Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"He is a petty god. And he loves his body. And he doesn't want you to roast him at all." — Ed Larson
"I was listening to Coast to Coast Am. And I heard somebody call in during the open line section, where they were like, 'You will all face the wrath of Lord Riiim.'" — Henry Zebrowski
"Godcoin is in favor of a universal gold and silver back currency system that provides abundance for all who are found worthy, along with providing a social safety net that will prevent falling into poverty." — (Lord Riiim, as quoted from his website)
The podcast episode "Last Update on the Left - Lord Riiim" provides a comprehensive and updated overview of the cult and its leader, Raymond Howard, also known as Lord Riiim. The hosts, Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson, begin by noting that this is an "update" episode, revisiting a topic they first covered years ago. They explain the format is to re-examine old topics with new information, reflecting on how their understanding and the subject's narrative have evolved. The episode highlights Lord Riiim's claims of divine connection, including control over weather, his belief in being a Messiah originating from a UFO, and his subsequent move to Baja California, Mexico, with a small group of followers. The discussion delves into the various aliases and origins of Lord Riiim, including Raymond L. Wood and Raymond Lear, and his past as a member of the Guardian Angels and his failed political aspirations in Chicago.
The narrative progresses to explore Lord Riiim's followers' activities, including the use of "Torah codes" by his associate, Cardinal Richard Ruff, to validate prophecies and legitimize Lord Riiim's status, such as Ruff being the reincarnation of Moses and Lord Riiim being the Messiah. The podcast details their relocation to Jerusalem in 2016, their subsequent arrest for illegal stay and disturbing behavior, and their continued claims of divine signs. A significant portion of the update focuses on Lord Riiim's ventures into cryptocurrency with "Godcoin," which he presented as a divine, gold and silver-backed currency designed to eliminate crime and usher in a new kingdom, explicitly referring to it as the "mark of the beast" in a positive light. This is presented as another attempt to leverage current trends for financial gain and control over his followers.
The episode concludes by discussing the cult's continued online presence, their claims of responsibility for the COVID-19 pandemic, and their anti-vaccine and anti-testing stances. The hosts also touch upon Lord Riiim's personal circumstances, including his physical appearance and ongoing legal issues, such as parole violations. The update emphasizes how Lord Riiim has consistently evolved his methods and messaging to maintain relevance and control over his followers, utilizing the internet, religious prophecy, and financial schemes to sustain his "boutique cult."