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Hate Mail From A Cult Leader: inside MOVE's language of control12 Jun 202500:42:30

WARNING: disturbing language and content.

Behind the veneer of revolutionary rhetoric and claims of natural living lies a darker reality that few have ever glimpsed. For decades, MOVE has carefully cultivated an image of a loving, principled liberation movement, but newly uncovered internal communication reveals something far more sinister.

These never-before-seen letters—what can only be described as "hate mail" between MOVE members—expose the psychological warfare waged against anyone who showed signs of independent thought or questioning. They reveal how cult leader Vincent Leapheart (John Africa) maintained iron-fisted control through a sophisticated system of emotional manipulation, public humiliation, and threats.

"You're a criminal motherfucker," reads one letter to a MOVE member who dared express doubt while imprisoned. "Prison is where you belong." Another eight-page tirade calls a recipient "a worthless bitch, a freak" whose "goddamn head should be cut off" for the crime of communicating with a family member who had left the group. These aren't isolated incidents but part of a systematic approach to thought control documented across multiple letters.

What makes these documents particularly chilling is their perfect alignment with established criteria for thought reform and cult indoctrination. Every psychological manipulation tactic identified by experts appears within these pages—milieu control, mystical manipulation, demand for purity, confession, sacred science, loaded language, doctrine over person, and dispensing of existence. They represent the complete toolkit of coercive control.

Meanwhile, contemporary MOVE supporters continue selling a narrative of love and liberation, seemingly unaware—or deliberately ignoring—the mountain of evidence proving otherwise. After hearing these letters, no honest person can maintain the fiction that MOVE was anything other than what these documents reveal: a destructive cult that weaponized progressive rhetoric to mask authoritarian control.

Listen to the actual words MOVE leaders wrote to their followers, then ask yourself: would you support an organization that treated human beings this way? And if you've already voiced support, what responsibility do you bear to acknowledge the truth now that it can no longer be denied?

Resources:

Dr. Robert Jay Lifton

Dr. Janja Lalich

Alexandra Stein

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Love Letters From A Cult Leader: inside MOVE's language of control10 Jun 202500:34:38
“I love y’all so much. Ain’t nothing I wouldn’t do for y’all.”
—John Africa (Vincent Leaphart), founder of MOVE

Thanks to a confidential source, we gained access to dozens of private MOVE letters sent to incarcerated followers. At first glance, some of these letters appear warm, loyal, even loving - representative of what MOVE says they are - a chosen "family". But beneath the surface lies a deeply sophisticated system of control.

Using Dr. Robert J. Lifton’s landmark framework for thought reform—developed in his seminal book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism—this episode unpacks the emotional and psychological manipulation embedded in MOVE’s prison correspondence.

MOVE’s founder, Vincent Leaphart (known as John Africa), fused affection with control, cloaking coercion in the language of love. We identify all eight of Lifton’s classic markers of ideological subjugation:

  1. Milieu Control – Isolation from outside information
  2. Mystical Manipulation – Events reframed as divine guidance
  3. Demand for Purity – Eradication of doubt or dissent
  4. Cult of Confession – Compelled vulnerability used against members
  5. Sacred Science – Doctrine presented as ultimate, unquestionable truth
  6. Loading the Language – Slogans replace independent thought
  7. Doctrine over Person – Personal experiences denied if they contradict the group
  8. Dispensing of Existence – Only true believers are granted moral or spiritual legitimacy

Most disturbing is how MOVE weaponized parenthood. In letter after letter, imprisoned parents were told how strong, loyal, and “revolutionary” their children were becoming when the reality was neglect and abuse. 

These so-called love letters were more than emotional support. They were tools of indoctrination, surveillance, and control, designed to maintain ideological loyalty even behind bars.

To further understand how cults keep their hold through isolation and imprisonment,  check out the works of Dr. Lifton and Dr. Janja Lalich, whose powerful book Bounded Choice explores how seemingly rational people remain devoted to manipulative groups under high control.

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Mike Africa Jr. Version 2001 - Part 107 May 202501:03:21

In this immersive, unedited episode, you’re sitting in the basement of MOVE headquarters in West Philly—24 years ago—listening as Michael Davis (known publicly as Mike Africa Jr., and within MOVE by the nickname “Puga,” which he no longer uses - talks freely while being interviewed by longtime MOVE "supporter" Peter Gordon, aka Dubside. At 23, Mike shares a version of MOVE’s history—and his own—that directly contradicts the narrative he tells today about 1985 as a public figure and the self-annointed new leader of MOVE.

This episode is part of a mini-season built around MOVE’s words—letters, recordings, and public statements—so their credibility can finally be fully examined, which is in the public interest. From Mike’s childhood outside the group to his return under Ramona Africa’s watch, this tape reveals fractured family ties, the making of MOVE’s next spokesperson, and the first signs that he was stepping toward the spotlight and seeking fame via the MOVE story. 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

We'll Burn This House Down - Ramona Africa's Letter07 May 202500:21:09

Two days before the 1985 fire that killed 5 children and 6 adults inside 6221 Osage Avenue, MOVE’s Minister of Information, Ramona Africa, sent a letter to police: “We will burn this motherf***ing house down and burn you up with us.” This handwritten letter has been publicly available for 40 years. So why is it rarely included in books, documentaries, or retrospectives—especially now, 40 years later? This episode brings her words back into the story—and asks us all to think critically about what MOVE calls “the strategy of John Africa (Vincent Leaphart)?"

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

MOVE loves Philly cheese steaks and not answering our questions about missing children.14 Sep 202300:23:06

This episode was put together quickly in order to publish before current charismatic spokesperson Mike Africa Jr. goes on WURD radio to talk about remains of MOVE children so this is my effort to put some questions out there for WURD to ask Mike.  I will write up better show notes tomorrow.  Going hit the hay so I can wake up at 5am my time to catch WURD in Philadelphia. Will post images etc. that go with episode tomorrow. 

Here are links I promised:

Firewalker New Balance 

Let The Fire Burn on OVID

PBS Frontline MOVE episode

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Shaeida: the little girl who was disappeared in MOVE.11 May 202300:28:55

*cw: profanity and death of children
It's hard to believe that an organization like MOVE, which preaches about natural foods and healthy living, could be responsible for the neglect and abuse suffered by its children. In this episode we share exclusive investigative information about Shaeida "She She" Hollaway, who disappeared from the group's care in 1978 at the age of five. Through in-depth research, we learn about MOVE's secretive practices that made it challenging for authorities to locate and safeguard the children's welfare. This eye-opening episode details the group's obsession with isolation and privacy in order to conceal it's true nature, leading to catastrophic consequences for its members, most particularly the dozens of children who died, went missing or suffered decades of abuse.  . 

Where is SHAEIDA HOLLAWAY? 
What happened to her in MOVE?
Will MOVE answer questions about SHAEIDA?  If not, what could they be hiding?

Go to our social media for the MISSING graphic we made so that you can share on your socials with two hashtags #WhereIsShaeida #MissingInMOVE

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

THE MOVE FAMILY10 May 202300:38:26

*explicit language and threats of violence

Whenever MOVE speaks it is always in "the plural" as "The MOVE Family" but what happens in the family stays in the family, like the movie FIGHT CLUB but even more insidious and culty.  So outsiders think MOVE is what they say they are - a loving committed family.  Over the two seasons you have heard exclusive interviews with former MOVE members sharing the dark secrets in the group.  The podcast has obtained a lot of internal MOVE materials and in this episode we share a letter that exposes the true family dynamics in MOVE. 

Here is the letter for you to read after you hear the episode:
LINK TO LETTER FEATURED IN EPISODE

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

All About Ria, the other White "Africa"03 May 202300:48:57

*explicit: child abuse, animal abuse and racial slurs
MOVE wants the public to see them as a black liberation group and so Ria Africa has been conveniently erased from their current narrative which is why we made this entire episode all about the white rich girl named Suzy who became Sue Africa and then Ria  Africa.  For decades Ria has used the power given to her by MOVE founder Vincent Leaphart and then 2nd leader Alberta Wicker to abuse black children while saying she herself was not white and then Alberta saying she was white and  not black.  And then there is the whole thing about the white cult within the MOVE cult and the Hollywood director who fan girls over MOVE's cult fashion icon RIA. 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Mumia Abu Jamal and the MOVE Minister of Confrontation, Pam Africa29 Dec 202200:52:30

Mumia Abu Jamal is mostly known to the world as a former black panther, former radio journalist and for the last 41 years as a convicted murderer who had been sentenced to death but now is serving life in prison without parole.  What is less known about Mumia Abu Jamal is his long history with MOVE before he shoots Officer Daniel Faulkner on December 9, 1981 and that Mumia's lead publicist "handler" Pam Africa is also the Minister of Confrontation for MOVE.  Utilizing an audio cassette exclusivey obtained by the podcast this episode examines the undeniable 40+ year connections between MOVE, Mumia Abu Jamal and murdered ex-MOVE member John Gilbride.  Mumia and MOVE are one in the same thing, there is no halfsies or casual relationships that span 45 years like Mumia Abu Jamal aka Wesley Cook.   This episode will leave you with questions that the podcast could not get answered after repeatedly reaching out to Mumia and his lawyers/publicists.  

