A Self-Help Guru Promised Enlightenment. Former Followers Describe a Much Darker Reality
A Self-Help Guru Promised Enlightenment. Former Followers Describe a Much Darker Reality
Christine PelisekMon, June 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC
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Credit: FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube -
People Magazine Investigates: The Cult of the Soulful Journey explores the New Age group led by Soulaire Allerai
The two hour special airs on Tuesday, July 21 at 9/8c on ID and will be available to stream on HBO Max
Former members of the group are interviewed, sharing their experiences
For some people, The Soulful Journey was the answer to their prayers.Led by self-help guru Soulaire Allerai, the New Age spiritual group promised its members community, purpose and spiritual growth.
But to others, their experience was much darker.
An upcoming two-hour special, People Magazine Investigates: The Cult of the Soulful Journey, goes in-depth to explore the spiritual group and features interviews with past members and estranged family members of those still active in the group today.
The special airs on Tuesday, July 21 at 9/8c on ID and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
Allerai, who lives in Minnetonka, Minn., attracted some of her followers by offering them work at her video game company.
There, members lived in communal homes she owned and paid to take classes that centered on her claim that she could channel divine entities, including a figure named "G," whom she details in her controversial teachings.
“As time went on, followers were pushed to spend the little money they had, with some even needing to take out loans, to attend more classes," a press release states.
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The special promises to unpack “the stories of past members ... showing the psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain that past members experienced during their time as a part of Allerai’s world and how she intimidated her members to gain control.”
Also interviewed in the special are former members Rik and Bill, who give firsthand accounts of their time living at the headquarters.
Watch People Magazine Investigates "The Cult of the Soulful Journey" Tuesday, July 21 at 9/8c on ID and streaming on HBO Max.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
