The Cult Next Door

Click here to leave us a voice message! In this episode, Ashleigh & Mattie  sit down with Mitzi and Jordan to explore the complex layers of growing up in high-control religious environments. Mitzi shares her journey from a fundamentalist upbringing in Alberta and Missouri—where horror movies were banned but Enya was "safe"—to her current work as a portrait photographer and coach helping others find their authentic selves. The conversation dives deep into the psychological toll of "fitting in" to religious roles, discussing how the relief of finally belonging can often mask th...

Click here to leave us a voice message!We’re back! After being on break since last Halloween, we’re finally jumping back in to "get our feet wet" and remember how our microphones work. In this episode, we catch you up on our seven-month hiatus, from finishing a master’s in counseling to our travels in Paris and the culture shock of returning to the U.S.We also have a real conversation about the "felt sense" of navigating high-control patterns in today’s world and share the lifelines keeping us grounded—like baking two...

Click here to leave us a voice message!Welcome back for a spooky episode that digs into the absolute dread of our childhood Halloweens!We kick off with teachings warning that a "prowling lion" (Satan) is out to devour us, and that our children must not "identify with the pagan holiday" of trick-or-treating.We then reveal the extreme fear culture we were raised in, where everything from an antique ring to a shadow in the yard was proof of demons.The irony is strong as we contrast that...

😱 Scary news... but only for a week!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 one gets a little eerie. 🖤#TheCultNextDoor #Halloween #EverythingIsDemons #PodcastUpdate #SpiritualAbuse #ReligiousTrauma #CultAwareness

Click here to leave us a voice message!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 vulnerable relative, Mindy walks us through the unbelievable events that followed. It’s a story about confronting power, surviving spiritual abuse, and reclaiming y...

Click here to leave us a voice message!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. Mindy also opens up about the controlling nature of her family even after moving out, and how she eventually found love again with her current husband, navigating th...

Click here to leave us a voice message!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 struggles with depression, the complex role of her mother, and how she now fosters openness with her own children. This episode offers a powerful look at the im...

Click here to leave us a voice message!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 two abusive marriages before ultimately stepping away from church life altogether. Both sisters reflect on the lasting impact of their upbringing, the challenges of healing, and the importance of self-grace and u...

Click here to leave us a voice message!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 demanding work of building a tabernacle and managing farm life. The sisters reveal how these experiences strained their relationship and led to emotional challenges. They also talk about t...

Click here to leave us a voice message!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 increasing control, isolation, and challenges they faced—especially as young women. This candid conversation sheds light on the complexities of life inside a cult and the lasting impact it...

Leave us a voice message here!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 fears around faith, death, and loss, and reflections on religious trauma and self-compassion.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, and support the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee to help...

Here's a special episode of American Criminal: NXIVM 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 don’t know the whole story… until now. Past seasons have covered:A series of bombings that shook Salt Lake City, with rare Mormon documents at the center of the mys...

Leave us a voice message here!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 explore the struggle to question, deconstruct, and ultimately break free from a worldview that leaves little room for doubt or alternative perspectives. Follow us on F...

Leave us a voice message here!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 punishing God, and how she gradually embraced self-love. Luna also reflects on the impact of purity culture and the importance of trusting oneself and sharing one’s...

Leave us a voice message here!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 family’s journey took them through various cults, including one led by the notorious R.G. Stair, before Luna found the strength to leave with the support of her future husband. Now a s...

Leave us a voice message here!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 experiences shaped her identity, her faith, and her voice as a creator. We also talk about her latest project, Black & CULTivated—a podcast centering the stories of Black and Brown cult...

Leave us a voice message here!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 or Buy Me a Coffee to help us continue sharing these important stories!#TrueCrimePodcast #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #ExposingCults #FaithDeconstruction #CultStories #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchAbuse #LifeAfterCult #BreakingFree...

Leave us a voice message here!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 TikTok for updates, and support the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee to help us continue sharing these important stories! #TrueCrimePodcast #Cul...

Leave us a voice message here!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 autonomy and finding peace after spiritual control. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, and support the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a Cof...

Leave us a voice message here!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 help us continue sharing these important stories!     #TrueCrimePodcast #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #ExposingCults #FaithDeconstruction #CultStories #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchAbuse #LifeAfterCult #BreakingFree #SurvivorStory #TrueStoryPodcast #PodcastRecommendations #HealingJourney #CultAwareness #Exposin...