Épisodes

  • Is Landmark a Cult? Anne Peterson Returns (Part 2)

    Is Landmark a Cult? Anne Peterson Returns (Part 2)
    Jan 29 2026
    In Part 2 with former Landmark Forum staffer Anne Peterson, we dig into what it actually took to leave the Landmark ecosystem emotionally, financially, and socially—and how she began unpacking the “technology” and jargon she once used to coach other people’s breakthroughs. Anne breaks down the aftershocks of working inside a Werner Erhard–inspired large group awareness training (LGAT): the burnout, cognitive dissonance, and shame hangovers that show up once you’re no longer being love‑bombed on course weekends, plus the grief of losing a whole community that insisted it was just about “possibility” and “transformation.”She also shares what recovery has looked like: learning to trust her own perceptions again, finding language for psychological abuse and undue influence, connecting with other ex‑Landmark and ex‑LGAT survivors, and building a gentler, consent‑based approach to personal growth that doesn’t require signing up for endless trainings, going into debt, or turning every relationship into an enrollment opportunity.Be sure to pick up Anne’s memoir, Is This a Cult?, follow her on Facebook or Instagram, and follow iLumn8.Life on Facebook and Instagram.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of psychological and physical abuse, financial and labor exploitation, depression, and trauma.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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    41 min
  • Is Landmark a Cult? Anne Peterson Returns (Part 1)

    Is Landmark a Cult? Anne Peterson Returns (Part 1)
    Jan 26 2026
    In Part 1 of this conversation, former Landmark Forum staffer Anne Peterson returns to update us about life post-Is This a Cult? book launch. She takes us back inside the transformational training machine built on Werner Erhard’s EST curriculum, and how something sold as breakthrough personal growth slowly revealed classic high‑control dynamics. Going from enthusiastic participant to full‑time staff, Anne breaks down the structure of Landmark forums, leadership programs, and “enrollment” culture, and what it actually felt like to live inside a world of long days, unpaid labor framed as service, and constant pressure to bring in new people.She also unpacks the language games, thought‑stopping clichés, and emotional high/low cycles that made it so hard to question Landmark Education or Erhard’s legacy, and shares how she eventually stepped away, began naming her experience as loaded with undue influence, and started rebuilding a life, career, and sense of self outside the Landmark universe.Be sure to pick up Anne’s memoir, Is This a Cult?, follow her on Facebook or Instagram, and follow iLumn8.Life on Facebook and Instagram.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of parental and physical abuse and trauma.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 AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Give your skin a rest with clean, clinically tested skincare from OSEA. Right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code CULTY at OSEAMalibu.comSee 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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    46 min
  • Ma Will See You Now: Chasing Nirvana with Priya Hutner (Part 2)

    Ma Will See You Now: Chasing Nirvana with Priya Hutner (Part 2)
    Jan 22 2026
    In Part 2 of our conversation with Priya Hutner, we keep pulling back the curtain on life inside the Kashi Ashram and the world surrounding Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati (“Ma”), including what happens when devotion, hierarchy, and silence collide. Priya continues sharing her lived experience growing up in and around the ashram and how spiritual ideals were often used to excuse harm, blur boundaries, and shut down questions. We talk about the normalization of control and coercion in spiritual communities, the pressure to reframe pain as growth, and what it’s like to realize—years later—that what you were taught was “love” or “service” didn’t actually feel safe.We explore the long tail of cult recovery and religious trauma, especially for those raised in high-control spiritual environments where obedience was spiritualized and dissent was discouraged. We reflect on the complicated legacy of Ma, the culture of the ashram, and how charismatic leaders and closed communities can create conditions where harm goes unchecked. Priya’s honesty adds to an essential conversation about accountability, healing, and reclaiming your voice after leaving a group that once defined your entire world.Be sure to check out Priya’s book launching March 3, 2026, Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker's Story of Love, Loss and Liberation, and follow her on her website, Instagram, or Facebook.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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    39 min
  • Ma Will See You Now: Chasing Nirvana with Priya Hutner (Part 1)

    Ma Will See You Now: Chasing Nirvana with Priya Hutner (Part 1)
    Jan 19 2026
    This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp.In Part 1 of our conversation with writer Priya Hutner, she takes us inside her years at the Kashi Ashram, a spiritual community led by guru Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, AKA “Ma,” in New York. She unpacks how an intentional, service-oriented “ashram family” slowly revealed deeply culty dynamics beneath the incense and darshan (beholding). She traces her journey from an earnest young seeker drawn to Eastern spirituality, meditation, and seva (service), to an insider navigating Ma Jaya’s love-bombing, manufactured mystique, public darshans and punishments, and the slow erosion of her autonomy and critical thinking in the name of devotion and ego death.We also get into the day-to-day life at Kashi—kids raised collectively, money and careers funneled into the guru’s vision, romantic and family relationships controlled from the top—and how Priya eventually recognized spiritual abuse, trauma bonding, and high-demand group tactics that still affect former ashram members decades later.Be sure to check out Priya’s book launching March 3, 2026, Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker's Story of Love, Loss and Liberation, and follow her on her website, Instagram, or Facebook.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 AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:You can’t step into a lighter version of yourself without leaving behind what’s been weighing you down. Therapy can help you clear space. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/culty.Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at RocketMoney.com/culty.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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    36 min
  • My Toxic Father and Bahai: Jared Van Driessche’s Survival Story (Part 2)

    My Toxic Father and Bahai: Jared Van Driessche’s Survival Story (Part 2)
    Jan 15 2026

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Jared Van Driessche, we go even deeper into what happens when you start questioning the system you were raised in, especially when that system is built on family, faith, and authority. Jared continues to unpack his experience growing up in a high-control religious environment connected to the Bahá’í faith, and how parental power, spiritual obedience, and silence around harm collide in deeply damaging ways.


    We talk candidly about parental abuse, childhood emotional abuse, and family systems that protect belief over safety. Jared shares what it’s like to grow up when religious devotion overrides a child’s basic needs, how teachings were used to justify control and punishment, and the long road to healing after child abuse within his religious family. We also explore the grief, boundary-setting, and courage required to name harm, even when it means questioning a faith tradition you were taught was untouchable.


    For more on Jared’s work in protective security, read his book, Public Figures, Private Lives, and follow him on LinkedIn.


    Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of parental, child, and emotional abuse and family violence.


    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




    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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    37 min
  • My Toxic Father and Bahai: Jared Van Driessche’s Survival Story (Part 1)

    My Toxic Father and Bahai: Jared Van Driessche’s Survival Story (Part 1)
    Jan 12 2026
    In Part 1 of our conversation, security specialist Jared Van Driessche shares the story behind his polished “protector” persona: growing up in a Bahá’í family with a controlling and volatile father, and how a faith that preached unity, justice, and service coexisted with secrecy, fear, and emotional and physical abuse at home. He talks about being parentified from a young age, trying to manage his dad’s rage, and the confusing double bind of having a spiritual community that outwardly looked loving while he and his siblings learned to walk on eggshells, hide bruises, and normalize coercive control as just “family dynamics.” Jared also unpacks how those early experiences with authoritarian parenting, religious idealism, and blurred boundaries around obedience and sacrifice shaped his adult relationships, his sensitivity to child abuse and domestic violence, and his ongoing work to break intergenerational patterns and build a safer, more honest life for his own kids.For more on Jared’s work in protective security, read his book, Public Figures, Private Lives, and follow him on LinkedIn.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of violence, stalking and harassment, and child 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 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 AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Make this Valentine's Day one to remember with matching underwear from MeUndies. To get exclusive deals up to 50% off, go to MeUndies.com/culty and enter promo code culty.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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    44 min
  • Cults to Consciousness: Shelise Ann Sola on Post-Mormon Podcast Life (Part 2)

    Cults to Consciousness: Shelise Ann Sola on Post-Mormon Podcast Life (Part 2)
    Jan 8 2026

    In Part 2 with artist and ex-Mormon creator Shelise Ann Sola, we pick up with what happens after you walk away from the LDS Church: family fallout, reclaiming your body and sexuality from modesty/purity culture, and learning how to trust your own inner authority instead of a prophet, bishop, or priesthood holder. Shelise talks about healing religious trauma, unpacking scrupulosity and intrusive fears about hell and worthiness, and the messy, funny, and sometimes dark reality of building a new life, new boundaries, and new beliefs in the “post-Mormon” wilderness.


    We also get into her online work: TikTok, podcasts, art, and ex-Mormon memes as a form of grief processing and community-building, why Mormonism and other high-demand religions can feel a little bit culty, and what’s actually helped her feel safe, connected, and spiritually grounded on the other side.


    Be sure to follow Shelise’s podcast, Cults to Consciousness, on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and Shelise at sheliseannsola.com and on Instagram @sheliseann.


    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



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    47 min
  • Cults to Consciousness: Shelise Ann Sola on Post-Mormon Podcast Life (Part 1)

    Cults to Consciousness: Shelise Ann Sola on Post-Mormon Podcast Life (Part 1)
    Jan 5 2026
    In the first part of our conversation, artist, podcaster, and former Mormon Shelise Ann Sola joins us to talk about growing up in a devout Latter-day Saint (LDS) family. She internalized “perfect girl” expectations and slowly deconstructed the high-demand beliefs that shaped her identity and relationships. Shelise shares how modesty culture, purity messaging, temple worthiness interviews, and the LDS obsession with eternal marriage impacted her mental health, sexuality, and sense of self, and how leaving the church meant losing community, certainty, and family approval all at once. We also got into her creative life after Mormonism, why she started talking publicly about high-control religion and religious trauma, and how she now uses humor, art, and storytelling to help other ex-Mormons and faith-questioners feel less alone while they untangle what was spiritual from what was spiritual abuse.Follow Shelise’s podcast, Cults to Consciousness, on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and Shelise at sheliseannsola.com and on Instagram @sheliseann.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 AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Don't wait. Go to Quince.com/culty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.Join the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/culty.Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at RocketMoney.com/culty.Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.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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    43 min