Welcome to another, unofficially titled, Bonus Drop. These episodes are our way of checking in midweek with extra thoughts, headlines, and conversations that keep the Cultiverse convo going strong. And remember: Patreon subscribers get them a day early because that’s how perks work.

In this drop, we’re digging into the overlap between religious trauma, emotional abuse, and the battle for language in the courtroom. Buckle up, because this one covers a lot:

• Updates on the NXIVM trial and why proving coercive control is still such a legal minefield

• Bill Maher’s spectacularly bad take on the P. Diddy trial, and our thoughts on victim blaming in the media

• The political and social reach of religious fundamentalism (spoiler: it’s farther than you think)

• And a powerful chat with special guest Tia Levings, who joins us to share her journey from Christian fundamentalism survivor to bestselling author and advocate. Her new book The Soul of Healing is a deep dive into recovery from spiritual abuse—and trust us, you’ll want to hear her take.

Plus: What happens when survivors take back the narrative, and how to spot the signs of patriarchal programming in your own life.

Got thoughts? Send us a voicemail. We’re always listening. 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.

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CREDITS: 

Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames

Production Partner: Amphibian.Media

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