The Smallville star who joined a sex cult: best podcasts of the week

Smallville Star Allison Mack's Complicated Past Sparks Difficult Questions on CBC Podcast

The small-town charm of Smallville actor Allison Mack is not the only thing that defines this actress, fresh from serving a prison sentence for racketeering. Her involvement with the NXIVM sex cult has left many wondering whether she was a victim or perpetrator.

In Natalie Robehmed's thought-provoking CBC podcast series, Mack's story is put under the microscope, prompting difficult questions about her role in the organization and its leader, Keith Raniere. The podcast delves into the complexities of cult behavior, power dynamics, and the psychological manipulation that can occur within such groups.

Is Allison Mack a symbol of how the system failed her, or was she an active participant in the cult's twisted games? Robehmed's series, which is available widely with new episodes released weekly, encourages listeners to consider these questions and more.

Meanwhile, on another continent, life as a doctor in Antarctica is anything but ordinary. Dr Rachel Varnam shares stories from her time working at a research station, including the bizarre incident of pub quiz disruptions due to bioluminescent algae. The Hat Trick series offers an offbeat look into the challenges faced by medical professionals in some of the world's most remote locations.

In other podcast news, Apple has released its latest original series, which blends documentary and drama to tell the true story of the Robertson family's ill-fated fishing venture. The show, narrated by Mark Bonnar and Anne-Marie Duff, is an unsettling exploration of the human condition.

US comedian Mary Houlihan has also made waves with her new podcast, tackling topics ranging from the state of the world to conservative men who "punch down." Time Out praises her as a "gonzo genius," and we can't wait to see what she gets up to next.

Lastly, Jane Austen's life is being re-examined in a new series that explores the writer's lesser-known hobbies and interests. From curry lovers to seaside strolls, Arts & Culture editor Anna Walker delves into the fascinating world of Austen's personal life, shedding new light on this beloved author's enduring legacy.
 
I gotta say, Allison Mack's story is super complicated ๐Ÿคฏ. I mean, some people are gonna think she was a victim, but others might see her as an active participant in NXIVM. It's hard to say for sure, you know? But one thing's for sure - the psychological manipulation she experienced is no joke ๐Ÿ˜•. And I love how Natalie Robehmed's podcast series is pushing people to consider all sides of the story. It's not just a simple case of "she was in a cult" or "she escaped". There's nuance there, and it's good that we're having these kinds of conversations ๐Ÿค”.

And omg, Dr Rachel Varnam's stories about Antarctica are giving me all the feels ๐Ÿ˜! Who knew working as a doctor in one of the most remote places on earth could be so wild? Bioluminescent algae disrupting pub quizzes? That's some next-level stuff ๐Ÿ”ฎ. I'm definitely checking out The Hat Trick series.

I also love that US comedian Mary Houlihan is tackling tough topics like conservative men who "punch down" ๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™€๏ธ. She's got a lot of guts (no pun intended) for speaking truth to power, and I'm excited to see what she does next ๐Ÿ’ช. And can we talk about how cool it is that they're re-examining Jane Austen's personal life? Like, who knew she was a curry lover too ๐Ÿ›๐Ÿ“š?
 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around Allison Mack's story ๐Ÿคฏ. I mean, she was a part of NXIVM and even testified against Keith Raniere but it feels like the system didn't quite catch her in time... or did she manipulate things for her own gain? ๐Ÿ™ƒ I'm not sure what to think anymore ๐Ÿ˜•. It's definitely making me question how cults work and the psychological games they play. And can we talk about Dr Rachel Varnam's podcast for a sec? ๐ŸŒŸ The stories from Antarctica sound so cool! Who knew bioluminescent algae could cause pub quiz disruptions?! ๐Ÿคฃ
 
๐Ÿค” Allison Mack's situation is super wild. Like I'm trying to wrap my head around it. Was she in too deep or was she just a pawn? It's crazy how cults can manipulate people like that. I mean, NXIVM sounds like something out of a bad movie ๐ŸŽฅ but at the same time, how could someone get sucked into that? And Keith Raniere, man... what was he even thinking? ๐Ÿ˜‚ The podcast series is definitely making me think and question things. It's not just about Allison Mack, it's about the system and how it can fail people. ๐Ÿ‘Ž
 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around Allison Mack's situation ๐Ÿคฏ. I mean, she was in a cult and got caught up in some crazy stuff... but at the same time, you can't help but feel for her, right? #CultAwarenessMatters She seems like a complex person with a lot of flaws and vulnerabilities... and we need to have more nuanced conversations about how the system failed her vs. whether she was an active participant ๐Ÿค”. I'm hooked on that CBC podcast series - it's so thought-provoking! And can you believe what Dr Rachel Varnam has been through in Antarctica? ๐ŸŒŸ Like, who needs pub quiz disruptions when you're dealing with bioluminescent algae?! ๐Ÿ˜‚ Anyway, gotta give a shoutout to Mary Houlihan for speaking truth to power and tackling some tough topics - she's a total boss! ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ #TruthToPower
 
