A Little Bit Culty

Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames

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.

  1. Corey Jentry on Selling Sanity: Inside the Troubled Teen Industry Cult (Part 2)

    1 hr ago

    Corey Jentry on Selling Sanity: Inside the Troubled Teen Industry Cult (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Corey Jentry, we pick up where we left off and follow the long, winding path out of the troubled teen industry and the program founded by Bob Meehan. Corey shares how years of coercive control, dependency, and identity-shaping didn’t simply end when he left the program; they followed him into the world of recovery, where he found himself grappling with many of the same dynamics inside certain corners of 12-step culture and the addiction-treatment industry. We talk about the dangers of pathologizing autonomy, the power of belonging, and why it can take decades to untangle beliefs that were imprinted during adolescence. Our conversation also explores Corey’s evolution from survivor to researcher and advocate. He reflects on discovering how the business of treatment really works, recognizing familiar patterns across the behavioral health, rehab, and youth treatment worlds, and why he’s dedicated so much of his work to understanding indoctrination, radicalization, and coercive influence. Thought-provoking, nuanced, and occasionally darkly funny, this episode is a masterclass in spotting the difference between genuine support and manufactured dependence. Pick up Corey’s book, Selling Sanity: The Troubled-Teen Industry, the Insane Profits, and the Kids Who Pay the Price, and follow him on his website, coreyjentry.com, Substack @drcoreyjentry, or on LinkedIn. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of psychological manipulation, coercive control, addiction treatment programs, suicide, overdose, mental health struggles, emotional abuse, and experiences within the troubled teen industry. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane 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.

    58 min
  2. You Might Also Like: The Viall Files

    1 hr ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Viall Files

    Introducing E1148 - Love Island's Gabriel, Amanda's A Hoarder? PLUS How Millionaires Raise Their Kids from The Viall Files. Follow the show: The Viall Files Welcome back to The Viall Files: Reality Recap! Love Island USA's Gabriel joins us to address being labeled "lustful," his relationships with Bea and Jen, and everything going down in Casa Amor. Plus, Million Dollar Nannies creators Andrea and Michelle take us behind the scenes of Ibiza's elite families, outrageous childcare requests, and what's next for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. We also break down Trinity and Bryce, Kayda and Zach, Sincere and Melanie, Dorit's Father's Day attack on PK, Kyle and Amanda's separation on In the City, and the premiere of Next Gen NYC. You won't want to miss it :) "She did a split in my face!!" Nick is on Substack! Subscribe here: https://nickviall.substack.com/subscribe HEY! YOU! DO YOU NEED DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE? Email asknick@theviallfiles.com and be a part of future Ask Nick episodes! Want ad free episodes and incredible bonus content? Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/ Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter To Order Nick's Book and/or learn more about the show, go to: https://viallfiles.com THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: The RealReal: Get $25 OFF off your first purchase when you go to https://therealreal.com/files Mack Weldon: Go to https://mackweldon.com and get 20% off your first order of $125 or more, with promo code VIALL. Chewy: right now you can save $20 on your first order and get free shipping by going to https://chewpanions.chewy.com/viallfiles Ladder App:If you have an iPhone, head to https://ladder.fit/viall and take a quick quiz to find your perfect Ladder plan. Use my link and get a free 7-day trial with NO credit card, and $10 off your first month if you join. Wayfair: Patio season is here and these deals won't last! head to https://wayfair.com/m/outdoor right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Merit Beauty: Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at https://meritbeauty.com Zenni Optical: If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to ZENNI dot COM slash PODCAST and use code PODCAST15 for fifteen percent off your first order. To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro / Household Headlines 29:47 - Andrea and Michelle Join 47:44 - Gabriel Joins 01:06:32 - Love Island 01:22:52 - Outro Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @gvasconcelosv @ametzy @michellepeerali @susiecevans @the_mare_bare @justinkaphillips @baybaeee DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Corey Jentry on Selling Sanity: Inside the Troubled Teen Industry Cult (Part 1)

    3d ago

    Corey Jentry on Selling Sanity: Inside the Troubled Teen Industry Cult (Part 1)

