logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
44m 8s

Quiet on Set: Kate Taylor on Nickelodeon...

Sarah Edmondson & Anthony “Nippy” Ames
About this episode

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.

Sometimes predators hide in plain sight. Like on the set of your kids’ favorite TV shows. The docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" (Investigation Discovery) exposes the dark allegations haunting some of the most popular late 90s to 2000s Nickelodeon productions created by executive producer Dan Schneider. “Quiet” builds on groundbreaking 2022 reporting by Business Insider senior correspondent Kate Taylor, who serves as a producer on the series, to depict an environment rife with workplace horrors. Kate joins us today to delve into the story behind the headlines and to help us wrap our heads around the outrageous ways that networks, unions, and parents fail to protect child actors. It’s a real angry-making cluster that is not unique to Nickelodeon. Be warned that this episode contains conversations around child abuse and sexual assault, so please listen with care. 

SHOW NOTES

About Kate Taylor: In her 2022 exposé, Business Insider senior correspondent Kate Taylor looked into the disturbing reality behind Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider's shows, revealing accounts of verbal abuse, inappropriate conduct with underage cast members, and gender discrimination. Schneider's Nickelodeon empire, once celebrated, is now under scrutiny in the 5-part docuseries, with cast and crew recounting their experiences.  Watch the  trailer here.  Learn more about Kate’s work at katehtaylor.com and follow her on Twitter/X:  @Kate_H_Taylor

ADDITIONAL CITATIONS: The Cut Article: “Dan Schneider Made a 19-Minute Apology Video” 

 

Since this conversation was recorded more controversy has erupted around the Dan Schneider story, and the making of the ‘Quiet on Set’ series. Here are links to recent coverage in DeadlineVanity Fair, and Entertainment Weekly. 

 

Also…Let it be known far and wide, loud and clear that…

 

The views and opinions expressed on A Little Bit Culty do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything. Nobody’s mad at you, just don’t be a culty fuckwad.

 

Check out our lovely sponsors

Join ‘A Little Bit Culty’ on Patreon

Get poppin’ fresh ALBC Swag

Support the pod and smash this link

Cult awareness and recovery resources

Watch Sarah’s TEDTalk

 

CREDITS: 

Executive Producers: Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames

Production Partner: Citizens of Sound

Producer: Will RetherfordResearcher & Episode Writer: Amanda Ambrose

Writer & Co-Creator: Jess Tardy

Theme Song: “Cultivated” by Jon Bryant co-written with Nygel Asselin

Up next
Oct 6
Inside Cult Intervention: Lessons from Joe Szimhart (Part 1)
In this gripping episode of 'A Little Bit Culty,' hosts welcome Joe Szimhart, a veteran cult interventionist with over 40 years of experience. Joe delves into the history and evolution of cult deprogramming, sharing intricate details of his personal journey from an art student to ... Show More
35m 53s
Oct 2
Child Labor, Tom Cruise, and Space Erotica: Marc Headley on Escaping Scientology (Part 2)
In this follow-up episode, Marc Headley shares his extraordinary experiences within Scientology and the Sea Organization. He recounts being recruited into the Sea Org, working under extreme conditions in Los Angeles, and eventually being promoted to the international headquarters ... Show More
59m 52s
Sep 29
Child Labor, Tom Cruise, and Space Erotica: Marc Headley on Escaping Scientology (Part 1)
This episode is a conversation between a former member of the Sea Organization, an elite group within the Church of Scientology, and a host, Marc Headley. Part 1 of this discussion covers the former member's experiences in Scientology, including his family's involvement, the nume ... Show More
42m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Quiet on Set, PDiddy with Nickelodeon Writer Christy Stratton
P Diddy's homes were raided. What does this mean in regard to his sex trafficking lawsuit? Then Christy Stratton, former Nickelodeon writer for Dan Schneider’s The Amanda Show tells all. Christy was featured in the four-part documentary Quiet On Set, which tells the harrowing tal ... Show More
1h 30m
Jul 2024
Slow Burn: Gays Against Briggs | 2. Defend Our Children
In 1977, John Briggs was a small-time state senator with big dreams. But Briggs’ plan to ban gay and lesbian teachers from California schools changed the arc of his life and career. Suddenly, he was a right-wing hero, and a villain of the gay rights movement. And his message seem ... Show More
53m 16s
Nov 2024
Will Kids Online, In Fact, Be All Right?
In her new FX docuseries “Social Studies,” the artist and filmmaker Lauren Greenfield delves into the post-pandemic lives—and phones—of a group of L.A. teens. Screen recordings of the kids’ social-media use reveal how these platforms have reshaped their experience of the world in ... Show More
48m 28s
Sep 2024
Meghan Markle’s Jam Crisis & Angelina Jolie’s Tears
Iconic teen drama One Tree Hill is reportedly making a comeback, but now there’s a feud between the stars brewing behind the scenes. Plus, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt both attended the Venice Film Festival, despite plans behind the scenes to keep them apart. It all ended in tear ... Show More
20m 49s
May 2024
Gays Against Briggs | 2. Defend Our Children
In 1977, John Briggs was a small-time state senator with big dreams. But Briggs’ plan to ban gay and lesbian teachers from California schools changed the arc of his life and career. Suddenly, he was a right-wing hero, and a villain of the gay rights movement. And his message seem ... Show More
53m 16s
Jan 2025
Joe Francis: Indie Sleaze | 140
Joe Francis created an empire of spring break smut with the “Girls Gone Wild” video series. But the story behind the alcohol-fueled antics is darker than you think. Scaachi interviews Jamila Wignot, director of the docuseries “Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story” as they revisit Sc ... Show More
48m 51s
Mar 2025
Millie Bobby Brown Has Had Enough
As Disney's newest live-action remake of Snow White becomes the centre of America's latest culture war, facing backlash over casting, messaging and its portrayal of classic themes... Richard and Marina unpack why this might become the mouse's biggest ever fumble. Millie Bobby Bro ... Show More
57m 39s
Apr 2025
‘Our Kids Are the Least Flourishing Generation We Know Of’
There’s something of a policy revolution afoot: As of March, more than a dozen states — including California, Florida and Ohio — have passed bills or adopted policies that aim to limit cellphone usage at school. More are expected to follow.Jonathan Haidt is the leader of this par ... Show More
1h 11m
Feb 2025
A Forensic Analysis of Meghan Markle’s Announcement
After trademark troubles and delays with her original brand, our favourite ex-royal is giving it another go. Meghan Markle's new Instagram teaser still gives us those dreamy Montecito mansion vibes, but now with a different name and (presumably) fewer jams. Is this a strategic pi ... Show More
38m 37s
Nov 2023
The Abercrombie Guys: 8. The Fallout
A lawsuit is filed revealing new allegations, but what did Abercrombie and Fitch know? An anonymous source speaks about Mike Jeffries' time at A&F, but the company won't answer all our questions. Meanwhile, another staffer recalls his time working for The Abercrombie Guys: "I onl ... Show More
29m 1s