Best Anthony Nippy Ames Podcasts (2025)

1
Bonus Drop: Diddy, OneTaste, Weinstein & Listener Confessions 25:57

20h ago25:57

25:57

Welcome to the second in our new series of Bonus Thursday Drops—aka, your new favorite excuse to stay in on a weeknight. These episodes are an extra dose of A Little Bit Culty on the main feed every Thursday (Patreon subscribers get them a day early, because perks). Sometimes it’ll be a follow-up to a two-parter. Other times, like today, we’ll chec…

1
Purity Culture & Sex Shame: Healing with the Sexvangelicals 56:35

4d ago56:35

56:35

Can religion ruin your sex life? This week on A Little Bit Culty, Sarah and Nippy are joined by psychotherapists and certified sex therapists Jeremiah Gibson and Julia Postema—co-hosts of the podcast Sexvangelicals: The Sex Education the Church Didn’t Want You to Have. Together, they explore how religion, especially purity culture and fundamentalis…

1
Polygamy, Incest & Reality TV: Amanda Rae Breaks the Silence (Part 2) 45:03

8d ago45:03

45:03

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. In Part 2 of our conversation with Amanda Rae, we pick up right where we left off—so if you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, go back and listen first. In this episode, Amanda shares the final breaking point that led her to leave the Kingston Clan, also known as The Order, and the harrowing events surroundin…

1
Polygamy, Incest & Reality TV: Amanda Rae Breaks the Silence (Part 1) 51:45

11d ago51:45

51:45

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. In this week’s episode, we chat with Amanda Rae, survivor of the infamous Kingston clan, a radical Mormon sect also known as “The Order.” If you’ve seen Escaping Polygamy on A&E, you might recognize Amanda from the show, where she helped others flee the same secretive and abusive group she escaped at…

1
Goop, Teens, and Wellness Myths with Hayley Krischer 1:05:21

18d ago1:05:21

1:05:21

The beauty and wellness industry promises healing, glow-ups, and self-love—but what happens when those promises come wrapped in pseudoscience, toxic messaging, and culty marketing tactics? This week, Sarah and Nippy are joined by culture journalist and author Hayley Krischer, whose latest novel You Belong to Me explores the power and peril of the w…

1
Hoodwinked by the Algorithm: Dr. Mara Einstein on Cult Tactics in Marketing (Part 2) 53:02

25d ago53:02

53:02

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Mara Einstein, diving even deeper into the unsettling connections between cults, multi-level marketing (MLMs), higher education, and the digital world. In this episode, we unpack how MLMs use tactics like love bombing, upselling, and deception to recruit and retain members — and how these same str…

1
Hoodwinked by the Algorithm: Dr. Mara Einstein on Cult Tactics in Marketing (Part 1) 1:02:53

1M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

You don’t have to join a cult to get manipulated—just log onto the internet. This week on A Little Bit Culty, we’re diving into the marketing matrix with Dr. Mara Einstein, professor, media critic, and author of Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults. From influencer culture and MLMs to “brand cults” and rage farming, Mara breaks d…

1
Blazing Eyes, Cult Ties, and New Age Vibes with Leah Sottile 1:04:19

1M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

This episode is sponsored in part by BetterHelp. New Age isn’t just sage bundles and Instagram affirmations. It can also be a fast track to conspiracy-laced belief systems, grifty gurus, and straight-up cults. In this episode, we’re joined by journalist and podcaster Leah Sottile, whose new book Blazing Eye Sees All takes a sharp look at how New Ag…

1
Justified Resentment: When AA Goes Culty with April McLean 1:26:50

2M ago1:26:50

1:26:50

Alcoholics Anonymous has become a household name. You’ve probably heard of the 12 steps, sponsors, and sobriety chips. At its best, AA can be life-changing. But in some chapters, things can take a darker turn, and when they do, there’s no centralized structure to step in. In this episode, we’re talking with April McLean—a blogger and former member …

1
Laura Richards: What Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Blake Lively’s Cases Reveal About Coercive Control (Part 2) 1:05:16

