NXIVM is back in the headlines after Allison Mack’s new podcast — but for survivors like Sarah Edmondson, the story never ended.She was one of the faces of The Vow on HBO — the woman who blew the whistle on NXIVM’s “self-help” empire that turned into a full-blown notorious cult.This episode is about what happened after the escape: healing from coercive control, rebuilding trust, and learning to believe your own voice again.Sarah opens up about the psychological hangover of leaving NXIVM — how fear, shame, and identity unravel once the system is gone.We unpack what freedom looks like after indoctrination, how cultish behavior shows up in everyday systems, and the slow process of learning safety again.It’s a conversation about resilience, humor, and the long road back to self-trust.If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, here you go! https://podcast.allisonhare.com/post/274What You Will Learn:How Sarah Edmondson escaped the NXIVM cult and what freedom really looked likeThe psychology of coercive control and how to spot it earlyWhy rebuilding trust is the hardest part after leaving a cultHow cult dynamics show up in modern coaching and wellness spacesHow to protect your agency without losing your sense of belongingResources MentionedPodcast: A Little Bit Culty hosted by Sarah Edmondson & Nippy AmesPre-Order new book: A Little Bit CultyThe Vow (HBO docuseries)Scarred by Sarah Edmondson (book)Sarah Edmondson’s website – sarahedmondson.comNotable Quotables (from Sarah Edmondson)“I see a woman who’s trying to right a wrong.” (02:20)“When you’re in a cult, you don’t think you’re in a cult.” (13:34)“Black-and-white thinking is culty thinking.” (11:58)“Freedom isn’t a moment. It’s a practice.” (Paraphrased version you had before — confirmed not verbatim, remove it.)Instead, use: “Leaving NXIVM was the easy part. Healing after was the work.” (09:33)“If you’re in a group and your gut tells you something’s off — and the leader says you’re in resistance — leave.” (27:49)“You can go on a seeking journey and want to better yourself, but you’re already whole.” (28:42)Timestamps0:00 Intro – NXIVM returns to headlines3:50 What it took to finally walk away10:42 The aftershock of coercive control17:05 Rebuilding trust and identity24:55 Modern cult behavior in everyday life32:20 Freedom, humor, and healingTakeawaysFreedom after control starts with reclaiming your intuition.Coercive systems don’t end with cult leaders — they live in every space that punishes dissent.Recovery isn’t linear — it’s relearning trust one choice at a time.
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