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

50 Years A Cult - Media, Money, Mumia & Monsters featuring former MOVE member Rain Africa28 Dec 202201:11:25
Born into MOVE 15 years after the most deadly confrontation on Osage Avenue, Rain Africa was groomed to be a spokesperson and "fundraiser" for MOVE and Mumia Abu Jamal which she says is one in the same.   Rain breaks down how MOVE deftly and deceptively uses the media, academics and "the movement".


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

I survived MOVE: the story of Jeanne Africa19 Dec 202201:00:38

*CW: discussion of domestic abuse, threats of violence and loss of life.

After more than 30 years Jeanne Africa is breaking her silence about the 5 years she was a devoted MOVE member sharing never-before-heard details about what she alleges was the true nature of MOVE - to overthrow the system by violent revolution and that in following Vincent Leaphart's teachings all of his followers were willing to kill or be killed for his  "revolution".   

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

If you or someone you care about is possibly in a situation of coercive control here are some resources:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/culteducation

Cult Education Institute
International Cultic Studies Association
Janja Lalich 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

The Coordinator11 Dec 202200:53:22

This episode examines the real man behind THE COORDINATOR of MOVE, Vincent Leaphart, the leader and creator of the group who gave himself the name of JOHN AFRICA and the title of THE COORDINATOR.   Vincent Leaphart, like most cult leaders, put his followers on the front line of his "revolution" and they certainly paid the price with their freedom and in some cases their lives.

If you have comments, questions or information related to the podcast or our ongoing research into MOVE please reach out via email:  murderatryansrun@gmail.com or message us on our social media platforms.  

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

MOVE lies about John Gilbride Part 2- Look Who's Talking 05 Jun 202500:46:12

*warning: discussion of violence, threats, and the use of a racial slur that is explained but is censored.     

What happens when a cult's carefully crafted narrative faces public scrutiny? The answer lies in this shocking exploration of MOVE's 2005 radio appearance and their confrontation with America's Most Wanted five years later.

Following Fox 29's coverage of John Gilbride's unsolved murder, MOVE members secured two hours of airtime on Philadelphia's WURD Radio. What unfolded wasn't a defense or clarification—it was a masterclass in manipulation tactics. Through strategic deflection, character assassination, and veiled threats, they demonstrated exactly how high-control groups maintain their grip on both members and public perception.

The broadcast reveals multiple layers of MOVE's operational playbook. When former MOVE member Tony Allen calls in to ask what happened to John Gilbride, he's immediately attacked as "nobody" and "a cop"—classic dehumanization techniques designed to silence dissent. 

 Tony Allen's Defector Blog 

Meanwhile, Gary Wonderlin (who married MOVE leader Alberta weeks after John's murder) calls in under an alias, and it seems that pretending to be someone else is kind of his "thing".

Most revealing is what happened in 2010 when America's Most Wanted was producing an episode about Gilbride's murder and was seeking comment from Alberta and MOVE - a profanity-laden confrontation captured by multiple cameras that ended in a racial slur. 

This pattern of deflection, intimidation, and narrative control isn't random—it's calculated. By examining these tactics through the lens of cult psychology, we gain crucial insight into how MOVE has avoided accountability for decades while simultaneously portraying themselves as victims.

For those seeking the truth about John Gilbride's unsolved murder, this episode provides essential context for understanding why this case remains open. The question remains: if MOVE truly had nothing to hide, why go to such extraordinary lengths to shut down legitimate questions about the murder of someone they knew very well?

If you have any information about the John Gilbride unsolved homicide case , The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office tip line email is tips@co.burlington.nj.us. This email address can be used to report information about a crime or incident. Additionally, you can reach the office through their website, burlpros.org, or contact the Victim Witness Unit at 609.265.5048. 


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

The Meaning of Life Africa: how MOVE exploited the deaths of their own children 05 Dec 202200:49:40

*CW: discussion of infant deaths, child neglect, child abuse, and police brutality.   

MOVE says their religion is Life.  "JOHN AFRICA taught us that Life is the priority. Nothing is more important or as important as Life, the force that keeps us alive. All life comes from one source, from God, Mom Nature, Mama.  Each individual life is dependent on every other life, and all life has a purpose, so all living beings, things that move, are equally important whether they are human beings, dogs, birds, fish, trees, ants, weeds, rivers, wind or rain." - 25 Year On The Move

This episode examines Life Africa, a baby boy born into the organization in March 1976 that MOVE says was murdered by police.  This tragic event has been shared by MOVE as a justification for taking up arms against the system in 1977.  In examining this infant death the podcast team uncovers other alleged infant deaths.  

If you have any information related to this episode or the podcast series overall please reach out via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com or message us on our socials. 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Kwashiorkor: the deliberate malnourishment of MOVE children28 Nov 202200:56:55

*CW: child neglect and abuse.
MOVE has always bragged about the health/strength of the children raised in MOVE were even more exceptional because they were raised as the "pure generation" under MOVE Law - the teachings of John Africa but the reality was the children were sick with diseases  like Kwashiorkor which is only seen in developing countries experiencing famine.

What are the signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor?

(More information Cleveland Clinic - Kwashiorkor)

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Vince Leaphart & The Black Panther21 Nov 202200:40:34

*Sensitive content about police brutality, abuse against children and women. Mention of racial slurs.

MOVE began in the West Philadelphia neighborhood of Powelton Village at a time when counterculture and revolution were the norm and a former Black Panther once crossed paths with a handyman named Vince who then became John Africa. 

The Black Panther Party Ten-Point Program
Timothy Hayes Blog

Big shout out to 50 years of local reporting  on MOVE from The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Daily News  and underground papers like THE DRUMMER.  Support your local newspapers before they are gone.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or intimate partner violence R.A.I.N.N    1-800-656-HOPE.


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Guidelines, Guns and Going Against John Africa14 Nov 202200:37:54

MOVE claims that their "organization" was created by one man, a black man named Vincent Leaphart.  Vincent did not create the MOVE cult by himself, he had a lot of help from a white graduate student named Donald Glassey who then escaped and became a government informant in order to stop Vincent's bomb plot.  



 





We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

MOVE: Small but Deadly with Cult Expert Rick Alan Ross07 Nov 202201:16:13

Welcome to Season 2 of the podcast.  In this episode you will get some updates and behind-the-scenes information on Season 1 and then you will hear from cult expert and author Rick Alan Ross about MOVE and the overall nature of destructive cults and MOVE. .

Links and Resources mentioned in this episode:

Tony Allen's blog:  AntiMOVE
Kevin Price's blog: Leaving MOVE 2021   

RICK ALAN ROSS
Twitter https://twitter.com/RickAlanRoss

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/culteducation

Cult Education Institute
International Cultic Studies Association
Janja Lalich 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Knock, knock, it's Beth. 25 Apr 202200:17:53

MOVE likes to say that John Gilbride is still alive and living under an assumed name working for the US Government who is, of course, hell bent on destroying MOVE. John Gilbride is dead and we have obtained the Medical Examiner's Report stating exactly how he died on September 26, 2002.  And we knock on the front door of MOVE leader's house and have a brief and bizarre interaction with her second husband.  


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Bonus Ep #3: This all began with Anarchism, Black Cats and Lies30 Oct 202100:10:28

This whole podcast got started when Bob shared the story of MOVE and May 13th 1985 with Beth and got her hooked on learning as much as she could but then one interview spins her around and sends the whole focus and podcast down an unsolved murder rabbit hole that leads deep into the MOVE organization that even ties back to Hollywood film royalty - Steven Spielberg.  

If you have any information that could help solve the unsolved murder of JOHN GILBRIDE or you have information about the allegations of abuse exposed in this podcast please contact us murderatryansrun@gmail.com or message us on social media.

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We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Additional research by Robert Helms

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The Power of Truth is Final 27 Oct 202100:54:16

CONTENT WARNING: child sex abuse and graphic description of child birth.

While MOVE continues to claim their belief is LIFE and protecting all life, they are not in mourning of their former MOVE brother John Gilbride who was murdered in cold blood, but rather they are hanging decorations in preparation for not one wedding, but two and only the most trusted, loyal members and supporters are invited.  








We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Follow The Money19 Oct 202100:33:46

Every murder investigation looks at motive - why does someone want someone else dead?  Common motives are jealousy and money.  One of the core secrets about MOVE is the source of their money and that would be a something that John Gilbride would have been privy to and so maybe MOVE vs. John Gilbride is about more than child custody.  .  

