The Opportunist

When her ministry and cat rescue gain unwanted notoriety in Whatcom County, Sheryl Ruthven plans a mass exodus, shrouded in secrecy. Thank you to our sponsors:  Philo: For 25% off your first 2 months, go to Philo.tv/opp Firstleaf: To get 6 bottles of wine for $29.5 + free shipping, go to TryFirstLeaf.com/opp Mejuri: Go to Mejuri.com/opp for 10% off your first order. BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/opp   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sheryl Ruthven’s cat passes away, she calls on her followers to build “Eva’s Eden,” a cat rescue, unlike any other, with a mission that extends far beyond rescuing cats. She also plots to get rid of her ex-husband.   Thank you to our sponsors:  Apostrophe: Go to Apostrophe.com/opp and use code OPP to get your dermatologist-crafted treatment plan for $5. Olive & June: For 20% off your first Mani System, go to Oliveandjune.com/opp and use code OPP Raycon: For 15% off your Raycon order, go to BuyRaycon.com/opp Everlywell: Go to Everlywell.com/opp to get 20% off your at-home lab test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When one of Sheryl Ruthven's followers dares to question her need for a $170,000 trip to Scotland, he is excommunicated. We begin to see a pattern, a wake of destruction that follows anyone who dares to question Sheryl's authority.   Thank you to our sponsors: Mejuri: For 10% off your first order go to mejuri.com/opp Philo: Get 25% off your first two months by going to Philo.tv/opp See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2001, Sheryl Ruthven started her own church: Freedom Fire Ministries. But gradually, her uplifting sermons gave way to unorthodox teachings and doomsday prophecies. Over the last fifteen years those who believed her have seen families destroyed, their bank accounts drained and their homes filled… with cats. Thank you to our sponsors:  BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.  Dipsea: For an extended 30 day trial, visit DipseaStories.com/opp.  Obé Fitness: Get one month free by going to obefitness.com and using code OPP. June's Journey: Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheryl Ruthven is a self-proclaimed prophet and the founder of Eva’s Eden cat rescue. She has convinced her followers that the apocalypse is imminent and that when it comes, only the cats will save them. But this isn’t really about the cats. Sheryl Ruthven’s followers believe she is Mary Magdalene reincarnated, a literal god on earth. What happens when a group of people are willing to give up everything (their time, money and family members) for the promise of eternal salvation?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.