The Commune

4.6 (284)
DOCUMENTARY
COMPLETE SERIES

The Commune has been selected as an Apple Podcasts Series Essential. A 12-part documentary podcast about the notorious free-love commune, Centrepoint. There are crimes. But this isn’t a whodunnit. It’s a whydunnit ...

EPISODE 1

Open Day

A free-love commune called Centrepoint springs up in the suburbs of 1970s New Zealand, devoted in equal measure to sex, group therapy, and its guru Bert Potter. What could possibly go wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

39 min
EPISODE 2

Awkward Buggers

Locals are fascinated by the sights and sounds of the sex commune next door. Founding members recall the optimism and excitement of Centrepoint’s early years – and the bizarre circumstances that led to the community’s first death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 min
EPISODE 3

The Girl on the Lawn

Who the hell was Bert? How Centrepoint’s leader went from buttoned-up businessman to morally transgressive guru. Meanwhile Barri and “Robert” are each witness to moments that reveal the darkness lurking inside the Centrepoint dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min
EPISODE 4

Under the Carpet

Barri and “Robert” are haunted by the ugly truth about their commune, but they respond differently. Plus: a quick history of communes in Aotearoa, and the complex social forces that made Centrepoint possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
EPISODE 5

Invaders

The ever-expanding Centrepoint commune goes to war: with its fed-up neighbours, with the local council and, thanks to Robert’s decision to speak out, the New Zealand Police. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50 min
EPISODE 6

The Centrepoint Kids

It’s the 1980s, and Centrepoint’s on a roll. Bert is investing in the booming stock market; and the head-count keeps rising. But some of the new arrivals at the commune have wild stories to tell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52 min
EPISODE 7

Cherished Ideas

Barri finds the answer she’s been seeking but what will she do? Nate tries to raise the alarm about a new arrival. And a humiliated Bert tries chemical assistance to regain the love of his followers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44 min
EPISODE 8

Lying without Lying

Ray is back on the Centrepoint case and he’s determined to arrest Bert. The community hatches a plan to cover up for their guru. Barri tries to make Bert see sense – but is it too late? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min

See All (13)

TRAILER

Trailer: The Commune

A 12-part documentary podcast about the notorious free-love commune, Centrepoint. There are crimes. But this isn’t a whodunnit. It’s a whydunnit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05/29/2022

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1 min

Adam Dudding

Host

4.6

out of 5

284 Ratings

Exceptional

6d ago

wocka

Wonderfully produced show, very well narrated, compelling.
Well put together

6d ago

akanieski

Good storytelling and pace and a well put together piece.
Enthralling

Oct 21

robertmro

Artfully executed human story of how a group of educated middle class boomers are seduced into a cult while searching for an alternative life path.
Wow

Oct 21

Sam Ludwig

Thank you Apple for bringing this to my attention. I listened to the whole thing in one day. Please listen to this folks.

The Commune has been selected as an Apple Podcasts Series Essential. A 12-part documentary podcast about the notorious free-love commune, Centrepoint. There are crimes. But this isn’t a whodunnit. It’s a whydunnit ...