Nashville advocates and NXIVM whistleblowers Sarah Edmondson and Anthony “Nippy” Ames have officially released their highly anticipated new book, A Little Bit Culty: Navigating Cults, Control and Coercion (available now).
Following the success of Sarah’s memoir Scarred and the couple’s Peabody-nominated HBO series The Vow, this new release serves as both a deeply personal memoir and a practical manual for identifying undue influence in the modern world.
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Beyond the “Cult” Stereotype
Inspired by their hit podcast of the same name, the book breaks down the invisible forces of coercive control that exist in everyday life—from toxic workplaces to digital “dance cults.”
- The Content: Blends humor and heart with hard-won wisdom on gaslighting, love-bombing, and manipulation.
- Modern Context: Shines a light on evolving high-control groups like 7M, Twin Flames Universe, and the TikTok “dance cult” phenomenon.
- Expert Insight: Features a foreword by Amanda Montell (Cultish) and chapters ranging from defining cults to the complexities of whistleblowing.
Early Praise from Industry Icons
The book has already garnered significant acclaim from leading voices in the advocacy and psychological communities:
“Sarah and Nippy are the real deal… This book is a masterclass in reclaiming power and finding your voice. It is also a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they are too smart or too strong to be pulled into a controlling relationship.” — Leah Remini, NYT Bestselling Author & Victim Advocate
“A Little Bit Culty reminds us that cults are just toxic relationships at scale… The illuminating, vulnerable, and compassionate take-away is that the best parts of anyone can be played upon.” — Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Clinical Psychologist & Author of It’s Not You
| Chapter Title | Focus Area |
| “What the Hell Is a Cult, Anyway?” | De-stigmatizing and defining high-control groups. |
| “Love Bombing & Gaslighting” | Identifying the early psychological hooks of coercion. |
| “Whistleblowing: Heal Before You Holler” | The emotional toll and tactical reality of speaking out. |
| “Kicking Shame to the Curb” | Reclaiming identity after a high-control experience. |
About the Authors
- Sarah Edmondson: An actor and whistleblower whose story has been downloaded over 25 million times via the CBC podcast Uncover. She is the author of Scarred and a central figure in HBO’s The Vow.
- Anthony “Nippy” Ames: A former college athlete and actor who spent 12 years in NXIVM before helping dismantle the organization. He now serves as the Executive Producer of the A Little Bit Culty podcast.
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