Episode 373: NXIVM Cult Update: Where Are They Now?
Vanguard Prefect. Jness. DoS. This wellness MLM packed with confusing jargon was actually a brutal sex cult in disguise. It's schlubby leader hypnotized his followers, preyed on their vulnerabilities, and recruited many to harm others on his behalf. After a dramatic 2019 arrest in Mexico, the story was far from over. This week's episode is NXIVM Cult Update: Where Are They Now?
SOURCES
Actor Allison Mack reveals role in Nxivm sex cult in new podcast: ‘I was abusive’, The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/12/allison-mack-nxivm-sex-cult-podcast
NXIVM's Bronfman Released to Halfway House in NYC, Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/nxivm/article/nxivm-s-bronfman-released-halfway-house-nyc-19442124.php
Second Circuit upholds Keith Raniere sex cult abuse conviction, Courthouse News Service: https://www.courthousenews.com/second-circuit-upholds-keith-raniere-sex-cult-abuse-conviction/
U.S. v. Keith Raniere
Memorandum order: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-nyed-1_18-cr-00204/pdf/USCOURTS-nyed-1_18-cr-00204-23.pdf
Second Circuit Opinion: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca2/20-3520/20-3520-2022-12-09.html
What Happened to Nancy L. Salzman and Where is The NXIVM Co-Founder Now?, Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/nancy-salzman-now-today-prison-vow-part-2-keith-raniere-1752499
NXIVM's Raniere says Fellow Sex Trafficker Punched Him In Prison, Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NXIVM-s-Raniere-says-fellow-sex-trafficker-17455542.php
U.S. Court of Appeals Rejects Keith Raniere's Appeals, Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/u-s-court-appeals-rejects-keith-raniere-s-appeals-21122215.php
Judge hands down final sentence in NXIVM case, ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-hands-final-sentence-nxivm-case/story?id=80443423
NXIVM President Nancy Salzman Sentenced to 42 Months’ Imprisonment for Racketeering Conspiracy, U.S. Department of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/nxivm-president-nancy-salzman-sentenced-42-months-imprisonment-racketeering-conspiracy
No prison time for NXIVM sex cult 'master' Lauren Salzman, Courthouse News: https://www.courthousenews.com/no-prison-time-for-nxivm-sex-cult-master-lauren-salzman/
Allison Mack sentenced to 3 years in prison for role in NXIVM, ABC: https://abcnews.go.com/US/allison-mack-sentenced-years-prison-role-nxivm/story?id=78579948
NXIVM Leader Keith Raniere Sentenced to 120 Years in Prison for Racketeering and Sex Trafficking Offenses, U.S. Department of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/nxivm-leader-keith-raniere-sentenced-120-years-prison-racketeering-and-sex-trafficking
NXIVM Executive Board Member Clare Bronfman Sentenced to 81 Months in Prison for Identity Theft and Immigration Offenses, U.S. Department of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/nxivm-executive-board-member-clare-bronfman-sentenced-81-months-prison-identity-theft
The Vow review – unsettling Nxivm cult series burrows under your skin, The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/aug/21/the-vow-review-nxivm-cult-hbo-series
Edmonson et al v. Raniere et al
Ex-NXIVM Members File Lawsuit Against Keith Raniere, Group Leaders, NYC1 News: https://ny1.com/nyc/brooklyn/public-safety/2020/01/29/ex-nxivm-members-file-lawsuit-against-keith-raniere--group-leaders
Jury Finds Nxivm Leader Keith Raniere Guilty of All Counts, U.S. Department of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/jury-finds-nxivm-leader-keith-raniere-guilty-all-counts
‘The Vow Part II’s’ Most Disturbing NXIVM Revelation: The Three Mexican Teens Abused by Keith Raniere, Yahoo News: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/vow-part-ii-most-disturbing-084225398.html
About Us, A Little Bit Culty Podcast: https://alittlebitculty.com/about
Accusations made against doctor connected to NXIVM, ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/video/accusations-made-doctor-connected-nxivm-54983114
Catherine and India Oxenberg Recall NXIVM Experience & Recovery, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOsPXxFh34w
'The Vow' Director Jehane Noujaim on Why Nancy Salzman Spoke to Her & How She Feels About Her Today, Variety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXw6tIuCurM
From Heiress To Felon: How Clare Bronfman Wound Up In NXIVM, Dark Capital on Forbes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J4Of_krk7M
Woman recalls being branded as part of joining secret society, ABC 20/20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gBeRnX6RlI
How to Spot a Cult by Sarah Edmondson, TED Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa7uN2vo6rc
The Lost Women of NXIVM: Rumors vs. Reality, Investigation Discovery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzcCuyLcv-c
U.S. Court of Appeals rejects NXIVM founder's appeals, Spectrum News: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2025/10/27/u-s--court-of-appeals-denies-nxivm-founder-a-new-trial