    In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Corey Jentry, we dive into a side of the troubled teen industry that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: the programs that didn’t need to kidnap kids in the middle of the night, because they convinced them to walk in willingly. Corey shares how, as a struggling teenager looking for connection, he was drawn into what would become a five-year stay inside the Insight Substance Abuse program, formerly Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP), a highly controlling treatment program founded by Bob Meehan, the controversial architect behind a network of adolescent rehab programs that many former participants now describe as cult-like. What starts as a story about teen treatment quickly turns into a masterclass on love bombing, recruitment, and coercive influence. Corey walks us through the carefully crafted world of attractive young counselors, instant belonging, and promises of friendship that made the program feel like the answer to every teenage problem—until it wasn’t. We unpack the origins of Meehan’s treatment empire, the business model behind the industry, and how vulnerable families were sold a solution that often created far more harm than healing. Corey’s story is equal parts fascinating, infuriating, and eye-opening—and this is only the beginning. Stay tuned for Part 2 on Thursday. Pick up Corey’s book, Selling Sanity: The Troubled-Teen Industry, the Insane Profits, and the Kids Who Pay the Price, and follow him on his website, coreyjentry.com, Substack @drcoreyjentry, or on LinkedIn. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of psychological manipulation, coercive control, addiction treatment programs, family dysfunction, emotional abuse, and experiences within the troubled teen industry. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane 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.

    50 min
  4. Bring Me the Beauties: Hoyt Richards, and a Double Life in Eternal Values (Part 2)

    Jun 18

    Bring Me the Beauties: Hoyt Richards, and a Double Life in Eternal Values (Part 2)

    Hoyt Richards is back for Part 2 with the escape story nobody knew they needed: love, coercion, a shaved head, and the unlikely guardian angel who turned out to be Fabio. After Frederick's death, the new cult leader still made Hoyt's life hell. When Hoyt fell secretly in love with Donna over four years and dared to question the apocalypse timeline (spoiler: it didn't happen by 1999), he was forced to break up with her, shave his head to prevent modeling, and do slave labor while facing nightly verbal firing squads. He tried to escape three times before finally succeeding—and that's when he discovered who actually had his back. We talk about Fabio. Yes, that Fabio. How a Renaissance man electrical engineer in a romance novel cover became Hoyt's sanctuary when he showed up at his door a shadow of himself, giving him safety without questions. We discuss his reunion with his brother Rory (ten years of silence, then grace), reconnecting with Donna, and the painful realization that some people from the group are still devoted to Frederick—framing abuse as training. Hoyt shares his nuanced take on victim-blaming, using Allison Mack from NXIVM as an example of how we focus on the perpetrator she became rather than understanding how she was seduced and manipulated. He explains why the lens should be on the seductor, not the seduced, and his mission to make cult awareness accessible by framing it on the continuum of everyday power dynamics: coaches, bosses, lovers, and family members who make us give our power away. We wrap with Wellspring, creative arts as healing, and the shaman's wisdom about flipping the tortilla. Follow Hoyt Richards at hoytrichards.com and on Instagram @hoytrichardsofficial, and Bring Me the Beauties on Instagram @bringmethebeauties. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of emotional and psychological abuse, physical violence, coercive control, and cult dynamics. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane 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.

    39 min
  5. Bring Me the Beauties: Hoyt Richards, and a Double Life in Eternal Values (Part 1)

    Jun 15

    Bring Me the Beauties: Hoyt Richards, and a Double Life in Eternal Values (Part 1)

    This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Hoyt Richards joins the pod to talk about the double life behind his modeling fame and his nearly 20 years in Eternal Values, the high-control group also featured in HBO’s Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult. He reflects on how a seemingly glamorous world of fashion, access, and status got tangled up with grooming, identity loss, and a spiritual system that kept pulling him deeper in. Our conversation focuses on how recruitment worked: being flattered, singled out, made to feel special, and gradually separated from family, friends, and any outside perspective. Hoyt explains how Frederick von Mierers (Freddy) used charisma, mystique, and selective “truths” to make himself look enlightened while building a group that demanded loyalty, labor, and secrecy. We also talk about the psychological cost of staying, the “matrix” framing that made leaving feel spiritually dangerous, and why survivors often need both accountability and self-compassion in recovery. The real story is not just the cult leader, but the ripple effect on everyone dragged into the orbit, and why those warning signs can show up in cults, relationships, and other power dynamics. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our convo on Thursday. Follow Hoyt Richards at hoytrichards.com and on Instagram @hoytrichardsofficial, and Bring Me the Beauties on Instagram @bringmethebeauties. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of cults, coercive control, grooming, manipulation, emotional and spiritual abuse, and family estrangement. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/culty. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than 50% at SelectQuote.com/culty. Download EarnIn on the App Store or Google Play. Spelled like earnING money without the G. Type in ALittleBitCulty under PODCAST when you sign up. It’ll really help the show. EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Standard Cash Outs take 1-2 business days with no mandatory fees. Expedited transfers available for a fee. Tips are voluntary and don’t affect the service. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    53 min
  6. Where are they now? Mark Vicente on the Narcissist’s Playbook (Part 2)

