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. You're Not My Daddy: Veena Dinavahi Survives “The True Happiness Company” (Part 2)

    قبل ٢١ ساعة

    You're Not My Daddy: Veena Dinavahi Survives “The True Happiness Company” (Part 2)

    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 here 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 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.

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  2. You Might Also Like: The Tamsen Show

    قبل ٢١ ساعة · إضافة

    You Might Also Like: The Tamsen Show

    Introducing ADHD or Perimenopause? The Signs You’ve Been Missing from The Tamsen Show. Follow the show: The Tamsen Show ADHD in women has been invisible for decades. The overwhelm, the racing thoughts, the feeling that everything is urgent are often dismissed as anxiety, depression, or just “being busy.” But they’re not character flaws, they’re signs of something deeper. In this episode, Shanna Pearson, founder of Expert ADHD Coaching and author of Invisible ADHD, shares why so many women are only being diagnosed later in life, how perimenopause and menopause hormones intensify symptoms, and the real strategies that help women regain control. They talk about: - Why ADHD in women often gets misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression - How estrogen and dopamine shifts in midlife affect focus and regulation - A simple way to cut through overwhelm by narrowing your focus - Reset tools, from physical state changes to writing exercises,  that stop spirals in their tracks - How ADHD impacts confidence, relationships, and careers, and what to do about it Shanna also shares the positives often overlooked, including how hyperfocus can be harnessed in the right environments and why the right tools, not just medication, can transform daily life. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s ADHD, menopause, or just modern life, this conversation will help you see yourself more clearly and give you solutions you can use right away. Watch full video episodes HERE Get Tamsen’s new book, How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before Want to try the self-assessments mentioned in this episode? Patient Health Questionnaire 9 Depression Self Assessment GAD-7 Anxiety Self Assessment Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist Follow The Tamsen Show on Instagram Follow Tamsen on Instagram Follow Tamsen on TikTok Want more from Shanna? Pre-order her book here Visit her website  Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com/TAMSEN This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit JoinMidi.com today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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. You're Not My Daddy: Veena Dinavahi Survives “The True Happiness Company” (Part 1)

    قبل ٤ أيام

    You're Not My Daddy: Veena Dinavahi Survives “The True Happiness Company” (Part 1)

    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 f*****d. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here 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 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: 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.

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  4. المقطع الترويجي للموسم ٨

    Welcome to Season 8 of A Little Bit Culty!

    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 f*****d. **PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book here 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 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.

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  5. ٢٨ أغسطس

    Bron & Denai Johnson on Life Inside NXIVM’s Vancouver Center (Part 2)

    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 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.

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  6. True Crime Meets Cults: Derrick Levasseur on Solving the “University of Cosmic Intelligence” Mystery

    ٢٥ أغسطس

    True Crime Meets Cults: Derrick Levasseur on Solving the “University of Cosmic Intelligence” Mystery

    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 f*****d. **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.

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  7. Protecting Kids from Cults and Traffickers with Robin Boyle-Laisure (Part 2)

    ٢١ أغسطس

    Protecting Kids from Cults and Traffickers with Robin Boyle-Laisure (Part 2)

    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 f*****d. **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.

    ٤٠ من الدقائق

مقاطع ترويجية

حول

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.

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