Ep.16: "Prince Sandstorm"

The Cult Next Door

"The Cult Next Door Podcast" welcomes former Crusade Church member Michael Sandow to the microphone in the episode titled "Prince Sandstorm." Hosts Mattie Lasiter and Ashleigh Teeter guide listeners through Michael's remarkable journey from a career in the film business to a transformative detox in his father's California home, ultimately leading him to the doors of Crusade Church.
Listeners gain insights into the challenges Michael faced, including a personal struggle with drugs that prompted a pivotal detox period at his father's house on the West Coast. He recounts how he was introduced to video sermons by Crusade Church, led by an enigmatic figure who promised purpose and salvation. The hosts skillfully navigate the conversation, probing into the circumstances that drew Michael to the charismatic teachings of the cult and the allure that ultimately compelled him to relocate across the country to attend Crusade Church.
Listeners are taken on a journey through Michael's eyes as he describes the initial appeal of the community, the sense of belonging that filled a void in his life, and the gradual immersion into the rituals and beliefs of Crusade Church. The hosts delve into the challenges he faced, the relationships forged & broken, and the eventual realization that the promises of the cult were veiled in manipulation and control.
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