26 JUN 2024 · In Episode 34 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "All Of The Magic," former member Blake Moorer returns to discuss the harrowing intensity of "The Love Move" within Crusade Church. Blake reveals how "The Love Move" was becoming increasingly physical in nature, with the leader introducing new revelations from God that starkly contradicted the Bible and the church's long-standing teachings. Blake shares the pivotal moments and revelations that led him and his family to ultimately break free from the church and its manipulative leader. This episode provides an eye-opening account of their journey to escape, shedding light on the profound impact of "The Love Move" and the courageous steps taken to reclaim their lives.

19 JUN 2024 · In episode 33 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, "When Religion Hurts You: with Dr. Laura E. Anderson", hosts Mattie and Ashleigh welcome first time guest Dr. Laura Anderson to the CND conversation. Dr. Anderson is a psychotherapist, trauma resolution and recovery coach, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence and religious trauma.  She is the founder and director of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery, an online coaching company where she and the other practitioners work with clients who have experienced high demand/high control religions, adverse religious experiences, cults, and religious trauma. And, she is co-founder of the Religious Trauma Institute and the author of the book When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion, a book we cannot recommend enough! In this episode, Dr. Anderson shares her own story of growing up in fundamentalism and what eventually led to her exit. We discuss high control religion, Adverse Religious Experiences, and the impact trauma has on the nervous system. Dr. Anderson also gives listeners some tips on ways to regulate the nervous system and begin to heal.   Resources:  You can find Dr. Anderson on Instagram @drlauraanderson where she provides daily content offering wisdom and encouragement for those healing from religious trauma.  You can also schedule an appointment with a counselor who specializes in high demand/high control religions, adverse religious experiences, cults, and religious trauma through the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery:https://www.traumaresolutionandrecovery.com/ Listen to Dr. Anderson’s podcast, Sunday School Dropouts on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information about the Religious Trauma Institute, check out the website. https://www.religioustraumainstitute.com/

12 JUN 2024 · In Episode 32 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "A Demon Named Pretense," Michael "Sandy" Sandow concludes his harrowing account of life within Crusade Church. Sandy describes the escalating paranoia of the leader, who began sharing increasingly frequent and bizarre visions and prophecies he claimed were from God. The leader insisted that high-ranking demons, and even Satan himself, were trying to kill him, revealing the depths of his delusions. Sandy also speaks about the shifting attitudes within the group following their separation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which further exposed the leader's instability. As Sandy pieces together these experiences, he shares his profound realization that the Pastor of Crusade Church was more of a charlatan than a spiritual guide. This episode offers a gripping and revealing conclusion to Sandy's journey, highlighting the final events that led to his departure from the cult.

5 JUN 2024 · In Episode 31 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "Cloaks of Humility," hosts Mattie and Ashleigh are joined once again by former Crusade Church member Michael "Sandy" Sandow. Sandy recounts the early days of "The Love Move" and the increasingly uncomfortable positions that members found themselves in as the movement gained momentum. The episode delves into the cult leader's insistent push for "The Love Move," urging members to disregard appearances and embrace a new level of physical intimacy that the church had previously condemned. Claiming to receive divine visions, the leader implored members to take up their spiritual "Cloaks of Humility" and suppress their intuition and any growing doubts about the true nature of The Love Move. Through riveting excerpts from the leader's written messages to the church and his family, the episode vividly illustrates the depths of conditioning and control exerted over the congregation."Cloaks of Humility" sheds light on the manipulative tactics used to disguise control as selfless devotion, providing a compelling and eye-opening account of life within Crusade Church.

22 MAY 2024 · In the concluding chapter of Chelsie's Crusade Church saga, Ep.30 "Let Us Love On You" of The Cult Next Door Podcast, Chelsie recounts a chilling encounter with Pastor Larry. In a final attempt to lure her back to the church, Larry invites Chelsie to meet in his home, cloaking his manipulation in a guise of concern, love and affection. As Chelsie describes the unsettling meeting & the seeminly new direction the church has taken, listeners are drawn into her growing sense of unease and the profound realization that something is deeply wrong. 