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Rosario - The Secret 2nd Wife08 Oct 202100:20:08

It is only after John is murdered that a secret second wife is discovered who ends up getting the life insurance payout.   Who is this Rosario and more importantly, where is she now and what does she know? J

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

MOVE lies about John Gilbride Part 1: Play The Tape03 Jun 202501:05:19

When MOVE feels threatened, they turn to friendly media outlets to control their narrative. This episode takes you inside a revealing 2005 WURD Radio broadcast where MOVE members responded to a Fox News segment about the unsolved murder of John Gilbride. The previously unreleased audio exposes how cult propaganda works in real-time.

Ramona Africa, MOVE's Minister of Information, leads a coordinated response where members employ classic manipulation tactics: denying involvement in John's murder while simultaneously casting doubt on whether he was actually killed, deflecting attention to a mysterious "Dominican wife," and portraying themselves as victims of media persecution. Most disturbing is their repeated suggestion that John's son was MOVE's property, not an individual with rights to know his father.

What makes this exploration particularly powerful is hearing MOVE members' own words contradicting themselves over time. Mike Africa Jr, who in 2005 participated in MOVE's character assassination of John, portrays him as "a good dude" and even a friend in his 2024 memoir—claiming John's murder "fucked him up." These contradictions reveal how propaganda evolves when organizations fear losing control of their narrative.

The episode also connects dots around Alberta Wicker's strange decision to change her surname to "Gilbridge" after John's death—matching a typo on his autopsy report—raising questions about possible financial motivations.

Former MOVE members have alleged that they believe the group is somehow involved in John's murder. Their testimonies, combined with MOVE's own recorded words from 2005, paint a disturbing picture of how authoritarian groups weaponize media to intimidate critics, rewrite history, and maintain control over their followers.

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

John is dead.01 Oct 202100:28:35

John Gilbride was murdered in the final hours of September 26, 2002 and the investigative clock begins at 12:08am on September 27, 2002 when police come up the scene and John's death is recorded as a homicide.  In the final hour of September 26, 2002, John Gilbride was murdered.  He was shot by an unknown assailant(s) that was waiting for him to come home from work.  Who wanted John dead and why?  This episode looks at multiple locations and gets accounts from multiple people when they hear John is Dead. 


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

The Meeting At Gary's23 Sep 202100:28:42

On the night John Gilbride was murdered, September 26th 2002, Alberta directed that there was to be a MOVE meeting held at house in New Jersey owned by a longtime MOVE member that has been flying under the radar for decades.  This MOVE member Gary claims to have known MOVE founder Vincent Leaphart and definitely knew John Gilbride.  With all of the MOVE supporters at Gary's then only MOVE members know the alibis of MOVE members that night. 


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Gun15 Sep 202100:19:52

* Content Warning: this episode mentions threats of violence against children.
MOVE cult leader Alberta Africa prepares her followers that they must be willing to lose their lives in order to keep John Gilbride from getting his son Zackary, and if necessary be willing to even kill Zack so that John does not get him.  

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Bonus Ep #2: Growing up male in MOVE: Josh Africa 12 Sep 202100:28:36

*EXPLICIT CONTENT -  child sex abuse and homophobic slurs. 

This second bonus episode exposes what it was like to grow up as boy in MOVE featuring 2nd Gen MOVE member Josh "Africa" sharing that all decisions on child rearing originated  from the leader Alberta Africa and  her 2nd in command, Sue Africa aka Ria.   Josh is breaking his silence and the cycle of abuse so that he can raise his own children outside of MOVE.  

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Bonus Ep #1: Growing up female in MOVE: Maria Africa10 Sep 202100:19:02

 WARNING: Mentions of suicide, racism and disturbing events involving children. 
This episode is intended for mature audiences. Please take care while listening.

This bonus episode exposes what it was like to grow up as a girl in the MOVE cult and features the former MARIA AFRICA who was born shortly after John Gilbride's son was born into MOVE which was 10 years after the most deadly police confrontation with MOVE on May 13, 1985. Move Bombing" in 1985. 



We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Board Up The House09 Sep 202100:34:25

6 weeks before JOHN GILBRIDE is shot dead, he is awarded the unsupervised visitation with his 6 year old son Zackary that has been fought in the Family Court of Philadelphia event hough John, Alberta and Zackary all live in New Jersey.  This final order by the Judge crosses a red line for John's ex-wife, the leader of MOVE (alleged to by former members to be a cult).  It is said that Alberta considers the court order to be a personal defeat and a direct attack on MOVE and so under her leadership, MOVE goes into full confrontation mode and the city of Philadelphia is having a terrifying deja vu of May 13, 1985. 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Gilbride v. Gilbride: taking a cult to court30 Aug 202100:39:32

*Content Warning: this episode contains allegations of child neglect and child abuse.  Please take care while listening.
JOHN GILBRIDE leaves MOVE and his wife Alberta Africa, the leader of MOVE, in 1998 when he is 30 years old, Alberta is 50 years old and their son Zackary is 2 years old.  For the next 4 years John will battle Alberta and the entire MOVE organization in public and in family court.   With never-before-seen court transcripts you will hear what it was like for John Gilbride to battle a cult in court for the right to see his own son.




