99% Invisible and the Megachurch (featuring Gillian Jacobs)

This episode of 99% Invisible explores the history of the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles and its founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering figure in American religious history. The podcast details McPherson's rise to fame as a charismatic preacher, her innovative approach to worship incorporating elements of entertainment and mass media, and the construction of the Angelus Temple, considered the first megachurch in the United States. It also delves into the controversies surrounding McPherson, including her mysterious disappearance and alleged kidnapping, which led to a highly publicized investigation. Despite the scandals and personal struggles, McPherson's influence on Pentecostalism and the megachurch movement is undeniable, leaving a lasting impact on American Christianity.