Behind the Bastards cover image

Behind the Bastards

Part One: The Inventor of Those 'Troubled Teen' Wilderness Camps Where They Kill Kids

Sep 24, 2024
Mara Wilson, renowned actress from 'Matilda' and author of 'Where Am I Now?', joins the discussion to unveil the dark side of troubled teen wilderness camps. She dives into the controversial origins and practices of these programs, exposing their abusive tendencies and ethical dilemmas. The conversation shifts to personal stories, revealing the profound impact on the teens involved while contrasting these experiences with lighter anecdotes from Wilson's life. The episode takes a critical look at the motivations behind these camps and their unsettling legacy.
01:19:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Steve Cartisano pioneered the controversial wilderness therapy industry by promoting the forcible abduction of troubled teens under the guise of treatment.
  • The lack of regulatory oversight in states like Utah enables abusive practices in troubled teen camps, prioritizing profit over child welfare.

Deep dives

Mara Wilson's Background and Career

Mara Wilson is a well-known actress and writer who gained fame as a child star in numerous beloved movies from the 1990s. Her recent memoir, 'Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame,' highlights her experiences growing up in the public eye and navigating the challenges of fame. In her career beyond acting, Wilson has pursued writing and voice acting, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work in fields she enjoys. The memoir has received critical acclaim and was acknowledged as a best book of the month by multiple publications.

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