Podcasts about Nippy

Tom and Ralph head back to Nippy's to see if anyone was there the night the beef started. Unfortunately there were plenty of people there. After talking to a few of them Ralph decides he needs to stop messing around and ask Shorty Longlegs directly. All the while Danika Dauntless begins her interview with Cheeseburger and Mojo Myke.

What actually happens when the world doesn't end, the “shelf” breaks, and the self-proclaimed prince of a doomsday empire is left standing amid the fallout? In this powerful follow-up, Sean Prophet takes us through the final years of apocalyptic shelter drills, shattered prophecies, and how an edict about near-beer triggered a total loss of faith in his mother's spiritual authority at the Church Universal & Triumphant (CUT). Sean shared how leaving wasn't a single dramatic leap but a slow unraveling—pushed by impossible hierarchies, small acts of rebellion, and the radical idea that you get to decide how to live your life. Our conversation explores the difference between healthy community and destructive control, why smart people are NOT immune to cult influence, and the hard-won wisdom that it's okay—vital, even—to put yourself at the center of your own story, but not the center of the universe. If you've wondered about post-cult identity, healing family rifts, or how to build meaning without myths or messiahs, this episode delivers straight talk, survivor insight, and existential laughs along the way.Be sure to pick up Sean's memoir, My Cult, Your Cult, and follow him on Substack.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's it like to grow up the so-called “prince” inside one of America's most notorious new religious movements—where your mother is a celebrated channeler, your father founds a church, and the end of the world is just another family discussion over dinner? In the first of this two-part episode, we're joined by Sean Prophet, author of My Cult, Your Cult, for a deep dive into the strange realities of life inside the Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT).Sean unpacks his childhood in sprawling mansions turned cult compounds, the roots of the group's “ascended master” theology, the peril and privilege of being born to leadership, and why spiritual bootcamp so often blurs into psychological abuse. We tackled the insidious dangers of purity culture, the mind-bending logic of channeling, and the very fuzzy line between a “cult” and a “mainstream religion.” Expect anecdotes about bunker-building, guru-devotion, apocalyptic drama, and real lessons on power, othering, and reclaiming your own critical thinking. You'll want to stay tuned for part two and follow Sean Prophet on Substack.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to joinbilt.com/culty. Make sure to use our URL so they know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when your purpose gets weaponized, relationships are rewritten by group doctrine, and chess becomes both sanctuary and battleground? In this powerful second part of our convo with Danny Rensch, we return to unpack life after his “purpose ordainment,” and the heartbreak of being separated from his mother by cult coercion. With raw honesty, Danny shares how spiritual manipulation, covert contracts, and collective pressure led to the deepest trauma of his youth and how healing and reconnection became possible, despite loss and pain. We chat about his wild chess tournament sagas, the story of Igor (the inappropriate Russian master with a soft spot for broken kids), and the unraveling of the Church of Immortal Consciousness as generations, money, and ideals collided. Danny gets real about calling things what they are, facing the dark side of “doing good,” and why his redemption arc is proof that you are not what happens to you—you are what you choose to become. We also drop a secret character from his book who collided with NXIVM. File this one under: complex, courageous, and essential listening.Fill in the gaps in our convo and read Danny's gripping memoir, Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life. Also, follow him on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp.How do you go from barefoot kid to international chess master and co-founder of Chess.com? In this epic first installment, we sat with Danny Rensch to peel back the curtain on his wild journey growing up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness—a high-control Arizona collective commune led by a self-proclaimed trance medium guided by the spirit of "Dr. Duran." Danny shares what life was like growing up in a merged-finances, communal-living environment fueled by spiritual teachings, EST-style group processing, and just enough bathwater-sharing to make any outsider's eyebrows shoot up. From childhood freedom and chaos to early red flags, shifting loyalties, and the beginnings of his path out via chess, Danny's story is a rollercoaster of agency, paradox, and hope. Expect deep dives into cult philosophy, spiritual skepticism, the lure of community, and how genius can bloom in the strangest soil—all before we even get to the chess part. Come for the cult tale and stay for the cliffhanger: part two is a pawn move away.Whether or not you play chess you MUST check out Danny's memoir, Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life. Also, follow him on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:This month, don't wait to reach out. Whether you're checking in on a friend, or reaching out to a therapist yourself, Betterhelp makes it easier to take that first step. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Knock out all your holiday gifting needs today with MeUndies. To get exclusive holiday deals up to 50% off, go to MeUndies.com/culty and enter promo code culty.Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/culty and use code culty.Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CULTY at monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you actually stop fawning, and what does healing look like in real life? In Part 2 of our convo with Dr. Ingrid Clayton, we dove into boundaries, agency, and what it really takes to step out of survival mode. Ingrid shared her go-to body-based tools—like orienting with the senses, making nature your therapist, building a “pillow palace” like Sarah's, and giving yourself full permission to take up space. Expect honest stories about parenting and relationships as radical acts of autonomy, plus some real-talk on microdosing mushrooms, nervous system hacks, and learning to say what you actually feel. If you've ever felt lost in people-pleasing or longed to reclaim your voice, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and bite-sized practices to help you trust yourself and move toward genuine self-acceptance.Pick up Ingrid's book, Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves--and How to Find Our Way Back. Also follow her on Instagram and Substack @IngridClaytonPhd or visit her website at IngridClayton.com.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the thing you've been calling “people-pleasing” is actually your nervous system doing a full-blown survival routine? In this episode, we welcomed Dr. Ingrid Clayton, clinical psychologist, trauma therapist, and author of Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves--and How to Find Our Way Back. Part memoir, part emotional mic-drop, Ingrid's work reframes “fawning” as a deeply human, body-based response—not a character flaw—and helps us see how our most selfless instincts can actually mask self-abandonment. We unpacked the messy truth about over-apologizing, over-functioning, and why some of us can't bring ourselves to hit “unsubscribe.” From survival to healing to what it really means to reclaim your autonomy, Ingrid's insights hit right in the gut (and somehow also feel like a hug). Welcome to Fawn Star Academy! Class is in session.Be sure to pick up Ingrid's book, Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves--and How to Find Our Way Back. Also follow her on Instagram and Substack @IngridClaytonPhd or visit her website at IngridClayton.com.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Whether you're chasing deeper sleep, better focus, or just some peace between your streaming marathons—this is how adults get elevated now. If you're 21 or older, now's your chance to float above the stress—because IndaCloud is giving all new customers 25% off their first order plus free shipping. Just use code CULTY at indacloud.co or click this link to claim your discount.Calm your mind, change your life. Calm has an exclusive offer just for listeners of our show–get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/culty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think cult scandal is just a modern phenomenon? Think again. In Part 2, historian Joshua Paddison unpacks America's original sex cult, Fountain Grove—complete with group bathing, soulmate mysticism, financial abuse, and a scandal that turned “cult” from a neutral word into a headline-grabbing accusation. Josh guides us through all the weirdness: the rise and fall of Thomas Lake Harris, survivor red flags, bitter public smear campaigns, historical cover-ups, and the jaw-dropping parallels between 1890s California communes and today's cult headlines. Plus: why California became cult central, how cult terminology shapes survivor stories, and what historians wrestle with when labeling new religious movements. This one's got epic takedowns, wild twists, and enough historical intrigue to keep you curious for days.Be sure to nerd out on Josh's book, Unholy Sensations: A Story of Sex, Scandal, and California's First Cult Scare.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp.Today's guest is Joshua Paddison, a US historian, author, and bona fide expert in the wild world of American cults, spiritualist communes, and utopian experiments. Josh spent years hunting down primary sources and unearthing the surprising connections between 19th-century scandal, religious innovation, and the birth of cult culture as we know it. His tale includes international intrigue, breathwork mystics, spiritual seekers, and even sex scandals that laid the groundwork for the culty headlines we see today. If you've ever wondered about the OG roots of groupthink, word salad, or how the term “cult” even came to exist, buckle up—Josh is here to serve up the history lesson you never got in school, and stay tuned for more in Part 2 of our conversation.Be sure to pick up Joshua Paddison's book, Unholy Sensations: A Story of Sex, Scandal, and California's First Cult Scare.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:This World Mental Health Day, we're celebrating the therapists who've helped millions of people take a step forward. If you're ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to joinbilt.com/culty.Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this A Little Bit Extra ep, Sarah dishes all about her recent trip to New York City—think walks on The High Line, big shroom feels, and some serious kitchen magic courtesy of Sarma Melngailis. What happens when two culty survivors share homemade meals and chat about upcoming guest Dr. Ingrid Clayton's Fawning? You get a new club: “Fawn Stars”—and Sarah is a founding member.We also break down the latest courtroom jaw-dropper (yep, the Diddy sentence), spill on where we're at with our forthcoming book, and it's open mic time for listener voicemails—expect spicy takes, cathartic rants, and a few hearty laughs on the side. It's real talk, big updates, and that signature ALBC flavor you know and love.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's it like to survive chaos at home, culty control next door, and a national TV spotlight that labels you “crazy cousin”—all before breakfast? In this episode, we sat down with Amy Duggar King to talk about finally telling her real story after years of reality TV, IBLP dogma, and generational trauma behind the Duggar family empire. Amy gets candid about finding her voice after childhood abuse, navigating gaslighting on and off the set, and why her memoir aims to help others break free from toxic family systems. From confronting red flags and speaking out about Shiny Happy People to choosing peace, healing, and faith on her own terms, Amy shares what it means to be a “holy disruptor” when the world wants you to keep smiling for the cameras. Check out her memoir, Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of abuse and child pornography.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off their entire colostrum order; just head to CowboyColostrum.com and use code CULTY at checkout. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.Bring on the good vibes and treat yourself to Soul today! Soul is offering our audience 30% off your entire order! Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second part of this conversation, Joe Szimhart delves into the intricate preparations and challenges of conducting cult interventions. He discusses the importance of understanding individual situations and the role of family dynamics in intervention success. Through vivid anecdotes, Joe explains the historical and sociological aspects of cult deprogramming, touching on controversial figures like Ted Patrick. He also highlights the psychological concepts such as cognitive dissonance, thought reform, and the significant impact of maintaining rapport and active listening. The episode encapsulates Joe's extensive experience and offers valuable advice for families dealing with loved ones entangled in high-control groups.Timestamp menu: 00:00 Introduction and Recap00:29 Preparing for an Intervention02:37 When to Use Force in Interventions02:55 The History of Deprogramming06:40 Challenges in Interventions08:36 Cases of Misunderstood Cult Influence13:50 Current Concerns in Cult Activities17:46 Understanding Brainwashing and Cognitive Dissonance18:26 Intervention Stories and Psychological Changes21:06 Breaking Cognitive Dissonance24:47 Personal Experience vs. Vicarious Experience29:11 Active Listening and Engaging Conversations33:41 Advice for Loved Ones of Cult Members36:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can contact Joe at jszimhart.com, follow him on his YouTube channel or on X @jszimhart, and check out his memoir, Santa Fe, Bill Tate, and me. Check out his site dedicated to "culty" work: www.cultbehaviorconsultant.com.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this gripping episode of 'A Little Bit Culty,' hosts welcome Joe Szimhart, a veteran cult interventionist with over 40 years of experience. Joe delves into the history and evolution of cult deprogramming, sharing intricate details of his personal journey from an art student to an expert in cult interventions. The conversation covers key figures and movements in esotericism and theosophy, drawing connections between early and modern cult practices. Joe's fascinating anecdotes and practical advice on effective intervention methods offer valuable insights into the complexities of steering loved ones away from high control groups. This is part one of a two-part series.Timestamp Menu: 00:00 Introduction to Cult Intervention00:20 Meet Joe Sim Hart: Cult Interventionist01:29 Joe's Journey into Cults02:53 Theosophy and Esoteric Teachings07:16 Experiences with the I Am Cult12:50 Leaving the Cult and Helping Others23:21 First Steps as an Interventionist29:07 Techniques and Success Stories33:55 Conclusion and Teaser for Part TwoYou can contact Joe at jszimhart.com, follow him on his YouTube channel or on X @jszimhart, and check out his memoir, Santa Fe, Bill Tate, and me.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this follow-up episode, Mark Headley shares his extraordinary experiences within Scientology and the Sea Organization. He recounts being recruited into the Sea Org, working under extreme conditions in Los Angeles, and eventually being promoted to the international headquarters. Mark reveals the demanding nature of life in the Sea Org, including grueling work schedules and minimal pay. He details his unexpected role as a pre-clear for Tom Cruise and provides an inside look at the complicated, often bizarre practices within Scientology. Additionally, Mark discusses David Miscavige's leadership style, the organization's financial strategies, and the differences in how ex-members view life inside and outside of Scientology. This episode is rich with personal anecdotes and critical insights, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world's most controversial organizations.Menu: 00:00 Introduction and Tom Cruise Anecdote00:33 Joining the Sea Org02:07 Promotion to International Headquarters03:34 Tom Cruise's Scientology Training05:37 Car School and Auditing07:54 Meeting with Marty Rathman09:28 Auditing with Tom Cruise20:56 David Miscavige and the IRS Event29:03 Scientology's Financial Exploitation31:57 A Life of Misery and Overwork32:28 The Decision to Escape33:34 The Harsh Reality of Life Inside36:52 The Violent Doctrine of Scientology39:01 Financial Manipulations and Power45:09 The Cult's Financial Strategies55:14 The Aftermath Foundation's MissionFollow Marc's work and podcast at theaftermathfoundation.org and blownforgood.com and on YouTube @TheAftermathFoundation and @blownforgood.Also check out our past episodes with ex-Scientologists Mike Rinder and Claire Headley and Marc's book, Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Keep it classic and cozy this fall—with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/culty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.If you're 21+, head to ViiaHemp.com and use the code CULTY to receive 15% off.Head to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. After you sign up, they'll ask how you heard about them—please make sure to mention A Little Bit Culty to support the show. Whether you're chasing deeper sleep, better focus, or just some peace between your streaming marathons—this is how adults get elevated now. If you're 21 or older, now's your chance to float above the stress—because IndaCloud is giving all new customers 25% off their first order plus free shipping. Just use code CULTY or click the link in the show notes to claim your discount. That's IndaCloud.co.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is a conversation between a former member of the Sea Organization, an elite group within the Church of Scientology, and a host, Marc Headley. Part 1 of this discussion covers the former member's experiences in Scientology, including his family's involvement, the numerous relocations during his childhood, and working at Scientology's international base. Marc details the manipulation through family ties, the rigorous daily routine, and the psychological control employed by the organization. It also touches on the controversial beliefs and practices within Scientology, such as the infamous story of Lord Zenu. Moreover, the episode hints at a cliffhanger involving a significant encounter with Tom Cruise, promising more detailed revelations in Part 2. Menu: 00:00 Reunion in Vancouver00:09 Diving into the Book00:28 Life in Scientology03:26 The International Base05:31 The Secret Government Facility06:46 Old Man Gilman's Scam07:16 Scientology's Deceptive Purchases07:55 L. Ron Hubbard's Training Films15:05 Mark's Journey into Scientology20:11 Life in Hollywood22:26 Living the Scientology Way22:57 Childhood in Scientology25:28 Working for Scientology as a Child30:17 The Financial Side of Scientology33:14 Space Opera and Scientology Beliefs34:12 Personal Experiences and Reflections40:24 Family and Social Status in Scientology41:43 Teaser for the Next EpisodeFollow Marc's work and podcast at theaftermathfoundation.org and blownforgood.com and on YouTube @TheAftermathFoundation and @blownforgood. Also check out our past episodes with ex-Scientologists Mike Rinder and Claire Headley and Marc's book, Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready for the breaking point? In Part 2, we continue Stefan Kolesar's deep dive into the world of Amway—where all those red flags on the shelf finally came crashing down. From mounting disillusionment and classic gaslighting to the pain of leaving behind loyal friends and an imagined future, Stefan shares the raw reality of waking up, grieving, and healing after 13 years inside the culty clutches of MLM life. Plus: why nearly 99% of recruits lose money, what really chaps Stefan's ass about the so-called American Dream, and how true recovery means laughter, therapy, and building community with fellow ex-IBOs.Follow Stefan and Jenna on Instagram @ex.ibo.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY for 30% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the “American Dream” turns out to be more like the “Amway Nightmare”? On this episode of A Little Bit Culty, we sit down with Stefan Kolesar to dig into his 13 years inside the OG of all MLMs—the so-called “granddaddy” that's even entangled with NXIVM history. From coffee shop pitches and overpriced toothpaste to the hidden “tools” racket that keeps recruits hooked, Stefan breaks down how the system lures people in with promises of purpose, community, and certainty—while quietly bleeding them dry. This is Part 1 of his story: how he and his wife went all in, why it felt like serving something bigger, and how much it ultimately cost to realize it was all smoke and mirrors.Follow Stefan and Jenna on Instagram @ex.ibo.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY for 30% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part 2 with Bridget Read, we explore the complexities and legal nuances that allow multi-level marketing (MLM) companies to operate as legitimate businesses, despite the similarities to illegal pyramid schemes. With historical context and references to key legal cases like Amway and the Koscot test, the script dives into how MLMs managed to skirt around laws and thrive. The discussion also ties in political influences, such as the Amway founders' connections with influential conservative movements, and the insidious spread of MLMs globally, exploiting vulnerable populations. Additionally, it touches on the intersection of self-help movements and MLMs, revealing the deep-seated coercion and manipulation involved.Don't forget to read Bridget Read's book, Little Bosses Everywhere and follow her on Instagram @little_bosses_book.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsseSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY for 30% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part 1 of this much-anticipated interview, journalist and New York Magazine reporter Bridget Read discusses the pervasive and nuanced issues surrounding multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. Read explains her journey from writing a short article to diving into the complex history, politics, and ideology of MLMs, culminating in a comprehensive book on the subject. Her research uncovered alarming contradictions and historical roots in fraud and pseudoscience, particularly connected to early 20th-century new thought movements and eugenics. The conversation also touches on the evolution of MLMs, their psychological tactics, and their exploitative nature, especially targeting women. With a deep historical context and contemporary analysis, Read's insights challenge listeners to rethink the seemingly benign world of MLMs.Read Bridget Read's book, Little Bosses Everywhere and follow her on Instagram @little_bosses_book.Also check out Robert Fitzpatrick's Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing and The Dream podcast, hosted by Jane Marie.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY for 30% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buckle up, cultiverse: it's our bonus round, where we give you a little bit extra. In this episode, we eavesdrop on the spicy, kooky, and downright cathartic voicemails waiting in our inbox from listeners who are ready to dish out their “a little more culty” revelations, rants, and burning questions.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it take to unravel the sinister side of internet fame—and how do influencers become a little bit culty? In this episode, we sit down with BuzzFeed journalist and chronic digital deepdiver Chico Felitti, whose reporting on influencer Kat Torres inspired Season 2 of Wondery's hit Guru series, “Don't Cross Kat.” Chico shares how seemingly glamorous social media personas can mask disturbing stories of manipulation and missing followers, and why Brazil's obsession with the American dream made Kat's rise—and the disappearances connected to her—even more chilling. We unpack the magnetic allure of online personalities, the blurred lines between fandom and control, and the real-life consequences for those drawn into one influencer's orbit. If you thought lifestyle influencers were harmless fun, this episode might change your mind.Follow Chico on Instagram @chicofelitti.Also…let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/culty and use code culty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part two of our revealing conversation with Veena Dinavahi, we dig deeper into the tangled web of coercion, isolation, and control she experienced inside the manipulative “true happiness” community. Veena opened up about the crushing mental health struggles that pushed her to the edge—and how that intersected with “Bob”, the coercive leader of the Mormon-adjacent self-help group who triangulated power with other members. We explore her desperate search for solace in faith amid chaos, the complexities of motherhood under control, and the raw realities of reclaiming autonomy in a world built to keep her small. We talked about the cost of coercion and the fierce resilience it took for Veena to break free.Buy Veena's book, The True Happiness Company and follow her on Instagram @veenawriteswords.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of sexual abuse.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the story you thought you were living collides with a reality you can't ignore? Kicking off Season 8 of A Little Bit Culty, we sit down with author, mother of three, and fashion writer Veena Dinavahi for part one of a powerful conversation about growing up in a white American suburb with a high suicide rate. Veena shared her journey meeting “Bob,” the leader of a Mormon-adjacent self-help group she calls “the true happiness company,” at 19 years old, and the red flags that kept her trapped in the group for years. This convo's raw, real, and exactly the kind of courageous storytelling that keeps this community going.Stay tuned for Part 2 when Veena shares how she woke up, spoke out, and found her voice after years of the control systems that tried to take it away. Buy Veena's book, The True Happiness Company and follow her on Instagram @veenawriteswords.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of suicide.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Find the one, with Betterhelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Keep it classic and cozy this fall—with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/culty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Right now as a listener of our show, you can get cozy—and spooky—for less with deals up to 50% off at MeUndies.com/culty and enter promo code culty.Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. “Cozify” your space with Wayfair's curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at Wayfair.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey culty listeners! Season 8 is loading…and we're not even gonna pretend this is chill. It's BIG. Like, two-new-episodes-every-week big. Fresh culty convos, enough snark to keep your brain buzzing, and if you've been obedient, maybe some spicy word salads from Nippy. We're back in your ears Monday for Season 8—so buckle up, buttercup.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED TalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part 2, the Hot Johnsons go from self-help wins to DOS-level WTF real quick. Denai opens up about what happened when DOS came knocking, from the first ask for “collateral” to the gut-check moment that made her walk away. Along the way, the Johnsons (and your favorite culty hosts) revisit the red flags that somehow got normalized — like “masters” and “slaves,” midnight readiness drills, and Lauren peeing on video calls. Yep, you read that right.It's a raw, funny, sometimes NSFW look back at how close Denai came to the brand and why she said no, plus what healing has looked like since leaving. And don't worry — the Hot Johnson sibling banter is still in full swing, complete with merch, lip balm jokes, and more “chaps my ass” wisdom than you probably bargained for.Catch Bron & Denai on their own show, Hot Johnson, where they keep the sibling chaos alive while mixing real talk on health, wellness, and relationships.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on A Little Bit Culty, we're stepping into the crossover world of cults and true crime with Derrick Levasseur—former undercover detective, private investigator, and host of Crime Weekly and Detective Perspective. You may also know him from Big Brother or America's Most Wanted: Missing Persons, where he and Sarah recently worked together on a harrowing case.That case? The mysterious disappearance of six people tied to the University of Cosmic Intelligence (UCI)—a fringe social-media-fueled cult led by self-proclaimed prophet Rashad Jamal. Among the missing: Naaman Williams (28), Gerielle German (26) and her 3-year-old son Ashton Mitchell, Mikayla Thompson (23), Ma'Kayla Wickerson (25), and her 3-year-old daughter Malaiyah Wickerson.From ritualistic chanting and “divine downloads” to bathroom-mirror graffiti scrawled with “I am that I am”, the UCI story reads like a mash-up of sci-fi fantasy and sovereign citizen ideology. But underneath the esoteric claims are real lives at risk—and children who need to be found. Derrick unpacks the law-enforcement challenges of cult cases, why coercive control is so hard to prosecute, and how everyday people can spot the warning signs.We also dive into Derrick's fascinating career—from undercover ops to winning Big Brother, launching Criminal Coffee (a true crime-funded cold case project), and his take on why “every cult has a hook.”⚠️ If you have information about the missing members of UCI, contact your local law enforcement.Follow Derrick for more: IG @DerrickLevasseur • X @DerrickL • officialderrick.com. You can also check out his book The Undercover Edge and his PI firm, Break Investigative Group, where he continues to work cold cases.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp.In Part 2 of our conversation with Professor Robin Boyle-Laisure—St. John's University School of Law faculty, ICSA board member, and author of Taken No More: Protect Your Children Against Traffickers and Cults—we dig into the courtroom turning points that changed the way cult leaders are prosecuted. From Patty Hearst to NXIVM, Robin unpacks how sex-trafficking statutes reshaped the legal landscape, and why Keith Raniere's 120-year sentence set a precedent that reverberates through cases like R. Kelly, Larry Ray, and Harvey Weinstein.We also bring the conversation home (literally). Robin shares practical tools for parents: how to raise independent thinkers, what “tricky adults” really look like, and why overly rigid household rules can prime kids for authoritarian groups later in life. She sounds the alarm on the rise of online grooming, sextortion, and predator tactics on gaming platforms, and explains what parents, educators, and law enforcement need to know right now.Catch Robin's new book, Taken No More, this fall, and keep an eye on robinboylelaisure.com for updates. Follow Robin on Instagram (@robin.boyle / @robinboylelaisure) and Facebook (Robin Boyle). Learn more about ICSA at icsahome.com.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of sexual abuse, coercive control, grooming, trafficking, cult exploitation, and online child exploitation.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp.What happens when a street-corner “religious” pitch nearly ropes in a teenage girl—only for her to dodge the hook and spend the next three decades dismantling the playbook that tried to claim her? In Part 1 of our conversation with Professor Robin Boyle-Laisure—St. John's University School of Law faculty, board member of the International Cultic Studies Association, and author of the upcoming Taken No More: Protect Your Children Against Traffickers and Cults—we follow the twisted parallels between cult recruitment and human trafficking.Robin breaks down how predators groom, coerce, and control—whether they're fishing for followers in a dorm lounge or luring teens through online games. We talk NXIVM's “collateral” bombshell, the grooming-to-control pipeline, and why charisma is just the sugar coating on a rotten core. You'll never look at “just talking” to strangers online the same way again.Catch Robin's new book, Taken No More, this fall, and keep an eye on robinboylelaisure.com for free downloadable articles and updates. Follow Robin on Instagram (@robin.boyle / @robinboylelaisure) and Facebook (Robin Boyle). Learn more about ICSA at icsahome.com.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of sexual abuse, coercive control, grooming, trafficking, and cult exploitation.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This conversation with former NXIVM members Bron and Denai Johnson was such a hit when we first dropped it here last year that we're doing it again (and yes, Patreon gets it first this time, too). In Part 1, the Johnsons open up about their early days in NXIVM's Vancouver center — from the “too-perfect” community vibes that drew them in, to the personal growth tools they say genuinely changed their lives.They walk us through their POV on ethos classes, SOP weekends, V-Week performances, and the infamous XOSO flop, sharing both the highs and the red flags that finally pushed them to leave. It's a rare, candid look at what NXIVM felt like from the inside, before the headlines, and why it wasn't all bad… until it was.Bron and Denai have moved on to healthier (and much hotter) pursuits — they're now co-hosts of the Hot Johnson podcast, where they mix goofball sibling energy with real talk on health, wellness, and building the kind of relationships you actually want to be in. Follow their adventures and get your dose of Hot Johnson at @hotjohnson.Stay tuned for Part 2, where Denai reveals what happened when DOS came calling.