A Little Bit Culty Podcast Por Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames arte de portada

A Little Bit Culty

A Little Bit Culty

De: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
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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.© © 2022 A Little Bit Culty Ciencias Sociales
Episodios
  • Child Labor, Tom Cruise, and Space Erotica: Marc Headley on Escaping Scientology (Part 1)

    Child Labor, Tom Cruise, and Space Erotica: Marc Headley on Escaping Scientology (Part 1)
    Sep 29 2025
    This episode is a conversation between a former member of the Sea Organization, an elite group within the Church of Scientology, and a host, Marc Headley. Part 1 of this discussion covers the former member's experiences in Scientology, including his family's involvement, the numerous relocations during his childhood, and working at Scientology's international base. Marc details the manipulation through family ties, the rigorous daily routine, and the psychological control employed by the organization. It also touches on the controversial beliefs and practices within Scientology, such as the infamous story of Lord Zenu. Moreover, the episode hints at a cliffhanger involving a significant encounter with Tom Cruise, promising more detailed revelations in Part 2. Menu: 00:00 Reunion in Vancouver00:09 Diving into the Book00:28 Life in Scientology03:26 The International Base05:31 The Secret Government Facility06:46 Old Man Gilman's Scam07:16 Scientology's Deceptive Purchases07:55 L. Ron Hubbard's Training Films15:05 Mark's Journey into Scientology20:11 Life in Hollywood22:26 Living the Scientology Way22:57 Childhood in Scientology25:28 Working for Scientology as a Child30:17 The Financial Side of Scientology33:14 Space Opera and Scientology Beliefs34:12 Personal Experiences and Reflections40:24 Family and Social Status in Scientology41:43 Teaser for the Next EpisodeFollow Marc’s work and podcast at theaftermathfoundation.org and blownforgood.com and on YouTube @TheAftermathFoundation and @blownforgood. Also check out our past episodes with ex-Scientologists Mike Rinder and Claire Headley and Marc’s book, Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology.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 hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin’ fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSee 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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    43 m
  • Who's Your Granddaddy? Stefan Kolesar on Amway and World Wide Group (Part 2)

    Who's Your Granddaddy? Stefan Kolesar on Amway and World Wide Group (Part 2)
    Sep 25 2025

    Ready for the breaking point? In Part 2, we continue Stefan Kolesar’s deep dive into the world of Amway—where all those red flags on the shelf finally came crashing down. From mounting disillusionment and classic gaslighting to the pain of leaving behind loyal friends and an imagined future, Stefan shares the raw reality of waking up, grieving, and healing after 13 years inside the culty clutches of MLM life. Plus: why nearly 99% of recruits lose money, what really chaps Stefan’s ass about the so-called American Dream, and how true recovery means laughter, therapy, and building community with fellow ex-IBOs.


    Follow Stefan and Jenna on Instagram @ex.ibo.


    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 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:

    Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.

    Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.

    Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY for 30% off.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Who's Your Granddaddy? Stefan Kolesar on Amway and World Wide Group (Part 1)

    Who's Your Granddaddy? Stefan Kolesar on Amway and World Wide Group (Part 1)
    Sep 22 2025

    What happens when the “American Dream” turns out to be more like the “Amway Nightmare”? On this episode of A Little Bit Culty, we sit down with Stefan Kolesar to dig into his 13 years inside the OG of all MLMs—the so-called “granddaddy” that’s even entangled with NXIVM history.


    From coffee shop pitches and overpriced toothpaste to the hidden “tools” racket that keeps recruits hooked, Stefan breaks down how the system lures people in with promises of purpose, community, and certainty—while quietly bleeding them dry. This is Part 1 of his story: how he and his wife went all in, why it felt like serving something bigger, and how much it ultimately cost to realize it was all smoke and mirrors.


    Follow Stefan and Jenna on Instagram @ex.ibo.


    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 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:

    Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.

    Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.

    Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY for 30% off.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Más Menos
    37 m
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I love everything about this podcast. The host are great, funny, inspiration, honest, and raw. They give us tips and views of their experiences and help us with their guest to give us advice and information on cults and so call religions. It's very eye opening and I can't wait for more!

Amazing, uplifting, & informational!

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Sara and Nippy cover some really heavy stuff, and come from a place of knowing. The guests and topics are always handled with care, the hosts are not afraid to show emotion, and yet there is always at least one good laugh to be had. Yes, they use adult language, but the avenues they walk down aren't Sesame Street, so I feel they've definitely earned the right. (Maybe we should have a drinking game a la the Fair Game podcast, where we drink every time one of the hosts curses? Just a thought.) Hard topics, covered with humour and heart, while giving listeners a great, first-person education. If you've not listened before, it's worth the time to binge the episodes from the beginning, as I did.

Heavy subjects covered with realness.

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I've never been in a cult (that I'm aware of...), but listening to the guests on this show and the hosts, I have come to believe that cults are what happens when the normal human need for belonging and meaning meets the (alas) all-too-common traits of narcissism and the need to control. Recognizing that a group you belong to or a relationship you're in is abusive is a skill we should all have, and the hosts are doing a great service--and making it entertaining and a safe space.

One of my don't-miss weekly podcasts

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Really love this podcast. I found it searching for more info on Sarma but stayed for the content. The background is based on exposing the vulnerabilities related to cults but also unearthing red flags in dangerous people. I applaud the candid attitudes of the hosts. Bravo.

Came For Sarma Stayed For The Content

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Great listen. Recommend! Seven episodes in and I am enjoying the conversation and guests on the show.

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...My New Go To...

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Great insights, humor, and guidance to avoid such anything a little bit culty. The topics are vast and interesting.

My go to podcast

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I devoured episode after episode. It's incredible and quite unique having a space of "contrapunto" where widely different voices come together in harmony in a safe, and respectful space. The topic is always painful and terrifying, and Sarah and Nippy are brilliant transmitting care with a joyful and hopeful twist. Thank you ALBC for existing!

BADASS!!!

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This is an amazing PodCast to listen to. I believe that everything spoken about in the PodCast can fit into someone's life at some point or another even if they have not been indoctrinated into a cult themselves. Thank you Sarah & Nippy. Love Listening!
Missy - New Orleans

Amazing

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After watching "The Vow" and "Seduced," I was interested in learning more from Sarah Edmundson. She's really engaging. I enjoy learning from her. I keep finding parts of this podcast insufferable.

For example, Nippy conflated both political parties in his discussion of politics. One led an insurrection, and one was the object of threats and violence -- I belong to neither but it is jarring to see how non trained experts pontificate; it seems like Nippy is great at gaslighting. Instead of backing his informed guest, he decided to not take a stand.

The guests on this show are wonderful and I have learned a lot. I really want to learn more from their guests.

Useful if you can get around some things

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So informative and funny! Love the diversity of the guest and the hosts are funny.

LOVE IT!!

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