I'm thinkin' about Allison Mack's situation, and it got me wonderin' if we ever really know the whole story 'bout someone? We can point fingers or try to label 'em as victim or perpetrator, but what if it's more complicated than that? Maybe she was hurt by the system, maybe she played a part in it... either way, it's a reminder that we should be careful not to make judgments based on incomplete info. It's like when you're tryin' to figure out someone's story, and it's hard to know where to start โ€“ we gotta take our time, listen closely, and try not to fill in the gaps with our own assumptions ๐Ÿค”
 
๐Ÿค” Allison Mack's story is really complicated... I think we should be careful not to jump to conclusions about her role in NXIVM. Was she a victim or did she actively participate? It's hard to say for sure ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ. The podcast series sounds like it's trying to shed some light on the complexities of cult behavior, which is definitely something we need more discussions about. I'm curious to see how Robehmed's series plays out and what questions it'll raise. But at the same time, I don't want to dismiss Mack's experiences without fully understanding them ๐Ÿค”.

And omg, bioluminescent algae causing pub quiz disruptions is just wild ๐Ÿ˜‚! Dr Rachel Varnam sounds like a total rockstar for working in Antarctica as a doctor. Her stories are gonna be so interesting to listen to. The new Apple series about the Robertson family's fishing venture looks super unsettling - I'll have to give it a try. And Mary Houlihan's podcast is already getting rave reviews? I'm intrigued by her "gonzo genius" vibes ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ. Lastly, re-examining Jane Austen's personal life sounds like a great way to explore more depth in her work. Can't wait for the series ๐Ÿ“š.
 
I'M SO SICK OF PEOPLE TRYING TO SPLIT ALLISON MACK FROM THE NXIVM SCANDAL! IT'S LIKE, SHE SERVED TIME ALREADY, NOW CAN WE JUST MOVE ON AND GIVE HER A CHANCE TO REBUILD HER LIFE? ๐Ÿ™„ I MEAN, I GET THAT WE NEED TO CONSIDER IF SHE WAS A VICTIM OR PART OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DOESN'T SHE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ANOTHER CHANCE AT HAPPINESS AFTER BEING THROUGH SO MUCH? ๐Ÿค”
 
๐Ÿคฏ I'm still trying to wrap my head around Allison Mack's past, it's like, super complicated ๐Ÿ’”. One minute she's saving the world as Supergirl ๐Ÿฆธโ€โ™€๏ธ and the next she's in a cult... how does that even happen? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ The more I listen to Natalie Robehmed's podcast series, the more questions I have ๐Ÿค”. Was she a victim or was she part of it? It's like, so not clear-cut ๐Ÿ’ก. And can we talk about Dr Rachel Varnam's stories from Antarctica? Whoa, bioluminescent algae causing pub quiz disruptions? ๐Ÿ˜‚ That's insane! But for real though, Allison Mack's story is giving me major feels ๐Ÿค—. I'm here for the answers, Natalie Robehmed! ๐Ÿ”
 
I'm curious about Allison Mack's story ๐Ÿค”... was she a victim or did she have more control over her actions? I feel bad for anyone who gets manipulated by a cult and can't escape ๐Ÿ˜•... it makes me wonder how many people are affected like that in the US ๐ŸŒŽ. I also love that there's another podcast about Antarctica, Doc Varnam's stories sound so cool! ๐Ÿš€ and I'm intrigued by the Robertson family fishing documentary, sounds super suspenseful โฐ... and Mary Houlihan's new podcast is on my to-list, any good eps? ๐Ÿ“ป
 
OMG ๐Ÿคฏ like I'm so fascinated by Allison Mack's story ๐Ÿ™…โ€โ™€๏ธ I don't know what to think about her at all ๐Ÿ˜ณ did she really get manipulated into joining the NXIVM cult or was she in too deep ๐Ÿ’” I mean, she served time for racketeering which is crazy enough but now she's trying to make amends and share her side of the story ๐Ÿค it's like, I want to believe that she's telling the truth but at the same time I need more info ๐Ÿค” what happened behind closed doors? ๐Ÿ’ฏ
 
I'm so curious about Allison Mack's story, but I don't really get what happened with NXIVM... was she a member for real or just going through the motions? ๐Ÿค” It sounds like her podcast is trying to figure that out and it's got me thinking about cults and power dynamics... how do they work? Is there a way to spot them from afar?

And oh man, Dr Rachel Varnam's stories about Antarctica sound crazy! Bioluminescent algae messing with pub quizzes? That's wild ๐Ÿคฏ. I'd love to know more about what it's like to be a doctor in such a remote place.

I've also been meaning to check out Mary Houlihan's new podcast, she seems like someone who speaks her mind and that's refreshing ๐Ÿ˜Š. And I'm always up for learning more about Jane Austen, I mean who doesn't love Pride & Prejudice? ๐Ÿ“š
 
I'm telling you, there's more to Allison Mack's story than meets the eye ๐Ÿค”. I mean, she was in a prison sentence for racketeering, but what about all the other allegations against her? It's like, what really went down with Keith Raniere and NXIVM? Was she just a pawn or did she play a role? And don't even get me started on how they both seem so... rehearsed ๐Ÿ˜’. Like, they're saying the same lines about "empowerment" and "personal growth", but what's really being talked about behind closed doors? ๐Ÿคซ I need more info to know for sure ๐Ÿ’ก
 
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