Ideas change everything

How to spot a cult

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Sarah Edmondson |

TEDxPortland

• May 2023

Nobody joins a cult on purpose, says Sarah Edmondson, a former member of the infamous Nxivm cult and one of the three whistleblowers that led to its downfall. She explains how she got ensnared in this highly manipulative group — and then escaped it — and shares red flags to help you distinguish between a cult and a safe community.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Nobody joins a cult on purpose, says Sarah Edmondson, a former member of the infamous Nxivm cult and one of the three whistleblowers that led to its downfall. She explains how she got ensnared in this highly manipulative group — and then escaped it — and shares red flags to help you distinguish between a cult and a safe community.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxPortland, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

About the speaker

Sarah Edmondson

Cult recovery advocate, podcaster, actor

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Sarah Edmondson gained renown for her role in exposing the NXIVM cult.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxPortland, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.