Episodes

  • Ep.46: Christian Nationalism w/ Dr. Laura E. Anderson

    Ep.46: Christian Nationalism w/ Dr. Laura E. Anderson
    Jan 8 2025
    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 religious experiences, and the impact of high-control systems.

    She’s also the author of When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High-Control Religion. Together, they explore the unsettling rise of Christian Nationalism and its impact, particularly on survivors of high-control religion. Dr. Anderson shares her insights into why this political and religious ideology can feel especially triggering, evoking feelings of fear, grief, and loss of autonomy for those with lived experiences of coercion and authoritarianism.

    Highlights of the conversation include: Understanding what Christian Nationalism is and how it differs from other religious and political expressions. Exploring why this ideology feels particularly devastating to survivors of religious trauma. Discussing the "us vs. them" mentality central to high-control religion and its political implications. Strategies for coping with feelings of helplessness, including finding "glimmers" of hope amidst overwhelming fear. The critical role mental health professionals play in helping people navigate the intersection of trauma and political fear.

    This is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the emotional fallout of the recent election or seeking to understand the deep psychological effects of high-control religion and Christian Nationalism.

    Find Dr. Laura Anderson at: Website: www.drlauraeanderson.com Instagram: @drlauraeanderson Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery: www.traumaresolutionandrecovery.com Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who may find it helpful. Your support helps us continue amplifying voices and stories that matter.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep.45: Back In The Saddle Again

    Ep.45: Back In The Saddle Again
    Jan 1 2025
    We’re kicking off Season 3 of The Cult Next Door Podcast with a bang! In this episode, Mattie and Ashleigh reflect on the journey so far, share exciting updates, and dive into what’s ahead this season. From cult survivor stories to exposing high-control groups, we’re ready to bring you more truth, more healing, and more conversation. Let’s saddle up for another season of uncovering the untold.

    #podcast #truecrimepodcast #cultsurvivor #spiritualabuse #religiousabuse #exvangelical #cultstories #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podcastrecommendation #religioustrauma #cultnextdoor #truecrimecommunity #podcastersofinstagram #escapecult #survivorstories #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #deconstructingfaith #churchabuse
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    33 mins
  • Patreon Exclusive: "This is how was going to fix my life."

    Patreon Exclusive: "This is how was going to fix my life."
    Sep 11 2024
    Teaser for a Patreon exclusive episode available at patreon.com/thecultnextdoorpodcast

    #podcast #truecrimepodcast #cultsurvivor #spiritualabuse #religiousabuse #exvangelical #cultstories #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podcastrecommendation #religioustrauma #cultnextdoor #truecrimecommunity #podcastersofinstagram #escapecult #survivorstories #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #deconstructingfaith #churchabuse
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    3 mins
  • Ep.44: Survivors

    Ep.44: Survivors
    Sep 4 2024
    In the Season 2 finale of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "Survivors," Ashleigh and Mattie take a moment to reflect on the impact of their podcast. They read heartfelt letters and reviews from listeners who share how the stories and discussions have affected their lives. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the podcast's mission and the community it has built, bringing Season 2 to a meaningful close.

    #podcast #truecrimepodcast #cultsurvivor #spiritualabuse #religiousabuse #exvangelical #cultstories #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #podcastrecommendation #religioustrauma #cultnextdoor #truecrimecommunity #podcastersofinstagram #escapecult #survivorstories #healingjourney #mentalhealthawareness #deconstructingfaith #churchabuse
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    54 mins
  • Ep.43: "Guardians of Purity"

    Ep.43: "Guardians of Purity"
    Aug 28 2024
    In Episode 43 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "Guardians of Purity," Jessica Lasiter concludes her story for Season 2. She recounts her difficult exit from Crusade Church, her return after 5.5 years, and the alarming red flags she began to notice. Jessica describes the troubling new dynamics between the Pastor and certain members, which only grew more intense as "The Love Move" took hold. This episode offers a powerful reflection on Jessica's journey and the unsettling changes within the church that led to her final departure.

    #TrueCrime #CultSurvivor #Podcast #ExposingTheTruth #SpiritualAbuse #MindControl #SurvivorStories #BreakingFree #EscapeTheCult #ReligiousTrauma #TrueStory #MentalHealth #CrusadeChurch #AbuseAwareness #NarrativePodcast #PersonalJourney #PsychologicalThriller #EndOfTheCult #CourageToLeave #SpreakerPodcasts
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Ep.42: "Den of Wolves"

    Ep.42: "Den of Wolves"
    Aug 21 2024
    In Episode 42 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "Den of Wolves," Jessica Lasiter continues her gripping story, detailing the events leading up to her decision to leave Crusade Church in 2013. Jessica shares the growing realization of the toxic environment she was in, describing how the church, once her sanctuary, had become a "den of wolves." This episode delves into the final moments that pushed her to break free from the cult and reclaim her life.

    #TrueCrime #CultSurvivor #Podcast #ExposingTheTruth #SpiritualAbuse #MindControl #SurvivorStories #BreakingFree #EscapeTheCult #ReligiousTrauma #TrueStory #MentalHealth #CrusadeChurch #AbuseAwareness #NarrativePodcast #PersonalJourney #PsychologicalThriller #EndOfTheCult #CourageToLeave #SpreakerPodcasts
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep.41: "On an Island"

    Ep.41: "On an Island"
    Aug 14 2024
    In Episode 41 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "On an Island," Jessica Lasiter recounts the intense 40 Days & 40 Nights involving Chelsie and Mattie, and the turbulent aftermath. As Chelsie ultimately decides to leave Crusade Church, Jessica reflects on the isolation she felt, describing how she was left to fend for herself, feeling like she was "on an island" alone. This episode offers a poignant look at the emotional fallout and the challenges of standing alone in a fractured community.

    #thecultnextdoor #podcast #truecrime #cults #cultawareness #truecrimecommunity #crimepodcast #realstories #survivorstories #mindcontrol #darkhistory #cultlife #truecrimeaddict #psychologicalthriller #mystery #cultleaders #brainwashing #cultstories #unsolvedmysteries #spooky
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    58 mins
  • Ep.40: "This Little Light of Mine"

    Ep.40: "This Little Light of Mine"
    Aug 7 2024
    In Episode 40 of The Cult Next Door Podcast Mattie and Ashleigh are joined by their sister-in-law Jessica Lasiter. Jessica shares her unique perspective on growing up within the Crusade Church cult, offering an intimate look at the challenges and experiences of living under the influence of the group's teachings from a young age. Her story provides a compelling exploration of the impact of the cult on her childhood and development, shedding light on the complexities of life within Crusade Church.

    #thecultnextdoor #podcast #truecrime #cults #cultawareness #truecrimecommunity #crimepodcast #realstories #survivorstories #mindcontrol #darkhistory #cultlife #truecrimeaddict #psychologicalthriller #mystery #cultleaders #brainwashing #cultstories #unsolvedmysteries #spooky
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    1 hr and 16 mins