Inside NXIVM: Sarah Edmondson on Cult Red Flags & Protecting Our Kids

If you watched HBO’s The Vow, you know Sarah Edmondson as the NXIVM survivor and whistleblower who helped expose one of the most notorious cults in modern history.And if you’re anything like me, a pop-culture obsessive who is totally fascinated by cults, you probably watched Sarah’s story wondering: How does an intelligent, successful person get pulled into something like this? And would I recognize the warning signs before it was too late?Sarah spent 12 years inside NXIVM, became a leader in the organization and recruited others into something she genuinely believed was helping people. But after being branded as part of the secret women’s group DOS, Sarah didn’t just leave, she helped blow the entire organization open.We talk about what NXIVM promised its members, how Keith Raniere gained their trust and how people were slowly taught to ignore the little voice telling them something wasn’t right. Sarah also takes us inside DOS, the master-slave hierarchy, collateral, coercive control, the branding ceremony and the complicated reality of realizing you helped bring people into a cult.But this conversation goes far beyond NXIVM and The Vow.Sarah and her husband, Anthony “Nippy” Ames, host the podcast A Little Bit Culty and are the authors of A Little Bit Culty: Navigating Cults, Control and Coercion. Together, we explore the cult-like dynamics hiding in everyday life, when belonging becomes dependency, why smart people are susceptible to manipulation and how parents can teach their children to recognize coercion, question authority and trust their gut.Because nobody thinks they’re joining a cult, and the people who are manipulated aren’t stupid or gullible. They’re often the people who believe it could never happen to them.This episode includes discussions of coercive control, sexual exploitation, abuse and branding.Follow the show: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube:Instagram: @shutuptellmemoreTikTok: @shutuptellmemorepodFull Video Episodes are Available on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ShutUpTellMeMorePodcastMy Guest: Sarah Edmonson Instagram: @sarahedmonsonFacebook: @sarahedmonsonPurchase "A Little Bit Culty: Navigating Cults, Control and CoercionThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Check out our lovely sponsor: MobileIV of the Palm BeachesBook by calling or texting: 561-589-8989Book your appointment online - https://mobileivofthepalmbeachesgmailcom.setmore.com/en