Episode
Ep.72: "I Researched Cults to Prove I Wasn't in One"
- Podcast
- The Cult Next Door
- Published
- May 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3914
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-cult-next-door-6582924/episodes/ep-72-i-researched-cults-to-prove-i-wasn-t-in-one/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cult-next-door-6582924/ep-72-i-researched-cults-to-prove-i-wasn-t-in-one.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Click here to leave us a voice message! 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/