We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

MOVE "Meetings"19 Aug 202100:28:34

*CONTENT WARNING -  domestic abuse/violence and homophobic slurs. 
John Gilbride was a victim of cultic abuse and control inside of MOVE and according to Mario Hardy (formerly Mario Africa) John was also a battered husband who finally escaped MOVE only to resurface and take Alberta to court which was seen as an act of war against MOVE.  This is the first time former MOVE member MARIO AFRICA has ever told this story because he himself has feared MOVE retaliation and disconnection from his two children born into MOVE. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence you can find help and resources through the  National Domestic Violence Hotline (www.thehotline.org) 1-800-799-SAFE.    

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Murder Scene12 Aug 202100:38:55

It was a rainy night in 2002 when ex-MOVE member John Gilbride arrives home to his apartment at RYAN'S RUN in Maple Shade, New Jersey and is shot dead in his car.  Who would want to kill him?   In this episode we take you along to the scene of the crime as we try to figure out who might have murdered John and how they have gotten away with it for more than 20 years.  

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Into the MOVE Web29 Jul 202100:31:51

No one joins a cult. 17 year old John Gilbride gets lured into MOVE in the summer of 1985 after the deadly confrontation with police that resulted in a fire that destroyed 61 homes and took the lives of 6 adult MOVE members and 5 children who were inside MOVE headquarters on May 13, 1985.   It would be years later when John's parents even discover that he has become a MOVE member which prompts them to seek out cult interventionists in the hopes of getting John to leave MOVE before it is too late.   

Joe Kelley Cult Interventionist
International Cultic Studies Association
Cult News 101
Cult Recovery
Psychology Today article on Coercive Control
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) - Red Queen



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The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

"He Said He Said" - The Confession of Mumia Abu Jamal29 May 202500:44:47

Here is the very interesting Howard Stern show mentioned in previous episode about Mumia - TC 01:30:47 -01:51:08 (thanks to listener Alex).

A prison friendship leads to an unexpected confession that threatens to collapse the entire Free Mumia movement. Twenty-five years after a bombshell Vanity Fair article claimed Mumia Abu-Jamal admitted to killing Officer Daniel Faulkner, the source of that revelation speaks out in his own words.

Philip Bloch wasn't supposed to be part of this story. A former radical turned prison volunteer, he formed an unlikely intellectual bond with America's most famous death row inmate through philosophical conversations about justice, violence, and remorse. What transpired during those visits would eventually make national headlines and challenge everything supporters believed about Mumia's case.

Bloch takes us inside the maximum-security prison where he and Mumia discussed everything from Thoreau to the Los Angeles riots, revealing the complex humanity behind the political symbol. When Bloch asked if Mumia regretted killing Faulkner, the one-word answer—"yes"—remained private for seven years until Bloch, disturbed by attacks on Faulkner's widow, decided to come forward.

The aftermath was explosive: media firestorms, public smears, and Mumia's vehement denial. Yet Bloch's account defies simple categorization. Neither right-wing crusader nor attention-seeker, he maintains that Mumia is "not a monster" while standing by his account. His testimony raises profound questions about what happens when movements become more important than truth—when human beings transform into symbols that can't be allowed to show weakness, change, or express remorse.

Connect with us on social media or email murderatryansrun@gmail.com with information about Mumia's case, John Gilbride's murder, or missing child Shaeida Holloway. Rate, review, and share this podcast to help others find this untold story.

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

LAST NAME GILBRIDE08 Jul 202100:09:57

The crowds at John Gilbride's wake had the funeral director asking if he was someone famous, maybe a major league baseball player.  John was a regular guy like by everyone but he before he died he was keeping his personal life a secret because it involved a notorious local organization known as MOVE. 
 


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

LAST NAME AFRICA - the escape of Pixie, Pam Africa's daughter 02 Jul 202100:06:26

After decades of fear and silencing, members born into MOVE come forward with allegations that their "revolutionary family" is a cult that abused, terrorized and threatened them.  Pixie Africa, daughter of globally known MOVE and Mumia Abu Jamal spokesperson Pam Africa, is escaping with her 5 children and shared her life story in order to expose the group so that she can leave without retaliation.

