The Cult Next Door The Cult Next Door

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.