Best Nippy Podcasts (2024)

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

17m 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

19m 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…

1
Brendan Tighe, A "Young Sea Org Member" 1:04:22

4d ago1:04:22

1:04:22

Brendan Tighe was born and raised in Scientology. By age five he was a cadet in the Sea Organization and went on to work in the Office of Special Affairs, the Renovations Organization and as a Security Guard at Flag Land Base. In this conversation between Christie & Brendan he shares interesting stories from his life in Scientology including intera…

1
TwinRay: ‘We Are the Resurrection’ 51:01

5d ago51:01

51:01

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. On this week’s show, we’ll talk to Demetria. She was immersed in TwinRay — an Oregon-based shop and health center that organizes “mass global meditations for peace.” But our guest says there’s way more going on here than peaceful reflection. She talks about how TwinRay’s leaders exploit people for cash and …

1
Valerie Ross, Part Two: How Scientology Protects Domestic Abusers 57:58

11d ago57:58

57:58

Valerie was a former Scientologist who worked in the Guardians office and was a spy planted in the FBI by Scientology. In this episode, she talks about her abusive relationship with her ex-husband, how Scientology protected him and how she finally escaped. This is a horrifying story of abuse, bravery and resilience. Listen to Part one here. Read mo…

1
The Polygamist’s Daughters: Anna & Celia LeBaron on Escape and Redemption 1:08:27

22d ago1:08:27

1:08:27

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Anna Lebaron is one of more than fifty children born to infamous polygamist cult leader Ervil LeBaron, aka “Mormon Manson.” So you can probably imagine that her upbringing was both extraordinary and devastating: As she recounts in her excellent book, The Polygamist’s Daughter, she lost multiple family membe…

1
Bonus Episode 8.4B: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" (Part 2), feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin 1:54:08

24d ago1:54:08

1:54:08

The one where we review the second half of "Who Killed JFK?", the widely-touted podcast by Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and expose its many factual inaccuracies, logical fallacies, and irrelevant claims, with the complicity of JFK researcher and conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin. Brought to you by whatever small change you're willing to throw at us.…

1
Sarah Edmonson & Nippy Ames: NXIVM Survivors 58:57

18d ago58:57

58:57

Mike talks with Sarah and Nippy who escaped the NXIVM cult and were featured in the HBO documentary, The Vow. They now host A Little Bit Culty podcast shining a light on cult-like groups and environments, and helping victims recover. We highly recommend Sarah's best selling book, Scarred, and her Ted talk, How To Spot a Cult. Support the Show. Get …

1
The Grotto: Crypto, NFTs, & An Online Hellscape (Part 3) 1:09:58

19d ago1:09:58

1:09:58

This is episode is sponsored by Better Help. This week: The final installment of our talk with four people lured into The Grotto — a mostly online hub for digital art that turned into a kind of Ponzi cult with plenty of love bombing and possible fraud. Our guests — anonymous, but going by Charm, Kateryna, Shayna, and Fomo — say it all begins with J…

1
Bonus Episode 8.4A: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" (Part 1), feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin 2:29:06

24d ago2:29:06

2:29:06

The one where we review "Who Killed JFK?", the widely-touted podcast by Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and expose its many factual inaccuracies, logical fallacies, and irrelevant claims, with the complicity of JFK researcher and conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin. Brought to you by whatever small change you're willing to throw at us. TIMESTAMPS: 1. Pre…

1
The Grotto: Crypto, NFTs, & An Online Hellscape (Part 2) 42:24

23d ago42:24

42:24

This is episode is sponsored by Better Help. On this week’s show, the second installment of our wide-ranging, in-depth, and ultimately hopeful talk with four people lured into The Grotto — a mostly online hub for digital art that turned into a kind of Ponzi cult with plenty of love bombing and possible fraud. Our guests — anonymous, but going by Ch…

1
Ian Rafalko "Raised in Scientology" 59:24

29d ago59:24

59:24

Ian Rafalko was raised in a prominent Scientology family. He joined staff at Atlanta “ideal org” and married a scientologist. Eventually he broke free, lost his wife and family and spoke out in a viral TikTok about his father Dr. Eric Berg. Ian shares about his time in the church and how he has moved forward in life since leaving scientology. Suppo…

1
The Grotto: Crypto, NFTs & An Online Hellscape (Part 1) 1:01:08

26d ago1:01:08

1:01:08

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. On this week’s show, we’ll talk to four people lured into The Grotto — a mostly online hub for digital art that turned into a kind of Ponzi cult with plenty of love bombing and possible fraud. Our guests — anonymous, but going by Charm, Kateryna, Shayna, and Fomo — say it all begins with Jaime Dubuar Dean, …

1
Karen Pressley, Author and Former Sea Org Executive 1:17:55

1M ago1:17:55

1:17:55

Karen Pressley is a former Sea Org member who worked directly with David Miscavige at the international scientology base, and was in charge of the Celebrity Centre. She shares how she got into scientology, stories about her experiences in the Sea Org, how she purged scientology from her mind and what she has been up to since leaving. Support the Sh…

1
COMING SOON! Bonus Episode 8.4: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin 3:24

1M ago3:24

3:24

The one where we review "Who Killed JFK?", the widely-touted podcast by Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and expose its many factual inaccuracies, logical fallacies, and irrelevant claims, with the complicity of JFK researcher and conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin. Brought to you by whatever small change you're willing to throw at us. Fred's latest book…

1
A Cult Within a Cult: Charlotte Medlock on Guru Jagat 1:06:42

1M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. TikTok-famous Charlotte Medlock was once swept up in the world of the late Guru Jagat, aka Katie Griggs, the Rama Institute and Kundalini. Charlotte wants you to know that this particular Russian nesting doll of Yoga, new-age West Coast-style spirituality, and female empowerment vibes wasn’t all love and li…

1
Former BBC Producer, Sarah Mole 1:08:08

1M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Sarah Mole was the BBC Panorama producer that Mike came to know through her work on their two scientology episodes. In the first, Mike was a spokesman for the cult, in the second, he was a whistleblower. Sarah talks about what impressions Scientology and Mike made on her and the strange journey they have traveled from antagonists to friends. Suppor…

1
The Fund: Rob Copeland on Ray Dalio 1:10:36

1M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Is the famed hedge fund Bridgewater Associates operating a cult in plain sight? Or is it just a little bit culty? Journalist and author Rob Copeland joins us for a deep dive into Wall Street’s seedy underbelly, and the troubling story of Bridgewater’s founder—the pseudo philosopher-king Ray Dalio. You’ll wa…

1
Scientology's Big "Blood on Your Hands" Lie Exposed 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

Breaking down the facts that have now been revealed proving scientology was lying (and KNEW it) when they claimed Leah Remini and Mike Rinder had "incited" the murder of a scientology security guard in Australia in 2019. They had ALL the facts, but until now, they had remained secret. Their brazen lying relied on the documents that have now come to…

1
Valerie Ross: Scientology Spy in the FBI 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Valerie shares about her time in the Guardian's Office, learning what Hubbard wrote about espionage, and then putting this into practice as a spy employed in the Los Angeles office of the FBI. We also talk about her interactions with L. Ron Hubbard, Mary Sue and Diana. Read more about Valerie's story here: https://tonyortega.org/category/scientolog…

1
Securely Speaking: Attachment Nerd Eli Harwood (Part 2) 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Eli Harwood we can’t quite quit you just yet, but we feel very secure about it. The ever-quotable and mega-helpful licensed therapist, author, and educator is back again for another episode, and breaking down what attachment patterns can mean for cult survivors and seekers, parents and children, lovers and …

1
Rick Moxon: Scientology's Fair Game Poster Child 1:11:36

2M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

High level scientologist and lawyer Kendrick (Rick) Moxon is an operative who has been carrying out scientology Fair Game activities since the mid-1970's, and he continues to this day. He was recently caught trying to frame Leah Remini for "inciting violence" against scientology but it backfired spectacularly. The documents referred to in this disc…

1
Scientology Finally Admits Disconnection is Real 1:28:20

2M ago1:28:20

1:28:20

Mike Rinder, Christie Collbran, Claire Headley & Marc Headley discuss the significance of the new PR position of scientology with respect to disconnection, the euphemism they have come up with to describe it, and the actual practice and personal experiences of this abusive policy of scientology. This episode originally aired on YouTube. Support the…

1
Securely Speaking: Attachment Nerd Eli Harwood (Part 1) 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Are cult leaders born or made? Did we get sucked into NXIVM because of our attachment styles? Was Vanguard always just wookin’ pa nub in all the wrong places? In this episode of A Little Bit Culty, licensed therapist and social media sweetheart Eli Harwood joins us for a chat about the way that attachment pa…

1
Michele Adair: Former Navy Mental Health Counselor 53:56

2M ago53:56

53:56

Mike speaks with Michele Adair, who was a Mental Health Counselor in the Navy for 11 years and is now married to Rachael Hastings, one of David Miscavige's former camerawomen. Michelle shares helpful information and advice from her years of providing therapy to people who have been traumatized. Support the Show. Get Mike's book: "A Billion Years: M…

1
Patreon Replay: Sarah’s Mom Has Got It Going On 49:25

2M ago49:25

49:25

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Happy Mother’s Day Monday, ALBC babies. To celebrate the occasion, we unlocked a Patreon episode starring none other than Sarah’s mom. We talk a lot about culty villains on this podcast, but we always want to highlight the heroes, too…and Ellen is an embodiment of what it looks like to heroically love someon…

1
Quiet on Set: Kate Taylor on Nickelodeon’s Dark Side 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sometimes predators hide in plain sight. Like on the set of your kids’ favorite TV shows. The docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" (Investigation Discovery) exposes the dark allegations haunting some of the most popular late 90s to 2000s Nickelodeon productions created by executive producer Da…

1
Patreon Replay: Lucy Taylor on Greek Life & Death at Penn State 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

We unlocked this previously released Patreon episode so everyone can hear it, because people need to know: Campus Greek Life Ain’t It. Lucy Taylor joins us to discuss the red flags of ‘rushing’, the tragic hazing death of a Penn State student, and her ongoing crusade to make frats and sororities as obsolete as landlines and fax machines for future …

1
Greek Tragedies: Lucy Taylor on Campus Hazing 44:54

3M ago44:54

44:54

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Newsflash: Culty, culty college frats and sororities are still fraught with peril. Where do we even start? There’s the deadly hazing incidents…the rampant sexual assaults…the blatant racism. And while we’re talking about it: There are also far too many red Solo Cups coming out of frats and sororities. (Micro…

1
Bonus Episode 8.3: “O Canatopia!" feat. public policy analyst Mark Milke 1:48:17

3M ago1:48:17

1:48:17

The one where we discuss grievance narratives, cancel culture, pseudo-history, moral panics, human nature, residential school abuses, Yasser Arafat, the Rwandan genocide, British imperialism and slavery, and the severed head of John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, with Canadian public policy analyst Mark Milke, PhD., author of The Vict…

1
Cult Trip: Anke Richter on Coercion & Control 1:08:22

3M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. In this episode, we’re joined by international journalist Anke Richter for a conversation about her decade-long investigation into sex cults and her own brush with ISTA, a shamanic ‘school’ from the US with a base in New Zealand. Anke’s recently published book CULT TRIP covers her labyrinthine investigation …

1
A Journey of Love: Andrew LeCompte on A Course in Miracles 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. For Andrew LeCompte, his study of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) started off like the proverbial ‘good thing’ of so many cult survivor stories. He eventually taught ACIM in Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, and Canada–working as something like a NXIVM-era Mark Vicente for his teacher. He initially had amazing experiences …

1
Rebel With a Cause: Rick Ross on NXIVM, Landmark & The Law 1:15:57

3M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hello there cult awareness content nerds: We see you. We honor you. And let’s be honest: We are you. In this episode we (finally!) sit down with OG anti-cult crusader Rick Alan Ross for a chat about NXIVM, what it’s like to be sued simultaneously by Keith Raniere and Werner Erhard, and the ongoing audacity o…

1
The Erhard Effect: Anne Peterson on Landmark (Part 2) 59:20

4M ago59:20

59:20

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. It’s part two of our chat with Anne Peterson, and we’re picking up again right at the part of the story where things really go sideways for her inside the Landmark ecosystem. She shares what it was like flying in Werner Erhard’s inner circle working as something of an Olivia Pope for the company’s high falut…

1
Bonus Episode 8.2: "Don't Let Your Mail Go To W.A.S.T.E." feat. Philosopher and writer Matthew Newland 2:06:35

4M ago2:06:35

2:06:35

The one where we summarize, analyze, interpret, and critique the paranoid postmodern 1966 Thomas Pynchon novel, The Crying Of Lot 49. TIMESTAMPS: 1. Part 1 (0:03:27) 2. A bit of shameless self-promotion (1:11:16) 3. Part 2 (1:18:08) (NOTE: None of these timestamps contain illicit mind-altering substances... or do they?) Question Jar (send us a text…

1
The Erhard Effect: Anne Peterson on Landmark (Part 1) 54:44

4M ago54:44

54:44

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Landmark has been the most requested topic from our listeners since day one of this podcast. When we got eyes on Anne Peterson’s new memoir about her 15+ year journey inside its ecosystem, we knew our listeners would be pissed at us if we didn’t get her on our microphone, ASAP. ‘‘Is This a Cult?: Confronting…

1
Bad Blood: Erika Cheung on Bringing Down Theranos 55:01

4M ago55:01

55:01

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/culty and get on your way to being your best self. Erika Cheung arrived at the Theranos corporate headquarters at just 22 years old as a newly minted college grad. At the time, the idealistic chemist and biologist saw Elizabeth Holmes just as so many others did: As…

1
It’s Not You: Dr. Ramani On Post-Narc Healing 1:16:09

4M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

This epiosde is sponsored by Better Help. We always jump at the chance to talk to Dr. Ramani. This time she arrives at A Little Bit Culty fresh from publishing her newest book: It’s Not You: Identifying And Healing From Narcissistic People. (We read the advanced copy and it blew our minds.) Dr. Ramani wants you to know that thriving after—or even d…

1
Broken Bonds: Rachel Bernstein on Cults & Family 59:06

5M ago59:06

59:06

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. We get emails and messages from people every day who are looking for guidance on what to do when someone they love is in a cult, so we called in an expert. Here’s our chat with Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, of the mighty helpful and always bingeable IndoctriNation podcast. Is this technically a crossover episode? …

1
Episode 8B: “Happy Trails Season 2" (Part 2), feat. teacher and filmmaker Sean Gaston 1:32:55

5M ago1:32:55

1:32:55

The one where we get a couple aging Presidents to sing "Happy Trails" to Season 2, discuss JFK, true crime, car crashes, Artificial Intelligence, and classic movies with teacher, documentary film-maker, and conspiracy theory critic Sean Gaston, and give birth to another fine version of our classic theme song. Brought to you by another Rodney Schpak…

1
Proud Defector: Claire Headley On Scientology (Part 2) 54:06

5M ago54:06

54:06

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/culty and get on your way to being your best self. And…we’re back for part two of our conversation with Claire Headley, a defiant Scientology whistleblower who still owes the shadowy organization a billion minus 30 years on her contract. (Don’t hold your breath, Da…

1
Episode 8A: “Happy Trails Season 2" (Part 1) , feat. teacher and filmmaker Sean Gaston 1:31:43

5M ago1:31:43

1:31:43

The one where we get a couple aging Presidents to sing "Happy Trails" to Season 2, discuss JFK, true crime, car crashes, Artificial Intelligence, and classic movies with teacher, documentary film-maker, and conspiracy theory critic Sean Gaston, and give birth to another fine version of our classic theme song. Brought to you by another Rodney Schpak…

1
COMING SOON! Episode 8: “Happy Trails Season 2" , feat. teacher and filmmaker Sean Gaston 1:58

5M ago1:58

1:58

The one where we get a couple aging Presidents to sing "Happy Trails" to Season 2, discuss JFK, true crime, car crashes, Artificial Intelligence, and classic movies with teacher, documentary film-maker, and conspiracy theory critic Sean Gaston, and give birth to another fine version of our classic theme song. Brought to you by another one of Rodney…

1
Proud Defector: Claire Headley On Scientology (Part 1) 59:17

5M ago59:17

59:17

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/culty and get on your way to being your best self. In part one of this 2-parter, we feature Scientology defector and whistleblower Claire Headley who spent 30 years in the church isolated from her family and basically any outside influence. Headley was born and bre…

1
Gentle Souls: Esther Friedman on ‘School’ 55:54

5M ago55:54

55:54

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/culty and get on your way to being your best self. If you’re not already familiar with the culty cluster known as ‘School’, it was an ultra-secret Manhattan organization run by late actress and forever eccentric Sharon Gans. The shadowy group did its dark magic in …

1
Scout’s Honor: Tom Krumins on Keeping Kids Safe 1:09:47

6M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Tom Krumins was one of the brave whistleblowers who came forward to shine a light on the scandal of abuse and predation within the Boy Scouts of America. You can see his story in the recent Netflix doc, ‘Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America,’ and we’re guessing you’ll be as moved and…

1
Phil Jones: Scientology in Canada 49:11

6M ago49:11

49:11

Phil Jones, of the "Call Me" billboard joins Mike Rinder to discuss the state of scientology in Canada and their continued violation of minimum wage laws. You can reach Phil at: https://stopscientologydisconnection.... Also see undercover investigation of Quebec Org here: https://tonyortega.substack.com/p/und... The documents referred to in this vi…

1
Let Us Prey: Ruthy Heiler & Sharon Liese Unmask the IFB 42:45

6M ago42:45

42:45

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. But maybe it should also be sponsored by a company that manufactures blood pressure cuffs, because the “Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals” docuseries had us all kinds of pissed off. If you haven’t seen it yet, the doc wades into the darkness and depravity within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) m…

1
Bonus Episode 3.6C: "Who Would Jesus Scapegoat?" feat. Australian author, programmer, and Christian evangelist Nigel Chapman 58:55

6M ago58:55

58:55

The one where we chat about Christians and Conspiracy Theories with Nigel Chapman, chief author and editor of Who To Trust? Christian Belief in Conspiracy Theories (ISCAST, 2022). Brought to you by the number of Conspiracy Theories Jesus wants you to believe. Question Jar (send us a text message) Support the Show. Visit our website at www.paranoidp…

1
Scientology Safe-pointing with Alex Barnes-Ross 1:10:04

6M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Recent events with the Mayor of East Grinstead accepting a check from scientology and attending a Tom Cruise movie premiere highlight the efforts of scientology to build a wall of protection for itself. Elected officials and law enforcement are rubbing shoulders with an organization actively engaged in human trafficking and other abuses. They shoul…

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