Cults to Consciousness
Shelise Ann Sola, Jonathan C Rosales·Hosted by Shelise Ann Sola and Jonathan Rosales·442 episodes
Survivor stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups & people. Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast, hosted by Shelise Ann Sola (a former devout Mormon & CSA survivor) and her Producer husband, Jonathan Rosales. C2C delves into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments. They are not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems, while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability. C2C has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests. Follow to join them on their advocacy mission.
Why listen
Cults to Consciousness gives survivors room to tell detailed, often difficult stories about escaping cults, coercive religion, abusive communities, and high-control relationships. Hosted by Shelise Ann Sola with producer and co-host Jonathan Rosales, the show works best for listeners who want compassionate longform interviews that connect personal testimony with broader patterns of manipulation, recovery, and accountability.
Series(3)
Episodes
Children in The Order, an incestuous polygamous break-off of the LDS church are tormented in every way possible for “the kingdom of God upon the Earth”. When they get the strength and courage to escape, they are met with total and complete exile. What no one talks about is how the mothers of these chiIdren, though they are also part of the problem, are punished and made to suffer as well. Joined by @TheAmandaRaeGrant who grew up in The Order and bravely escaped at 17, she shares her personal story and stories of those around her. Click here to watch on YouTubeIn an effort to bring our community together and make lasting friendships, we are also launching a trip to Costa Rica hosted by C2C today! Only 9 spots remain after our early booking launch. Watch how our last trip went: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-VQZnJTcy/?igsh=MWJ0N2VvZnYxcmQ2Yw==Click here for the booking page and trip itinerarySubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Liz Dieatrick grew up in an intensely fundamentalist Assemblies of God household, where she was told from childhood that God had uniquely called her to become a missionary. Raised by a pastor father and a deeply controlling, highly religious mother, she developed crippling religious scrupulosity, suppressed her own identity, and built her entire sense of purpose around sacrificial service to God. After studying missions in college, surviving life-threatening illnesses on overseas mission trips, and enduring the public scandal of her father's arrest in a sex sting, she interpreted every hardship as confirmation that she was faithfully following God's plan rather than questioning the system that shaped her. Liz recounts her years with Live Dead, an Assemblies of God missions movement focused on reaching "unreached people groups" in restricted countries, the intensive security training for kidnappings and interrogations, pressure to deceive governments about missionary work, and an organizational culture that glorified self-sacrifice while minimizing personal autonomy. Looking back, Liz identifies numerous red flags she overlooked at the time, and reflects on her suicide attempt, trauma therapy, rebuilding her identity, and the possibility that this interview could permanently alter her relationship with her parents.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Liz!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@formerfundie/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kathleen Brooks was drawn into Chi Alpha, a campus ministry affiliated with the Assemblies of God, while searching for purpose, belonging, and spiritual direction in college. What initially appeared to be a vibrant Christian community slowly evolved into an intensely controlling environment under the influence of a charismatic leader, Mark, who inserted himself into nearly every aspect of members' lives. Kathleen describes years of manipulation through love-bombing, spiritual authority, isolation, control over dating and marriage, financial sacrifice, and relentless ministry expectations. Even after becoming a respected leader herself, she remained convinced she was serving God, unaware of how deeply the system had shaped her thinking and enabled harmful practices she unknowingly perpetuated while in leadership. After Mark's death, hidden misconduct, financial irregularities, and broader organizational failures began to surface, ultimately leading Kathleen and her husband to question everything they had devoted their lives to. Click here to watch on YouTubeSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sarah entered college with almost no religious background, hoping to find community and deepen her newfound Christian faith, only to be drawn into a highly controlling branch of Assemblies of God known as Chi Alpha at Murray State, a Christian Campus Ministry under longtime control of the leader Mark. According to Sarah, the ministry gradually isolated students from family, academics, extracurricular activities, and outside friendships while convincing them that unquestioning obedience was God's will. Members were expected to attend daily prayers, multiple weekly meetings, mission trips, and church services, while every major life decision—from choosing a college major to dating, marriage, and even visiting family—required Mark's approval. Things become a lot darker for Sarah when Mark finds out that she became pregnant from the assault.Click here to watch on Youtube Link to the support groupSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif
It’s not quite as obvious as Scientology, but Mormonism is a pay-to-play religion. This billion dollar company still requires a set amount from its members for them to qualify for the highest level of heaven. However, it gets worse for the offshoot incestuous, polygamous group the Kingston Clan that our guest @TheAmandaRaeGrant grew up in. Join us LIVE today at 3p CST as we deep dive this topic.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 2 of this discussion with @TheAmandaRaeGrant Clergy Salary VS Tithing history with @analyzing.mormonism Tithing historyOfficial LDS church statement on tithing Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal re
Former supermodel Hoyt Richards recounts how a seemingly ideal upbringing, success at Princeton University, and a promising modeling career left him unexpectedly vulnerable to manipulation by a mysterious man. As a teenager searching for purpose and identity, he was drawn into the orbit of the charismatic spiritual leader, Frederick von Mierers, who used flattery, exclusivity, and promises of enlightenment to gradually gain influence over him. What began as a search for meaning evolved into a decades-long cultic relationship in which Richards learned to distrust his own instincts, suppress critical thinking, and prioritize the group's teachings above family, friendships, and personal autonomy. As Richards rose to become one of the world's most successful male models, the group's control deepened. He ultimately contributed an estimated $4–5 million to the organization, believing his success was proof that he was fulfilling a higher spiritual mission.Click here to watch on YoutubeFind and support Hoyt!IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoytrichardsofficialhttps://www.Instagram.com/bringmethebeautiesWebsite: https://www.hoytrichards.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences a
When a 19 year old was sent to a war zone in a Russia for his mission, the deep need to remain “faithful” left him scarred when he finally made it home. Years later, his faith would unravel, causing massive shockwaves amongst his family. Following up our enlightening interview with filmmaker Kyson Dana, today we go LIVE with him to further discuss life after his traumatic Mormon Mission.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with KysonWatch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission” Support Kyson!Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/ Website: secondnatureclub.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See P
Raised in a deeply devout Mormon family in Idaho, Kyson Dana was taught from childhood that serving a mission was not a choice but a sacred duty and a defining milestone of a faithful life. When he was called to serve in southwest Russia, he believed he had been specially chosen by God to bring people the only path to salvation. Mission training reinforced the idea that success or failure depended entirely on a missionary’s faith and worthiness, leaving little room to question the church’s decisions or the dangers of the assignment. Once in Russia, the reality was far different from what he had been prepared for. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission” Support Kyson!Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/ Website: secondnatureclub.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocen
In this follow up interview with Mykelti Brown Padron, she reflects on growing up in the polygamist Mormon offshoot featured on the TLC series Sister Wives, describing a chaotic childhood where older children were often forced to raise younger siblings. Mykelti recounts how the constantly shifting parenting styles between her different mothers created anxiety and emotional instability, how she took on caregiving responsibilities as early as four years old, changing diapers, helping raise siblings, and how fear of law enforcement and CPS led the family to avoid hospitals and outside intervention. Mykelti dives into the emotional consequences of the family’s disciplinary culture, particularly the rule against “tattle telling,” which she explains discouraged children from reporting harmful behavior and contributed to deep emotional wounds. She reveals that after disclosing a troubling experience from childhood, she was punished rather than protected, making it difficult to trust adults or seek help. Mykelti credits Robyn Brown, her father’s fourth wife, with eventually helping her feel safe enough to speak openly and receive support. As an adult and mother now herself, she reveals the similarities and differences in how she parents her chiIdren from her own chiIdhood. Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow and support Mykelti!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mykeltipadron1536 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/u85780932Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykeltip/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok <a href="http://cults.to.consciousness"
Sofia May describes how the abuse at the Tibetan Buddhist retreat center, Tara Mandala, escalated into full psychological control after the guru reframed her suffering as a form of “spiritual advancement.” After months of isolation, humiliation, sleep deprivation, impossible work demands, and emotional manipulation, the guru finally told her she had intentionally been “triggering” her to accelerate enlightenment. Instead of recognizing the abuse, Sofia (already deeply indoctrinated into the belief that gurus use pain to dissolve the ego) interpreted the cruelty as proof she was receiving special spiritual treatment. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 1Website: sofiamaycomedy.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art
A survivor of severe childhood abuse, Sofia May recounts how growing up in a violently dysfunctional and narcissistic family left her desperate for love, safety, and validation. After years of trying to earn protection from her parents by suppressing her own needs and identity, she became drawn to Buddhism because its teachings on dissolving the ego and transcending suffer*ng mirrored the self-erasure she had already been conditioned into. Sofia found temporary healing and belonging at the Tibetan Buddhist retreat center Tara Mandala, where the peaceful environment, supportive community, and emphasis on the “sacred feminine” felt like an escape from her traumatic home life. Over time, however, under the thumb of Lama Tsultrim Allione, the teachings and culture slowly encouraged deeper submission, guru worship, and the abandonment of personal boundaries.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 2Website: sofiamaycomedy.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals men
