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
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.Â
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.Â
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 ...
Now a licensed mental health professional and theologian, she uses her expertis...
In Part 2, "Trust Me, Bro," Seth Forrestier dives deeper into his journey of leaving the cult and the struggles that came with breaking free. He reflects on the impact of his past and shares where he stands now on religion, faith, and spirituality. This conversation is an honest look at rebuilding life after high-control groups.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, and support t...
In Ep.50: "All Going to Burn," we sit down with Seth Forrestier, a former fourth-generation member of the Worldwide Church of God and its offshoots. Seth shares his experiences growing up in these high-control groups, including the Living Church of God, and the deep fear-based teachings that shaped his life. He opens up about the moment he began questioning it all and his journey toward breaking f...
In Part 2, "Not In The Right Spirit," Brittney opens up about the manipulative dynamics of The Love Move, her bold decision to confront the pastor over an inappropriate relationship, and the events that led to her courageous exit from Crusade Church. his eye-opening conversation sheds light on the challenges of breaking free from control and reclaiming her life.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, an...
In Part 1 of this compelling conversation, we talk with Brittney, a long-time former member of Crusade Church. Brittney shares how she became involved with the church and what life was like during her time as a devoted member. Her story offers deep insight into the experiences of those within the church.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates, and support the podcast on Patre...
In this largely uncut roundtable discussion, Mattie and Ashleigh sit down with Jen Lewis and Michael Sandow to explore the beginnings of "The Love Move" in Crusade Church. Together, they delve into its early promises, underlying dynamics, and the lasting effects it had on those involved. This raw and revealing conversation offers a firsthand look at the movement's rise and its hidden truths.
Follow...
Season 3, Episode 2: Christian Nationalism and Religious Trauma with Dr. Laura E. Anderson In this powerful episode of The Cult Next Door Podcast, hosts Mattie Lasiter and Ashleigh Teeter sit down with Dr. Laura E. Anderson, a licensed psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach, and founder of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Dr. Anderson specializes in religious trauma, adverse religi...
Popular Podcasts
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.