maciel.
Legion of Christ
Episode: The Spell
Kelly Harnett
A woman who was convicted of murder but claims innocence, citing domestic abuse as a factor.
Episode: Introducing: The Girlfriends: Jailhouse Lawyer
Professor Terry Karl
Emeritus professor from Stanford University, expert witness for cases on Oscar Romero's assassination, and the murder of the Jesuits.
Stanford University
Episode: The Jesuits
Professor Hector Lindo Fuentes
Retired professor who grew up in El Salvador and studied under Father Ayacuria.
Fordham University
Episode: The Jesuits
Colonel José Antonio Castillo
Retired officer of the Salvadoran Army
Salvadoran Army
Episode: El Mozote

Host

Elena Sada
Host, investigative journalist, and survivor of the Legion of Christ, formerly affiliated with multiple notable podcasts, Elena brings her personal experiences and insights into the narratives explored.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Season 4 - WOW

    I was a member of Regnum Christi for several years in the USA. It was some of the happiest years of my and my family’s life. The formation we received and shared with the youth was amazing. The LC priests who visited were humble and faithful. The consecrated young women were fervent in their faith. But the adulation of Maciel and his constant comparison to a living saint did not sit right with us. Nor did the constant current of attracting prominent wealthy members. So we left. This podcast was... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SandyBeaches305
    United States2 months ago
  • Secrets

    The podcast continues to illuminate the atrocities of the many priests, bishops etc., that have abused children in the name of religion. The narrator is hard to listen to and would like to listen to a more professional, not so emotional in her views. She is oozing her religiosity to the viewer. She is simply not a journalist. It is like someone narrating a romance novel. Ugh

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Almost act
    Canada2 months ago
  • Need more ads!

    Feels like is lacking some ads, please include more…

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anghell9122
    Mexico9 months ago
  • Thank you for the history lessons!

    Soy chicana with many many years of catholic school. So I knew about Bishop Romero, the nuns and the priests but I still did not know the whole history of the civil war and the US role in it. Mil gracias for the history lessons I didn’t know I needed. I especially loved the first person accounts and interview with your family. They should be very proud of you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MJAmami
    United States10 months ago
  • Changed the way I think.

    If you’re an American, you need to understand current events and issues through the lenses of not only North America history but LatinAmerican history. This podcast is a great start.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    skercher
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many commend the powerful Survivor stories that emerge in the episodes, highlighting the human elements of complex narratives.
Listeners praise the podcast for its emotional storytelling and deep investigative reporting.
Critics mention a desire for more focus on certain episodes or topics, though many acknowledge the quality of production.
Some find the content enlightening, especially regarding the impacts of religion and institutional power.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#234
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#186
Mexico/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#189
New Zealand/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#197
Philippines/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#198
Chile/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Interview with Steve Hassan
Q: What explanations can be provided for the continued existence and growth of the Legion of Christ despite its founder's crimes?
The continuation and growth can be attributed to the power of indoctrination and loyalty of current followers, despite the exposure of the organization's abusive practices.
Interview with Steve Hassan
Q: What are the psychological mechanisms that get activated when you begin to think of leaving a cult?
Leaving a cult entails overcoming indoctrinated fears of terrible consequences, as members are often programmed to believe that leaving will lead to harm.
Interview with Ciro Cómez Leyva
Q: Apart from the economic boycott, were there any other threats, any more concrete threats against maybe your life?
Ciro recounts receiving an anonymous threatening phone call to his wife on the day before the broadcast, warning her against airing the program.
Interview with Ciro Cómez Leyva
Q: Were those threats very explicit?
Ciro confirms that the threats regarding advertisement withdrawals were completely explicit and reiterated in the days leading to the broadcast.
Interview with Ciro Cómez Leyva
Q: What kind of pressure were you subjected to?
Ciro describes significant pressure from the Legionaries of Christ, government officials, and powerful corporations, all aimed at suppressing the story and protecting Maciel's image.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Sacred Scandal

What is Sacred Scandal about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This investigative podcast uncovers the complex and dark narratives woven within various religious organizations, highlighting figures like Marcial Maciel, the controversial founder of the Legion of Christ. Through the personal experiences of survivors, it sheds light on issues of manipulation, abuse, and the institutional cover-ups of these stories, often intertwining with broader historical contexts such as the civil war in El Salvador and the tragedies surrounding influential religious leaders. Each season focuses on different provocative themes, revealing shocking truths about faith, power, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The podcast stands out for its compelling storytelling and emotional depth, compelling l... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Sacred Scandal?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Sacred Scandal:

1. Incels
2. The Turning - Seasons 1, 2 & 3
3. Le Monstre
4. Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise
5. Unrestorable

How many episodes of Sacred Scandal are there?

Sacred Scandal launched 4 years ago and published 55 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Sacred Scandal?

Recent guests on Sacred Scandal include:

1. Mariana Martinez
2. Raúl Gonzalez
3. Juan Manuel Fernández
4. José Barba
5. Lourdes Barroso
6. Kelly Harnett
7. Professor Terry Karl
8. Professor Hector Lindo Fuentes

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