(CW: CSA, Drug A, Self Harm, Suicide Ideation) For a boy growing up in the 1970s, rural northern New Jersey was a year-round playground, filled with secret fishing holes, enchanted woods, and private trails to explore with friends. But this childhood idyll was snatched from Clark Fredericks by a man he regarded as a local hero: Dennis Pegg, the town’s Boy Scout leader, a law enforcement officer with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department, and, as Fredericks would discover, a serial predator. Through his teenage years and young adulthood, Fredericks kept silent about the horrific abuse he experienced turning to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex addiction to numb the memories. For decades, he remained tormented by shame, unable to share the secrets that were eating away at his psyche—until he violently confronted his abuser. Following his timing in pr*son, Clark Fredericks and his story have inspired major reform of the statutes that once severely limited the rights of C.A. victims to sue their abusers.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Clark:Book “Scarred”Podcast “Free Like-Me”Website: https://www.freelike-me.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/clarkfredericks/?hl=enYT: https://www.youtube.com/@clarkfredericks3309Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok <a href="http://cults.to.consciousness" rel="noopener
Is “Biblical patriarchy” stripping women of their autonomy? We’re joined LIVE today with former “Fundamentalist Trad Wife” and author, Tia Levings, to discuss Pastor Dale Partridge’s dangerous, prescriptive opinions for young girls. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch the latest interview with TiaWatch our initial interview with TiaPt 2 with TiaFind and support Tia!Order “I Belong to Me” (Book and website): https://tialevings.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter/Substack: https://tialevings.substack.com/Linktree: http://linktr.ee/TiaLevingsSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentione
Tia Levings discusses her new book “I Belong to Me” as a continuation of her healing journey after escaping a deeply controlling Christian patriarchal environment. Her first memoir, “A Well-Trained Wife”, focused on surviving abuse and indoctrination, while the second book explores what comes after leaving: trauma recovery, identity rebuilding, and deconstruction. Tia describes how religious extremism, purity culture, and patriarchal systems shaped her from childhood into adulthood, conditioning her to suppress autonomy, accept abuse, and remain emotionally dependent. She shares how these systems impacted her development, relationships, sexuality, and sense of self, ultimately culminating in a near murder-suicide escape from her marriage and a decade-long process of healing.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE stream with TiaWatch our initial interview with TiaPt 2 with TiaFind and support Tia!Order “I Belong to Me” (Book and website): https://tialevings.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter/Substack: https://tialevings.substack.com/Linktree: http://linktr.ee/TiaLevingsSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosale
“Scientology speed runs” are a new internet trend and protest where creators, streamers, and activists storm Scientology centers to see how quickly they can get confronted, removed, banned, or “declared suppressive” by staff or security—often while filming for livestreams or social media. Today we are joined LIVE with Claire Headley to discuss whether this is a good or bad thing for taking down the nefarious organization.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with ClaireFind and Support Claire!The Aftermath Foundation: http://www.theaftermathfoundation.org/To volunteer: [email protected]: https://blownforgood.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blownforgoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blownforgood/Twitter: @claireheadleySubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences an
James Luceno is a former fifth degree ranked member of the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), an initially welcoming, symbol-rich spiritual society rooted in Aleister Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema. Over time, what began as an immersive and meaningful community experience became increasingly controlling and ethically troubling, ultimately leading James to view it as a harmful, cult-like system. One in which he had to step away from, getting him ostracized from the community he invested 11 years into. Today James joins us LIVE to dive deeper into the initiation rituals themselves— what he’s personally seen and experienced the rituals do to people, why they feel profound and transformative, and how the logic of initiation gradually extends beyond the rituals themselves to shape how members interpret the dysfunction and harm they experience in the Order. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch James’ initial interview hereFollow and support James!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EntelecheiaPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/turningoftheskyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningsky/X: https://x.com/LapisMercuriiSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cults
Since 2021, a case has been open against the Jehovah’s Witness Religion and a Norwegian state, claiming their practice of shunning is considered a violation of chiId rights. That case has been closed and left us all furious. Learn more as we are joined by Alissa Watson (@alissasawake) to discuss what this chilling ruling really means.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Alissa on Social:YouTube: @athomewithalissa IG: @alissasawake TikTok: @alissasawake Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Former FLDS member Jude Bateman recounts her upbringing in the polygamist FLDS community of Colorado City and the terrifying realities of life under Warren Jeffs’ increasingly extreme rule. She grew up in a household with two mothers and 17 children, where obedience and fear governed daily life as new rules and expectations became more radicalized. Jude explains how her brother, Sam Bateman — later infamous for leading his own sect — played a role in enforcing loyalty to the church, even taking her to “turn herself in” before Warren Jeffs at age 15. She shares the trauma of being sent to Bountiful, Canada under the guise of a vacation, only to discover she was being groomed for an arranged marriage. The conversation then shifts into a deeply personal examination of Sam Bateman’s transformation from a rebellious, thrill-seeking teenager into a dangerous cult leader. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Jude and Cherish Families:https://www.cherishfamilies.org/Watch part 1 of our initial interview with Jude hereWatch part 2 hereSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent p
@JadenJeffs , Son of Warren Jeffs—the current imprisoned prophet of the FLDS—speaks out about Sam Bateman, another “False Prophet” who is also in prison for his crimes against children.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Jaden on Social Media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JadenJeffsIG: https://www.instagram.com/jadenjjeffs100/Watch our initial interview with Jadenwatch Jaden's last video with his younger sister, SiennaSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice
Did you know that all “righteous” members of the LDS (Mormon) church get a blessing that tells their future directly from God? It’s a coming of age ritual that requires one to fast in preparation for and no one is allowed to read it except for your parents and eventual spouse. Even though Taylor Frankie Paul is stepping away from the LDS church, people are shocked that she chose to post portions of her blessing on social media. @alyssadgrenfell gives us the full scoop!Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Alyssa's video for a deeper diveFind Alyssa on social media!YT: www.youtube.com/@alyssadgrenfell/IG: https://www.instagram.com/alyssadgrenfellTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssadgrenfellThumbnail Photo of Alyssa provided by Ilana Panich-Linsman websiteSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represen
Cult survivor, military veteran, and bestselling author of Uncultured & The Cutting of America, Daniella Mestyanek Young further dives into the investigation of invisible systems of control shaping our lives. Raised in the notorious s*x cult the ChiIdren of God, she escaped to America as a teenager—only to find herself inside another rigid institution: the U.S. Army. Years later, as a Harvard-trained expert in organizational psychology, she began asking an important question: What if we’re all in cults?Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Daniella!Website & book “The Culting of America”: https://knittingcultlady.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellamyoung_/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@knittingcultladycaptainYt: https://www.youtube.com/@KnittingCultLadySubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsi
Layla recounts the harsh reality of entering plural marriage at 17 as Warren Jeffs’ 23rd wife, describing immediate emotional overwhelm, humiliation, and strict expectations of obedience. Instead of the supportive sisterhood she had been groomed to expect, she encountered competition, hierarchy shifts, and public shaming. Jeffs exerted control through constant criticism, especially about her body and “worthiness” to have chiIdren. Over time, isolation deepened as she was cut off from family, placed into hiding, and subjected to extreme dietary restrictions and over-exercising that damaged her health and even basic human needs were disregarded. See her reaction to Sam Bateman after watching “Trust Me: The False Prophet”. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 1 of Layla’s interviewWatch our full interview with Jude Bateman, Sam's sisterFind and Support Layla!TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@layla_ex_ofwarrenjeffsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaylaMatsonSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of th
Layla Matson was born into a deeply entrenched, multi-generational polygamist FLDS family with direct ties to church leadership. From a young age, her life was shaped by strict religious expectations, economic hardship, and normalized control, ranging from modesty rules and limited education to chiId labor and rigid gender roles. Sacrifice was emphasized, while serious issues like infant de*ths, lack of medical care, and emotional suppression were widespread but rarely questioned. Layla’s her story took a dark turn at 17 years old when her father “turned her in” to Warren Jeffs, leading to her forced marriage within 24 hours to the “prophet”. She reflects on the grooming process that began in her early teens, illustrating how young women were coerced into marriages and stripped of autonomy under the guise of faith.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 2 of Layla's interviewWatch our full interview with Jude Bateman, Sam's sisterFind and Support Layla!TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@layla_ex_ofwarrenjeffsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaylaMatsonSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expresse
Mykelti Brown & her husband Tony Padron reflect on the behind the scenes of her upbringing in the polygamist family from TLC’s Sister Wives TV show.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Mykelti's initial interview hereFollow and support Mykelti & Tony!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/u85780932Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykeltip/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mykelti Brown Padron reflects on her upbringing in the polygamist family from TLC’s Sister Wives TV show, describing both the perceived benefits and deep challenges of that lifestyle. For her growing up, polygamy felt normal and even appealing due to the built-in community, multiple parental figures, and constant companionship, but also reveals significant downsides including emotional neglect, lack of individual attention, inconsistent parenting, and poverty. She recounts a strained relationship with her father due to his divided time among many children and wives, as well as negative experiences with certain family dynamics, including fear of one mother figure in particular. While she still sees some appeal in the idea of plural family structure—likely shaped by early conditioning—she ultimately acknowledges that religious polygamy often suppresses women’s autonomy and creates imbalance, leaving her conflicted between nostalgic positives and the harsher realities she later recognized.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE stream with Mykelti & husband TonyFollow and support Mykelti!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/u85780932Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykeltip/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their per
