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SPECIAL: From Landmark Poster Child to Problem: What Happens When You Question the System
Brandon began Landmark programs at just 13 years old and quickly became a success story within the organization. But the deeper he went, the more he began to see things that didn’t line up with the promises of personal and global transformation. And when he started asking questions and raising concerns, Brandon says the response wasn’t reflection or change - it was gaslighting. He was told the problem was with him. Over and over again.
In this episode of Children of the Forum, Lindsey speaks with Brandon about his journey through Landmark - what began as a seemingly empowering personal development experience eventually became something much more complicated.
Brandon shares what it was like to grow up in and around Landmark, the pressure he says he felt to recruit friends, their parents, and even teachers, and the culture inside the organization once he began working for them.
This conversation explores identity formation, manipulation, accountability, and the power of trusting your instincts - even when a system insists you’re the one who’s wrong.
If you’ve ever questioned an organization that told you the problem was you, this conversation will resonate.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse of a child and high-control group dynamics. Listener discretion is advised.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Get to know Lindsey and her story on the episode we did with her recently E58 Growing Up in Landmark: Introducing Lindsey Hartzel
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. https://www.patreon.com/cw/BeyondtheLinesStudio
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.
If this episode resonated, please subscribe, consider becoming a YouTube Community Member, and share or comment to help others find the conversation.
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.
View all episodes
By Anne L. PetersonBrandon began Landmark programs at just 13 years old and quickly became a success story within the organization. But the deeper he went, the more he began to see things that didn’t line up with the promises of personal and global transformation. And when he started asking questions and raising concerns, Brandon says the response wasn’t reflection or change - it was gaslighting. He was told the problem was with him. Over and over again.
In this episode of Children of the Forum, Lindsey speaks with Brandon about his journey through Landmark - what began as a seemingly empowering personal development experience eventually became something much more complicated.
Brandon shares what it was like to grow up in and around Landmark, the pressure he says he felt to recruit friends, their parents, and even teachers, and the culture inside the organization once he began working for them.
This conversation explores identity formation, manipulation, accountability, and the power of trusting your instincts - even when a system insists you’re the one who’s wrong.
If you’ve ever questioned an organization that told you the problem was you, this conversation will resonate.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse of a child and high-control group dynamics. Listener discretion is advised.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Get to know Lindsey and her story on the episode we did with her recently E58 Growing Up in Landmark: Introducing Lindsey Hartzel
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. https://www.patreon.com/cw/BeyondtheLinesStudio
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.
If this episode resonated, please subscribe, consider becoming a YouTube Community Member, and share or comment to help others find the conversation.
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.