I talk with Sarah and Nippy who escaped the NXIVM cult and were featured in the HBO documentary, The Vow. They now host A Little Bit Culty podcast shining a light on cult-like groups and environments, and helping victims recover. Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267616/15259600 I highly recommend Sarah's best selling book, Scarred, and her Ted talk, How To Spot a Cult. We did an episode of the Fair Game podcast with Sarah and Nippy … [Read more...]
A Little Bit Culty Podcast
Just dropped, a new episode of one of my favorite podcasts with my good friends Sarah Edmondson and Nippy (Anthony) Ames. You can listen here … [Read more...]
Podcast with Mark Vicente of The Vow
I recommend everyone watch The Vow -- both seasons -- on HBO. It documents the horrors of Keith Raniere and his NXIVM cult. Mark, and his wife Bonnie Piesse, play a significant role in bringing down Raniere, who is now serving 120 years in Federal prison. Christie and I have become friends with Mark and Bonnie (and also with the other most prominent whistleblowers who exposed Raniere's cult -- Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames). These friendships are based on a foundation of deep understanding forged by shared similar experiences. They are good, strong, brave people who put their personal comfort … [Read more...]
Off The Deep End
I watched the excellent 4 part documentary The Deep End about spiritual (cult) leader Teal Swan. I had never heard of her until I saw this doc. This trailer will give you some idea of who she is: The filmmakers, Jon Kasbe and Bits Sola have done a remarkable job of showing the world of Teal Swan. They were given astonishing access to Swan and her followers over three years. What unfolds is a fascinating study of control and domination by a cult leader reminiscent of so many others. Bits Sola was also a producer on The Vow (the mesmerizing HBO doc on Keith … [Read more...]
Keith Raniere Sentenced to 120 Years
Keith Raniere, the former head of NXIVM, was sentenced to 120 years in prison yesterday. One of the main people who brought him to justice was Mark Vicente. A former leader in the NXIVM movement, he and his wife, Bonnie Piesse, along with Sarah Edmunson and her husband Nippy Ames and Catherine Oxenberg were chronicled in the excellent HBO Series The Vow about their awakening and subsequent efforts to bring the leaders of NXIVM to justice. We interviewed Mark on the Aftermath Podcast a few weeks ago. Victims in criminal cases have the opportunity to make a statement before the court … [Read more...]