    Jun 11

    Where are they now? Mark Vicente on the Narcissist’s Playbook (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our “Where are they now” chat with Mark Vicente, he talks about Narcissist’s Playbook and the emotional toll of spending five years documenting narcissistic abuse and expanding that work through his Instaguru series and podcast. The project keeps revealing the same pattern at different scales, from cult dynamics and propaganda to politics, performance, and the way people get triangulated against each other. The conversation also gets more personal, with Mark and Sarah reflecting on their own susceptibility to fawning, pedestal-building, and overexcitement, plus the need to slow down, do reference checks, and trust their bodies when something feels off. Mark shares that one of his biggest lessons is not to worship people with charisma or clarity, because that’s often what lets abuse hide in plain sight. It also touches on the film’s release strategy, funding, outreach, and why he’d rather build an audience directly than hand control to a streamer. Watch the trailer for Narcissist’s Playbook and stay tuned for early access links and screenings near you: narcissistsplaybook.com/long-trailer-landing-page Follow Mark at markvicente.com, on Patreon, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of narcissistic and sexual abuse, coercion, manipulation, cult dynamics, and trauma bonding. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane 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.

    43 min
  7. Where are they now? Mark Vicente on the Narcissist’s Playbook (Part 1)

    Jun 8

    Where are they now? Mark Vicente on the Narcissist’s Playbook (Part 1)

    Mark Vicente returns for a new “Where are they now?” conversation and opens up about the five-year journey behind his upcoming film, Narcissist’s Playbook, which he describes as a way to better understand the psychology he once lived inside. We revisit how narcissistic patterns showed up in NXIVM and why they’re so hard to see clearly while you’re in it, and how the film tries to explain the mechanics of manipulation without pretending people can simply “love” abuse away. Our conversation also digs into the documentary’s most disturbing insights, including the way narcissists can mirror people back to themselves, target vulnerabilities, and create long-game strategies of control that are hard to recognize in real time. Mark talks about what he learned interviewing self-aware narcissists and why the film is meant to be a tool for survivors, clinicians, and students alike. We also revisit NXIVM’s bizarre intake questionnaires, Nancy Salzman’s role, Keith Raniere’s manipulation tactics, and the relief that comes from speaking openly once you’re out. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation on Thursday. Watch the trailer for Narcissist’s Playbook and stay tuned for early access links and screenings near you: narcissistsplaybook.com/long-trailer-landing-page Follow Mark at markvicente.com, on Patreon, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of narcissistic and sexual abuse, coercion, manipulation, psychological control, and cult dynamics. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane 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.

    50 min
  8. REPLAY: Dr. Ramani Durvasula on Post-Narc Healing

    Jun 4

    REPLAY: Dr. Ramani Durvasula on Post-Narc Healing

    Sharp, compassionate, and clarifying as ever, this replay episode from our second convo with Dr. Ramani finds her fresh off the release of her book It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People. She reframes narcissism away from labels and toward impact, helping listeners understand why these relationships can be so destabilizing and why recovery is absolutely possible. She also dug into the patterns that keep people stuck in narcissistic relationships, why self-blame is so common, and how healing starts with seeing the dynamic clearly instead of internalizing the damage. If this episode resonates, it’s the perfect warm-up for next week’s episodes with Mark Vicente, who’ll be talking about his new film, Narcissist’s Playbook. Follow Dr. Ramani on Instagram, Facebook, or X @doctorramani. 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 f*****d. Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon or order a signed copy. Check out our amazing sponsors Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag Support the pod and smash this link Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources Watch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, Scarred CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Citizens of Sound Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Audio production: Will Retherford Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore Writer: Sandra Nomoto Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane 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.

    1h 16m
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4.6
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    342
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2022 A Little Bit Culty
  • Show Website
    A Little Bit Culty

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