About this episode
It looked like feel-good weight loss… until Netflix told us the truth. This week, Amanda and Reese are joined by former contestant Tracey Yukich Lane ( @traceyyuckichlane ) to unpack how The Biggest Loser went from “inspirational reality show” to one of the most culty franchises in TV history. From weigh-in rituals and trainer worship to isolation, fear tactics, and nationwide public shaming, we’re diving into the behind the scenes world that had millions of viewers cheering for transformation while contestants were barely surviving it. Why did we believe this was healthy? How did it become so successful? And what happens when a show about losing weight starts demanding you lose yourself too? Grab your branded sweatband and your cognitive dissonance... this episode gets messy. 🏋🏻♂️📺🔥 Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube ! Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod , @amanda_montell , @reesaronii , @chelseaxcharles . Thank you to our sponsors! To save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to https:// Quince.com/slac Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices