Sacred Scandal

Sacred Scandal

My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts

SEASON 3: Nation of Saints In 1980, one man held together a fragile peace in the tiny nation of El Salvador: Archbishop Oscar Romero. When he is brutally and publicly assassinated on the pulpit, his murder starts a war that would leave 75,000 dead, and a million more displaced around the globe. Sacred Scandal season 3, Nation of Saints, follows host Jasmine Romero as she uncovers the holy war that followed the Archbishop's death, and led to an unsolved murder in her own family. SEASON 2: La Luz del Mundo Sacred Scandal, named one of Podtrac’s Best New Podcasts of 2022, embarks on its second se...

Introducing Marketplace: Hanif Abdurraqib on what it means to “make it”

Introducing Marketplace: Hanif Abdurraqib on what it means to “make it”

To kick off Marketplace’s season premiere, we’re sharing a conversation with one of our favorite writers, Hanif Abdurraqib. He joins Reema for a wide-ranging discussion about the moral judgments often made regarding people’s financial circumstances, notions of success and legacy, and what it means to be “good” versus “bad” in an unequal world. Hanif also opens up about one of the most challenging financial moments of his life and his commitment to giving away a significant portion of his income.

Jan 30, • 36:50

The Power of Telling Our Own Stories with Roberto Lovato

The Power of Telling Our Own Stories with Roberto Lovato

An extended interview with writer and professor Roberto Lovato, whose book “Unforgetting: A Memoir of Family, Migration, Gangs, and Revolution in the Americas” helped inspire the series.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 8, 2024 • 32:01

Living a dual identity with Marcella Arguello

Living a dual identity with Marcella Arguello

A special conversation with Salvadoran American comedian Marcella Arguello, whose giant tattoo of Oscar Romero sparked the series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 1, 2024 • 24:27

The Future

The Future

The rise of President Nayib Bukele, and what that means for El Salvador’s future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 25, 2024 • 38:01

The Gangs

The Gangs

In the aftermath of the Salvadoran Civil War, gangs like MS 13 and Barrio 18 rise to power in the US and El Salvador. Jasmine interviews her aunt Vilma about the murder of her son. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 18, 2024 • 34:30

The Jesuits

The Jesuits

The murder of 6 Jesuit priests finally ends the war in El Salvador, and brings into question who really holds the power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 11, 2024 • 35:32

El Mozote

El Mozote

A lonely town in the Salvadoran mountains becomes a symbol for the lies of the government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 4, 2024 • 31:22

The Flower

The Flower

Days after Jasmine’s mother, Ana, left for the US, her sister Margarita was “disappeared.” Her body was later discovered on a rural road, along with the bodies of 4 men. Through interviews with her family, Jasmine finally reveals the mystery of who is responsible for the murders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 2024 • 25:27

A Death in the Family

A Death in the Family

Jasmine gets an unexpected visit from some cousins, who reveal the reason why her family left for the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 20, 2024 • 33:37

The Nuns

The Nuns

The bodies of four American Catholic nuns are found on the side of a rural road. As violence spiraled out of control, this tragic event sounded the alarms in the country that was the biggest sponsor of the Salvadoran military: the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 13, 2024 • 40:52

The Executioner

The Executioner

Roberto D’Aubuisson, a military officer who plotted a coup and came back as a respected political figure, was beloved by some but feared by many. He was a boogeyman of sorts, one that created and led vicious death squads that terrorized El Salvador. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 6, 2024 • 36:46

The Funeral

The Funeral

Following the Archbishop’s murder, thousands gather to mourn Oscar Arnulfo Romero. His funeral becomes the battleground, where the two sides of the war finally show their faces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30, 2024 • 39:11

Oscar

Oscar

On March 24th, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero was presiding over mass when he was shot through the heart. His gruesome and public murder sent a signal to the people of El Salvador: None of you are sacred. None of you are safe. The Archbishops death would spark a war that would change the lives of thousands of people, including our host, Jasmine Romero. While on a quest to understand the Archbishops murder, she finds deaths in her own family that connect back to the slain priest. See omnystudio.co

May 23, 2024 • 34:25

Introducing:  Sacred Scandal: Nation of Saints

Introducing: Sacred Scandal: Nation of Saints

In 1980, one man held together a fragile peace in the tiny nation of El Salvador: Archbishop Oscar Romero. When he is brutally and publicly assassinated on the pulpit, his murder starts a war that would leave 75,000 dead, and a million more displaced around the globe. Sacred Scandal season 3, Nation of Saints, follows host Jasmine Romero as she uncovers the holy war that followed the Archbishop's death, and led to an unsolved murder in her own family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info

May 16, 2024 • 2:43

La Luz Del Mundo: Finding The Force Within

La Luz Del Mundo: Finding The Force Within

Leaving a high control group isn’t as simple as walking out through the front door. A cult is not simply a physical location, it’s a lifestyle, a belief system, a community and a state of mind.So is it possible to know if the preacher, the yoga guru, or the beloved politician you, or a loved one, are so taken with, is really a narcissistic psychopath cult leader in disguise? In this episode, we attempt to highlight some of the signs, that can signal the red flags.See omnystudio.com/listener for

Aug 10, 2023 • 37:47

La Luz Del Mundo: A Deal With The Devil

La Luz Del Mundo: A Deal With The Devil

Through the perspective of whistleblower Sochil Martin and the emergence of an online forum, we delve into the intricate web of events that led to the downfall of Naason Joaquin, the leader of the controversial religious organization La Luz del Mundo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 3, 2023 • 39:41

La Luz Del Mundo: The Jane Does

La Luz Del Mundo: The Jane Does

The counts against Naason are plenty.  The Accusations are damning!  And finally, after countless postponements, the five Jane Does get ready to face their abuser in court. But nothing goes as planned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 2023 • 37:55

La Luz Del Mundo: The Life and Death of Karem Leon

La Luz Del Mundo: The Life and Death of Karem Leon

We dive into the life of Karem León to better understand what LLDM has in store for those that dare to push against the church’s airtight defenses.In 1997, Moises Padilla, Amparo Aguilar and Karem Leon spoke out against La Luz del Mundo, but their accusations were ignored, leading to devastating consequences for the victims. When members leave the cult, there’s ongoing trauma. In the case of Karem de Leon – who faced constant threats from the organization – that led to her tragic death. See omny

Jul 20, 2023 • 28:42

La Luz Del Mundo: Show Me The Money

La Luz Del Mundo: Show Me The Money

The leaders of LLDM, known as the "royal family," preach about austerity and sacrifice to their followers, but behind the scenes, they live in opulence with luxurious mansions and private zoos. The question remains: where is all this wealth coming from, and what is the true source of the church's financial power? In this episode, we dive into the finances of LLDM and uncover the secrets behind their lavish lifestyle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 13, 2023 • 37:24

La Luz Del Mundo: The Groomers Handbook

La Luz Del Mundo: The Groomers Handbook

Where does the victim end and the perpetrator begin? The story of Alondra Ocampo, Naason's confidant and also a survivor. To understand how Alondra Ocampo: the victim, became Alondra Ocampo: the predator – we take a closer look at the inner workings of the cult - the tight control, the constant fear, the guilt and shame, the psychological manipulation - that is life inside La Luz Del Mundo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 6, 2023 • 27:43

La Luz Del Mundo: The Vestals

La Luz Del Mundo: The Vestals

The Mexican Press calls them “The Vestals” -   a group of women inside LLDM with an unholy task: to  groom young boys and girls for the Apostle. Alondra Ocampo’s road to hell on earth began when she was 8 years old. While her parents went to the temple, she went to the kid’s room, unknowingly entering a world of abuse that would continue for over thirty years. A path through the life of both a victim and a vestal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29, 2023 • 28:04

La Luz Del Mundo: Silence of the Lamb

La Luz Del Mundo: Silence of the Lamb

A woman is shot dead in Guadalajara. There are multiple witnesses. Security camera footage. But no one comes forward and the case remains unsolved. We look at LLDM's deep connections with the police, and their hush-hush operations.LLDM's longstanding connections with influential figures and politicians have helped them evade accountability time and again, but as public scrutiny intensifies, will justice finally be served? In this episode, we explore the extent of LLDM's power and influence, and

Jun 22, 2023 • 29:32

La Luz Del Mundo: The Apostle's Obsession

La Luz Del Mundo: The Apostle's Obsession

We meet Sochil Martin, the whistleblower who played a pivotal role in the downfall of Naasón Joaquín García. Sochil takes us on a journey through her childhood as a faithful member of the church and the dark tasks she was asked to perform as part of her service to the apostle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 15, 2023 • 35:16

La Luz Del Mundo: The Election

La Luz Del Mundo: The Election

We delve into the remarkable expansion of LLDM under the leadership of its second Apostle, Samuel Joaquín García, and trace the origins of LLDM back to its founding Apostle, Aaron Joaquín. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 8, 2023 • 34:46

La Luz del Mundo: Left for Dead

La Luz del Mundo: Left for Dead

Moises Padilla was brutally attacked, stabbed 68 times after denouncing the heinous crimes committed by the religious group called La Luz del Mundo It was in 1998 when Moises Padilla was brutally attacked, stabbed 68 times after denouncing the heinous crimes committed by the religious group called La Luz del Mundo, the largest cult on earth which, after decades of abuse, has recently come to light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2023 • 32:00

La Luz del Mundo: The Fall of The Apostle

La Luz del Mundo: The Fall of The Apostle

Discover the stunning downfall of the leader of religious organization "La Luz del Mundo," Naasón Joaquín García. Join us as we explore the shocking events that rocked the religious organization "La Luz del Mundo" when its leader, Naasón Joaquín García, celebrated his 50th birthday at Mexico City's prestigious cultural center, only to be arrested weeks later on charges of heinous crimes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 25, 2023 • 31:56

Introducing: Sacred Scandal: La Luz del Mundo

Introducing: Sacred Scandal: La Luz del Mundo

Sacred Scandal, named one of Podtrac’s Best New Podcasts of 2022, embarks on its second season, focusing on Mexico-based megachurch La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World). It tells the story of Naasón Joaquín García, a self-proclaimed apostle, who is currently behind bars after pleading guilty in June 2022 of sexually abusing girls from his congregation. Naasón is currently serving a nearly 17-year sentence, but maintains his innocence. Host and investigative journalist Roberta Garza explores Naa

May 18, 2023 • 2:49

Introducing: Party Crews: The Untold Story

Introducing: Party Crews: The Untold Story

For many Latinx kids in the ‘00s, the party crew scene was a safe space to express themselves as they came of age in the grit and glitter of Los Angeles. A space to make friends, forget about your problems and dance the night away. But the scene wasn’t always physically safe. There were shootings and police raids. Many adults saw the scene as gang-adjacent and the media fueled negative stereotypes of kids who were out of control. One of the teens who got caught in that easy narrative was Emmery

Mar 17, 2023 • 3:00

Introducing: Shoot the Messenger

Introducing: Shoot the Messenger

For lovers of true crime, EXILE Content Studio proudly presents their latest show, Shoot the Messenger: Espionage, Murder, & Pegasus Spyware (subscribe here). Beginning with the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Shoot the Messenger investigates the sophisticated spyware used on his inner circle, Pegasus - and how vulnerable we all might be.   Jamal Khashoggi’s life, assassination, and betrayal opened up a timeline for a new digital battle: cyber-surveillance weapons.   In 2018, Saudi jou

Feb 8, 2023 • 45:28

Edward James Olmos (Santana)

Edward James Olmos (Santana)

Edward James Olmos is one of the most decorated and respected actors alive, especially in the Latino community. Who is the man responsible for American Me, and why did he make it? Most of us know Edward James Olmos as a legendary actor, but he's also an activist who for decades has worked on behalf of Latino causes from Hollywood to Washington D.C. But when both of those sides of him collided to make a movie that would stop gang violence what resulted may have been the exact opposite. Why did Ol