James Luceno is a former fifth degree ranked member of the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), an initially welcoming, symbol-rich spiritual society rooted in Aleister Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema. According to James, it gradually reveals a hierarchical, secretive structure emphasizing obedience, loyalty, and authority through rituals and initiations, while presenting ideals like personal freedom and enlightenment, yet in practice, the organization fosters enmeshment, suppresses criticism, and protects high-ranking members accused of misconduct—including serious SA allegations—while discouraging accountability. Over time, what begins as an immersive and meaningful community experience becomes increasingly controlling and ethically troubling, ultimately leading James to view it as a h*rmful, cult-like system. One in which he had to step away from, getting him ostracized from the community he invested 11 years into.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up live stream with JamesFollow and support James!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EntelecheiaPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/turningoftheskyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningsky/X: https://x.com/LapisMercuriiSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter <a href="https://tw
Following up our recent interview @lovina_zook about Amish pregnancies, today we are going LIVE with her to further discuss what it was like being parented in the strictest Amish settlement— the Swartzentruber Amish— versus how she now plans to parent outside of it.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with LovinaWatch our follow up LIVE with Lovina answering your questionsOur latest interview with LovinaFind Lovina on social media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@lovina_zook/videosIG: https://www.instagram.com/lovina_zook/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovina_zookWebsite: https://socialsbylovina.com/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of
Lovina Zook grew up in a strict Amish community where sex education was virtually nonexistent and anything related to the body, sex, or pregnancy was treated as taboo and often shameful. ChiIdren were not taught basic anatomy or reproduction, forcing her to piece together understanding through secretly reading books, accidental discoveries, and observation, often leading to confusion and misinformation well into her teens and even adulthood. Pregnancy, while expected and valued in terms of having chiIdren, was paradoxically hidden and associated with embarrassment, reinforcing a culture of silence and modesty. After leaving the Amish at 18, Lovina struggled initially but eventually found success on social media by embracing her background, and she now reflects on how her upbringing shaped her views on pregnancy, autonomy, and education.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our latest LIVE with Lovina furthering this discussionWatch our initial interview with LovinaWatch our follow up LIVE with Lovina answering your questionsFind Lovina on social media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@lovina_zook/videosIG: https://www.instagram.com/lovina_zook/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovina_zookWebsite: https://socialsbylovina.com/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host
Meg was raised in the Jehovah’s Witnesses and grew up under intense pressure, surveillance, and emotional control. Her upbringing lead to isolation, fear, and a lack of understanding around autonomy and consent. After experiencing SA in young adulthood, she blamed herself due to purity-based teachings and remained in the relationship out of guilt before ultimately confessing to church elders, where she endured invasive and degrading questioning. She was then disfellowshipped, resulting in total social shunning by her community and much of her family, which deepened her shame, loneliness, and self-destructive coping behaviors. Even after being cut off, during a traumatizing miscarriage, she refused a blood transfusion out of devotion to the Jehovah’s Witness blood doctrine that nearly took her life.though she eventually found support outside the group and began rebuilding her sense of identity and independence.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and Support MegIG @megreadsandreads Relentless Shadows: A Book of PoetrySubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. Th
Sarah & Nippy, creators of the podcast “A Little Bit Culty” and former NXIVM members, reveal how people are drawn into high-control groups and how manipulation operates beneath the surface. What started as an empowering, goal-driven self-improvement program in NXIVM gradually revealed itself as a calculated system of manipulation, where trust, financial commitment, and personal vulnerabilities were leveraged to override instincts and deepen involvement. Through subtle psychological pressure, social proof, and a sense of higher purpose, members are often justified red flags along the way—while leader Keith Raniere and those around him expertly explo*ted emotional wounds and desires for validation. What most people didn’t know, was that self-proclaimed-celibate Keith, had a secret harem of women and a growing, devious, “master/slave” program called DOS that Sarah’s best friend recruited her into.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Sarah & Nippy!Their new book: “A Little Bit Culty: Navigating Cults, Control and Coercion”Sarah’s Memoir: “Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, The Cult that Bound My Life” Instagram: @sarahedmondson @anthonyames11 @alittlebitculty Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alittlebitcultySubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok <a href="htt
The group's 75 year old ban on blood transfusions is changing. Sort of. It's a big deal, and it isn't. Joined by Jake at @altworldly to give us the full details!Click here to watch on YouTubeThe JW dot org videoOriginal leak by larchwoodjwfacts breakdown of blood policy evolutionFind and support Jake on YouTube: @altworldly Other video collaborations:Ex-Mormon & Ex-Jehovah’s Witness React to LEAKED Upcoming Convention Tapes (ft. @altworldly)Ex-Mormon and Ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare CULTure (ft. @altworldly )Ex- Mormon and Ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare Doctrine (ft @altworldly)Fear of End Times: Ex-Jehovah's Witness Confessions ft. @altworldlyAn ex-Mormon and ex-Jehovah's Witness Compare Notes (w/ @CultstoConsciousness )Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_" rel="noopener noreferrer"
