23. The almighty dollar: how church became a $1.42T business

26. Ponzi in paradise: the divine right of kings

Deep in the jungles of Bougainville, a man crowned himself king, founded a bank with no money, and promised salvation through spreadsheets. Meet Noah Musingku: prophet, monarch, financial engineer and architect of the most absurd sovereign state you’ve never heard of.  Is it a nation, a church or just the world’s most committed pyramid scheme? This week, we’re joined by writer and podcaster extraordinaire Sean Williams to talk us through his remarkable investigation. Find Sean on X: @swilliamsjourno [https://x.com/swilliamsjourno] and check out his podcast: https://www.underworldpod.com/ [https://www.underworldpod.com/] His original Harpers story is here: https://harpers.org/archive/2024/11/the-island-king-sean-williams-bougainville/ [https://harpers.org/archive/2024/11/the-island-king-sean-williams-bougainville/] Support us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/ [https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/] Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at helltopaypodcast@gmail.com [helltopaypodcast@gmail.com] Theme music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies [https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies]

25. The hostage honeymoon — how to out-Taliban the Taliban

When Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman set out on a backpacking trip through Afghanistan, they told friends it was a spiritual journey. What followed was one of the strangest hostage sagas of the 21st century — a tale of love, captivity, delusion and coercion — which has offered up more questions than answers. Support us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/ [https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/] Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at helltopaypodcast@gmail.com [helltopaypodcast@gmail.com] Theme music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies [https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies]

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/ [https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/] Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at helltopaypodcast@gmail.com [helltopaypodcast@gmail.com] Theme music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies [https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies]

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/ [https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/] and follow Nathan’s exploits and forthcoming podcast series on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/religionbusiness [https://www.instagram.com/religionbusiness] Support us by signing up for our Substack at https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/ [https://helltopaypodcast.substack.com/] Suggestions? Questions? Comments? You can find us at helltopaypodcast@gmail.com [helltopaypodcast@gmail.com] Theme music: War Machine (The Purpose of a System Is What It Does) by Sister Ray Davies. Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies [https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies]

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 [https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/i-was-taught-not-to-remember-my-grandfather-this-is-why-i-do_uk_5c7ea296e4b078abc6c1d0a7]: I was taught not to remember my grandfather. This is why I do.  * ESPN [https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37632302/witchcraft-part-french-football-central-pogba-saga]: Witchcraft central to Paul Pogba blackmail saga, but it's nothing new in French football * Africa is a Country [https://africasacountry.com/2024/02/the-magic-of-the-beautiful-game]: the ‘magic’ of the beautiful game * Youtube [https://youtu.be/FzDMGwTG_yE?si=rJARtfWqW-4Ndyx3]: Players are forced to use magic in South African football