Sep 15, 2022 • 38:37

Introducing: In Trust

Introducing: In Trust

A hundred and fifty years ago, the Osage Nation bought a stretch of prairie the size of Delaware, in what's now Oklahoma. The Osage owned the land and everything beneath it. Today, much of present-day Osage County has left Osage hands. In some cases, appropriation was swift and brutal: Dozens of Osages were murdered for their share of lucrative mineral rights to this oil-rich land, a period often referred to as the Reign of Terror. But other transfers of wealth played out more subtly—dollar by d

Sep 6, 2022 • 1:30

Bonus

Bonus

Melanie and Paula answer questions from listeners, review updates from the war in Ukraine, and discuss stories and interviews that didn't make it to the series.If you want to get in touch, email us on hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com. And for behind-the-scenes photos and videos follow us on Instagram @SacredScandalTo help support the people of Ukraine at this time, visit https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ukraine-crisis-relief-fund/If you’re concerned about or have experienced abuse in your own

Mar 14, 2022 • 35:56

A Scapegoat

A Scapegoat

Melanie and Paula look back on their conversation at the monastery and, as new theories emerge, they try to piece together the truth about what happened at Holy Cross.If you want to get in touch, email us on hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com. And for behind-the-scenes photos and videos follow us on Instagram @SacredScandalTo help support the people of Ukraine at this time, visit https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ukraine-crisis-relief-fund/If you’re concerned about or have experienced abuse in y

Mar 7, 2022 • 48:19

The Monastery on the Mountain

The Monastery on the Mountain

With a Russian invasion looming over Ukraine, Melanie and Paula drive to a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains to speak with a priest whose silence has echoed for more than twenty years.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 2022 • 56:18

On Transcarpathian Time

On Transcarpathian Time

Determined to speak to the priests from Holy Cross, Paula and Melanie go on a 5,000-mile mission to find them.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 2022 • 46:52

The Time of Troubles

The Time of Troubles

Nearly four years after the murder of Sister Michelle Lewis, Mykhaylo Kofel’s fate is finally decided. And all of the investigations take their toll on Holy Cross Academy, but not before the priests find a new place to call home.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 14, 2022 • 49:54

The House of Mirrors

The House of Mirrors

After the priests of Holy Cross Academy refused to cooperate with the murder and sexual abuse investigations, lawyers started to dig into the school’s past on their own. What they found was that years before Sister Michelle’s death, another investigation into Holy Cross already started — and it stretched all the way to the very top of the Catholic Church. Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal. Learn more about your ad-choices at

Feb 7, 2022 • 45:54

A New Investigation

A New Investigation

Mykhaylo Kofel’s accusations against the priests of Holy Cross Academy turned what appeared to be an open-and-shut murder case on it’s head. Those allegations would send both the prosecution and defence teams halfway around the world looking for the truth, and put the monastery on high alert.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley A Production of EXILE Content StudioWanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal. Learn more about your

Jan 31, 2022 • 47:23

The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 2

The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 2

Now in Miami, the monastic candidates of Holy Cross Academy start to realise that life there isn’t exactly what the priests promised. And one of those monks reveals how a dark secret kept inside the monastery put him on a path to prison.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee om

Jan 24, 2022 • 43:11

The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 1

The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 1

In the mid-1990s, a devoutly religious Ukrainian teenager is offered the chance to escape a violent household, for a life-changing opportunity at a Florida monastery. But swapping the hardships of his rural mountain village, for the promise of a better future in America, ends up far worse than his expectations.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Le

Jan 17, 2022 • 39:04

The Confessional

The Confessional

As detectives start to narrow in on the murder suspect, an unexpected guest arrives at the homicide office. And startling allegations against the monastery change the course of the investigation.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 3, 2022 • 25:24

The School on Sunset

The School on Sunset

Twenty years before the murder at Holy Cross Academy, two struggling priests find one another in South Florida. As they build out their utopia, some are awed by their vision, while others start to question their methods.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 27, 2021 • 35:38

A Murder at Holy Cross

A Murder at Holy Cross

At a monastery in Miami, a nun is found dead in her room just before Sunday Mass. With more than 90 stab wounds, the search for her brutal killer begins.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 20, 2021 • 24:41

Introducing: Sacred Scandal

Introducing: Sacred Scandal

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 29, 2021 • 2:21

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