On November 18, 1978, an entire community of United States Citizens died deep in the jungle of Guyana. At the command of their charismatic leader Reverend Jim Jones, over 900 members of the Peoples Temple agricultural project lost their lives. Some believed they were sacrificing their lives for revolutionary suicide, others were forced or coerced by the group. A colorful toxic mix of Flavor Aid, Kool-Aid, and cyanide was passed around in Dixie cups. For those unable or unwilling the mixture was administered using syringes. Most of us have heard the story: an egomaniacal madman and his brainwashed cult of zombie followers commit mass suicide in the heart of darkness. Nothing more than a cautionary tale reminding us all to think for ourselves and never ever drink the Kool-Aid. Join us as we investigate what happened in Jonestown and the history of Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.

After the New West article, Jim Jones fled to his jungle compound bringing several hundred Peoples Temple members with him. The population of Jonestown exploded from about 50 to over 900 residents. Resources and food were scarce and Jim Jones rambled over the loudspeakers warning the community of a coming siege. The atmosphere in Jonestown was tense and chaotic, the people toiled 10 hours a day in the fields as Jim Jones slipped into a drug induced waking nightmare. For the members of Peoples Temple who’d sold all of their worldly possessions to live in the promised land, the realization that the pied piper of lies was in total control came the moment they entered Jonestown and handed in their passports. Join us as we investigate life in Jonestown.

Jonestown prepared for its final reckoning. Unable to postpone Congressman Leo Ryan’s inquiry any longer, Jim Jones orchestrated an elaborate facade. Dinner was served, the pavilion was staged for visiting eyes, and the music of the Jonestown Express filled the air. To the congressional delegation and reporters, the people of Jonestown appeared vibrant, well-fed, and content. The atmosphere relaxed when Leo Ryan praised the community saying that the people he observed seemed happy. For a fleeting moment, it seemed that Jim Jones and his followers had weathered yet another storm of criticism, another assault from a hostile world.

But behind the painted smile of Jonestown’s polished presentation, signs of fear and paranoia were slipping through the cracks. As applause echoed through the compound, a desperate note was thrust into the hand of NBC newsman Don Harris: "HELP US GET OUT OF JONESTOWN."

This episode delves into the final day of Jonestown’s descent into tragedy. Join us as we retrace the chilling events that led to the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan and the deaths of over 900 men, women, and children. Jonestown’s last day on earth.