E58 Identity Before Consent: Lindsey Hartzel on Growing Up in Landmark

What happens when transformational programs reach people before they’re old enough to consent?

In this episode Anne formally introduces Lindsey Hartzel, who will be hosting a special series examining the impact of LGATs on children and teens.

Lindsey shares her own story of growing up inside Landmark Worldwide, and why she believes early exposure to adult-oriented transformational spaces deserves much closer scrutiny.

This conversation explores:

• Childhood participation in Landmark-style programs

• Identity formation before informed consent

• Developmental vulnerability in high-pressure environments

• Why these experiences often go unnamed or misunderstoodWhat ethical inquiry could look like moving forward

This episode lays the groundwork for a series focused on children, consent, and the long-term impact of transformational systems.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Read Anne’s Book Is This A Cult: Confronting the Line Between Exploitation and Transformation and find other pods and resources → https://isthisacultbook.com/

If you or someone you know is wrestling with recovery after being involved in a high-control group, relationship or any organization, check out the Healthy Healing and Recovery Group w/ Rachel Bernstein https://ilumn8.life/op/lgat-recovery-group/

Join us Beyond the LineIf this conversation resonated, you’re invited to Beyond the Line—our new Patreon community for listeners who want to go deeper.

Members receive early access to episodes, bonus reflections, and thoughtful discussions that support ethical inquiry, survivor-centered learning, and safer pathways forward. Your membership directly supports this work and helps us keep resources accessible to those who need them most.

FUNDING

Read about how Confronting the Line is funded & our commitment to transparency: https://isthisacultbook.com/confronting-the-line-pod/

Your support helps us create thoughtful content, host conversations like this one, and offer accessible learning and support resources—including facilitated healing groups—for people leaving high-demand or coercive environments, regardless of their ability to pay.

MODERATION NOTE:

While healthy debate and discussion regarding the topics being discussed is encouraged, personal (ad hominem) attacks on people, places or things will be deleted.