619: Sarah Edmondson | Escaping the NXIVM Cult

In today’s episode, I talk to Sarah Edmondson. She is an actress, author, podcast host, and former member of the now-infamous cult NXIVM.

Sarah shares with us today her full experience being a part of the cult, from deciding to join to her escape. She also talks about her takeaways from the experience and how you can see the red flags early. Several years after escaping the cult, Sarah talks about her healing process and shining her light on others through content creation and writing. Sarah and I also talk about the series “The Vow” and a little preview of what’s coming next on the show.

Join me as Sarah takes us through her experience of escaping the NXIVM cult. Listen in!

[00:01 - 07:32] Opening Segment

• I introduce Sarah to the show
• Sarah’s background
• Her childhood years
• Being socially and politically active
• Acting and theatre
• Always having the driven mentality

[07:33 - 26:53] Inside the Dark World of NXIVM

• Sarah’s adult life
• Joining the cult
• How Sarah got in
• Finding things weird early on
• The “foot in the door” technique
• What got Sarah hooked
• How promotions got people going
• When the cult started crossing the line

[26:54 - 39:54] The Aftermath and Takeaways

• How to see the red flags early
• Unchecked authority
• Why educating yourself is important
• Trusting your gut
• Sarah’s positive takeaways from the experience
• Consistency on habits
• Time management
• Networking skills
• Sarah’s thoughts on those who are still loyal to NXIVM
• Other red flags to watch out for

[39:55 - 48:19] Escaping the Cult

• Seeing the reality of the whole picture
• The decision to go public
• Life after the escape
• Sarah’s podcast and book
• Sarah gives a preview of the next episodes of “The Vow”

[48:20 - 52:28] Closing Segment

• Sarah takes on The Random Round
• Another profession she wants to attempt
• How Sarah consumes content
• Her morning routine
• How you can connect with Sarah
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Part of the healing process for me is [saying] ‘Yeah, this is the mistake that I made, I can’t change it, but I can learn from it and pass it forward and shine light on these things - You don’t have to make the same mistake.” Sarah Edmondson 

Resources Mentioned:

• Sarah Edmondson’s website
• Sarah’s Book: Scarred

Connect with Sarah on Instagram!

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