True Crime: The Sullivanians - Severed

What this episode covers

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: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Severed | True Crime Podcast?

This episode is 52 minutes long.

When was this Severed | True Crime Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on June 16, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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...

Can I download this Severed | True Crime Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.