A Little Bit Culty

The Erhard Effect: Anne Peterson on Landmark (Part 1)

Mar 25, 2024

Author Anne Peterson discusses her 15+ year journey within Landmark, detailing her rise and disillusionment. She reveals insights on the controversial history, including Werner Erhard's influence. The podcast explores the concept of 'rackets' and contrasts unique perspectives on relationships and self-perception.

54:44

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Episode guests

Anne Peterson

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Quick takeaways

Recruitment pressure in Landmark ties self-worth to bringing in new participants, leading to coercive control tactics.

Landmark offers beneficial tools but can be manipulated for exploitation through coercive control methods.

Effects of Landmark's ideologies and recruitment on personal boundaries and relationships, balancing personal growth and exploitation.

Deep dives

The Pressure to Recruit and Tie Self-Worth to Bringing in Others

One significant concern highlighted in the podcast is the pressure within the Landmark program to bring in others and tie an individual's self-worth to recruiting new participants. This recruitment pressure, while initially presented as a positive opportunity to share insights and build a community, can lead to coercive control tactics that strain relationships and isolate individuals who may not wish to continue recruiting.

Legacy Despite Scandal

01:20

The Value of Distinctions in Personal Development Programs

01:22

Intent over Tool Usage

01:04

Introduction

2min

Exploring Feedback on Landmark and Comparisons With Other Groups

2min

Unveiling the Darker Side of Landmark

22min

Exploring the Concept of 'Rackets' and Unique Perspectives

3min

Patron Appreciation & Via Hemp Product Promotion

2min

Journey into a Controversial Group

6min

Evolution of Leadership in Transformational Programs

8min

Intriguing Insights on Relationships and Roles within a Program

2min

Journey of an Influential Individual Across Countries and Business Ventures

2min

10.

Transformative Impact of Landmark Programs on Academic Collaboration

7min

11.

Concluding Thoughts on Landmark and Teaser for Part Two

2min

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.

Landmark has been the most requested topic from our listeners since day one of this podcast. When we got eyes on Anne Peterson’s new memoir about her 15+ year journey inside its ecosystem, we knew our listeners would be pissed at us if we didn’t get her on our microphone, ASAP. ‘‘Is This a Cult?: Confronting the Line Between Transformation and Exploitation’ (available on Amazon) is a raw and gritty read, and tells the story of Anne’s heartbreaking journey from starry-eyed idealist to disillusioned leader in a way that gives us NXIVM déjà vu all over again. There are also some incendiary stories of the famous large-group awareness training (LGAT) company’s lurking ghost/guru/shapeshifter, the infamous Werner Erhard. In this first of two episodes with Anne, she shares what drew her to the organization and her whirlwind ascent through its ranks. And don’t worry, Landmark top brass, if you’re listening. We aren’t throwing the wonderful, transformational baby out with the dirty bathwater. Nor is Anne. Just the opposite, in fact. We think you could realize your full potential if you actually listened and learned from the bad feedback, instead of shutting it down. So maybe this time, you’ll make some meaning out of this before you start cranking out your latest cease and desist? Deep breaths. Good talk.

SHOW NOTES:Anne Peterson spent 15+ years selling, producing and facilitating transformative programs for an international personal and professional growth and development company. Since leaving, she has launched ILumn8.life, a learning hub and marketplace dedicated to the safe and ethical practice of providing personal development. Her memoir is available now on Amazon. You can also hear more about her story on recent episodes of the (excellent!) Seek Safely podcast.

NY Times article on the return of Werner Erhard

Outrageous Betrayal: The Real Story of Werner Erhard from est to Exile (book)

Cult Education Institute’s Landmark info page Times-Union article on Rick Ross’s Landmark/NXIVM Testimony More background on Erhard scandals

Also…Let it be known far and wide, loud and clear 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: Citizens of Sound

Producer: Will Retherford

Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy

Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin