Why we need to understand cults better | Sarah Edmondson | TEDxPortland

Sarah Edmondson is a survivor and a fearless advocate with cult awareness. She courageously shares her idea of how to “seek safely” when deciding to join a group and why cult literacy matters.
Sarah Edmondson is an actress who gained notoriety for her role in exposing the NXIVM cult. In 2019, Sarah published Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life, an acclaimed memoir chronicling her harrowing experience. Alongside her husband, she hosts the A Little Bit Culty podcast, which has become a powerful platform for cult survivors and recovery advocates. Sarah also attends conferences and events around the world as a speaker and cult-recovery advocate, as well as continuing her work as an actress and podcaster.
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With special thanks to the University of Oregon for presenting partnership, a world class stage design provided by Meyer Pro Inc, an incredible legacy bound Event Book provided by Premier Press and to the creative digital craft provided by Thesis. All of our Partners and event history can be found at TEDxPortland.com
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@KevinBWilson1983]

Sarah has done great work to bring awareness to others about cultic behavior and abuse. Someone commented saying she should leave it all behind to heal herself. I don’t think you ever really heal from something like this. Her mission to help others avoid similar situations is not only healing to her but can save so many people from abuse, financial ruin, and familial separation. It’s sad to me that some people can’t see that.

[@wookiedogz4082]

preach!

[@raymondnethengwe7364]

Q

[@EdsCollegeLife]

Great talk Sarah! Thank you! Your story helped me wake up and leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

So happy to hear i could help in some way- welcome to freedom!

[@Bri4nG]

Ok JINN. You left Jehovah's witnesses to go join the gang stalking devil's rejects.

[@lindapevac9590]

This is just the kind of straightforward information that our society needs to be aware and to be able to protect themselves. Coercive control, power differential, and how a cult can even be a cultic one-on-one abusive relationship. Thank you, Sarah, for your courage and determination to be an advocate helping others.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

I agree! I hope this helps get the info out there!

[@catie5195]

Everyone listen to her and her husband's awesome podcast A Little Bit Culty. So impactful and really well done with all kinds of cult survivors and experts to get this message out there in long form.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thank you so much! so glad you like it!

[@jessicaluth2929]

Virtual air hugs, Sara. Thank you for being so vulnerable.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Aw thanks Jessica!

[@lorenzodossantos1111]

if you can't leave a group without creating tension then it is a cult.

[@CazzJonesAutry]

What a scary wake up moment. PTSD to contend with now, trying to overshadow a beautiful life. Thank you for warning others, a very brave thing to do. You are a good person who like many others with similar experiences from many different situations know the weird trauma that's combined with the exhilaration and deep gratitude of having dodged a bullet.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Yes. So many feelings 😅

[@nicoleashlei1504]

Great talk Sarah. Your ability to take accountability and ownership of your decisions that led you ro be controlled and coerced must be an extremely difficult task under these circumstances. Your dedication to informing, warning and helping others in similar situations is so comendable. Wishing happiness and health to you and your family.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thank you 😊it’s been a journey. ❤

[@maggieo6672]

You are so brave, thank you for your honesty and for being you. Your words help me heal too. ❤️🎶 Sending love to you from Ontario Canada. 🌹

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

So happy to hear! Sending love back !

[@LichenAndMoss]

This is a wonderful talk. Edmondson is a great spokesperson for what should become a mainstream movement of cult awareness. The world has never needed it more than it does now.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

What a compliment - thank you 😊

[@perryevatt5151]

Sarah makes this topic approachable and easy to understand. Surely, she’s making a difference for the better by sharing her experiences.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

trying! thank you 🙏

[@jessicahutwelker3030]

What a moment of reclamation. It’s an honor to witness. Thank you for using your voice and being courageous. I fall asleep most nights listening to ALBC podcast episodes. Your voice and sentiment are soothing balm for our healing souls.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Honoured to be part of your healing !❤

[@alexandrospirillis]

Such courage and character! Excellent talk.

[@Youalleatmuffins]

Wow. She really is such a beautiful soul to share so much to help prevent others falling into the same traps 👏👏 This information should be on every school syllabus! 💯

[@MattCurney]

This is so powerful 💗 “You’re already whole” No cult leader can pray on you if you truly believe that. I lost my mother and sister to a cult 10 years ago that appears as an innocent self help group. The power of gaslighting is boundless. Like someone with Alzheimer’s, they are now mentally gone forever. Heed Sarah’s advice. You are already whole and NO ONE has all the answers. No one.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Matt- thank you! Appreciate these words. Truly ❤

[@margaretbrice7082]

Great talk Sarah, and thank you for the awareness very much needed in this times to all. New parents also kids to be aware of the red flags. Thank you for making the difference.❤

[@tlw202]

This was so emotional. Such good information for all of us and such vulnerability about your journey. ❤❤❤

[@lesliemariemac387]

Very thankful for Sarah and Nippy and all the whistle blowers! I got out of two culty groups because of them!

[@freeyourmindlove-4e]

Well done, Sarah! You've worked so hard on yourself and to help others see the signs of high control groups. I've listened to ALBC since Day 1 -- one of the best sources of information on cults and cult abuse! (For those who don't know, ALBC = A Little Bit Culty podcast)

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thank you so much! Super appreciate you supporting our journey

[@brandiehadfield7118]

Excellent talk Sarah! I can’t believe how much you were able to cover in one succinct talk. I’m positive this will help many fellow seekers/joiners and anyone who is trying to tune into their inner wisdom again 🙏

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thank you Brandie! appreciate that...and I hope so too!

[@Frengladeutschgirl]

Amazing talk Sarah. Love your podcast! All the best to you, Nippy and your kiddies ❤

[@PreacherBoys]

Incredible. Proud to call you a friend, Sarah!

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Appreciate your support Eric!

[@missrabbit777]

Really appreciate this thank you Sarah 🙏

[@Goddybag4Lee]

Great speech. Well done 👍 Sarah is awesome!

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thank you 🙏

[@timothystoytherapy]

Amazing advice Sarah! Honestly googling the name of the organisation and cult is an incredible way to find out. I wish I did that earlier when I got involved in the self development group I was in. You are an inspiration. I’m so proud of everything you are doing around cult awareness.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Appreciate that so much Timothy. And congrats on getting out!

[@peipeitan7557]

I'm a huge fan of their podcast, A Little Bit Culty.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thanks PEI PEI❤❤❤

[@saraheidelmark464]

Amazing Sarah! Why did I want to cry the whole time out of pride for you and your journey 🥲.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

😅hugs Sarah

[@brahmsylove]

Had no idea that she was from “that HBO documentary”. What a nice surprise. Fascinating and very inspiring story.

[@williamseagle15]

Thank you so much! Sarah you are a warrior of light in a world of darkness!!!!!!

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

❤🤟

[@anothergirlinasweater]

Thank you very much, Sarah Edmonson.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

❤❤❤

[@tygerpurr5345]

Thank you for this.......❤

[@SunniSparks]

Love you Sarah!!!

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

❤❤❤

[@rossbrunson5894]

Poor thing seems like she is nearly in tears at times. I cant even imagine how tramatic that must have been.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

That’s kind of you- thank you. I’m ok now ❤

[@rossbrunson5894]

@@SarahEdmondsonActor thank you for being brave and thinking of others.

[@anothergirlinasweater]

It's ok to cry. Like it's ok to laugh, etc.

[@CandiceSchutter]

Fabulous information! Thanks to Sarah & Nippy for all of their brave and continued hard work. Will definitely share this talk widely.

[@robertdecastro8593]

Thank you

[@wholylove]

Cults are an imitation of Truth when the end result ends. The original concepts that are attempting to be imitated are Truth, but everything should be done by yourself and self only. Love keeps company with those who Love.

[@elainebraindrain3174]

Keep up the great work🎉

[@paulronk9694]

Sadly I have experience with such an involvement in my life. This is a fantastic, insightful talk with plenty of details with how it happened. With human nature (including the things that make us each marvelous individuals thank God), bad actors can and will use these features against ourselves. The fundamental is changing one's own mind. There is a scale of re-thinking, cast in mental concrete, unwilling to look, or never being able to make a decision. I have talked to many, and have heard the familiar refrain "oh, I spotted that a mile away and would never fall for something like that." Then there are those that would say "he is just pointing this out to make him feel better about getting duped." We don't live in a world of open-mindedness, do we?

[@georgesos]

This is a really useful video especially for people in cults who have doubts. I hope it helps them get their freedom back...

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Totally! That’s the goal 😊

[@janetphilbin-showingup7602]

What a great talk. Thanks for sharing your journey and helping others. Leaning from you has helped me understand what I went through

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

So happy I could help in some way!

[@bilalmanzoor6559]

Hi dear

[@bellablack6937]

This is so important - it should be played in schools. Cults are one of the great scourges of our time.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

i would love to speak in schools about this! until then- please share with the teachers you know!

[@Diana.DSWMinistries]

I love your podcast!

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

So happy to hear!

[@persianprincess90]

What a brave lovely lady. 🥰👍Awesome presentation! Wish it was longer though!

[@johngudritz2446]

Extraordinary presentation. Sarah gives you insightful information that will keep people from becoming victims of cultish groups that are mentally and emotionally unhealthy. As Sarah said, it can be any group or community that shares many of the characteristics that she spelled out.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

True story! thanks John!

[@johneypunnackalantony2747]

Really very great speaking well done 👍

[@bfreeume]

Lived it as well. I did a short but painful stint in Scientology, which is a deeply insidious cult. There are many cults, some recognized as actual religions which they are not.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

True story!!

[@viviennecarter5837]

First off, this was fantastic-friggin-tastic! And Sarah’s message is so important. We need to be on the lookout for the red flags that could lead to becoming susceptible to groups that turn out to be cults….or a little bit culty…..all of the thumbs up

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

🙏🙏

[@bootney66]

The way she describes herself in the beginning is the complete opposite of how I would describe myself. However, I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness (until age 10 after my mother’s death). I find Sarah and the story of NXVIM compelling. Great Ted Talk❤

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thank you! and glad you can celebrate your birthday now!

[@bootney66]

@@SarahEdmondsonActor me too and I go ALL OUT 😀

[@Tuumbii]

NXIVM was a very interesting rabbit hole so I'm glad to hear her talk :)

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@Rachnaknowledgehub]

Awesome

[@eminemeatingmmswithotherem5879]

It's so easy in many cases to be involved in a cult. I am a psychologist and so forth i am interested to learn and exploring psychological and philosophicall aspects. So i saw an add on Instagram about a free seminar about the meaning of life. Turns out that was a neo-theological cult which has as its core values philosophy it's named new acropolis is a designate cult in France.

[@vman9591]

Great talk. Check out “The Burn Zone” by Renee Linnell - a survivor’s story of a different cult. Great read.

[@BLACK_....._ROSE]

can u share link??

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Thanks for the tip! Will add to the list!

[@shagun1142]

First person comes to watch for improving listening

[@mikabeIa]

🙋

[@prachimehta1360]

😅

[@eyrena479]

👋

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

😂😂😂 too funny

[@Anna1721-]

Такая малышка, such a sweet heart. Прям хочется обнять и поддержать ❤

[@reprogram_myself]

I think cult is dangerous for people who believe in someone else's "ways" more that in their own inner knowledge. When person is able to surrender some guru, instead of to surrender to your own life. Also it is learning experience for those people who need it for some reason. Everything exist because of the reason.

[@jfv26]

International Church of Christ and World Mission Church of God tried to recruit me. It was crazy.

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Glad you avoided both! 😊

[@user-fy4sf7be6x]

I met a cult group member who was in college who wore a clean ironed shirt and had a tablet phone in his hand

[@reemahmed7851]

Hi Sara can you do a higher education /scientific project with paper about this your previous personal experience, or, Why, some people try to treat other so bad?

[@yarawilde6026]

❤❤❤

[@bilalmanzoor6559]

Hi

[@bilalmanzoor6559]

You are special to me.

[@sporthealth9470]

Who can explain the meaning of the video in short clear way because I am not so good at English and What does cult mean? Thanks in advance whoever helps

[@carolyncrowner8821]

❤❤❤❤

[@bilalmanzoor6559]

Hi dear carolyn...

[@fan3oy]

I actually can't believe he's still alive. All those people he manipulated had families and close friends, and I can't imagine that happening to someone I loved and not going full Jason Bourne on that mf✊🏿

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

I hear you! We for sure had that impulse 😂🙈

[@fattyz1]

Because half the country is in one in the guise of a political party ?

[@mariterodriguez5349]

🥰

[@glauciorigo7353]

Sarah, you and Mark V. are still in contact?

[@SkyRiver1]

I bet you that the term "drank the koolaid" came form the use of LSD in koolaid punch that use to be used in parties before LSD was made illegal.

[@2LoveChampagne]

Wow! Wolf in sheep’s clothing! 😢 poor people! It’s got to be traumatizing 😢

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Truth 😢

[@kevinwarren1576]

Hey., does anyone know if the Jehovahs witnesses are still a thing ? I was told they are sinking like the titanic!!! I don’t even see Kingdom Halls around anymore. Wouldn’t it be lovely if they went away to to see the wizard of oz and never ever came back.😊

[@bfreeume]

They are still a thing. There is an elderly sweet woman in my neighborhood that is deeply involved with JW. When I lived in NYC they were often parked near the W 72nd Street Broadway Station.

[@kevinwarren1576]

@@bfreeume I believe you ! I didn’t say that there aren’t some wonderful loving people in the Kingdom Hall, I know a little bit about them. I think that they treat their followers like rubbish. I know they have a huge infestation of peodophiles, and many other bad things happening. The world is now catching up to them, finally! I also know they don’t mix with normal people, they call us worldly.

[@user-ye1ow5cj6r]

They sure are unfortunately.

[@HunderbarDachs]

there are Kingdom Halls all over Portland, as well as the rest of the state and Pacific Northwest.

[@kevinwarren1576]

@@HunderbarDachs oh my Jehovah !!! There must be a lot of very so slow witted ones in that part of the country. Don’t they realize it’s satans one true organization on planet earth ? With a little luck, they’ll soon be out of business !!! Thank you JESUS.🙏🏻

[@privettoli]

Considering that most cults are religious and Portland is one of the least religious population in the US, I wonder how many people in the audience were like "yeah, I went through similar stuff".

[@LichenAndMoss]

I follow your logic but Portland is HELLA culty

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

Just Culty about different things… 😅

[@estherfriedman2075]

I don't think most cults are religious, anymore. Cults hijack any number of things--whatever's convenient: yoga, meditation, philosophy, management training, etc, etc, etc.

[@user-vk1ve2kv9k]

Peace and God's mercy on you. How are you dear dear, share in the channel and do the bell you are very grateful and respectful

[@lakeshagadson357]

she could be someone you can look up to

[@SarahEdmondsonActor]

😊❤

[@josephmedhat111]

like it

[@boriss.861]

Alice Lamb is one such.

[@CharleneCTX]

The expression "drink the Kool-aid" is associated with the Jim Jones tragedy, but it predates that by 10 years.

[@powerslaurae]

Who is boss babe? Ugh I’m lost and that’s probably good!

[@maxlife9721]

Culture

[@BLACK_....._ROSE]

any malayalis here??

[@drkarenbukharibukhari9931]

Scientistcult🎉

[@madlift]

This is a valuable talk. However, I think the one-to-one comparisons between a cult leader like Jim Jones who caused the violent deaths of over 900 people and a MLM scam artist and exploiter of women like Keith Raniere do a grave disservice to your mission of informing people about your experiences.

[@1994wildchild]

This is what is so great about the bible, no one is forcing you to buy it and you can probably find one for free, it's the way to freedom and it's absolutely free

[@user-kn2me3mm9d]

Please answer . I love your videos❤ Hello , l am kamola and l am 11 years old and l need to get ILETS. When l learned english my teacher send me this videos and l saw , this videos is extremely good ❤🎉😊 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ please doing this video l everyday l ashame every person like my friends,and classmates when l saw my friends there will be stress😢

[@ganeshdegala]

boom

[@KevinStone-bf5ey]

Hello Sarah. If you didn't know what it was, and were in a management position, why are you suing people who were way beneath you in the pecking order? Why do you not have the same compassion for them that you have for yourself, or for the Salzmans, who co-owned the company, but who aren't defendants in your suit?

[@drkarenbukharibukhari9931]

Iamhighlyqual fieddrlady🎉

[@sparklymoona5437]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@e_facestyles8916]

peace unto Israel

[@marshalbaek5580]

Hopefully she will make this contribution about cult education for a short time only, then completely let it go and leave it all behind her.

[@Ivan-td7kb]

Why?

[@marshalbaek5580]

@@Ivan-td7kb For the same reason she had a plastic surgeon remove the brand from her body...

[@Ivan-td7kb]

@@marshalbaek5580 or is it because you do not like her talking about these things?

[@Beautiful_mind..]

​@@marshalbaek5580Attempting to heal one's scars is not equivalent to erasing the memory of how they were acquired, just as moving forward in life with the lessons learned is not synonymous with forgetting the past and potentially repeating the same mistakes. What's Inside your head dear ? Why you think this way ?

[@marshalbaek5580]

@@Ivan-td7kb And to answer your question directly. I think she is heroic for talking about it. I think she is an awesome person for warning others. And I'm thankful she is doing it. It shows how good of a person she is. And it's why I hope she leaves it behind after she's made her contribution to warning others.

[@foysolahmed121]

🎉🖤🇧🇩🇵🇸

[@marlismueller4496]

Test

[@dimitristsoglis9231]

Εγώ δεν ξέρω αγκληκα

[@Dub_Northside]

That's ok. English are good. It's the government that is wrong.

[@privettoli]

Use translation feature

[@harrybrooks8514]

One of these days we’ll abandon the frog/water illustration. True, cults are insidious, but so is other misinformation

[@harrybrooks8514]

Yeah, it took us nearly 50 years before popular seminar leaders stopped talking about humans using only 10% of their brains. Now we need to work on that 24hrs until a missing person report deal.

[@alihaktanelif]

Ben cahil bir insanım keşke Türkçe alt Yazı imkanı olsaydı..

[@softhotty]

Make the world better huh...what world ? The human world ? Or...all other biology on earth ?

[@rds6867]

I have no idea speak this women in english i am totally Focus in listening english speaking words 😂😂😂😂

[@rococoblue]

😒 sorry but my application for "the hub" arrived today..so I may have to unsubscribe in order to protect your channels reputation(I'm being serious).

[@noufnouf3677]

Free Palestine🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@mamenamamena]

Free yourselves from HAMAS first.

[@bd-cw3mr]

No

[@kforest2745]

She wasn’t looking to “save the world” that’s ridiculous no such thing who is she kidding she was looking for attention that’s the only reason seekers join anything and that’s nothing but bs for everyone. She didn’t think to keep to simply being kind on her own cause she’s not genuine she was looking for a pyramid.

[@maxmanx1294]

Get back downstairs in your momma's basement.

[@OolalaFive]

The irony of speaking about this at TED...

[@selphactualized9801]

Hey MAGA, did you get the message??

[@johnnyshanksalot8358]

Love irony of the title coming from Tedx, don't you guys have some thought criminals to censor?