15 MAY 2024 · In a gripping continuation of Chelsie's journey, Ep.29: "Never Good Enough delves deeper into the events leading up to her eventual exit and the aftermath of her departure from Crusade Church and the painful repercussions that followed. As Chelsie confronts the harsh reality of being ostracized by friends and family, listeners are invited to witness her resilience and determination to forge a new path forward. Chelsie shares the emotional toll of losing her support network and grappling with feelings of abandonment and betrayal. As she navigates the complexities of rebuilding her life outside the confines of the church, Chelsie confronts the pervasive sense of inadequacy instilled by years of manipulation and control.

8 MAY 2024 · In "The Devil's Playground," listeners are drawn into the harrowing tale of teenage romance turned catastrophic within the confines of Crusade Church and the Lasiter Family. This installment serves as a companion piece to Episode 8, "Forty Days & Forty Nights," offering a new perspective on the events previously recounted by co-host Mattie. Chelsie Ryan, the teenage girl at the center of the storm, steps forward to share her firsthand account of the enduring impact these events have had on her life. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Chelsie delves deep into the emotional aftermath of the cataclysmic events, exploring the lasting scars and ongoing journey to mental & emotional health & recovery. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome, even in the darkest of circumstances.

1 MAY 2024 · In episode 27 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "Embracing the Self: Enneagram Insights," hosts Mattie and Ashleigh continue their eye opening conversation with Lindsay Taylor, LMFT, in Part 2 of this enlightening 2 part series. This episode delves into the themes of self-awareness and emotional health within the context of high control groups. The discussion begins with Lindsay explaining the importance of recognizing and expressing our emotions, particularly anger, as a healthy part of understanding who we are. She highlights how suppressing feelings can often exacerbate the core wounds experienced by individuals in controlling environments. Throughout the episode, Lindsay discusses how the Enneagram can be a powerful tool in uncovering our true selves and healing from past traumas. She provides insights into how each Enneagram type deals with suppression and the impact it has on their behavior and relationships. The conversation also explores why it's crucial to acknowledge these core wounds, especially for those who have been part of high control groups. Lindsay shares practical advice on how listeners can begin to work through their suppressed emotions and embrace a more authentic life. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how the Enneagram can aid in personal growth and recovery, and how embracing our full range of emotions can lead to a healthier, more fulfilled life.

24 APR 2024 · In episode 26 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled “Inside the Enneagram: Understanding Cult Influence”, hosts Mattie and Ashleigh dive into the world of cults and undue influence with Lindsay Taylor, LMFT, who brings her expertise in utilizing the Enneagram within her counseling practice. In Part 1 of this two part series, Lindsay sheds light on how susceptibility to high control groups intersects with Enneagram types, highlighting the connections between personality traits and vulnerability to manipulation.  The episode opens with an introduction to Lindsay and her unique approach to therapy through the lens of the Enneagram. She explains the basic principles of this personality typing system and its applications in understanding human behavior, motivations, and fears. In describing each type, Lindsay notes the circumstances by which each type could fall prey to undue influence.  Lindsay skillfully navigates through the complexities of personality dynamics, discussing how certain types may be drawn to charismatic leaders and ideologies that promise belonging and purpose. She also touches upon the role of trauma and past experiences in shaping an individual's susceptibility to manipulation.  The discussion culminates in an examination of which Enneagram types might be more likely to emerge as cult leaders themselves. Lindsay's expertise and compassionate approach provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between personality, influence, and group dynamics. Yourenneagramcoach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourenneagramcoach?igsh=MWgya3hxa3UzajlmZw==

17 APR 2024 · In the gripping follow-up to "Snake Oil Salesman," Ep.25 "Red Flags" continues David's narrative as he grapples with the aftermath of uncovering the true nature of Pastor Larry and the toxic environment within Crusade Church. With a newfound sense of clarity, David embarks on a journey of liberation, determined to navigate the treacherous waters of disillusionment and rebuild his life outside the confines of the church. He recounts the emotional turmoil and challenges he faced in coming to terms with the betrayal of trust and manipulation he endured. Joined once again by hosts Mattie and Ashleigh, David shares his strategies for moving forward and coping with the aftermath of his experience. Drawing parallels to a rescue mission, David describes his efforts to reach out to fellow congregants and offer support and guidance to those still ensnared by Pastor Larry's influence.