It was one of the coolest jobs you could get in the 2000s. The swoopy bangs. The gold lamé leggings. The sexually charged ads. American Apparel wasn’t just a brand — it was a vibe. And today’s guest, Zsuzsi was on the front lines of it all. From art school to assistant manager to overseeing a hot New York City store, she was living the dream… until it started to feel more like a fever dream — and eventually, a cult.&nbsp;Today’s story is about what happens when the "American dream" disguises exploitation in trendy cotton basics — and how one man's charisma fueled a culture of unchecked abuse, manipulation, humiliation, and grooming… all hidden behind the label “Made in the USA.”And the worst part? He’s still at it.___COME SEE US LIVE!!!Los Angeles • September 9, 2025With special guest: comedian Moses Storm<a href="https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/calendar-squad-up?event-id=113995" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@ Dynasty Typewriter</a>VIP “Meet & Greet” tickets available!Not in LA? No prob — livestream available too!Follow Us for More Culty Content:Instagram & TikTok → <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wasiinacult" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@wasiinacult</a>Find Zsuzsi: @hdbyz & @hellozhia / <a href="https://www.hdbyz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hdbyz.com</a> & <a href="https://www.hellozhia.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hellozhia.com</a>Support the Show:If you learned something, felt something, or are angry too&nbsp;and want to make a little noise — share this episode. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. And maybe… make a call to:(213) 275-3120Just for some light, constructive feedback.Thank you to our Patreon members — we appreciate the hell out of you.Want ad-free episodes & exclusive content? → Join our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/wasiinacult" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patreon</a>.Share Your Story:Had a culty experience of your own? We want to hear it.Email us:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@wasiinacult.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@wasiinacult.com</a>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

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The Cult of American Apparel: “Sweatshop or Sex Shop?”

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