S35 E2: Little Dictator | Allison after NXIVM

Allison Mack gives a disturbing order to her first slave—and in doing so, crosses a new line. As her devotion to Keith deepens, her daily life begins to mirror his control: 500 calories a day, cold showers, obsessive self-surveillance. But it’s not just her own body she polices—it’s others’ too. As DOS grows, and brandings multiply, concerned family members start stepping in, and rumours spread.Hear episodes early by finding them on our YouTube channel or by subscribing to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts where episodes are also ad-free.

Former Smallville star Allison Mack is headed to court to be sentenced for her role in NXIVM, the sex cult that lured successful women with promises of personal growth—only to enslave, blackmail, and brand them. When the judge hands down his sentence—three years in federal prison—Allison must begin to unravel the beliefs she once evangelized, parsing what was true and what was manipulation. Journalist Natalie Robehmed sits down with her to explore how she got here: from child actor to TV star to a pivotal moment in Albany that changed everything.To hear all episodes now, early and ad-free, subscribe to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts. Or, find episodes early via CBC True Crime on YouTube.

After Smallville ends, Allison Mack leaves behind her life in Brooklyn to move full-time to Albany, where she immerses herself in Keith Raniere’s teachings. But when a fellow NXIVM member urges her to consult Keith about her deepest insecurities, boundaries in their relationship begin to blur. Soon, Allison is invited to join a secretive women’s group within NXIVM—one that promises empowerment but demands submission.

Coming November 10. This is the inside story of Allison Mack — from TV star to NXIVM enforcer to federal prisoner. With exclusive access post-release, this series explores her rise, fall, and what comes next. Is she a victim, a villain, or something far more complicated?Hear episodes early and ad-free by subscribing to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts.

Monic dreams of leaving her home in rural Uganda for a different life. So when a “friend” promises her a job in Dubai, it feels like the chance she’s been waiting for. Monic is elated, she is the first of her 11 siblings to travel abroad. But just a few months later she is dead. Her family is left searching for answers. What happened in Dubai? A warning that this podcast includes disturbing scenes, including discussion of sexual abuse and suicide. Some episodes also contain strong language. Presented by investigative journalist Runako Celina. Season 9 of World of Secrets, Death in Dubai, is a BBC Eye investigation, produced in association with Thread Studios, for the BBC World Service. Please note, the image is being used for illustrative purposes only and the person depicted in it is a model. More episodes are available here: https://link.mgln.ai/CBCUncoverWoS

June 2017, police arrive at the scene of a burned out vehicle on a quiet road in Squamish, BC. Their investigation turns grisly when they find the remains of a local rock climber inside the truck. But that’s only the beginning of a story filled with dozens of false identities and a sordid, complicated secret past.Can't wait for more? Binge all episodes early on the CBC True Crime YouTube channel at youtube.com/@CBCTrueCrime. For early and ad-free listening, subscribe to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts at apple.co/cbctruecrime.

Three years after his body is discovered, police finally learn the true identity of the murdered climber known as Jesse James. Their findings lead them to a childhood in Massachusetts and a youth marked by disturbing social and political beliefs.Can't wait for more? Binge all episodes early on the CBC True Crime YouTube channel at youtube.com/@CBCTrueCrime. For early and ad-free listening, subscribe to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts at apple.co/cbctruecrime.

Young Andrew Britt Greenbaum takes on a new identity and his white supremacist views bring him national attention. But the truth about his roots causes scandal and complicates his plans for a major event.Can't wait for more? Binge all episodes early on the CBC True Crime YouTube channel at youtube.com/@CBCTrueCrime. For early and ad-free listening, subscribe to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts at apple.co/cbctruecrime.

With his dark political dreams in shambles, Davis Wolfgang Hawke capitalizes on his internet marketing skills and uses them to create a shady and lucrative spamming ring. But while spam is making him very wealthy, it’s also making him some powerful enemies.Can't wait for more? Binge all episodes early on the CBC True Crime YouTube channel at youtube.com/@CBCTrueCrime. For early and ad-free listening, subscribe to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts at apple.co/cbctruecrime.

By the summer of 2025, police have no new leads in the mystery of Jesse James’ murder. Our own investigation leads us to unanswered questions about buried gold and spiralling rumours of a lost crypto fortune. But who killed Jesse James?