34 episodes

Hosted by Mattie Lasiter and Ashleigh Teeter, siblings who were separated for more than 25 years due to the shadow of their shared past.

Their father, a charismatic but enigmatic figure, led a cult that consumed the lives of its members, leaving their family torn apart and forbidden from contact.

They have reunited to share their journey with you while unravelling the haunting tales of cults from around the world, shedding light on the warning signs that can help prevent others from falling into their grasp.

The Cult Next Door The Cult Next Door

    • True Crime
    • 4.8 • 118 Ratings

Hosted by Mattie Lasiter and Ashleigh Teeter, siblings who were separated for more than 25 years due to the shadow of their shared past.

Their father, a charismatic but enigmatic figure, led a cult that consumed the lives of its members, leaving their family torn apart and forbidden from contact.

They have reunited to share their journey with you while unravelling the haunting tales of cults from around the world, shedding light on the warning signs that can help prevent others from falling into their grasp.

    Ep.26: Inside the Enneagram: Understanding Cult Influence

    Ep.26: Inside the Enneagram: Understanding Cult Influence

    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==

    • 58 min
    Ep.25: "Red Flags"

    Ep.25: "Red Flags"

    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.

    • 50 min
    Ep.24: "Snake Oil Salesman"

    Ep.24: "Snake Oil Salesman"

    In Episode 24 of The Cult Next Door Podcast, titled "Snake Oil Salesman," hosts Mattie, and Ashleigh delve into David Brown's personal journey within the confines of Crusade Church. Initially, David had believed the pastor to be a brother in need of support and encouragement, but over time, he came to a startling realization.

    Through introspection and observation, David uncovers the true nature of the pastor: a malignant narcissist adept at manipulating the emotions and beliefs of his entire congregation. This revelation serves as a turning point in David's understanding of the dynamics at play within the church community and within the Lasiter Family. 

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Ep.23: Q&A w/ Ashleigh & Mattie

    Ep.23: Q&A w/ Ashleigh & Mattie

    In episode 23 of "The Cult Next Door Podcast," hosts Mattie and Ashleigh tackle listener questions, offering insights into personal experiences with cults and the psychology behind group dynamics. They also provide a glimpse into what's to come in Season 2, promising discussions on charismatic leaders and manipulation within cults. With their informative yet engaging approach, the podcast continues to shed light on the intriguing world of cults.

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Season 2: Coming Soon

    Season 2: Coming Soon

    Season 2 coming April 2024! - Season 1 is complete & now Ashleigh & Mattie will be prepping and recording for Season 2. Stay tuned for more updates & be sure to follow us on Instagram & Tiktok for videos from upcoming episodes!

    • 1 min
    Ep.22: "Call Me Big Daddy"

    Ep.22: "Call Me Big Daddy"

    In the riveting conclusion of David Brown's narrative on "The Cult Next Door Podcast," hosts Mattie Lasiter and Ashleigh Teeter present the episode titled "Call Me Big Daddy." This installment explores David's tenure as a member and minister in Crusade Church, unraveling the façade of the charismatic leader, and exposing the control within the cult's family dynamics.

    Listeners are drawn into the final chapter of David's journey as he shares his experiences within Crusade Church, shedding light on the cracks that began to appear in the carefully constructed image of the pastor and leader. The hosts guide the conversation, delving into the challenges David faced as he grappled with the dissonance between the outward appearance of righteousness and the lack of substance within the cult.

    "Call Me Big Daddy" provides a powerful exploration of the control mechanisms within the cult, as David reflects on the intricacies of family dynamics and the manipulation that kept members entangled in the web of authority

    • 1 hr 19 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
118 Ratings

118 Ratings

jlynnb2012ilovejcw94 ,

Informative and RAW!

Love the honesty and realness yall have while sharing your stories!

Foxstarrr ,

It’s great

Truly a very relatable and informative, endearing podcast. The deep content and vulnerability of the hosts and guests make this podcast worth all the abhorrently loud mouth noises (swallowing, biting hard candy, gulping water directly into the mic sends me into bad sensory overdrive, but I keep coming back).

Lesbianintell ,

What an amazing journey.

Discovering your father who is ALSO your pastor, as a malignant narcissist, AND a cult leader, as well as BEING in a wider cult, AND understanding your own individual family is it’s OWN separate cult, is astounding. I grew up in a narcissistic family mode, myself. My father and my extended family had these characteristics. I was never “in line,”however, and always questioned the status quo. Like Ashley, I was also put out of my family, after my non-narcissistic mother died young. She was the only anchor that heal our disparate family as one. I felt so many sad and deep feels during this season one and look forward to season 2. Ironically, I also was susceptible to cults due to this abuse and I ended up in a fundamentalist christian cult— part of the IBLP, as a youth and young adult. I sought our answers and these provided them, as well as control.

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