Désirée Ohrbeck grew up in Denmark in the rigid control of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. She survived CSA from her stepfather, and when she sought help from religious leaders, she was dismissed, blamed, and told to retract her statement to the police. She explains how she went from a house where books were banned, to becoming a professor. However, deconstruction is incredibly lonely and challenging. Lingering effects of the trauma impact her daily life. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with Désirée hereFind and support Désirée!Book: The Scandinavian War BrideIG: https://www.instagram.com/desireeohrbeck/Website: https://www.desireeohrbeck.com/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noope
Désirée Ohrbeck grew up in Denmark in an extremely chaotic and traumatic home environment that later transitioned into the rigid control of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her early childhood was marked by instability—an absent father, a violent stepfather, poverty, neglect, and exposure to unsafe situations. When her mother joined Jehovah’s Witnesses, the family life shifted from chaos to extreme control. As Desiree grew older, the environment became increasingly harmful. She survived CSA from her stepfather, and when she sought help from religious leaders, she was dismissed, blamed, and told to retract her statement to the police. She explains how she went from a house where books were banned, to becoming a professor. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE with Désirée Find and support Désirée!Book: The Scandinavian War BrideIG: https://www.instagram.com/desireeohrbeck/Website: https://www.desireeohrbeck.com/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverif
Briell Decker is the former 65th plural wife of Warren Jeffs. She married Jeffs at 18 while he was already a fugitive and “prophet,” and quickly realized how he exerted control through fear, punishment, and doctrine, particularly around arranged and underage marriages. Briell witnessed disturbing religious practices, resisting participation, and ultimately escaped after years of ab*se and threats of being “blood atoned”.Having experienced being a polygamous wife to the prophet of the FLDS, we asked her thoughts on Sam Bateman, the self proclaimed NEW prophet of the FLDS. After watching Trust Me: The False Prophet, she explains why Sam is NOT the same as Warren. A new and interesting perspective! Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 1 of our full interview with BriellWatch pt 2 of our full interview with BriellFind and support Briell!Websites:https://www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/https://www.brielldecker.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/briell.decker.blanchartIG: https://www.instagram.com/brielldecker/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/cultstocon" rel="n
Dr. Christine Marie recounts how her deep religious devotion and a seemingly prophetic dream led her into a manipulative relationship with a man who falsely claimed to be a Prophet. Using her beliefs against her, he gradually groomed and controlled her—convincing her she was chosen to be his spiritual wife, pressuring her into polygamy, isolating her from others, and exploiting her emotionally, financially, and physically. Torn between fear of losing her soul and obedience to someone she believed was a prophet, the walls came crashing down when another con man revealed their master plan to her.Christine describes the aftermath as deeply traumatic, marked by shame, fear, and a struggle to rebuild her identity. Once she met and married Tolga, a creative and successful producer who provided the safety and acceptance she needed, she rebuilt her identity and became passionate about helping those trapped in situations similar to hers. This lead them to Short Creek, initial headquarters for the polygamous group the FLDS, where she ended up entangled with another “False Prophet” and filmed everything in hopes of being able to take him down and save the women and girls trapped by him. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our full interview with NomzFind and Support Christine!Website: http://christinemarie.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.christinemarie/https://voicesfordignity.org/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok <a href="http://cul
As seen in the hit Netflix docuseries, “Trust Me: The False Prophet”, Nomz was raised inside the FLDS, a highly controlled Mormon polygamist sect, where her father was removed by leadership and her family was fractured and reassigned to different caretakers. As she reached her teens, she began to question her environment and briefly developed a sense of independence, but this was quickly overtaken when she became targeted by Sam Bateman, a breakaway leader who claimed prophetic authority.She describes being coerced into a forced spiritual marriage through manipulation, threats against her family, and intense psychological pressure, including the use of other wives and even children to enforce compliance. Over time, she was systematically broken down, isolated from others, and controlled through fear, secrecy, and indoctrination, eventually entering a state of emotional numbness and survival compliance. She now speaks out publicly to raise awareness and prevent others from experiencing similar ab*se, using her story as both a warning and an act of advocacy.Click to watch on YouTubeWatch our full interview with Dr. Christine MarieFollow and support Nomz!IG: @nomzia_b TT: @nomzia_b FB: https://www.facebook.com/NomziBistlineSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/cultstocon" rel="no
Learn about the unaired details and behind the scenes information from @TheAmandaRaeGrant whopersonally knows the documentary participants and who also comes from a separate fundamentalistpolygamous Mormon sect called The Order.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 2 of this discussion hereWatch our interview with NomzWatch our interview with Dr. Christine MarieFind and support Amanda!YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrantIG: @amandaraegrantIf you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP"at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannCo Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_TikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstocon**Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions.The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts orproducers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individualsmentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility forstatements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dr. Sara Glass knew she kept falling in love with women, but that didn’t matter. She knew her place as an Ultra Orthodox woman. She was placed into an arranged marriage to a man shortly after graduating high school and she painfully left her girlfriend behind. Sara vulnerably shares in great detail about what it was like navigating sex as a Hasidic woman who is also gay and how the trauma around intimacy has followed her even years after leaving. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with Sara hereWatch the follow up LIVE streamFind & Support Sara!Website: https://www.drsaraglass.comBook: “Kissing Girls on Shabbat” IG: @drsaraglass LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/drsaraglassSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are p