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katherine Spearing is back—and she's not pulling any punches. A trauma recovery practitioner and founder of Tears of Eden, Kat grew up in the Christian Patriarchy Movement, where obedience was godly, women were walking wombs, and joy was suspicious at best.In this episode, we dive deep into what spiritual abuse actually looks like: body control, purity culture, biblical gaslighting, and the long-term effects of being told your desires are sinful. Kat's new book, A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts, is part memoir, part manual for healing—and a total middle finger to coercive religion.We talk masturbation, improv, the myth of the one true partner, and why reconnecting with your body might just be the holiest thing you'll ever do.Out in October, her book A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts is for anyone reclaiming their voice after high-control anything. Find her at katherinespearing.com and @katherinespearing.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part 2 of our conversation, Jasmin opens up about life after escaping Saudi Arabia—landing in Wyoming, rediscovering autonomy, and slowly unlearning the rules that once governed every part of her existence. She shares how nature, therapy, and motherhood helped her begin to heal, and how writing her memoir The Last Sandstorm gave her the language to process what she'd been through.We also dive into some thorny topics: the culty dynamics within DEI work, what happens when identity politics override lived experience, and how moral absolutism shuts down real dialogue. Jasmin doesn't shy away from the mess... and neither do we.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of religious extremism, gender-based oppression, political and cultural trauma, and identity-based discrimination.Find more on Jasmin at www.jasminfaulk.com, or follow her on Instagram @jasmin.faulk and YouTube @Jasmin-Faulk. Her memoir The Last Sandstorm is available now wherever books are sold.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest is Jasmin Faulk, an author and advocate who risked everything to reclaim her freedom. Born to a Saudi father and Italian mother, Jasmin grew up in a country where girls were silenced, veiled, and made invisible.In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Jasmin takes us inside the dark realities of growing up under fundamentalist Islam in 1980s and 90s Saudi Arabia—from gender segregation and religious policing, to the suffocating control of male guardianship. We unpack the slow burn of her rebellion, including the moment she pulled off her veil in public, and the dangerous path she navigated to leave her marriage and escape the kingdom altogether.It's a gripping, gut-punching story of survival, defiance, and the fight for a life on her own terms, and a stark reminder that cult dynamics don't always come with a guru or group name. Sometimes, they come wrapped in flags, holy books, and the illusion of tradition.Trigger warnings for those sensitive to stories of systemic misogyny or religious trauma.Find more on Jasmin at www.jasminfaulk.com, or follow her on Instagram @jasmin.faulk and YouTube @Jasmin-Faulk. Her memoir, The Last Sandstorm, is available now wherever books are sold.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Lauren and Aaliyah—two former NXIVM coaches and co-hosts of This Juicy Life—as we dig deeper into the tangled mix of growth, gaslighting, and gut-checks they experienced inside (and outside) the cult.This episode unpacks what comes after the escape: the emotional fallout, the tricky process of reconnecting with intuition, and the lifelong work of healing. From toxic hierarchies and skewed polyamory to whispered rumors about poisoned water and public shame, Lauren and Aaliyah don't shy away from the messy middle. We talk about recognizing “Keith-types” in everyday life, the physical toll of suppressing your instincts, and what it really means to find your way back to yourself.Spoiler: it's not all sunshine and sage smudges—but it is deeply human, often funny, and always real.Also… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on A Little Bit Culty, we're diving into the deceptively polite world of Canadian politics—where the optics are polished, but the manipulation runs deep. Our guest is Celina Caesar-Chavannes, a former Member of Parliament and once a rising star in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party. She served as his parliamentary secretary before leaving in 2019, fed up with the gaslighting, tokenism, and isolation she faced for speaking out. Celina pulls no punches as she breaks down the emotional toll of navigating a system that rewards obedience over honesty, and how Trudeau's carefully curated image masks something far less inclusive behind the scenes. We also get into the broader culty dynamics that show up in institutions like politics, and what it takes to walk away with your integrity intact. This episode contains discussion of racism, emotional abuse, and political retaliation. Listener discretion is advised. For more on Celina, find her on instagram @iamcelinacc and check our her book Can You Hear Me Now?: How I Found My Voice and Learned to Live with Passion and Purpose Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join 'A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: "Cultivated" by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin

This week on A Little Bit Culty, we're diving into the deceptively polite world of Canadian politics—where the optics are polished, but the manipulation runs deep.Our guest is Celina Caesar-Chavannes, a former Member of Parliament and once a rising star in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party. She served as his parliamentary secretary before leaving in 2019, fed up with the gaslighting, tokenism, and isolation she faced for speaking out. Celina pulls no punches as she breaks down the emotional toll of navigating a system that rewards obedience over honesty, and how Trudeau's carefully curated image masks something far less inclusive behind the scenes.We also get into the broader culty dynamics that show up in institutions like politics, and what it takes to walk away with your integrity intact.This episode contains discussion of racism, emotional abuse, and political retaliation. Listener discretion is advised.For more on Celina, find her on instagram @iamcelinacc and check our her book Can You Hear Me Now?: How I Found My Voice and Learned to Live with Passion and PurposeAlso… let it be known that:The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsorsJoin ‘A Little Bit Culty' on PatreonGet poppin' fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TEDTalkCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Amphibian.MediaCo-Creator: Jess TardyAssociate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman StudiosTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Susan meets up with Brandon and the guys at Nippy's but, when her and Brandon leave to go somewhere more quiet..... Kyle & Greg hatch a plan to figure out what exactly they're up to. Susan, encounters Brandons dad for the first time.

