Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Mark Vicente returns for a new “Where are they now?” conversation and opens up about the five-year journey behind his upcoming film, Narcissist’s Playbook, which he describes as a way to better understand the psychology he once lived inside. We revisit how narcissistic patterns showed up in NXIVM and why they’re so hard to see clearly while you’re in it, and how the film tries to explain the mechanics of manipulation without pretending people can simply “love” abuse away.
Our conversation also digs into the documentary’s most disturbing insights, including the way narcissists can mirror people back to themselves, target vulnerabilities, and create long-game strategies of control that are hard to recognize in real time. Mark talks about what he learned interviewing self-aware narcissists and why the film is meant to be a tool for survivors, clinicians, and students alike.
We also revisit NXIVM’s bizarre intake questionnaires, Nancy Salzman’s role, Keith Raniere’s manipulation tactics, and the relief that comes from speaking openly once you’re out. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation on Thursday.
Watch the trailer for Narcissist’s Playbook and stay tuned for early access links and screenings near you: narcissistsplaybook.com/long-trailer-landing-page (narcissistsplaybook.com/long-trailer-landing-page)
Follow Mark at markvicente.com (http://markvicente.com) , on Patreon (patreon.com/MarkVicente) , YouTube (youtube.com/@markvicente7) , Instagram (instagram.com/markvicente/) , Facebook (facebook.com/markvicente/) , X (twitter.com/markvicente) , or TikTok (tiktok.com/@mark_vicente) .
Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of narcissistic and sexual abuse, coercion, manipulation, psychological control, and cult dynamics.
Also…let it be known that:
The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.
Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon (amzn.to/4sMrxpx) or order a signed copy (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLR16M1R576DP/checkout/25UI2OVABMV3RD4YF55WQ755) .
Check out our amazing sponsors (alittlebitculty.com/sponsors)
Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon (patreon.com/alittlebitculty)
Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag (my-store-c9bd2a.creator-spring.com/)
Support the pod and smash this link (donorbox.org/support-a-little-bit-culty)
Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources (alittlebitculty.com/resources)
Watch Sarah's TED Talk (ted.com/talks/sarah_edmondson_how_to_spot_a_cult?language=en) and buy her memoir, Scarred (amzn.to/48PlcAT)
CREDITS:
Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames
Production Partner: Citizens of Sound (citizensofsound.com/)
Co-Creator: Jess Tardy
Audio production: Will Retherford
Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore
Writer: Sandra Nomoto
Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane
Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mark Vicente returns for a new “Where are they now?” conversation and opens up about the five-year journey behind his upcoming film, Narcissist’s Playbook, which he describes as a way to better understand the psychology he once lived inside. We revisit how narcissistic patterns showed up in NXIVM and why they’re so hard to see clearly while you’re in it, and how the film tries to explain the mechanics of manipulation without pretending people can simply “love” abuse away.
Our conversation also digs into the documentary’s most disturbing insights, including the way narcissists can mirror people back to themselves, target vulnerabilities, and create long-game strategies of control that are hard to recognize in real time. Mark talks about what he learned interviewing self-aware narcissists and why the film is meant to be a tool for survivors, clinicians, and students alike.
We also revisit NXIVM’s bizarre intake questionnaires, Nancy Salzman’s role, Keith Raniere’s manipulation tactics, and the relief that comes from speaking openly once you’re out. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation on Thursday.
Watch the trailer for Narcissist’s Playbook and stay tuned for early access links and screenings near you: narcissistsplaybook.com/long-trailer-landing-page (narcissistsplaybook.com/long-trailer-landing-page)
Follow Mark at markvicente.com (http://markvicente.com) , on Patreon (patreon.com/MarkVicente) , YouTube (youtube.com/@markvicente7) , Instagram (instagram.com/markvicente/) , Facebook (facebook.com/markvicente/) , X (twitter.com/markvicente) , or TikTok (tiktok.com/@mark_vicente) .
Trigger warning: This episode contains frank discussion of narcissistic and sexual abuse, coercion, manipulation, psychological control, and cult dynamics.
Also…let it be known that:
The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business, individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.
Buy the A Little Bit Culty book on Amazon (amzn.to/4sMrxpx) or order a signed copy (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLR16M1R576DP/checkout/25UI2OVABMV3RD4YF55WQ755) .
Check out our amazing sponsors (alittlebitculty.com/sponsors)
Join A Little Bit Culty on Patreon (patreon.com/alittlebitculty)
Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag (my-store-c9bd2a.creator-spring.com/)
Support the pod and smash this link (donorbox.org/support-a-little-bit-culty)
Check out our cult awareness and recovery resources (alittlebitculty.com/resources)
Watch Sarah's TED Talk (ted.com/talks/sarah_edmondson_how_to_spot_a_cult?language=en) and buy her memoir, Scarred (amzn.to/48PlcAT)
CREDITS:
Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames
Production Partner: Citizens of Sound (citizensofsound.com/)
Co-Creator: Jess Tardy
Audio production: Will Retherford
Production Coordinator: Lesli Dinsmore
Writer: Sandra Nomoto
Social media team: Eric Skwarzynski and Brooke Keane
Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