We celebrate our 300th episode with a panel of 4 incredible women bravely coming forward to share their thoughts and experiences growing up in various strict Orthodox communities. They compare notes while illustrating similarities and differences between the sects and how they left to find a better, more autonomous life for themselves, and in some cases, for their children as well. Deep dives can be found on each of the women below in their own full length episodes. Listen with caution, this episode is as heavy as it is inspirational and incredible.Click here to watch on YouTubeResource for people who need help leaving Orthodox Jewish communitiesFootsteps https://www.footstepsorg.org/Rights and Religion Forum https://rarforum.org/Chavie WeisbergerWatch our initial interview with ChavieFind and support Chavie!Website: https://www.chavieweisberger.com/https://www.footstepsorg.org/https://bac.bard.edu/Beatrice WeberWatch our initial interview with BeatriceWatch pt 2 hereFind and support Beatrice!Substack: https://beatriceweber.substack.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bweberWebsite: https://beatriceweber.com/about/Tee MurrinWatch our initial interview with TeeWatch pt 2Find and support Tee!IG: https://www.instagram.com/tzivyateemurrin/FB: https://www.facebook.com/tzivya.murrin.medicaid.planner<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SensibleSeni
Rachel was raised in Israel by Canadian parents who converted to strict Orthodox Judaism as adults. Girls were taught from a very young age that their primary purpose was to become wives and mothers, and the culture emphasized conformity, modesty, and obedience. At 18, after only a few weeks of dating, she became engaged to a man who was in training to become a Rabbi. Not only did she deal with typical hardships that come with that role, but she would become a top recruiter for a separate organization that she now sees as harmful. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with RachelWatch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox womenFind and support Rachel!IG: @permissiontobeyourself Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rachel was raised in Israel by Canadian parents who converted to strict Orthodox Judaism as adults. Girls were taught from a very young age that their primary purpose was to become wives and mothers, and the culture emphasized conformity, modesty, and obedience. Rachel explains how these systems created strong psychological pressure, particularly around purity culture, body image, and social behavior, while also framing outsiders and even other Jewish groups as morally inferior. At 18, after only a few weeks of dating, she became engaged to a man who fit the religious and cultural criteria expected of her, despite lingering doubts and emotional attachment to someone else.Click to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up live stream with RachelWatch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox womenFind and support Rachel!IG: @permissiontobeyourself Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no l
Shalom’s childhood and education were dominated by intense religious indoctrination. He attended a strict ultra-Orthodox school 365 days a year, where boys studied religious texts from early morning until late at night, with little secular education and frequent physical punishment from teachers. The rigid environment, lack of emotional support, and strict moral expectations led to anxiety, obsessive religious guilt, and deep internal conflict, particularly around sexuality and personal identity. The community’s teachings pushed him toward early marriage as a supposed solution to normal sexual urges and loneliness. He then became a Rabbi and eventually left it all behind. We discuss all the ways rigid patriarchy harms the men too and the consequences of strict gender roles void of choice. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with ShalomWatch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox womenFind and support Shalom!Shalom’s podcast, Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious ExodusInstagram: @shalomshorePersonal website: shalomshore.comReligion site: freidomfighter.comHypnosis site: navyahypnosis.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok <a href="http://
Shalom Shore grew up in a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish environment in Jerusalem connected to the organization Aish HaTorah, dedicated to its mission of bringing secular Jews back to strict religious observance. As the oldest of nine children, Shalom grew up in a household that appeared ideal, but was marked by emotional neglect, financial stress, and a constant focus on religious outreach.Shalom’s childhood and education were dominated by intense religious indoctrination. He attended a strict ultra-Orthodox school 365 days a year, where boys studied religious texts from early morning until late at night, with little secular education and frequent physical punishment from teachers. The rigid environment, lack of emotional support, and strict moral expectations led to anxiety, obsessive religious guilt, and deep internal conflict, particularly around sexuality and personal identity. The community’s teachings pushed him toward early marriage as a supposed solution to normal sexual urges and loneliness. He then became a Rabbi and eventually left it all behind. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE with ShalomWatch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox womenFind and support Shalom!Shalom’s podcast, Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious ExodusInstagram: @shalomshorePersonal website: shalomshore.comReligion site: freidomfighter.comHypnosis site: navyahypnosis.comSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconscious
Growing up under the sway of a Brooklyn housewife turned guru, Priya Hutner is drawn into a world shaped by bizarre rituals, spiritual promises, and oppressive beliefs. What begins as a quest for enlightenment unravels into a stifling reality as the boundaries between spiritual devotion and control blur. Members were expected to obey the guru completely. Personal decisions—including marriage, celibacy, parenting, and even children’s names—were influenced or dictated by her and private matters were often publicly exposed as a form of “ego destruction.” Despite the manipulation, the community also performed genuine service, such as caring for AIDS patients, the homeless, and people living in poverty. This mix of compassion and control created confusion and loyalty among followers.In her late twenties, Priya was unexpectedly appointed CEO of the ashram, responsible for running the nonprofit organization, managing finances, and coordinating retreats and visitors. Despite the enormous responsibility, the community operated under vows of poverty—Priya herself earned only about $200 a month while overseeing the organization. Meanwhile, the guru remained the ultimate authority over money, decisions, and disputes within the group. Priya deeply believed she was helping humanity and guiding people spiritually, reinforcing her devotion to the guru.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and Support Priya!Priya’s Book: Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation Website: priyahutner.comIG: @priyahutner Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nicole Daedone, founder and former CEO of OneTaste, was JUST sentenced to 9 years in federal prison following a conviction for forced labor conspiracy. She was found guilty of leading a scheme that subjected members to economic, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, along with indoctrination and surveillance. Today we are joined LIVE with Ellen Huet, the investigative journalist for Bloomberg News who wrote the viral article that exposed the dark sides of OneTaste and Daedone, and is author of “EMPIRE OF ORGASM: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult” on the rise and fall of OneTaste, to further discuss the case.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Ellen!Ellen’s Book “Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult”https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374604196/empireoforgasm/Website: https://www.ellenhuet.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/ehuet/Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The
BREAKING: Former reality TV TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" star Joseph Duggar has pleaded "Not Guilty" to his charges in Florida, almost five years after his brother Josh, who also starred in the TLC show, was convicted of similar charges. Joining us is Eric from @PreacherBoys Podcast to give us the full follow up scoop.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial LIVE when the news first brokeFind and support Eric!Website: https://www.preacherboyspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoysFB: https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/IG: @preacherboysdoc TikTok: @preacherboyspod Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers.
Join us LIVE as we go in depth with former guest and current lawyer Kolby Reddish to further discuss the case involving CSA claims, and the potential legal outcome, of Judge Brent Basden in Washington’s Clallam County under investigation following serious allegations of LDS bias and misconduct in family court cases.Click here to watch on YouTubeFormal ComplaintFollow Kolby’s new Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LetsDisagreeShowSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Warren Jeffs, the polygamous prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who is currently in prison, has been “leading” his saints in questionable directions. Including not allowing married couples to be intimate and not allowing anyone to marry. We now have credible intel that the FLDS is preparing to start marriages again. This comes with reports of FLDS girls who disappear from their “apostate” parents’ homes immediately after their 18th birthday and cutting off all contact, as they are moved to different locations run by the cult. More information by Sam & Melissa from @GrowingUpinPolygamy Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow Sam and Melissa!YouTube: @GrowingUpinPolygamy Website: https://www.growingupinpolygamy.com/Instagram: @growing_up_in_polygamyEmail: [email protected] to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and his accomplice, Wanda Barzee. She was held captive for nine months, survived repeated SA, and was forced to live in camps across Utah while being disguised in public. In 2003, she was finally recognized by alert bystanders and rescued, leading to the arrest and conviction of her captors.Today, Elizabeth Smart is a survivor, author, and chiId safety activist. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which focuses on preventing chiId abuse, supporting victims, and promoting recovery. She also works as a public speaker, advocates for legislation to protect children, appears in media to raise awareness, and has written books including her most recent “Detours”. She is married, has children, and continues to be a prominent voice for survivor empowerment and child safety.Click here to watch on YouTubeElizabeth’s book: DetoursFind Elizabeth on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_officialWebsite: https://www.elizabethsmart.com/ Foundation: elizabethsmartfoundation.orgSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their per
Mormonism has been a hot topic in pop culture the past couple years and not necessarily in a good way. Following the fame of the hit tv show “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”, the self proclaimed creator of #momtok , center of the swinging drama and “queen bee” of the group, Taylor Frankie Paul was awarded the coveted role of “Bachelorette”. The entire season was filmed and set to premiere tomorrow March 21st, but on Thursday March 19th, the show was pulled by ABC executives following video evidence of a violent encounter between Taylor and her ex Dakota. Join Shelise and @TheAmandaRaeGrant who give details about the situation and their opinions on it. Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow Amanda Rae!YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrant IG: @amandaraegrantSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" ChannelSupport C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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