2M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. We’re back with behavioral science expert Laura Richards for Part 2 of our deep dive into coercive control—and how it shows up in some of today’s most talked-about celebrity cases. Laura, who spent ten years at New Scotland Yard and helped establish the UK’s coercive control laws, joins us again to u…

1
Laura Richards: What Gabby Petito, “Dirty John,” and Keith Raniere Have in Common 1:01:58

2M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. What do serial killers, cult leaders, and domestic abusers have in common? According to criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards, quite a lot. In this powerful conversation, Laura explains the concept of coercive control—the psychological abuse tactic often at the core of these crimes—and how it play…

1
Mind Control in Disguise: Cristina Coello on the Dangers of the Bright Path 1:32:15

2M ago1:32:15

1:32:15

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Ishayas’ Ascension—also known as the Bright Path—is a new-agey meditation movement that promises spiritual enlightenment through “stillness” and expensive courses. But behind the soothing mantras and lofty ideals lurks a leader who demands total submission. Followers are taught that their thoughts, e…

1
The Ties That Bind: Ariel Anderssen on Cults to Kink 1:02:33

2M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

We’re bringing you a spicy one today on ALBC! Our guest is Ariel Anderssen, a professional BDSM model and sex-positive author. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Ariel grew up in a world where sexuality was strictly controlled, desire was equated with sin, and the end of the world was always just around the corner. But after leaving the faith, she emba…

1
Surviving the IFB: Shelly Snow Pordea on Trauma, Healing, and Fiction 1:14:27

3M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Novelist, screenwriter, and publishing consultant Shelly Snow Pordea grew up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church, an insular and oppressive religious environment that shaped her childhood. She survived religious trauma and abuse before finding her path to healing through storytelling.…

1
Born and Razed in a Cult: Beth Granger on Surviving Grenville Christian College (Part 2) 36:26

3M ago36:26

36:26

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Beth Granger, who was born into Grenville Christian College and spent over 20 years trapped within its cult-like control. If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there to understand the full context of Beth’s powerful story. In this episode, Beth shares her long road to recovery after lea…

1
Born and Razed in a Cult: Beth Granger on Surviving Grenville Christian College (Part 1) 47:30

3M ago47:30

47:30

This episode is sponsored in part by Betterhelp. Beth Granger was born into a nightmare disguised as an elite Christian boarding school. Raised within the walls of Grenville Christian College, she endured decades of coercion, public shaming, and physical abuse—hidden behind the institution’s polished reputation. As a child of staff members, she was…

1
Framed: Dr. C on Coercive Control and Family Court Trauma 1:03:13

3M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Long-time listeners might remember Dr. Christine Cocchiola (aka Dr. C) from Season 5, where she shared how she and her kids survived her ex-husband’s coercive control and psychological abuse. This week, she’s back to dig deeper into the ways coercive control operates like a cult—through gaslighting, mind games, and manipulation—and how it impacts f…

1
Brandon Guffy: Coercive Control and Sextortion 56:51

4M ago56:51

56:51

Online sextortion scams are on the rise, targeting young victims—especially teen boys—by coercing them into sharing explicit images, then blackmailing them into silence. These predators use fear, humiliation, and intimidation to trap their victims, often with devastating consequences. Our guest today, South Carolina Representative Brandon Guffey, k…

1
Corruption in the Hare Krishna Movement: A Survivor’s Story with Nori Muster 54:14

4M ago54:14

54:14

This week we continue to explore corruption within the Hare Krishna movement, this time through the eyes of former member Nori Muster. From 1978 to 1988, Nori worked in the movement’s PR and media department, where she was tasked with spinning headlines and managing ISKCON's public image. However, what began as a spiritual refuge soon revealed a da…

1
Monkey on a Stick: Corruption within the Hare Krishna Movement with Jason Lapeyre 59:14

4M ago59:14

59:14

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/CULTY to get started today. Remember the Hare Krishnas? The ones with the shaved heads and orange robes who used to chant and panhandle at airports? What started as a movement promoting inner peace and material detachment descended into chaos, corruption, and crime. In this week’s episod…

1
F*ck This, I’m Out: Remembering Mike Rinder 1:22:53

4M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

This week, we’re honoring the life and legacy of our dear friend and hero, Mike Rinder. Mike was a pivotal figure in the fight against cultic abuse, and his courage and compassion set the gold standard for turning a difficult past into a powerful force for good. To celebrate his incredible contributions, we’re re-releasing this conversation from Ma…

1
For the record: Jonathan Hirsch on Cult Story Telling (Part 2) 43:55

4M ago43:55

43:55

This show/episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/CULTY to get started today. This is the second part of a 2 part interview with Jonathan Hirsch. Listen to Part 1 Here. Jonathan Hirsch is an award-winning podcaster and journalist who grew up in the Adidam hippie cult. His podcast, “Dear Franklin Jones”, is about that experience. To…

1
Growing Up Culty: Jonathan Hirsch on a Lifetime of Cults (Part 1) 57:47

5M ago57:47

57:47

Jonathan Hirsch is an award-winning podcaster and journalist who grew up in the Adidam hippie cult. His podcast, “Dear Franklin Jones”, is about that experience. Today, he’s here to discuss the less famous, but equally culty, Jones and what it’s like for children who grow up with religious abuse. And for more of Jonathan's work, Be sure to check ou…

1
Rift and Redemption: Cait West’s Escape from Christian Patriarchy 1:04:05

5M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

What’s it like to grow up in a world where your life’s only purpose is to serve the men around you? Cait West knows firsthand. Raised in a household steeped in Christian patriarchy—a radical movement that places men in absolute control over their families—Cait was homeschooled, groomed to be an obedient wife and mother, and forbidden from pursuing …

1
Voices From Beyond: Jonathan Mark on NXIVM’s Unsolved Mysteries 1:03:15

5M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

This episode is brought to you in part by Squarespace. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULTY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CULTY. This week, we sit down with medium Jonathan Mark, who brings closure to grieving families and assists law enforcement in solving cold cases. Jonathan opens up about his journey…

1
Justice Denied: The JonBenét Ramsey Case and the Cult of Groupthink 53:45

5M ago53:45

53:45

This episode is brought to you in part by Squarespace. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULTY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CULTY. John Ramsey knows a lot about culty thinking within police investigations. He experienced it firsthand after his daughter, JonBenét Ramsey, was murdered in 1996. JonBenét was t…

1
Jules Hartley: “Breath of Fire” and the Cult of Kundalini Yoga (Part 2) 43:42

5M ago43:42

43:42

Bringing you an extra special Part 2 for today's bonus episode with Jules Hartley. You may have heard of Kundalini yoga from its popularity with celebrities, but you might be less familiar with its culty history. Invented in the late 60s by a guru-turned-cult leader named Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini is an intensive form of yoga that weirdly uses breathi…

1
Jules Hartley: “Breath of Fire” and the Cult of Kundalini Yoga (Part 1) 48:40

6M ago48:40

48:40

You may have heard of Kundalini yoga from its popularity with celebrities, but you might be less familiar with its culty history. Invented in the late 60s by a guru-turned-cult leader named Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini is an intensive form of yoga that weirdly uses breathing exercises to manipulate people. After its founder died in 2004, one of his follo…

1
Whitney Cummings: Healing, Humor, and Hollywood's Culty Side 1:16:33

6M ago1:16:33

1:16:33

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. In this week's episode, Sarah and Nippy welcome friend and comedian Whitney Cummings to the podcast to explore the nuanced overlaps of culty dynamics and Hollywood culture. Whitney shares her unique perspective on vulnerability, healing, and her fascination with neuroscience, while also opening up about…

1
Through the Labyrinth: Amanda Knox on Coercion, Media, and Advocacy 1:14:42

6M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Author and podcaster Amanda Knox sits down with Sarah and Nippy to discuss the culty nature of the Italian justice system. Amanda shares how she was coerced by the police into confessing to a crime she did not commit and details her experience with a media that is more concerned with ratings than truth. She also discusses the ongoing process of hea…

1
Bonus Episode: Nobody Should Believe Me 54:24

6M ago54:24

54:24

Enjoyed our chat with Andrea Dunlop? You’re in luck! This week, we’re featuring an episode from Andrea’s podcast “Nobody Should Believe Me” in the ALBC feed. We love this show, and hope you do too. Welcome to Season 4 of “Nobody Should Believe Me!” This season we are following the story of Jordyn Hope as they unravel the secrets of their childhood.…

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Cult of One: The Manipulation of Munchausen by Proxy (Part 2) 42:10

6M ago42:10

42:10

This is the second part of a two-part interivew. Listen to Part 1 here. When describing a cult, the first thing that comes to mind is often a powerful leader at the helm of a large group of followers. That’s not the case with today’s guest. Andrea Dunlop, author and host of the podcast “Nobody Should Believe Me,” is an expert on Munchausen by Proxy…

1
Cult of One: The Manipulation of Munchausen by Proxy 44:30

6M ago44:30

44:30

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULTY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CULTY. When describing a cult, the first thing that comes to mind is often a powerful leader at the helm of a large group of followers. That’s not the case with today’s guest. Andrea Dunlop, …

1
Dinner for Vampires: The Star of a Cult TV Show on Leaving a Real Life Cult (Part 2) 37:21

7M ago37:21

37:21

This is the second part of a two-part interview, listen to Part 1 here. Bethany Joy Lenz became a household face during the meteoric rise of the teen CW soap “One Tree Hill.” However, as she appeared in homes across the country every week, she was leading a double life with her participation in a culty Bible group for a decade. Lenz found her voice…

1
Dinner for Vampires: The Star of a Cult TV Show on Leaving a Real Life Cult 35:51

7M ago35:51

35:51

Bethany Joy Lenz became a household face during the meteoric rise of the teen CW soap “One Tree Hill.” However, as she appeared in homes across the country every week, she was leading a double life with her participation in a culty Bible group for a decade. Lenz found her voice to break free and had the inspiration to write a personal memoir on the…

1
The Cult of True Crime: Terry Dunn Meurer and "Unsolved Mysteries" 53:49

7M ago53:49

53:49

Today’s show puts a different spin on our usual subject matter. We’re going to discuss something that has millions of followers and has become a world-wide obsession: true crime! Alright, it isn’t a cult (technically!), but it’s definitely infiltrated our minds and media. Our guest today is Terry Dunn Meurer, the co-creator and executive producer o…

1
Culty Voicemail Roundup: ALBC Listeners Speak (10/14/24 EDITION) 39:29

7M ago39:29

39:29

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/CULTY to get started today. Hey campers, we hope your October’s been spooky so far. We’ve got a batch of listener voicemails to check out, so pull up a chair and we’ll get into it. Today’s callers want to talk about a real potpourri of culty stuff. We cover Arbonne, Optavia, BDSM an…

1
Diet Wars: Wade T. Lightheart on Culty Nutrition 1:10:33

8M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. We’re calling it now, we’re gonna get some flack on this one. It’s no surprise, but anytime we mention diet, fitness, or nutrition, we hear about it in our DMs. There’s some tension here, we know it, we see it, and we hear you. And it makes sense. In the world of health and diet, there’s a lot of snake …

1
The Cult Next Door: Mike King on the Zion Society 1:08:05

8M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Well, this is a first for us. Today, we’re covering the Zion Society, which was a cult run by a landscaper, Arvin Shreeve. Based out of Ogden, Utah, Shreeve and his followers had some of the most manicured lawns in the neighborhood. But, behind lush green lawns hid sinister secrets. This polygamist sect had about 100 members at its peak, hiding in …

1
Dancing for the Devil: Andrea Marks on the 7M TikTok Cult 51:11

8M ago51:11

51:11

If you haven’t seen the Netflix series “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” it’s worth a watch. It follows Robert Shinn and his Los Angeles-based church, Shekinah, which has engaged some heavy-hitting social media stars to make a ton of money for his church. The families of those social media stars — who have been cut off from their loved o…

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Patreon Unlocked: Tia Levings on Escaping Tradlife 44:20

8M ago44:20

44:20

Usually what happens behind the Patreon, stays behind the Patreon. But, not today! In this preview behind the paywall, we’re featuring one of our favorite people, who just so happens to be a newly-minted New York Times bestselling author! Tia Levings released her memoir ‘A Well-Trained Wife’ in August, and the book became an instant bestseller. The…

1
Speaking Way Up: Nikieta Lambert, Erika Cheung & Jessica Willis Fisher 36:29

9M ago36:29

36:29

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! Ready for another remix? This episode features highlights with some of the bravest women to grace our feed. From escaping childhood abuse and religious cults, these outspoken women did what was right in the moment, despite the immense pressure and abuse weighing down on them. Nikita Lambert spent 15 years c…

1
To the Moon and Back: Lisa Kohn and the Unification Church 1:01:55

9M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Lisa Kohn likes to tell a story about these great seats she once had at Madison Square Garden — at her mother’s mass wedding. Yes, Lisa — the award-winning author of “To the Moon and Back: A Childhood Under the Influence” — grew up in the Unification Church, also known as “the Moonies,” with her mom and a life of “sex, drugs, and squalor” in New Yo…

1
Post Narc Therapy: Robin Stern, Dr. Ramani & Dr. Christine Cocchicola 36:16

9M ago36:16

36:16

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! The doctor is in! This week’s remix episode features conversations on personality disorders, controlling behaviors, and more. Suspecting a narcissist in your midst, or recovering from a controlling relationship? This episode might be perfect for you. This week, you’ll hear snippets from three different ment…

1
Witness Underground: Scott Homan on Music & The XJW Movement 1:12:27

9M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Is rock and roll an untapped conduit for healing after shunning? Filmmaker Scott Homan’s debut documentary feature “'Witness Underground”, sheds light on the experiences, creative expressions, and defection of ex-members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. The film delves into the journey of notable under…

1
A Landmark Sampler: Anne Peterson, Rick Ross, and Rob Copeland 39:14

9M ago39:14

39:14

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! To keep your culty content coming even while we’re on a bit of a hiatus, we whipped up this sampler platter of snippets from some ALBC episodes on the burning topic of Shmandmark, AKA Landmark Worldwide. This week, we’ll revisit insights into Landmark, its founder Werner Erhard (also known as Jack Rosenberg…

1
Prodigal Daughter: Katherine Spearing on The Christian Patriarchy Movement 1:07:09

10M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

This epiosde is sponsored by Better Help. What does a thriving life look like after surviving a cult? Katherine Spearing has some ideas about that, and some real life experience to back those ideas up. She survived the cult of the The Christian Patriarchy Movement, also known as the Stay-At- Home-Daughter Movement. And yeah: That’s as terrible as i…

1
Streaming Heroes: Sarma Melngailis, Tom Krumins & Ruthy Heiler 41:12

10M ago41:12

41:12

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Coming up for air from your latest binge-watch? This remix episode is for you. This week, we’re revisiting conversations with guests fresh off docuseries adaptations of their stories. For better or worse, these series highlight the unique cult experiences of their subjects, sharing their story with a wider …

1
The Army of Survivors: Grace French on Empowering Athletes 42:07

10M ago42:07

42:07

This episode is sponsroed by Better Help. Content Advisory: This episode contains conversation about sexual assault. Please listen with care. Former Michigan State University and ex-USA Gymnastics Larry Nassar is serving upwards of 175 years in prison after admitting to molesting some of the nation's top gymnasts for years under the guise of medica…

1
From Hell to Stanford: Cameron Black on Thriving After Abuse 53:44

10M ago53:44

53:44

This episode is sponsored by Better Help! Here’s our conversation with Cameron Black, a 20-something Stanford University student who has overcome some very culty, very harrowing challenges. He chats with us about his healing process and the hard work of finding himself again after the abuse he experienced in a commune, a hellish Jesuit school exper…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Anthony Nippy Ames Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen