A Little Bit Culty

• Joshua Paddison: Unraveling America’s First Sex Cult Scandal (Part 2)

  Think cult scandal is just a modern phenomenon? Think again. In Part 2, historian Joshua Paddison unpacks America’s original sex cult, Fountain Grove—complete with group bathing, soulmate mysticism, financial abuse, and a scandal that turned “cult” from a neutral word into a headline-grabbing accusation. Josh guides us through all the weirdness: the rise and fall of Thomas Lake Harris, survivor red flags, bitter public smear campaigns, historical cover-ups, and the jaw-dropping parallels between 1890s California communes and today’s cult headlines. Plus: why California became cult central, how cult terminology shapes survivor stories, and what historians wrestle with when labeling new religious movements. This one’s got epic takedowns, wild twists, and enough historical intrigue to keep you curious for days.Be sure to nerd out on Josh’s book, Unholy Sensations: A Story of Sex, Scandal, and California's First Cult Scare.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.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin’ fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme 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.

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• Joshua Paddison: Unraveling America’s First Sex Cult Scandal (Part 1)

  This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp.Today’s guest is Joshua Paddison, a US historian, author, and bona fide expert in the wild world of American cults, spiritualist communes, and utopian experiments. Josh spent years hunting down primary sources and unearthing the surprising connections between 19th-century scandal, religious innovation, and the birth of cult culture as we know it. His tale includes international intrigue, breathwork mystics, spiritual seekers, and even sex scandals that laid the groundwork for the culty headlines we see today. If you’ve ever wondered about the OG roots of groupthink, word salad, or how the term “cult” even came to exist, buckle up—Josh is here to serve up the history lesson you never got in school, and stay tuned for more in Part 2 of our conversation.Be sure to pick up Joshua Paddison’s book, Unholy Sensations: A Story of Sex, Scandal, and California's First Cult Scare.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.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin’ fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:This World Mental Health Day, we’re celebrating the therapists who’ve helped millions of people take a step forward. If you’re ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/culty.Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to joinbilt.com/culty.Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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• A Little Bit Extra: Diddy’s Sentence, Sarma’s Salads, & Listener Voicemails

  In this A Little Bit Extra ep, Sarah dishes all about her recent trip to New York City—think walks on The High Line, big shroom feels, and some serious kitchen magic courtesy of Sarma Melngailis. What happens when two culty survivors share homemade meals and chat about upcoming guest Dr. Ingrid Clayton’s Fawning? You get a new club: “Fawn Stars”—and Sarah is a founding member.We also break down the latest courtroom jaw-dropper (yep, the Diddy sentence), spill on where we’re at with our forthcoming book, and it’s open mic time for listener voicemails—expect spicy takes, cathartic rants, and a few hearty laughs on the side. It’s real talk, big updates, and that signature ALBC flavor you know and love.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.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin’ fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme 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.

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• "Holy Disruptor" Amy Duggar King: Healing Beyond the Spotlight

  What’s it like to survive chaos at home, culty control next door, and a national TV spotlight that labels you “crazy cousin”—all before breakfast? In this episode, we sat down with Amy Duggar King to talk about finally telling her real story after years of reality TV, IBLP dogma, and generational trauma behind the Duggar family empire. Amy gets candid about finding her voice after childhood abuse, navigating gaslighting on and off the set, and why her memoir aims to help others break free from toxic family systems. From confronting red flags and speaking out about Shiny Happy People to choosing peace, healing, and faith on her own terms, Amy shares what it means to be a “holy disruptor” when the world wants you to keep smiling for the cameras. Check out her memoir, Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth.Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of abuse and child pornography.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.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin’ fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel AsselinSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off their entire colostrum order; just head to CowboyColostrum.com and use code CULTY at checkout. Don’t let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code CULTY at MonarchMoney.com in your browser for half off your first year.Bring on the good vibes and treat yourself to Soul today! Soul is offering our audience 30% off your entire order! Go to GetSoul.com and use the code CULTY.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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• Inside Cult Intervention: Lessons from Joe Szimhart (Part 2)

  In the second part of this conversation, Joe Szimhart delves into the intricate preparations and challenges of conducting cult interventions. He discusses the importance of understanding individual situations and the role of family dynamics in intervention success. Through vivid anecdotes, Joe explains the historical and sociological aspects of cult deprogramming, touching on controversial figures like Ted Patrick. He also highlights the psychological concepts such as cognitive dissonance, thought reform, and the significant impact of maintaining rapport and active listening. The episode encapsulates Joe's extensive experience and offers valuable advice for families dealing with loved ones entangled in high-control groups.Timestamp menu: 00:00 Introduction and Recap00:29 Preparing for an Intervention02:37 When to Use Force in Interventions02:55 The History of Deprogramming06:40 Challenges in Interventions08:36 Cases of Misunderstood Cult Influence13:50 Current Concerns in Cult Activities17:46 Understanding Brainwashing and Cognitive Dissonance18:26 Intervention Stories and Psychological Changes21:06 Breaking Cognitive Dissonance24:47 Personal Experience vs. Vicarious Experience29:11 Active Listening and Engaging Conversations33:41 Advice for Loved Ones of Cult Members36:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can contact Joe at jszimhart.com, follow him on his YouTube channel or on X @jszimhart, and check out his memoir, Santa Fe, Bill Tate, and me. Check out his site dedicated to "culty" work: www.cultbehaviorconsultant.com.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.**PRE-ORDER Sarah and Nippy's newest book hereCheck out our amazing sponsorsJoin A Little Bit Culty on PatreonGet poppin’ fresh ALBC SwagSupport the pod and smash this linkCheck out our cult awareness and recovery resourcesWatch Sarah's TED Talk and buy her memoir, ScarredCREDITS: Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony AmesProduction Partner: Citizens of SoundCo-Creator: Jess TardyAudio production: Will RetherfordProduction Coordinator: Lesli DinsmoreWriter: Sandra NomotoSocial media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke KeaneTheme 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.

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