Confronting The Line

This episode examines the developmental and ethical boundaries of youth participation in transformational programs like Landmark Worldwide. Writer and strategist Ben Eisenberg shares what it means to grow up inside a high-control self-help framework before meaningful consent is possible. Ben’s work is not a takedown. It is a separation. Drawing from a manuscript he originally wrote to understand a...

On this episode of Confronting the Line, we examine some common myths the self-help industry often tries to sell: “Trauma is a choice.” “Healing is a choice.” “You can choose differently.” These ideas sound empowering on the surface—until they devolve to shame, blame, or silence for people who are already hurting. Anne Peterson, Ann Betz, and Brian Arbor dig into: The neuroscience of trauma respon...

Anne Peterson welcomes Ken Wortley, a former pastor and author of the memoir The Gospel of Secrets , to Confronting the Line. Our show explores how groups—from spiritual to personal development—can cross the boundary from providing help to inflicting harm and exploitation. Ken shares his deeply personal chronicle detailing his journey from a life defined by pretense to one of authenticity . For tw...

In this follow-up conversation, Anne Peterson and former Landmark Worldwide Headquarters Staffer Brian Arbor go deeper into the emotional and moral mechanics of high-control transformation environments. Building on Part One, they unpack how Chris Shelton’s R.E.M. Model (Rationalization, Emotion, Morality) helps explain why good people stay in—and rationalize—the harm of exploitative self-help cult...

In this follow-up conversation, Anne Peterson and former Landmark staff member Brian Arbor take an unflinching look at what happens when transformational ideals collide with organizational control. ⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of psychological harm, trauma, and moral injury. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. A longtime participant and staffer, Brian reflects o...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Glenn Doyle, SEEK Safely Board President, and Jean Brown, manager and board member of SEEK, to discuss several upcoming events and programs we are launching in the coming months. SEEK Safely was born in response to the tragedy that took three people's lives, including Jean's sister Kirby Brown, due to an irresponsibly run pseudo sweat lodge. Almost 13 ye...

In Part 2 of Confronting the Line conversation with Chris Shelton he unveils his REM Model—a practical lens for understanding how we get pulled into (and out of) coercive systems. We map the three interacting layers that drive human behavior: ** Rationalization: the stories we tell ourselves after we act** Emotion: moment-to-moment feelings and deeper unmet needs** Morals: our “how the world shoul...

In Part 1, Anne sits down with cult-education creator Chris Shelton to trace the lived experiences that shaped his forthcoming REM Model. Chris shares his journey growing up in Scientology, signing the Sea Org’s “billion-year” contract, and enduring systemic abuse, forced “volunteer” labor, and sleep deprivation—all rationalized in the name of a higher purpose. Together, Anne and Chris unpack the...

Anne with author and transformational expert Ed Gurowitz dive into the fine line between empowerment and exploitation in personal development. Together they explore how transformational tools can be misused, why organizations drift into control and coercion, and what it takes to build safe, ethical spaces for real growth. Together they unpack the difference between authoritarian vs. collaborative...

In Part Two of this in-depth conversation, Anne continues her dialogue with influence expert and author Jon Atack, diving deeper into the psychology of coercive influence and the nature of high-control groups. Drawing from their personal experiences with Landmark Worldwide (Anne) and Scientology (Jon), they examine the striking similarities and differences between Werner Erhard and L. Ron Hubbard—...

“It’s not a cult.” 🚨 If you have to keep saying it… it probably is. Kyla, a former Landmark staff member, shares what it was really like behind the polished promises of “transformation.” Watch the full episode for the FULL story. #ConfrontingTheLine #CultRecovery #SelfHelpExposed #WorkplaceJustice

What you see on stage isn’t always what happens behind the scenes. Former staff of popular self-help seminar organization share how there were always two stories : the shiny public one, and the painful private one. #ConfrontingTheLine #WorkplaceAbuse #LaborDayTruth #SelfHelpExposed

Jennifer shares how staff were overworked, underpaid, and shamed — all in the name of “changing lives.” #WorkplaceAbuse #ConfrontingTheLine

In this nuanced and engaging conversation, Anne with therapist and cult expert Rachel Bernstein unpack the concept of love bombing, distinguishing it from genuine expressions of affection or appreciation. They define love bombing as a calculated tactic designed to fast-track loyalty, create dependency, and manipulate behavior by showering someone with praise, attention, or idealized visions of the...

This Labor Day, Confronting the Line shines a light on the hidden labor behind “transformation.” Anne sits down with Tony, Jennifer, and Kyla—former Landmark Worldwide staff members from Los Angeles and Newport Beach—to share what it was really like to work inside one of the most well-known personal development organizations. Their stories expose the contradictions: long hours for minimal pay, rel...

In this thoughtful and revealing dialogue, Anne Peterson and Rachel Bernstein, noted therapist, podcaster and cult education expert, delve into the mechanics of indoctrination, especially in the context of self-help and transformational organizations like Landmark. They explore how indoctrination is often disguised as personal growth, gradually replacing critical thinking with absolute beliefs thr...

In this candid conversation, Anne and guest Dave Booda explore the dynamics of ISTA, a school focused on sexuality and personal development, and the challenges faced by individuals within such organizations. Dave, a musician and retreat facilitator, describes how he helped create a volunteer group (3SC) to challenge harmful practices at ISTA—a prominent sexuality and spiritual training organizatio...

In this initial conversation with author and podcaster John Atak, we explore the complex nature of cult-like organizations, referencing his almost 40 years of research and experience alongside my experience in Landmark, a group rooted in Werner Erhard’s controversial teachings. We discussed how intense devotion to a charismatic leader OR ideology can subtly transform into devotion to an organizati...

In this conversation, resident expert and author on transformational methodologies, Ed Gurowitz, and I explore the nuances of transformation methodologies, the distinction between technology and methodology, and the complexities surrounding the concept of responsibility.  We discuss his recent book, Transformation: From Potential to Practice and the historical context of transformational practices...

In this conversation, Anne is joined by Rachel Bernstein, LMFT, MSEd, Podcaster, and Cult Education Expert, to explore the complexities of healing and recovery, particularly in relation to high control groups, exploitative employers and abusive partners. They discuss the manipulative use of language, the concept of authenticity versus inauthenticity, and the misconceptions surrounding pain as a ne...

In this episode, Anne and fellow deconstructionist Chris Shelton delve into the dynamics of high-control groups and gurus. They explore how language, choice, and context can play crucial roles in manipulation and personal experiences. They discuss the dangers of the distortions of everyday notions about choice, responsibility, and context that are often taught by self-development groups and gurus...

In this conversation, Brandon Hurst discusses his journey from initial involvement with Landmark Worldwide at a VERY young age and leaving high school early to become a Staff member by the age18! He shares his experiences of the emotional manipulation, high-control dynamics, and pressures individuals face within such organizations. The conversation explores themes of personal choice, responsibilit...

In part two of their conversation, Anne and Brian Arbor delve into the complexities of trauma and PTSD. They explore the efficacy of personal development in addressing PTSD and emphasize the importance of healing rather than merely transforming trauma. Brian shares his personal experiences with PTSD and the limitations of self-help tools, highlighting the need for professional support and the ackn...

In this conversation we invited former Landmark Staffer and Army combat veteran Brian Arbor to delve into the complex interplay between personal transformational tools and the toughest of living circumstances, deployment to an active war zone. We explore Brian's journey through PTSD recovery, his experiences with the Landmark Worldwide, and the impact of both in war including identity and purp...

In this conversation I (Anne) invited Dr. John Hunter and Dr. Ed Gurowitz to delve into the complexities of transformational methodologies, particularly focusing on large group awareness trainings (LGATs). We discussed the potential benefits and risks associated with these methodologies, the ethical implications of their practices, and the importance of informed consent. Our conversation emphasize...