Brandon Guffy: Coercive Control and Sextortion
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, knows this horror firsthand. In 2022, his 17-year-old son, Gavin, fell victim to sextortion and tragically took his own life. Since then, Brandon has dedicated his life to raising awareness, passing Gavin’s Law to make sextortion a felony in South Carolina, and fighting for accountability from tech giants like Meta. Through his nonprofit, Less Than Three, he works to educate families, protect young people, and prevent future tragedies. This conversation is both heartbreaking and urgent. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, coercion, and online exploitation. Listener discretion is advised. UPDATE: Since this episode was recorded, the alleged scammer, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, has been extradited to the U.S. and is currently in custody awaiting trial. 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 Writer & 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3 Helmi 56min
Corruption in the Hare Krishna Movement: A Survivor’s Story with Nori Muster
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 dark underbelly of corruption, cover-ups, and even murder. Nori recounts her time in ISKCON, her growing disillusionment, and the pivotal moments that led her to become a whistleblower. Her story sheds light on the systemic issues within the movement and offers insights into the ongoing challenges of healing from cult involvement. Nori also discusses her contributions to Monkey on a Stick, the documentary featured in our previous episode, and her memoir, Betrayal of the Spirit: My Life Behind the Headlines of the Hare Krishna Movement, available here. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses abuse and 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. 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 Writer & 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 AsselinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
27 Tammi 54min
Monkey on a Stick: Corruption within the Hare Krishna Movement with Jason Lapeyre
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 episode, Sarah and Nippy sit down with filmmaker Jason Lapeyre, director of the new documentary Monkey on a Stick: Murder, Madness, and the Hare Krishnas. Together, they explore the movement’s descent into a shocking underworld of abuse, drug smuggling, and even murder during the 1970s and 80s. Jason shares the heartbreaking realities of Hare Krishna boarding schools, the dangerous power dynamics within the group, and how charismatic leaders exploited followers while living in opulence. This conversation is a deep dive into the human cost of unchecked authority, religious corruption, and legal loopholes that allowed perpetrators like Keith Ham to evade justice. Be sure to check out Monkey on a Stick: Murder, Madness, and the Hare Krishnas streaming on AMC+ and Sundance NOW in the US, or Apple TV+ and Youtube Premium in Canada. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child abuse, sexual assault, and violence. And don’t miss next week’s episode featuring Nori Muster, whose personal experience with the Hare Krishna movement was also spotlighted in Monkey on a Stick. 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 Writer & 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
20 Tammi 59min
F*ck This, I’m Out: Remembering Mike Rinder
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 March 2021, where Mike shared his remarkable journey out of Scientology, the intricacies of whistleblowing, and the resilience it takes to rebuild after leaving a high-control group. In Mike’s own words, “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses, please keep the flag flying. Never give up.” Let’s carry his torch forward. 👉 Support Mike Rinder’s Legacy and Help Send His Son Jack to College here Thank you, Mike, for being the light we all needed. We’ll miss you, but your legacy shines on. Original episode: F*ck This, I’m Out: Mike Rinder & The About-Face released March 14, 2021 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. ORIGINAL EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Partner: Citizens of Sound Producer: Will Retherford Associate Producer: Jess Tardy Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin Additional Music Scores by Will Retherford RE-RELEASE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames Production Partner: Amphibian.Media Writer & 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
16 Tammi 1h 22min
For the record: Jonathan Hirsch on Cult Story Telling (Part 2)
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. 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 out his latest podcast, “Scary Terri”, which unravels the chilling story of Terri Lee Hoffman—a spiritual leader in Dallas whose followers faced a series of mysterious deaths. Listen now: The Binge on Apple Podcasts. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and may be disturbing to some listeners. 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 Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Emma Diehl, Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman Studios 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.
13 Tammi 43min
Growing Up Culty: Jonathan Hirsch on a Lifetime of Cults (Part 1)
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 out his latest podcast, “Scary Terri”, which unravels the chilling story of Terri Lee Hoffman—a spiritual leader in Dallas whose followers faced a series of mysterious deaths. Listen now: The Binge on Apple Podcasts. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and may be disturbing to some listeners. 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 Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Emma Diehl, Amanda Zaremba and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman Studios Theme 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.
6 Tammi 57min
Rift and Redemption: Cait West’s Escape from Christian Patriarchy
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 a career or formal education. By the time she escaped at 25, she had no driver’s license, no real job experience, and few resources to navigate life outside the confines of her upbringing. Despite all of that, Cait built a new life for herself. She’s now a writer, podcaster, and the author of Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy. She also co-hosts the podcast Survivors Discuss and serves on the editorial board of Tears of Eden, a nonprofit supporting survivors of spiritual abuse. In this episode, Cait shares her journey out of Christian patriarchy, unpacks the disturbing ideologies at its core, and talks about how she reclaimed her independence and sense of self. Be advised: this episode includes discussions of religious trauma, sexual trauma, and the movement’s toxic views on race and gender. Cait’s resilience is inspiring, and her story sheds light on the often-hidden realities of religious abuse. Don’t miss this fascinating and deeply important conversation. 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 Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy Associate producers: Emma Diehl and Matt Stroud of Amphibian.Media Audio production: Red Caiman Studios 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.
30 Joulu 20241h 4min
Voices From Beyond: Jonathan Mark on NXIVM’s Unsolved Mysteries
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 from reluctant medium to trusted investigator, sharing personal stories, insights into high-profile cases like Gabby Petito’s, and the emotional toll of his work. Jonathan also offers a reading, providing deeply personal insights, and delves into chilling revelations about the NXIVM cult, including potential clues to unresolved mysteries. This one’s for our NXIVM nerds and those of us trying to find closure with these unresolved deaths. Even just the notion that there is healing on the other side was incredibly cathartic for us. We understand that there are many folks out there operating with negative intentions, working as “mediums” and grifting grieving families, but we personally do not think Jonathan is one of them. We also understand that this subject matter is not everyone’s cup of tea and we totally get it if you’d rather skip this week’s episode. Again, this episode reflects only our personal beliefs and is not meant to malign anyone or anything. As an “Always On” podcast, sometimes we need a break from the normal format - it’s just for fun. It’s also not an endorsement for mediums, but we do invite you to listen with an open mind. 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 Writer & 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
23 Joulu 20241h 3min
