A Little Bit Culty Podcast By Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames cover art

A Little Bit Culty

A Little Bit Culty

By: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
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About this listen

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 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Bonus Drop: Coercive Control in Cults, Patriarchy in Religion & Survivor Wisdom from Tia Levings
    Jun 5 2025

    Welcome to another, unofficially titled, Bonus Drop. These episodes are our way of checking in midweek with extra thoughts, headlines, and conversations that keep the Cultiverse convo going strong. And remember: Patreon subscribers get them a day early because that’s how perks work.

    In this drop, we’re digging into the overlap between religious trauma, emotional abuse, and the battle for language in the courtroom. Buckle up, because this one covers a lot:

    • Updates on the NXIVM trial and why proving coercive control is still such a legal minefield

    • Bill Maher’s spectacularly bad take on the P. Diddy trial, and our thoughts on victim blaming in the media

    • The political and social reach of religious fundamentalism (spoiler: it’s farther than you think)

    • And a powerful chat with special guest Tia Levings, who joins us to share her journey from Christian fundamentalism survivor to bestselling author and advocate. Her new book The Soul of Healing is a deep dive into recovery from spiritual abuse—and trust us, you’ll want to hear her take.

    Plus: What happens when survivors take back the narrative, and how to spot the signs of patriarchal programming in your own life.

    Got thoughts? Send us a voicemail. We’re always listening.

    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.

    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

    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Is It a Spiritual Path or a Cult? Mitch Horowitz Helps Us Break It Down
    Jun 2 2025

    This week on A Little Bit Culty, we’re getting a little mystical—with our eyes wide open. Historian and occult scholar Mitch Horowitz joins us to explore the space where spirituality meets personal growth, and how easily it can slip into culty territory. His latest book, Practical Magick: Ancient Tradition and Modern Practice, helps make sense of mystical ideas while encouraging intentional belief.

    We dig into the red flags to watch for on the seeker’s path, from peer pressure and time abuse to isolation and guru worship. We also talk about money, emotion, and how performance culture can sneak into spiritual spaces. Mitch makes the case for private exploration, critical thinking, and walking away when something doesn’t feel right.

    Whether you’re deep into the woo or just woo-adjacent, this one’s packed with insight on how to stay curious without giving your power away.

    For more of Mitch and his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram @mitchhorowitz23

    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

    Writer: Kristen Reiter

    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Inside the Yellow Deli Cult: Tamara Mathieu on Life in Twelve Tribes (Part 2)
    May 29 2025

    This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp.

    We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Tamara Mathieu—and if you thought Part 1 was wild, just wait. This time, Tammy walks us through what finally pushed her family to leave the Twelve Tribes, including a hollow diet, some serious double standards, and a clandestine late-night escape from their Florida commune.

    She shares what it’s like to rejoin the outside world after years of being told it was evil (spoiler: it’s weird), how Rite Aid and a bag of Hershey’s Kisses helped rewire her brain, and what healing looks like when you’re doing it for both yourself and your kids.

    We also talk about her book, All Who Believed, part memoir, part survival manual, for anyone trying to make sense of life after leaving a high-control group.

    If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go back. You’ll want the full story.

    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.

    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

    Writer: Kristen Reiter

    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

    Show more Show less
    44 mins
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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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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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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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I was born into the Institute of Basic Life Principles cult, or the Duggar cult, as it's often known. I got out when my parents divorced. Thankfully I was placed with my neglectful parent, not the abusive one, but I had to dig my way out from the cult mentality at the tender age of 13. I still suffer from PTSD from that time and upbringing, which wasn't helped by a career in the military. Listening to Sarah and Anthony and this podcast, after watching The Vow, Seduced, and even reading the trial transcripts of Keith Raniere has greatly helpes my recovery, and I fully admire what they do. This series is engaging, funny, informative, and unlike a lot of other cult shows, it talks about how to protect yourself and heal yourself from cultic abuse, instead of just describing the experience of being in a cult. Thank you, guys. Your work and efforts are greatly appreciated.

As a Survivor...

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