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

    9 hr ago

    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 fuckwad. 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
  2. You Might Also Like: The Viall Files

    9 hr ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Viall Files

    Introducing E1144 - Beatriz Talks CRAZY Love Island Drama, The Summer House Bonus Episode Breakdown from The Viall Files. Follow the show: The Viall Files Welcome back to The Viall Files: Reality Recap! So… that Summer House bonus episode was… certainly filled with a lot of words! Any of them true? We'll get to it. Before that discussion, however, the one and only Beatriz stops by to get into EVERYTHING Love Island USA Season 8. How was her time at the villa? What's up with Melanie and Sincere? Does she know she's beloved? All that, and more! "You know what? He knows where to find me." 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: Helix Sleep: Go to https://helixsleep.com/viall for 20% off Sitewide, 25% off Luxe Mattresses, and 30% off Elite Mattresses. Nutrafol: Right now, when you buy any Nutrafol Men hair growth supplement subscription, you get two free gifts — a full-size 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner plus a hair serum, a $93 value — plus 20% off a subscription. Take advantage of this great deal at https://nutrafol.com Minky Couture: Visit https://minkycouture.com and use code VIALL at checkout for 50% off all full priced blankets. Shipstation: The sooner you switch, the sooner you start saving time and money. Get started with ShipStation today and get sixty days free at https://shipstation.com, with code viall. Rakuten: Join for free at https://rakuten.com or download the Rakuten app to start saving money today. David Protein: Head to Walmart today to try a bar or stock up on 4CTs of your favorite flavors, like Blueberry Pie and Salted Peanut Butter, sold exclusively at Walmart. To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 05:00 - Bea Joins 22:19 - Love Island 58:54 - Summer House 01:14:42 - Outro Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @bhatz_track @ciaracrobinson @susiecevans @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. Bring Me the Beauties: Hoyt Richards, and a Double Life in Eternal Values (Part 1)

    3 days ago

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

    11 Jun

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

    8 Jun

    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 fuckwad. 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
  6. REPLAY: Dr. Ramani Durvasula on Post-Narc Healing

    4 Jun

    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 fuckwad. 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.

    1hr 16min
  7. REPLAY: Dr. Ramani Durvasula on Navigating Narcissism

    1 Jun

    REPLAY: Dr. Ramani Durvasula on Navigating Narcissism

    To prep for next week’s “Where are they now?” chat with Mark Vicente, we’re replaying our first convo with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula from Season 5. Are malignant narcissists born or made? How do you recover after narcissistic abuse? Dr. Ramani tackles our burning narc-y questions. She’s the author of two books on the subject: Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving A Relationship with a Narcissist, and Don’t You Know Who I Am?: How to Stay Sane in an Era of Narcissism, Entitlement, and Incivility. Her work has been featured at SXSW, TEDx, the Red Table Talk, the Today Show, and Investigation Discovery. Check out Dr. Ramani’s program on healing from narcissistic relationships and follow her 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 fuckwad. 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: Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com/culty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10 percent off at BetterHelp.com/culty. Patio season is here and these deals won’t last. Head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Get up to 50% off your first order, plus free shipping at MeUndies.com/culty, promo code culty. To get your new wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to MINTMOBILE.com/culty. If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Go to Zenni.com/podcast and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order. Upgrade your dad’s everyday routine. Go to BuyRaycon.com/culty to get 15% off. Thanks Raycon for sponsoring! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1hr 15min
  8. Dr. Christine Marie on Trust Me: The False Prophet and the Fight for Justice (Part 2)

    28 May

    Dr. Christine Marie on Trust Me: The False Prophet and the Fight for Justice (Part 2)

    In Part 2 with Dr. Christine Marie, we dive into Netflix’s Trust Me: The False Prophet and why the lack of victim-shaming in the response has been a dream come true. She walks us through the strategy (and frustration) of working with the FBI on the Sam Bateman investigation, why she needed footage of Sam committing obstruction of justice to get him arrested, and the devastating mistake of housing all the underage victims together in one group home where older girls could obstruct interviews. We discuss the heartbreak of watching Nomz and other victims serve prison time despite being coerced themselves, and Christine's proposal for a new kind of facility. We talk about Sam's ongoing manipulation from jail (he's going to trial next month just to psychologically torture the girls who turned against him), the $15,000 white leather jacket that should be a crime in itself, and why coercive control laws could change everything for FLDS survivors and beyond. Christine shares why public love and dignity after shame is the most healing thing that could ever happen, her work with Voices for Dignity, and her next mission: promoting empathy, fighting online cruelty, and making kindness cool again. Plus: Christine reads her journal entry about Keith Raniere and Sarah reads the Facebook message where she told him to “de-cult” himself—spoiler: he didn't listen. Definitely watch Trust Me on Netflix and visit the websites for Dr. Christine Marie and Voices for Dignity: ChristineMarie.com, VoicesForDignity.org. And follow her on Instagram @dr.christinemarie and on TikTok @drchristinemarie. Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of child sexual abuse, ritualistic abuse, human trafficking, and the criminal justice system's treatment of cult survivors. 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. 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.

    1hr 4min
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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
    340
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2022 A Little Bit Culty
  • Show Website
    A Little Bit Culty

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