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...]
Scientology Fair Game Podcast All Episodes
There is no new podcast this week due to the Labor Day holiday. I thought it worth listing all the diverse list of podcast guests and topics we have done so far. There are more to come. If there are any episodes you have missed, you can find them here with links and give them a listen. It's been quite a ride. It continues. We appreciate all the support of our faithful listeners and those who have sent in questions for the popular "Listener Question" episodes. You can also find all the episodes and the supporting documents for each at fairgamepodcast.com which also includes a … [Read more...]
Keith Raniere Sentenced to 120 Years
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...]
Episode 11: “The Vow’s” Mark Vicente
We have an amazing episode of Fair Game podcast this week, speaking to Mark Vicente. If you have not been watching The Vow on HBO I highly recommend it. It is the story of Keith Raniere and the NXIVM cult, told from the perspective of a number of former senior people in Raniere's organization, including Mark. We had a terrific conversation with him about the similarities between NXIVM and scientology -- and there are MANY. We also talked about patterns of high control organizations and the larger picture. I will post the link to the episode here when it becomes available. … [Read more...]