Leaving MOVE blog with group statement 




We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

TEASER #2: LEAVING MOVE29 Jun 202100:03:05

Kevin got into the Philadelphia based group known as MOVE at at the age of 14 because he wanted to fight for equality and justice.  Now, 24 years later Kevin is betraying MOVE by going public putting himself and his family at risk.



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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

TEASER #1: WHO SHOT JOHN?04 Apr 202100:02:52

34 year old John Gilbride was murdered on September 2002 and to this day the case is unsolved.  Many people claim this case will never be solved because John was once a member of the radical group known as MOVE.  This series will take you down the dark and twisty investigative rabbits holes that will expose the true nature and history of The Move Organization as  a deceptive, violent cult with a history of silencing critics.  




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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

The Cult of Mumia: from convicted killer to campus icon using the MOVE playbook27 May 202500:46:57

A powerful moment in 1999 captures everything you need to know about how MOVE operated. When Rage Against the Machine held a benefit concert for Mumia Abu-Jamal, they didn't just pack an arena with passionate fans—they delivered approximately $75,000 straight into MOVE's coffers. The organization's leadership understood that Mumia's case was their golden ticket to Hollywood, mainstream visibility, financial support, and fresh recruits. 

Here is the Howard Stern show mentioned - TC 01:30:47 -01:51:08 (thanks to listener Alex).

Through meticulous research into archived recordings, Beth unveils the calculated recruitment strategy that played out when Mumia delivered a commencement address at Evergreen State College. Behind his revolutionary rhetoric was a 13-minute advertisement for MOVE and its founder, Vincent Leaphart (John Africa).  LINK TO VIDEO of Commencement

The speech reveals the organization's chameleon-like ability to mirror whatever values potential recruits held most dear—a classic cult tactic that expert Dr. Janja Lalich calls "Bounded Choice."

Examining Mumia's commencement speech is an opportunity to unpack the recruitment and control dynamics in MOVE - lots of word play, virtue signaling and creating alignment in order to create connections that foster support for both Mumia and MOVE.  The investigation takes a darker turn when examining how MOVE specifically targeted teens and young adults using romantic relationships to lure young men, especially those with weapons training, into Vincent's clutches. What looked like love and purpose was actually calculated grooming and for many, like Mike Davis, it would lead to decades in prison following the 1978 shootout with police.

Most telling is Mumia's continued accessibility to supporters while remaining completely unavailable to those investigating MOVE's alleged abuses aka "That Beth McNamara" as MOVE refers to me. Despite reaching out multiple times, Beth has received no response from Mumia regarding the serious allegations made by former MOVE children who have come forward on this podcast. The contrast between his public persona as a revolutionary truth-teller and his silence on these matters speaks volumes.

Why does this matter now? Because understanding how effective MOVE's recruitment tactics were in 1999 helps explain how MOVE and other high control groups aka cults a

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

May 13, 1985: A Police Officer’s Account from Osage Avenue13 May 202500:37:05

The haunting story of the MOVE bombing unfolds through the eyes of Philadelphia police officer Jim Berghaier—the Stakeout Cop who rescued 13-year-old Birdie Africa, the only child to survive when authorities dropped explosives on a West Philadelphia rowhouse on May 13, 1985.

Standing in the same narrow alley where it happened, Berghaier walks us minute by minute through his experience of that day. His visceral recollections take us back to the moment a satchel of explosives—meant to disable a fortified rooftop bunker—missed its mark. A fire quickly spread, engulfing the MOVE compound and surrounding homes. Through the smoke and chaos,  Berghaier spots a young boy emerging from the flames. Ignoring warnings that it might be a trap, he sprinted into the water-filled alley to save him.

The emotion in Berghaier’s voice is unmistakable as he recalls Birdie’s first words: “Don’t shoot me, don’t shoot me.” Followed by the painfully ordinary: “I’m hungry. I want something to eat.” These moments cut through the political narratives that have long defined the MOVE bombing—revealing something more human, more immediate.

What makes this account especially powerful is Berghaier’s candor. Officers had been told there were no children in the house. They expected the fire to be extinguished. They thought MOVE members would come out. But they didn’t. Eleven people—six adults and five children—died inside 6221 Osage Avenue. Sixty-one homes were destroyed in a predominantly Black middle-class neighborhood.

