Afleveringen
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About Today's Episode:
Our guest is Margarit Davtian, a social science researcher and content creator passionate about social change innovation. She actively works to raise consumer awareness about cult of personalities in the media, high-control group dynamics, unethical marketing practices, medical misinformation, and other dangers that live at the intersection of politics, business, and mental health.
Margarit shares her story about joining, living in and eventually leaving the infamous Osho Cult. She goes on to share the “yellow flags” that she saw along the way & how many of today’s wellness and self-help leaders display these same flags.
You can find Margarit & her work here:
Substack: seekwithser.substack.com
Instagram: @seekwithser -
Leave us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCultNextDoor
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheCultNextDoorPodcast
About Today's Episode:
Our guest is Margarit Davtian, a social science researcher and content creator passionate about social change innovation. She actively works to raise consumer awareness about cult of personalities in the media, high-control group dynamics, unethical marketing practices, medical misinformation, and other dangers that live at the intersection of politics, business, and mental health.
Margarit shares her story about joining, living in and eventually leaving the infamous Osho Cult. She goes on to share the “yellow flags” that she saw along the way & how many of today’s wellness and self-help leaders display these same flags.
You can find Margarit & her work here:
Substack: seekwithser.substack.com
Instagram: @seekwithser -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Leave us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCultNextDoor
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheCultNextDoorPodcast
About Today's Episode:
In this episode, Mitzi and Jordan dive into the messy reality of leaving high-control religious environments and the "rot at the core" of systems that prioritize conformity over people. They reflect on the absurdity of purity culture—specifically revisiting a bizarre 1990s abstinence film—and how those teachings instill a deep-seated fear of "true freedom."
The conversation shifts into the personal work of deconstruction: learning to trust your own "lizard brain" again, the speed of self-forgiveness, and the importance of refusing to stay inside the "fucking little box" religious leaders build for you. From critiques of creationist logic to the healing power of art and self-acceptance after a cancer diagnosis, the episode is a raw look at what it actually takes to "come home to yourself" and live a life no longer defined by shame. -
Leave us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCultNextDoor
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheCultNextDoorPodcast
About Today's Episode:
In this episode, Mitzi and Jordan open up about the painful reality of leaving their church and the "gut punch" of realizing they could no longer belong to that system and themselves at the same time.
They discuss the heavy silence that follows walking away, the struggle of deconstructing "Boss Babe Christianity", and the journey of finding a new sense of community through art and shared interests.
From navigating a stage four cancer diagnosis to learning how to "fall in love with uncertainty", this conversation is a raw look at reclaiming your own life, trusting your intuition, and finally stopping the cycle of "shoulding" yourself. -
Leave us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCultNextDoor
Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheCultNextDoorPodcast
About Today's Episode:
Jordan and Mitzi return to share the exhausting reality of living under the constant surveillance of church leadership, where every personal choice—from the music you listen to, to the "wrong kinds of kids" you attract to your youth group—is subject to an invisible social scorecard.
They pull back the curtain on the "engineered exhaustion" of a lifestyle that demands you over-spiritualize every tiny aspect of your existence until you are left policing your own thoughts just to stay in line with the mission. The conversation dives deep into the specific pressures of the "pastor’s wife" identity, with Mitzi reflecting on the era when she was expected to be an "over-nurturing" extension of Jordan’s career while her own successful boudoir photography business was viewed as a problem to be defended to the elders.
Jordan recounts the intellectual and emotional breaking point of trying to maintain a "perfect" ministry image while navigating the trauma of purity culture.
Jordan and Mitzi describe the profound relief found in walking away from the pressure to be a "little version of God" and choosing instead to live a life that is finally, authentically theirs. -
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Join our Patreon: patreon.com/TheCultNextDoorPodcast
About Today's Episode:
Jordan and Mitzi open up about the brutal physical and mental toll of full-time ministry, and what happens when your entire life is graded on an invisible social scorecard. They don't hold back on the reality of that world—from the "Monday migraines" that hit after a weekend of masking as the perfect pastor’s wife, to the exact moment Jordan realized he was burying his own creative dreams to build a version of eternity he doesn't even believe in anymore.
The conversation digs into the exhausting purity culture politics they grew up with, and a ministry lifestyle that drains you so completely you lose the ability to trust your own instincts. Jordan also looks back on his "debate bro" days at Ozark Christian College, sharing the intellectual breaking point where trying to force rigid, half-truth theology into the real world just stopped working.
It’s a raw, honest look at what happens when you finally stop policing yourself, drop the pressure to have every answer, and realize how much relief there is in just saying, "I don't know." -
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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 the reality that the environment is "killing you inside".
Jordan, an ex-pastor, provides a unique perspective on the "calling to ministry," revealing how it often stems from a genuine desire to be a refuge for others while simultaneously seeking parental and community approval.
The duo shares both poignant and humorous anecdotes, from the sleep-deprived "Cry Nights" at youth conventions to the absurd moment a youth pastor used The Matrix to warn them about the devil. Together, they navigate the "uncertainty" of life post-cult, offering a raw look at deconstruction, the search for stability, and the spiritual experiences that shaped their path toward authenticity.
