We discuss the Sullivanians, a 1970s psychotherapy sex cult in New York City’s Upper West Side. We outline their disturbing evolution, as patient-members were lured and ensnared with promises of sex, parties, low rent, and “chumships” among six hundred cult followers.

CW | TW: This episode discusses a psychoanalytic sex cult, which includes mind and bodily control, talk of sex, abuse, child neglect, and the mention of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠severedpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠severedpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@severed_podcast⁠⁠⁠

Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson

Logo Art: Drew Hudson

Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers

Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson

Available on ⁠⁠⁠RadioGardenState⁠⁠⁠

Available on ⁠⁠⁠Rogue Media Network⁠

Sources

Book: The Sullivanians: Sex, Psychotherapy, and the American Life of the Commune by Alexander Stille

Article: “The Upper West Side Cult That Hid In Plain Sight” by Jessica Winter (New Yorker)

Article: “The Upper West Side Therapy Cult That Broke All the Rules” by Nellie Hermann (TNR)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices