Allison After NXIVM: Allison Mack Tells Her Story [Podcast Review]

Smallville star Allison Mack finally shares her side of the NXIVM story in CBC’s Uncover: Allison After NXIVM podcast.

I was obsessed with Smallville back in the day. I tuned in for Clark Kent’s early years, but Chloe—played by Allison Mack—was my favorite character. Back then, I couldn’t imagine that Mack would become famous for anything other than acting. Yet here we are. And now, Allison Mack is remembered as one of the key figures in the NXIVM cult scandal.

Until now, Mack has mostly stayed silent outside the courtroom. But in the latest season of CBC’s true crime podcast Uncover, titled Allison After NXIVM, she finally shares her own story.

A Quick NXIVM Refresher

If you’ve somehow managed to miss the endless stream of NXIVM documentaries, podcasts, and true crime specials, here’s the shortest possible refresher: NXIVM was founded by self-proclaimed genius Keith Raniere in the late 1990s. It started as a so-called self-improvement and leadership training organization, but behind the empowerment messaging was a manipulative system that exploited and abused members—emotionally, financially, and sexually.

Listening to Allison After NXIVM

I devoured all seven episodes of Allison After NXIVM in one night. Granted, I’ve been fascinated (borderline obsessed) with the NXIVM cult ever since HBO’s The Vow. Not because I couldn’t believe something like it could exist—but because I absolutely could. It’s disturbingly easy to understand how people, especially those seeking meaning, connection, or purpose, could fall for NXIVM’s initial pitch. I like to think I wouldn’t have gone as far down the rabbit hole as someone like Allison Mack. But honestly, I haven’t been in that kind of situation, so I can’t say that with total certainty.

The podcast traces Mack’s entire journey—from how she got involved, to why she moved to Albany to be closer to Raniere, to her eventual role as a “master” in DOS, the secret women’s group that branded its members with Raniere’s initials. Mack insists she believed the program was about female empowerment, but instead, it became a system of abuse. Listening to her story, it’s clear she was both an abuser and a victim.

Performance, and Remorse

I learned a lot about her role and mindset through these episodes. At times, I thought she was genuinely beginning to take responsibility. Other times… not so much. She’s a talented actress, and it’s hard not to question whether her tears and remorse were sincere. But regardless of performance, her story felt real, and by the end, I couldn’t help but feel compassion for her.

The Salzman Legacy

The standout moments of the series, though, come from Lauren Salzman’s interviews. Her story—growing up with her mother, Nancy Salzman, NXIVM’s co-founder, and her eventual relationship with Reneire—is absolutely devastating. It’s hard not to feel immense empathy for her. I would love an entire season based around Lauren’s journey.

If you’re fascinated by cults, power dynamics, or the gray area between victim and perpetrator, Allison After NXIVM is worth your time. It doesn’t excuse what happened, but it does make you think. Anyone, under the right (or wrong) circumstances, might be vulnerable to a coercive, high-control group like NXIVM.

Listen to the podcast trailer below:

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