Find Mitzi here: https://www.mitzistarkweather.com/ -
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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 dozen baguettes and our new obsession with "thinking putty". -
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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 paranoia with our current, joyous obsession with spooky season (complete with elaborate costumes and yard decorations!). Hear the deeply personal stories of being taught to "rebuke the demons" in dark rooms as kids.
Join us for a bizarre, healing, and honest look at how one group taught that, for them, Everything is Demons! -
😱 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 -
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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 your voice when the people who should’ve protected you become the ones you need protection from.
This one is raw, surreal, and, somehow, still hopeful. #CultNextDoor #Podcast #ExCultMember #CrusadeChurch #TheLoveMove #EndOfTheCult #BreakingFree #SpiritualAbuse #CultSurvivor #ExposingTheTruth #CourageToLeave #CultStories #LifeAfterCult #EscapingControl #TrueStory -
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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 the complexities of relationships within a tight-knit church community. She discusses the family’s belief that sickness was a sign of weak faith, which influenced how her mother’s cancer was handled, leading to secrecy, shame, and ultimately loss.
Mindy reflects on the impact of these experiences on her mental health and personal growth, offering a raw and honest look at life inside and beyond a cult-like religious environment.
#cultleaderfathers #cultleaders #psychologyofcults #authoritarianleaders #highcontrolgroups #religiousabuse #spiritualabuse #familytrauma #generationaltrauma #powerandcontrol #cultsurvivorstories #escapingcults #mindcontrol #psychologicalmanipulation #narcissisticabuse #truecrimepodcast #cultawareness #lifeaftercults #toxicleadership #thecultnextdoor -
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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 impact of cult upbringing and the path to healing.
#cultleaderfathers #cultleaders #psychologyofcults #authoritarianleaders #highcontrolgroups #religiousabuse #spiritualabuse #familytrauma #generationaltrauma #powerandcontrol #cultsurvivorstories #escapingcults #mindcontrol #psychologicalmanipulation #narcissisticabuse #truecrimepodcast #cultawareness #lifeaftercults #toxicleadership #thecultnextdoor -
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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 understanding.
Their stories highlight how shared experiences can lead to vastly different paths and the ongoing process of reclaiming autonomy and trust in oneself.
#cultleaderfathers #cultleaders #psychologyofcults #authoritarianleaders #highcontrolgroups #religiousabuse #spiritualabuse #familytrauma #generationaltrauma #powerandcontrol #cultsurvivorstories #escapingcults #mindcontrol #psychologicalmanipulation #narcissisticabuse #truecrimepodcast #cultawareness #lifeaftercults #toxicleadership #thecultnextdoor -
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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 the family’s decision to leave the farm due to mistreatment, the resulting shunning by the community, and the struggle to adjust to life outside, including exploring churches they had been taught to avoid.
Mel recounts her time living in Alaska, where she faced further isolation and accusations, ultimately leading to her early return home.
#cultleaderfathers #cultleaders #psychologyofcults #authoritarianleaders #highcontrolgroups #religiousabuse #spiritualabuse #familytrauma #generationaltrauma #powerandcontrol #cultsurvivorstories #escapingcults #mindcontrol #psychologicalmanipulation #narcissisticabuse #truecrimepodcast #cultawareness #lifeaftercults #toxicleadership #thecultnextdoor -
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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 had on their childhood and family dynamics.
#CultSurvivor #HighControlGroup #ReligiousCult #TheMove #CultAwareness #SurvivorStories #FaithAndControl #PodcastStorytelling #FamilyInCult #CultRecovery -
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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 us continue sharing these important stories!
#TrueCrimePodcast #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #ExposingCults #FaithDeconstruction #CultStories #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchAbuse #LifeAfterCult #BreakingFree #SurvivorStory #TrueStoryPodcast #PodcastRecommendations #HealingJourney #CultAwareness #ExposingTheTruth #CourageToLeave #ManipulationAndControl #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcast -
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 mystery.The woman who built the modern adoption industry by stealing babies and selling them to desperate parents.A serial killer duo who claimed responsibility for as many as 600 murders across the country.The shocking assassinations of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers and Harvey Milk.The newest season investigates NXIVM — the modern-day cult disguised as a self-help seminar business. In 2017, NXIVM suddenly hit front pages nationwide. One day, no one had heard of it. The next, it was being exposed as a cult — with stories of a secret society, psychological manipulation, imprisonment, and sexual abuse. At its center was founder Keith Raniere — a self-styled genius his followers called “Vanguard.” For decades, he used his charisma and manipulation to quietly build an empire. But behind the mask of self-improvement was something much darker: Raniere’s obsession with control over the women in his inner circle. When some began to resist, he tightened his grip, resorting to blackmail and coercion to keep them trapped — until his victims finally spoke out. This is the story of NXIVM. Listen to this exclusive American Criminal episode from Airship on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. -
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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 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 #ExposingTheTruth #CourageToLeave #ManipulationAndControl #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcast -
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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 story as part of healing.
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 #ExposingTheTruth #CourageToLeave #ManipulationAndControl #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcast - Laat meer zien
