A Little Bit Culty

A Little Bit Culty

Think you might be in a cult? Want to know the signs? Join Sarah Edmondson and Anthony “Nippy” Ames to talk about things that are..a little bit culty. Or in their case: a whole bunch of culty. As whistleblowers documented in the critically-acclaimed HBO series “The Vow,” Sarah and Nippy have a lot to say about their experience, and burning questions to ask people with similar stories. They’re here to help people understand, heal from, and avoid abusive situations one little red flag at a time. Listen in as they share their stories, have frank and unscripted conversations with other survivors and cult experts, and do a deep dive on how devotion can turn to dysfunction.
Laura Richards: What Gabby Petito, “Dirty John,” and Keith Raniere Have in Common
March 24, 2025
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Laura Richards: What Gabby Petito, “Dirty John,” and Keith Raniere Have in Common

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. What do serial killers, cult leaders, and domestic abusers have in common? According to criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards, quite a lot. In this powerful conversation, Laura explain...

Mind Control in Disguise: Cristina Coello on the Dangers of the Bright Path
March 17, 2025
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Mind Control in Disguise: Cristina Coello on the Dangers of the Bright Path

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Ishayas’ Ascension—also known as the Bright Path—is a new-agey meditation movement that promises spiritual enlightenment through “stillness” and expensive courses. But behind the soothing...

The Ties That Bind: Ariel Anderssen on Cults to Kink
March 10, 2025
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The Ties That Bind: Ariel Anderssen on Cults to Kink

We’re bringing you a spicy one today on ALBC! Our guest is Ariel Anderssen, a professional BDSM model and sex-positive author. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Ariel grew up in a world where sexuality was strictly controlled, desire was e...

Surviving the IFB: Shelly Snow Pordea on Trauma, Healing, and Fiction
March 03, 2025
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Surviving the IFB: Shelly Snow Pordea on Trauma, Healing, and Fiction

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Novelist, screenwriter, and publishing consultant Shelly Snow Pordea grew up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church, an insular and oppressive religious environment that shap...