On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern is honored to be joined by two extraordinary individuals whose resilience and courage have transformed their experiences into beacons of hope.

Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress known for her roles in CBS's "Salvation" and numerous Hallmark Channel and Lifetime films, embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she encountered NXIVM, a personal development company led by Keith Raniere, promising the keys to unlocking human potential.

Alongside her husband and former college athlete, Anthony "Nippy" Ames, Sarah delved deep into NXIVM's teachings. Rising through the ranks, they both became integral figures within the organization, with Anthony drawn to its goals program and Sarah operating her own center in Vancouver.

However, their seemingly idyllic journey took a dark turn when they uncovered the truth behind NXIVM's facade. With courage and determination, Sarah blew the whistle on the organization's gaslighting and abusive practices, while Anthony wasted no time in helping burn its carefully constructed public image to the ground.

In 2019, Sarah published Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life, with Kristine Gasbarre. In this tell-all memoir, she shares her story from the moment she takes her first seminar to her harrowing fight to get out. Sarah and Anthony's full story as whistleblowers is featured in The Vow, the critically acclaimed HBO documentary series on NXIVM. Also be sure to check out Sarah's powerful TED Talk about How To Spot A Cult.

Now, as hosts of the enlightening podcast "A Little Bit Culty," Sarah and Anthony continue to shine a light on the healing process, engaging with experts and fellow survivors to navigate the complexities of recovery and resilience.

Join Robin as she delves into the depths of gaslighting and coercion with Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames, and explores how they emerged with newfound understanding and empowerment.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast 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.

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised.

On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern dives into the extraordinary journey of Jessica Willis Fisher—a tale of survival, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Jessica's story unfolds with the haunting echoes of a tumultuous childhood, where the enigmatic philosophies of her controlling father cast a long shadow over her early years. From dreams of being surrounded by books to fantasies of becoming an author, Jessica's aspirations were stifled by the suffocating grip of manipulation and gaslighting.

In her gripping memoir, "Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice," Jessica offers a searing account of a life shaped by silence, secrecy, and the insidious tactics of gaslighting. Through the chaos of her upbringing, she grappled with doubts about her own reality—wondering if other girls faced the same forbidden truths, if other mothers feared their husbands, if other daddies invaded their daughters' bedrooms at night.

Despite the darkness that threatened to consume her, Jessica found solace in music—a refuge where her voice could break free from the chains of manipulation and reclaim its truth. As she resurfaced with her debut solo album, "Brand New Day," Jessica embraced her voice with a newfound sense of purpose and passion. Each note became a declaration of independence, each melody a testament to the strength found in vulnerability.

Join us as we delve deeper into Jessica's story, exploring the themes of survival, empowerment, the transformative power of art, the impact of gaslighting on her journey and the resilience that led her to reclaim her voice.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast 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.

A QUICK WARNING: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, anxiety, depression, and graphic language. Listener discretion is advised.

Welcome to the Gaslight Effect Podcast, where we explore stories of courage, healing, and transformation. On this episode, Dr. Robin Stern has the privilege of speaking with Lucas Mack, a visionary leader who guides men on a pilgrimage of self-discovery and healing.

Lucas Mack's retreats offer a sacred space for men to embark on a journey inward—a journey to slay the pain of their past and reclaim their freedom. Surrounded by fellow seekers, participants confront their inner dragons, speak their truth, and embark on a path of healing that transcends the confines of their past traumas.

And now, Lucas has released his latest eBook, "Healing Our Soul to Find Our Light," a profound guide for those seeking to break free from the shadows of their past and step into the light of their true selves.

Lucas Mack's work is deeply rooted in his own journey of overcoming gaslighting and reclaiming his truth. Once a million-dollar business owner with a painful secret, Lucas is now liberated and changing lives as a coach, speaker, and healing catalyst.

If you met Lucas, you'd never know that he's a survivor of pretty horrific childhood abuse and trauma. On the outside, he appeared to have it all—a supportive wife, adorable children, a successful track record, an outgoing personality, the dream house, the big smile. But beneath the surface of that perfect picture, Lucas was severely depressed, anxious, and, at one point, suicidal.

It wasn’t until 2016 that Lucas understood why. A conversation with his abuser triggered a flood of traumatic memories from his childhood, forcing him to confront his past and seek healing. Through therapy, medication, and ultimately, an emotional intelligence seminar where he bravely shared his deepest truth with others, Lucas found the courage to confront his demons head-on.

Join Robin as she delves into Lucas Mack's remarkable journey of transformation and resilience, shedding light on the insidious nature of gaslighting and the power of reclaiming one's truth. Lucas's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of courage, compassion, and confronting gaslighting.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinstern/

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast 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.