NXIVM on Trial

Latest Episodes:

Scrutiny on this judge Sep 04, 2020

Show notes

As Keith Raniere's October 27 sentencing nears, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler and courts reporter Robert Gavin discuss several developments in the NXIVM saga.

That includes a revelation that Raniere recently told a loyal NXIVM disciple that he wanted to "get scrutiny" on Judge Nicholas Garaufis, and Seagrams' heiress Clare Bronfman's refusal to disavow NXIVM and Raniere as she stands convicted of NXIVM-related crimes.

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NXIVM Exposed: A Post-Trial Talk - Part II Aug 28, 2020

Show notes

NXIVM founder Keith Raniere faces sentencing October 27 for his 2019 conviction on federal charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy, and conspiracy to commit forced labor. NXIVM whistleblower Toni Natalie and cult expert Rick Ross played large roles in the investigation that led to Raniere's downfall as head of the shadowy organization.

On this episode of NXIVM on Trial, hear the second half of a 2019 conversation between Natalie, Ross and Senior Editor Brendan Lyons at the Times Union's Hearst Center. During the discussion, they shine a light on the inner workings of NXIVM, including the role played by Seagram's heiress Clare Bronfman.

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A different kind of Vanguard Week Aug 21, 2020

Show notes

On the eve of what would have been a week-long celebration of the birthday of disgraced former leader of NXIVM Keith Raniere, HBO's new documentary series "The Vow" will premiere the first of nine episodes looking back at the organization and the downfall of its leader. The series, which will air weekly, coincidentally times out to conclude in tandem with Raniere's long-delayed October 27 sentencing.

In this episode of NXIVM on Trial, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler and reporter Robert Gavin discuss the documentary, the reaction from former NXIVM members deeply unhappy to be featured in it, and recent developments in the case of Seagram's heiress Clare Bronfman, who pled guilty to felony charges related to her involvement in NXIVM in April 2019.

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Dancing for "Kay Rose" Jul 17, 2020

Show notes

Every night since July 3, a group of people turn on music and dance on the street outside Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. The group that organized the dancing say it's meant to support federal inmates during the pandemic, including one in particular: Kay Rose.

There is, however, no inmate by that name in the Brooklyn facility — or anywhere else in the federal prison population, for that matter. But "Kay Rose" shares the initials of someone who has spent the past two years in the downstate lockup: Keith Raniere, the leader of the formerly influential and now shattered organization known as NXIVM.

On this episode of NXIVM on Trial, Times Union editor Casey Seiler and reporter Robert Gavin discuss the latest development in the NXIVM saga.

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NXIVM Exposed: A post-trial talk (part 1) Oct 15, 2019

Show notes

Times Union editor Brendan Lyons moderates a conversation between NXIVM whistleblower Toni Natalie and cult expert Rick Ross.

The episode highlights their personal interactions with NXIVM and its founder, Keith Raniere, who was convicted this summer on federal charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy, and conspiracy to commit forced labor.

Ross and Natalie shine a light on the inner workings of NXIVM and Lyons offers his own insights covering the shadowy organization.

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Vanguard Week anniversary special Aug 28, 2019

Show notes

Times Union managing editor Casey Seiler assembles the newspaper's NXIVM beat writers, Robert Gavin and Brendan Seiler, for an update on the shadowy cult since its leader, Keith Raniere, was found guilty of federal racketeering charges and more.

The conversation addresses a lawsuit against NXIVM, the potential prison sentences for members of the cult and a made-for-television movie debuting in September.

The episode also explores the doctor who had his medical license revoked by the state for conducting unsanctioned experiments on behalf of NXIVM.

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Swift Justice Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

In a special post-verdict edition of the Times Union's "NXIVM on Trial" podcast, managing editor Casey Seiler and justice reporter Robert Gavin discuss Wednesday's speedy verdict in the trial of NXIVM leader Keith Raniere: guilty on all counts.

Gavin describes the scene in the courtroom when Raniere learned his fate, and the reactions from his defense attorneys and the people who have claimed their lives as well as those of their loved ones were ruined by the man known within NXIVM as "Vanguard."

Daily coverage of the trial is available in print and online at www.timesunion.com/nxivm/.

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"Like in Rome or Whatever" Jun 15, 2019

Show notes

The seventh episode of the Times Union's "NXIVM on Trial" podcast breaks down the final week of testimony in the federal trial of Keith Raniere, and what's coming next week as jurors prepare to begin deliberations.

This week's episode, "Like in Rome or Whatever," features an interview with reporter Robert Gavin from Brooklyn, and looks at the testimony of the final prosecution witnesses, including two women who broke away from the shadowy "master/slave" group within NXIVM and an FBI agent who introduced video evidence of Raniere discussing his belief that sexual relations between adults and children isn't necessarily abuse.

Daily coverage of the trial is available in print and online at www.timesunion.com/nxivm/.

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A shadow over Knox Woods Jun 07, 2019

Show notes

The sixth episode of the "NXIVM on Trial" podcast features an interview with Rob Gavin, the Times Union's reporter in the Brooklyn courthouse where Keith Raniere faced some of the most brutal testimony in the case thus far.

Gavin talks about the scene in the courtroom and the media covering it, and describes his visit to the Knox Woods neighborhood in Halfmoon, where neighbors of the NXIVM high command are only now learning what went on behind closed doors in the pleasant suburban homes all around them.

Also: Casey Seiler recaps the news from this week's three days of testimony, including a 31-year-old actress' account of her initiation into NXIVM's "master/slave" club.

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An Ethical Breach May 31, 2019

Show notes

The fifth episode of the Times Union's podcast "NXIVM on Trial" offers analysis of the week-long testimony of a young Mexican woman who said she was placed in virtual confinement in a Halfmoon bedroom for two years on the orders of NXIVM leader Keith Raniere.

With justice reporter Robert Gavin in Brooklyn covering a Friday session of the trial, the podcast features managing editor Casey Seiler and investigations/Capitol Bureau chief Brendan J. Lyons.

Topics include how the woman's testimony appeared to play with the jury — the short answer: not at all well for Raniere — and how "Secrets of NXIVM," a 2012 investigative series by the Times Union appears to have played a role in NXIVM's decision to transport her to the U.S.-Mexico border and cut her loose.

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