This episode offers a first-hand account—but doesn’t claim to provide a definitive conclusion. Forty years later, many questions remain. But hearing directly from those who were there adds a crucial layer to understanding what happened that day.

Let It Burn - Michael and Randi Boyette https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31202750-let-it-burn

Temple University Archive - MOVe https://digital.library.temple.edu/digital/collection/p16002coll18


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

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Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

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All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Straight Outta Holmesburg -MOVE’s Prison Recruiting—and One Inmates Encounter With Their "God"12 May 202500:43:05

The shadows of Philadelphia's MOVE organization stretch far beyond the infamous 1985 bombing on Osage Avenue. Through an exclusive interview with Richard Garland—a former gang member who encountered MOVE while incarcerated at Holmesburg Prison—we uncover the cult's prison recruitment tactics and the mysterious figure at its center.

Garland reveals his extraordinary three-day encounter with Vincent Leapheart (John Africa) through prison cell walls, describing a "soft voice that commanded you would listen." His testimony provides rare insight into how MOVE maintained control over members, even those behind bars, through a sophisticated system of coded communications and psychological manipulation.

The interview raises disturbing questions about May 13th, 1985. Was Vincent Leapheart actually in the house when police dropped the bomb? Why did MOVE members tell Garland that John Africa was "still alive" afterward? And what explains the medical examiner's notation that "Body F"—presumed to be Vincent—was missing its head, which appeared to have been "sawed" off?

For decades, these questions have remained largely unanswered as MOVE members have pursued financial settlements rather than scientific verification through DNA testing. Garland's story serves as a crucial puzzle piece in understanding how MOVE functioned both in and out of the Pennsylvania prison system and how 40 years later, there are more stones to turn over in the MOVE story.

As we mark the 40th anniversary of the MOVE confrontation, this episode challenges listeners to examine all aspects of this complicated story—the victims, the survivors, the uncomfortable truths that continue to haunt everyone involved, and the questions that MOVE still avoids answering.

Materials for this episode are on the website - Page S3 Ep 5

Information on Holmesburg Prison:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmesburg_Prison

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/988758.Acres_of_Skin


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
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If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Mike Africa Jr.'s Tales of Richmond - Factchecked09 May 202500:43:01

When memoir meets mythology, what happens to historical truth? This gripping episode investigates Mike Africa Jr.'s vivid account of his childhood in Richmond, Virginia, revealing a remarkable disconnect between his published narrative and documented reality.

Through painstaking research, including interviews with the retired detective who led the 1980 operation, the prosecutor who brought charges, and the attorney who represented MOVE women, we uncover the actual circumstances surrounding the removal of 14 malnourished MOVE children from a Richmond house. Medical reports, court documents, and newspaper accounts directly contradict Mike's dramatic tale of police sirens, an orphanage with cruel nuns, and a daring escape.

The investigation places Mike at just 16 months old during these events, not the nearly three years he claims in his memoir. Photos taken during medical examinations show a distended belly and no dreadlocks, contradicting key elements of his story. Most significantly, there were no orphanages in Richmond at that time—the children were taken to a hospital and placed with foster families.

Beyond fact-checking, this episode reveals the profound connection between this little-known Richmond chapter, a lawyer who, if he had made a different choice, might have prevented 6 children from being with MOVE on May 13, 1985.  You will hear that Pixie Africa, who escaped MOVE in 2021 with her 5 children when this podcast launched - she was not the first to attempt that - there is a woman that MOVE never speaks of because she got away and took her two children. 

We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

Mike Africa Jr. Version 2001 - Part Deux08 May 202500:49:10

This is Part 2—or as they say in France (where MOVE often solicits donations for themselves and Mumia)—Part Deux. It’s not as shocking as Part 1, but it’s still never-before-heard audio from 2001, recorded in the basement of MOVE’s Philly headquarters. A 23-year-old Mike Africa Jr. (aka Michael Davis) reflects on legacy, identity, and his self-declared natural rapping talent (pro tip: double the playback speed for that section). But tucked between the repetition and self-aggrandizing are research gems—and revealing slips of the MOVE tongue—that offer a more detailed picture of life inside the organization.


We love hearing from you so text us here or reach out on social media. Thanks for listening.

The producers of this podcast wish to stress that all individuals reference in this series are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States of America.

Support the show

Executive Produced, reported, hosted, and edited by Beth McNamara
Additional research by Robert Helms

Murder At Ryan's Run
Instagram
Facebook Page
Podcast Press

If you have questions, comments, tips, or media inquiries, please reach out on social media or via email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com

All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed to be innocent unless or until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a United States court of law.

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