The Cult Next Door
Hosted by Mattie Lasiter and Ashleigh Teeter, siblings who were separated for more than 25 years due to the shadow of their shared past. Their father, a charismatic but enigmatic figure, led a cult that consumed the lives of its members, leaving their family torn apart and forbidden from contact. They have reunited to share their journey with you while unravelling the haunting tales of cults from around the world, shedding light on the warning signs that can help prevent others from falling into their grasp.
Episodes
We’re taking a short break from releasing episodes, but don’t worry — we’ll be back next week with our Halloween special: Everything Is Demons. 👻
In this one, we’re diving into the fear, superstition, and control that came from being told the world was full of demons — and how that shaped the way we saw everything from movies to music to holidays.
So stay tuned, and maybe keep a light on… this on...
In this final part of Mindy’s story, the truth finally comes crashing down—and her father literally runs from it. What began as suspicion turns into undeniable proof of a shocking betrayal: her dad, the pastor, pursuing a relationship with his own daughter-in-law just months after her mother’s death.
From the bizarre family “meeting” meant to confront him, to his financial exploitation of a vul...
In our 2nd episode with Mindy, she shares her journey growing up in a strict religious environment where purity culture shaped her early decisions, including marrying young at 19. She recounts the challenges of marrying a man struggling with alcoholism, the painful experience of domestic violence, and the difficult decision to divorce despite the heavy shame and guilt imposed by her community....
Our guest, Mindy shares her experience growing up in a cult-like family led by her controlling pastor father. The family moved often due to financial struggles and her father’s various church roles. Mindy describes strict rules, harsh punishments, and emotional and physical abuse, alongside the influence of charismatic ministries and the chaotic "holy laughter" movement.
She also discusses her ...
Liz and Mel share their journeys after leaving high-control churches. Mel finds initial comfort in a non-denominational church, marries, and starts a family, but later becomes involved in another controlling Acts 29 church and the quiverful movement, leading to raising eight children under strict patriarchal rules.
Liz struggles with her identity outside the church, faces trauma, and endures t...
In this episode, Liz and Mel open up about their contrasting experiences growing up on a highly controlled religious farm. Mel shares the difficulties she faced, including being accused of inappropriate behavior and enduring harsh treatment from elders, while Liz reflects on being seen as the favored "golden child".
They discuss the strict rules around music, social interactions, and the deman...
In this episode, sisters Liz and Melanie share their intertwined journey growing up in a high-control religious group known as "the Move." They discuss their family’s early involvement, the group’s strict hierarchy, and the intense teachings focused on being “set apart” and striving for sinless perfection.
From attending conventions to eventually moving to a commune-style farm, they reveal the ...
In this episode, Taylor shares her journey of deconstructing a high-control religion and escaping cult-like environments. She discusses her struggles with faith, reconciling science and religion, and the emotional challenges of breaking free from deeply ingrained beliefs. Topics include questioning religious dogma and critical thinking, learning about evolution and its impact on her worldview, facing f...
From our friends at Airship — the studio behind American Scandal, Business Movers, and History Daily — comes an exclusive episode of American Criminal. The show dives deep into the lives and misdeeds of history’s most notorious criminals, as well as some of the wildest crimes you’ve never heard of. Fraud, theft, murder, and worse — whatever the case, whoever the criminal — you do...
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the challenges of growing up within a strict religious environment that demands viewing the world solely through a biblical lens. From the impact of purity culture and extreme dogma to the suspension of critical thinking and the burden of proof in faith, this conversation exposes the harmful ideologies ingrained in some Christian communities. Join us as we ex...
This is part 2 of our conversation with Luna, where she shares her journey of leaving a high-control church and beginning to question long-held beliefs. A key moment in her story is the decision to wear pants again, symbolizing her first step toward personal freedom and self-expression. She discusses the fear of rejection rooted in her family and religious teachings, her struggle with the idea of a pun...
In this episode, our guest Luna Whitlock shares her compelling story of growing up immersed in the Jesus movement and navigating life within multiple high-control religious groups. Raised by a former hippie father who became deeply involved in fundamentalist and patriarchal teachings, Luna experienced the strict discipline, purity culture, and submission expected of women in these environments.
Her fam...
In Ep. 59: "Boring-Ass Racist White Church," we’re joined by actor, writer, and podcast host LaNisa Renee Frederick for a bold and unfiltered conversation about her upbringing in the Worldwide Church of God—a high-control religious movement masquerading as Christianity. LaNisa shares what it was like growing up in what she unapologetically calls a “boring-ass racist white church,” and how those experie...
In Ep. 58: "Breaking the Shackles," we conclude our follow-up conversation with Blake Moorer as he reflects on his healing journey and the work it takes to break free from the lasting grip of high-control religion. Blake shares his continued struggles, breakthroughs, and what true freedom looks like for him now.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, and support the podcast on Patreon...
In Ep. 57: "Substituted Therapy," we reconnect with Blake Moorer for a follow-up conversation about where he is now in his healing journey. Blake opens up about what has helped, what hasn’t, and the challenges of navigating recovery after leaving a high-control environment. He also shares his hopes for the future and the ongoing process of rebuilding his life.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTo...
In Ep. 56: "Room To Think," our final conversation with Mandy Jones, we continue her story from her previous episode, diving into her journey of leaving high-control religion behind. Mandy shares how stepping away gave her the space to think for herself, reshape her beliefs, and redefine her relationships with faith, family, and life as a whole. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on reclaiming autonom...
Bonus Episode: "Fear & Loathing in Big Sandy" – Seth Forrestier had more to say, and so did we! In this special bonus episode, we dive into a fun, freewheeling conversation with Seth, covering more untold stories, insights, and laughs. Don’t miss this candid and unfiltered discussion!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, and support the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee to h...
In Part 1 of our conversation with Mandy Jones, we explore her family’s unique journey through various religious groups, including the Worldwide Church of God offshoots, Messianic movements, and eventually, a brief time in Crusade Church. Mandy shares how these experiences shaped her worldview and the challenges of navigating high-control religious environments.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Ti...
In Ep. 54: "Heavy Petting & Getting Weird," our final conversation with Naomi Wright, we explore the path Crusade Church was on and how it reflected the patterns she experienced growing up in her father’s cult. She shares her perspective on the warning signs of high-control groups, the recurring tactics of spiritual abuse, and the lasting effects on those trapped within them.
Don’t miss this insight...
In Ep. 53: "We Have Your Father Here," Naomi Wright returns to share more of her journey, including the unexpected loss of her father—a moment that shattered the very teachings he had preached. After years of claiming he would never die, his passing set off a slow domino effect, unraveling long-held beliefs and exposing the cracks in his doctrine. Naomi reflects on this pivotal moment, the impact ...
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