This time the gang from Retired Racehorse Radio podcast answer a listener question about a horse that has developed a biting habit.Host: Coach JennContributor: Retired Racehorse Radio podcastSupport for this episode provided by Central Fly ControlListen to more podcasts for horse people at Horse Radio NetworkMentioned in this episode:Equine Discountshttps://www.ntra.com/equinediscounts/

This week on A Little Bit Culty, we're back with Laci Bean, host of Deadly Faith, for Part 2 of her story—what came after she left the high-control ministry that tried to own her soul. Laci walks us through her deconstruction journey: questioning her faith, setting boundaries with family, and reckoning with the political beliefs she once held. We talk about the pressure to homeschool, the fallout from voting for Trump, and the trauma that opened her eyes. Now a trauma recovery coach, Laci shares how she helps others heal from religious abuse—and how even recovery spaces can start to feel culty if we're not careful. This one's about finding your voice, reclaiming your identity, and learning to trust yourself again. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here   Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on A Little Bit Culty, we're getting holy uncomfortable. Our guest is Laci Bean, host of the podcast Deadly Faith, for the first of a two-part conversation about her time in a cult-like Christian ministry that pulled her in as a teenager and tried to own her soul. From ages sixteen to nineteen, Laci lived under strict rules that dictated what she could listen to, who she could talk to, and even how she thought about her family. The group promised love and belonging but delivered fear, isolation, and spiritual manipulation, all under the guise of faith. We talk about the emotional hooks that pulled her in, the control tactics that kept her there, and the unexpected kindness that helped her break free. Laci doesn't hold back as she reflects on what it meant to walk away from her so-called spiritual family—and how leaving God didn't mean leaving truth. This one's for anyone who's ever felt trapped by a belief system that promised love but delivered control.  Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here   Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're dropping in with a bonus two-parter featuring Lauren and Aaliyah—two former NXIVM insiders who became fast friends while navigating the pressure-cooker world of “life issues,” ranking systems, and weaponized empowerment. In part 1, we talk about how it all starts: the acting classes, the “juicy” coaching, the promises of personal growth… and how that slow creep into cult control messes with your sense of self, your relationships, and your gut instincts. We also take a minute to sound off on some recent headlines—because when powerful men keep dodging consequences (hi, Diddy), it's hard not to draw comparisons to Keith and the crew. And yes, we're still waiting on that Ghislaine Maxwell client list. This one's about gaslighting disguised as growth, friendships forged in the fire, and the red flags that just kept waving. Stay tuned for part two next week. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. This week our guest is Rachael Reign, a survivor of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG). At just 13, Rachael was swept into UCKG's world of fire and brimstone – where teenage exorcisms were a weekly ritual, your mental health struggles meant demons were lurking inside you, and giving your last cent to the church wasn't just encouraged – it was demanded. She shares how she went from being a bright, curious teenager to a youth group leader tasked with recruiting others, cleaning the church floorboards with her tears, and enduring violent “strong prayers” that left her bruised, broken, and questioning her sanity. Behind the gospel music and shiny sermons was a cult built on fear, shame, and draining its members dry in the name of salvation. Rachael doesn't hold back as she unpacks the manipulative recruitment tactics, the psychological torment disguised as faith, and the way UCKG weaponized scripture to justify abuse and financial exploitation. She also takes us through her escape – losing everything she knew, only to rebuild from the ashes into an advocate fighting for cult survivors and legal reform in the UK. Because when your church tells you to give God everything, what they really mean is: give it to us – your money, your body, your mind, your freedom. For more from Rachael, follow her on Instagram @rachaelreign. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raw vegan queen. Netflix's “Bad Vegan.” Culty comeback queen. Whatever label you stick on Sarma Melngailis, it's clear she's not done telling her side of the story – and we're here for it. In Part 2 of our chat, Sarma gets even realer about life after Mr. Fox. From the mind games that taught her to dissociate, to her self-diagnosed matrix moments, she opens up about rebuilding her identity in a world that still sees her as a headline villain. She talks dating post-trauma, the healing power of alone time (cue: tears, journals, and EFT tapping), and why her business decisions now come with a hefty dose of pause and reflect. Plus, Sarma shares why she walked away from partnerships that didn't vibe, her hot takes on the “non-reactivity” cult trend, and what Bad Vegan got oh-so-wrong about her. Spoiler: it's a lot. For more on Sarma, you can find her on Instagram @sarmamelngailis, on her website sarmaraw.com, or on Patreon at patreon.com/sarmasarma. Also, check out her book The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, available for pre-order now. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raw vegan queen turned Netflix “villain”? In this episode, we sit down with Sarma Melngailis – yes, Bad Vegan Sarma – to get the real story behind the headlines. She's back for her third culty chat, this time with the exclusive on her brand-new memoir The Girl with the Duck Tattoo (don't worry, we ask her about the title). Sarma dives into the psychological warfare that turned her life upside down: coercive control, gaslighting, and a manipulative Mr. Fox who left her broke, arrested, and widely misunderstood. She opens up about the pain (and relief) of telling it all, what the Netflix doc twisted, and why she's reclaiming her narrative – duck tattoo and all. This one's raw, redemptive, and a stark reminder: not every headline villain is the real bad guy. For more on Sarma, you can find her on Instagram @sarmamelngailis, on her website sarmaraw.com, or on Patreon at patreon.com/sarmasarma. Also, check out her book The Girl with the Duck Tattoo, available for pre-order now. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're diving deep into the twisted world of coercive control with the one and only Dr. Laura Richards – renowned criminal behavioral analyst, podcaster, and global expert on stalking, coercive control, and violent crime. We're also joined by Lisa Bilyeu, host of Women of Impact and queen of calling out BS wherever it lurks. Dr. Laura breaks down how cult leaders, predators, and power-hungry narcissists (looking at you, Sean Combs) use tactics straight out of the coercive control playbook to groom, manipulate, and dominate victims. We're talking about how the “nice guy” veneer slowly erodes, why women like Christina Corom end up as right-hand enforcers, and why media still struggles to call out abusive power structures for what they are. We also get into: Why grooming is always strategic, never accidental The eerie parallels between Keith Raniere, Sean Combs, and other culty figures The hidden dangers of female lieutenants like Nancy Salzman, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Christina Coram How to spot coercive control before it becomes your entire world It's a masterclass in manipulation, and a reminder that cult tactics aren't confined to creepy compounds in Upstate New York. They're happening in boardrooms, bedrooms, and billionaire circles everywhere. Catch more of Dr. Laura Richards on the Crime Analyst Podcast https://www.crime-analyst.com or Crime Analyst Squad www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst Or on Instagram @laurarichards999 and @crimeanalyst For more information and resources, the following sites can be accessed: www.thelaurarichards.com https://www.dashriskchecklist.com/ And don't miss Lisa Bilyeu's Women of Impact for your weekly dose of female empowerment. After this one, you'll never hear “It's All About the Benjamins” the same way. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long before kale smoothies went mainstream, The Source Family was seducing Hollywood with vegan food, free love, and a guru who called himself Father Yod. This wasn't just LA's first vegan restaurant – it was a commune where long-haired devotees in white robes took ice-cold showers at dawn, meditated for hours, and followed strict spiritual rules under their bearded leader. Celebrities like John Lennon and Cher might have stopped by for a meal, but for many teen girls – often runaways – this place became home, for better or worse. Wendy Baker was one of those girls. At 14, she left a traumatic childhood behind for promises of love and enlightenment. Renamed Mushroom, she was swept into a life of chanting, raw vegan meals, and devotion to Father Yod. By sixteen, she had her first child; by nineteen, she was ready to escape. In this episode, Wendy shares what life was really like in the Source Family – from malnutrition and sleep deprivation to the ego-shaming that kept members silent. She talks about her journey out, her marriage to Bart, Father Yod's son, and how writing her memoir, My Name Was Mushroom, helped her heal. For more on Wendy's journey, check out her website and memoir My Name Was Mushroom. Trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, underage relationships, and cult manipulation.   Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're back with Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov to finish what we started: unraveling the tangled web of brainwashing…past, present, and disturbingly future-facing. In Part 2, we go deeper into the CIA's infamous MK Ultra program and its many (many) spin-offs, asking what really went down with Charles Manson, Jack Ruby, and cult “consultant” Louis Jolyon West. From LSD to hypnosis to rebranding your science after burning the files, the government's experiments in mind control were both extreme and incredibly hush-hush.  We also explore how classic brainwashing tactics, like Milieu Control and loaded language, haven't gone away; they've just been re-skinned for the algorithm era. Think social media rabbit holes, crypto trading cults, and belief systems that sound more like start-up pitches than spiritual awakenings. Plus, we talk trauma: how it's misunderstood, under-acknowledged, and all too often the gateway drug into high-control groups.  If you thought last week was unsettling, buckle up. Find more about Rebecca Lemov and The Instability of Truth at rebeccalemov.com.   Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're diving deep into the mind games with Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov, because if you've ever wondered whether brainwashing is real, the answer is a very unsettling yes. In Part 1 of our convo, we're cracking open the origins of brainwashing—from communist re-education camps to the electric shock labs of the Milgram experiment—and asking why we still can't seem to prove it in court. Rebecca's new book, The Instability of Truth, peels back the layers of mind control and thought reform, including what went down with Patty Hearst, why Stockholm Syndrome isn't what you think it is, and how emotional trauma becomes the secret sauce in cult programming. We also get personal. NXIVM, anyone? The parallels between modern-day cults and Maoist “unity-criticism-unity” techniques are downright eerie... and maybe uncomfortably familiar. From groupthink to gaslighting to re-grounding in a new belief system, this episode might just mess with your head a little (in a good way). Trigger warning: once you see the matrix, it's hard to unsee it. Find more about Rebecca Lemov and The Instability of Truth at rebeccalemov.com. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

It's Thursday, and you know what that means: another bonus drop. And this one? It's got orgasms, criminal charges, and courtroom drama, so buckle up. Award-winning journalist Ellen Huet joins us to dish on OneTaste, the orgasmic meditation company that sold itself as a path to sexual liberation but now finds its top brass convicted of forced labor conspiracy. Ellen's been deep in the trenches covering the scandal and sat through every jaw-dropping moment of the Brooklyn trial. We get into: The culty underbelly of “wellness” culture How orgasmic meditation became a tool for manipulation The courtroom moment Nicole and Rachel were taken into custody And why Ellen's upcoming book (Empire of Orgasm, out this November) is about to blow the lid off what really went down behind closed doors Plus: we kick around potential names for this Thursday series (got one? DM us), tease what's coming next on Season 7, and shout out a few upcoming cultiverse guests. Want more from Ellen? You can find her on her website. Pre-order Empire of Orgasm here. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

This episode is sponsored in part by BetterHelp. This week, we're clipping in with Jess Rothschild to talk about SoulCycle: the high-octane, candlelit cardio craze that once had New Yorkers dropping $20k to ride front row. With $100M+ in revenue, instructors trained like pop stars, and a tightly curated sense of belonging (read: exclusivity), SoulCycle pedaled its way into cultural obsession—and, depending on who you ask, cult status. Jess, a former SoulCycle instructor and host of the GLAAD-nominated Finding Fire Island and new docu-podcast Cult of Body & Soul, joins us to unpack the seductive psychology of the SoulCycle experience: from spiritual monologues to the sweaty transference happening mid-sprint. We talk about limerence, manipulation, performance, and yes, the merch. Whether you're a front-row devotee or just cult-curious, this ride gets personal. For more from Jess, check out her podcasts Hot Takes & Deep Dives and Cult of Body & Soul, or follow her on Instagram @jessxnyc. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin  

We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with Jane Borden, author of Cults Like Us, where we pick up right where we left off – with the Puritans, of course. Because what's more American than a doomsday cult in denial? In this half, we explore how their legacy of moral perfectionism, isolationism, and a rigid “us vs. them” worldview continues to shape American institutions, politics, and even pop psychology. Jane takes us through the cult wars of the '80s and '90s, the rise of deprogrammers and cult apologists, and the influence of Large Group Awareness Trainings (aka LGATs) like EST and Landmark on today's self-help landscape. We also dive into the concept of normative dissonance, how political architects like Newt Gingrich exploited division for power, and why bridging social gaps might be the antidote to modern-day culty chaos. Along the way, Jane reminds us why humor can be a powerful tool for understanding even the darkest parts of our culture. If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go back. We promise it's worth it! And be sure to check out Cults Like Us and more of Jane's work at janeborden.com. Also… let it be known that: The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody's mad at you, just don't be a culty fuckwad. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here Check out our lovely sponsors Join ‘A Little Bit Culty' on Patreon Get poppin' fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TEDTalk CREDITS:  Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Writer: Kristen Reiter Associate producers: Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media   Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin