Bonnie Piesse

Podcast with Mark Vicente of The Vow

December 7, 2022 By Mike Rinder 7 Comments

I recommend everyone watch The Vow -- both seasons -- on HBO. It documents the horrors of Keith Raniere and his NXIVM cult. Mark, and his wife Bonnie Piesse, play a significant role in bringing down Raniere, who is now serving 120 years in Federal prison. Christie and I have become friends with Mark and Bonnie (and also with the other most prominent whistleblowers who exposed Raniere's cult -- Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames). These friendships are based on a foundation of deep understanding forged by shared similar experiences. They are good, strong, brave people who put their personal comfort … [Read more...]

Keith Raniere Sentenced to 120 Years

October 27, 2020 By Mike Rinder 44 Comments

Keith Raniere, the former head of NXIVM, was sentenced to 120 years in prison yesterday. One of the main people who brought him to justice was Mark Vicente. A former leader in the NXIVM movement, he and his wife, Bonnie Piesse, along with Sarah Edmunson and her husband Nippy Ames and Catherine Oxenberg were chronicled in the excellent HBO Series The Vow about their awakening and subsequent efforts to bring the leaders of NXIVM to justice. We interviewed Mark on the Aftermath Podcast a few weeks ago. Victims in criminal cases have the opportunity to make a statement before the court … [Read more...]

Ms. B. Haven on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “I don’t remember the cult having too much trouble filling a large venue when Hubbard dropped his meat sack and…” Dec 11, 09:15
grisianfarce on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “They make you sign up to new credit cards, and then max them out! Chase Wave: https://tonyortega.org/2021/12/20/insider-how-the-chase-wave-began-and-how-it-crashed-leaving-scientology-in-chaos/” Dec 11, 03:41
vǝda on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “history’s punchlines” Dec 11, 00:06
otherles on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “Narcissists don’t know how stupid they look. https://www.flickr.com/photos/72813079@N00/52262288684/in/dateposted-public/” Dec 10, 23:27
unelectedfloofgoofer on Scientology’s “Blood on Your Hands” Lie Exposed: “The one thing you can count on is that Scientology will always break any promise they think they can get…” Dec 10, 22:51
GL on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “(Puts on magic prognostication hat and starts waving fingers in a mysterious spooky (more likely trying to loosen cramped fingers)…” Dec 10, 15:36
otherles on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “Don’t forget to bring the checkbook. (Or do they take credit cards now?)” Dec 10, 15:24
Mat Pesch on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “Scientology has been shrinking since the 1980’s. I think the downward trend is guaranteed to continue at this point. Their…” Dec 10, 15:17
Fred G. Haseney on Panic Before the Scientology New Year’s Event: “I had to put on my reading glasses so as to read the part about what luxurious accomodations have been…” Dec 10, 15:09
Alcoboy on Scientology Violating Canadian Minimum Wage Laws: “Yes, I am aware of that. Hence my comment.” Dec 10, 10:48