Cults to Consciousness
Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast hosted by Shelise Ann Sola, a former devout Mormon and CSA survivor, and her producer husband Jonathan Rosales. The show explores the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments. It is not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability. The podcast has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests.
Episodes
I Fell Prey to a Sadistic Guru in a Tibetan Buddhist Cult
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
I Confronted My Abuser 30 Years Later… Everything Changed
(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 o
Why He Thinks Daughters Should Parent Their Siblings (ft. Tia Levings)
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 Bel
Becoming a Fundamentalist Trad Wife Almost Killed Me
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
Is the Scientology SPEED RUN TREND Bad for Taking Down Scientology? (Ft. Claire Headley)
“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
What Really Happens During “Ordo Templi Orientis” Initiations? (Trapped in a Secret Society)
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 s
This Ruling Is Chilling: Jehovah’s Witnesses WIN Landmark Case—Backlash Begins
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:You
Sam Bateman’s Sister Opens Up on Growing Up With “The False Prophet” (Inside His Descent)
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 Batem
My Father is the ACTUAL Prophet of the FLDS (ft. Jaden Jeffs)
@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
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Super Secret Mormon Prophecy (ft. Alyssa Grenfell)
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 p
Top 10 Reasons You Might Already Be in a “Cult” (And Not Know It) ft. Daniella Mestyanek Young
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
I Was 17… He Was 46: My Life as the 23rd Wife to the FLDS Prophet
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
I Was “Turned In” to FLDS Cult Leader Warren Jeffs at 17
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
INSIDE “SISTER WIVES”: What the Polygamist TV Show Didn’t Show (Daughter Speaks Out)
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!Suppo
Inside SISTER WIVES: What It’s REALLY Like Being Kody Brown’s Daughter (ft. Mykelti Brown)
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 ne
I Spent 11 Years Rising Rank Inside a SECRET OCCULT Society (Why Whistleblower is Speaking Out)
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 persona
The STRICT Parenting Style of the Swartzentruber AMISH (what I'd do differently) ft. Lovina Zook
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
The Shocking Truth About Pregnancy in AMISH Communities (ft. Lovina Zook)
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
My Brutal Near Death Relationship with the Jehovah’s Witnesses
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 t
Recruiting For to Imprisoning NXIVM Cult Leader (exposing SEX CULT Hidden Inside Self-Help Program)
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 vulner
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Blood Doctrine Suddenly Changing? (ft. Alt Worldly)
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-Mormo
Jehovah's Witnesses: No One Tells You What Happens After You Escape
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
The Dark Truth on CONVERTING to Jehovah’s Witnesses in Denmark
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 extre
Warren Jeffs’ 65th (Ex) Wife REACTS to “Trust Me: The False Prophet”
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
Why We Infiltrated & TOOK DOWN FLDS Polygamous Cult Leader (My Story)
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 emotio
I Was the 13th Wife of Sam Bateman (Here’s My WHOLE Story)
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
“Trust Me: The False Prophet” Insider Information (ft. Amanda Rae Grant)
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!Yo
Inside My Arranged ULTRA ORTHODOX Marriage: Sex Rules No One Talks About
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
4 Former ULTRA ORTHODOX Women from 4 Sects Compare Notes
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 d
Confessions of a Top Recruiting Rabbi’s Wife
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 dea
ULTRA ORTHODOX: The Strict Reality of Being a Rabbi’s Wife
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 soc
Confessions of a Former ULTRA ORTHODOX Rabbi
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 anxiet
The Dark side of My ULTRA ORTHODOX Childhood in Jerusalem
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
I Became CEO of a Cult & Didn’t Realize it (born & raised in the Ashram)
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 marri
OneTaste Founder of Wellness Trend Turned Sex Cult is SENTENCED to 9 years
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 journali
Joseph Duggar Pleads NOT GUILTY After Confessing (ft. Preacher Boys)
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
MORMON JUDGE Faces Multiple Allegations of Dangerous Religious BIAS (ft. Kolby Reddish)
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 c
Intel on FLDS Trafficking Girls at Night (preparing for marriage) ft. Growing Up in Polygamy
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 g
Elizabeth Smart Recounts Her Kidnapping (9 months as a plural wife)
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 c
'Bachelorette' CANCELLED After Mormon MomTok Leader Taylor Frankie Paul’s DV Video
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 t
BREAKING: Joseph Duggar ARRESTED After CONFESSING to CSA (ft. Preacher Boys)
BREAKING: Former reality TV TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" star Joseph Duggar is facing a CSA charge in Florida, almost five years after his brother Josh, who also starred in the TLC show, was convicted of downloading CSA images. Joining us is Eric from @PreacherBoys Podcast to give us the full scoop. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our original interview with Eric h
Confronting My Polygamous Cult at a Funeral (ft. Amanda Rae Grant)
Escaping a cult and finding peace on the outside is one thing, but what happens when you feel obligated or even required to go back into the same environment that harmed you for so long? Amanda Rae was born and raised in The Order, a polygamous offshoot of Mormonism known for its incestuous marriages. Barely an adult, she escaped and made it her mission to expose the Order while helping o
David Archuleta’s Painful Secrets: American Idol, His Father’s Obsession with Him, and Coming Out
A raw and powerful coming-out story from the beloved American Idol finalist traces David Archuleta’s journey from closeted Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man, revealing the hidden pressures of fame, the weight of religious expectations, and the courage it takes to live authentically. At just seventeen, David Archuleta rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol
My Stolen Childhood Inside the Twelve Tribes Yellow Deli Cult
Born into the secretive and highly controlled world of the Twelve Tribes, Meleah never knew life outside the group. From her earliest memories, every part of her existence was regulated—what she wore, what she thought, how she spoke, and even how she played. Childhood was not a time for imagination or freedom. It was training. In this isolated communal society, children were raised to obe
Twelve Tribes | Yellow Deli Cult: Pregnant Teen Held Hostage Away From Her Husband
At 15 years old, Rebecca was a highly devout member of the Twelve Tribes— an isolated cult compound that had strict gender roles, extreme corporal pun*shment and high religious expectations. She was hand- selected to marry one of the leader’s sons, in an attempt to shackle him to the group. After struggling with fertility for a few years (which came with its own shaming and blaming), she
Twelve Tribes: My Arranged Wedding at 16 Re-enacted Becoming the Christbride
Drawn to the Twelve Tribes in the 1970s by its promise of spiritual purity, communal support, and moral family values, Rebecca’s parents became deeply embedded in a system that demanded complete obedience and surrender of autonomy. Rebecca was one of the oldest of the second generation in the cult, which meant a lot of experimentation was done to determine the fate of other children. At 1
Inside Assemblies of God: Turning Devoted & Faithful Teens into Submissive Servants
Elise Delamare recounts her experience growing up and serving in the Assemblies of God, describing a progression from sincere spiritual calling into a high-control, ab*sive ministry environment. Systemic issues such as authoritarian leadership, intense emotional and physical “boot camp” training, fear-based obedience, boundary violations, s*xual misconduct mishandled by leadership, and ps
Isolated in a Russian Cult Commune in the Woods
At 15, Maria’s parents willingly gave her to Russian cult leader Sergey who would marry her off to a man she despised. At 16 she was alone, hidden in a swampy woodland at the commune without electricity or running water, struggling to survive and raise her newborn in a tent during winter. She details everything she had to do to get food and water against all odds. Click here to
My Parents Gave Me to a Cult Leader at 15 (Hidden in the Woods with Newborn)
It started when Maria’s mother was kidnapped and taken to Canada before somehow convincing her parents to give marital consent. Maria would end up being one of 11 children who were moved over and over from different Amish and Mennonite settlements. Maria’s father was a wannabe cult leader and stirred up trouble wherever he went. Homemade preaching tapes sent out to the world would attract
The Current State of the FLDS Polygamist Cult (ft. Prophet’s Son, Jaden Jeffs)
Jaden Jeffs was born into the polygamous offshoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where his father would become the Prophet. Jaden takes us inside the mind of his father, Warren Jeffs, and gives us insight into his increasingly twisted “revelations” from prison. Watch our initial interview where Jaden talks about his childhood and early adult years following orders from
My Father is the Imprisoned Polygamous Prophet, Warren Jeffs (ft. Jaden Jeffs)
Jaden Jeffs was born into the polygamous offshoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where his father would become the Prophet. Drastic changes would ensue, splitting up families, demanding perfection and keeping the children working instead of playing. Jaden takes us inside the mind of his father, Warren Jeffs, and gives us insight into his increasingly twisted “revelatio
The Dangers of Being the Least Favorite Polygamist Wife in The Order (ft. Amanda Rae Grant)
People can already guess that there are struggles that come with being a plural wife, however most don't know the dangers the lesser favorite wives and their children have to endure. We go into very real situations from The Order (the polygamist Mormon sect in Utah) with someone who escaped the cult. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Pt 2 on Amanda's channelFind Amanda:YouTube:&nbs
TLC’s Welcome to Plathville: Olivia Marie Plath Opens Up About Everything
Olivia Marie Plath was on 7 seasons of TLC’s Welcome to Plathville. Today she will answer your questions and open up about her life before, during and after the show. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with OliviaFollow Olivia on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamarieplath/Website: OliviaMariePlath.com Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!S
TLC’s Welcome to Plathville: My Real Life Was WAY WORSE Off Camera (ft. Olivia Marie Plath)
You may know Olivia Marie Plath from TLC’s Welcome to Plathville, but do you know her story before being on the show? Olivia describes what her fundamentalist life was like in a home where her father sexualized her and her sisters, corporal punishment wasn’t optional and her mother, despite severe health issues that could take her life, was forced to continue getting pregnant. Her sincere
Cherry-Picking God: How the Bible Gets Weaponized (ft. Monte Mader)
Raised in a conservative, fundamentalist Christian environment, Monte Mader’s home life was filled with being forced to memorize Bible verses or risk extreme corporal punishment. A scholar of the Bible, she later publicly deconstructed those beliefs and now focuses on challenging dogma and exploring cultural and historical topics. Today we discuss some of the main talking points fun
Raised to Overturn Roe v Wade (ft. Monte Mader)
Raised in a conservative, fundamentalist Christian environment, Monte Mader later publicly deconstructed those beliefs and now focuses on challenging dogma and exploring cultural and historical topics. Her home life was filled with being forced to memorize Bible verses or risk extreme corporal punishment. Her mom left the family of 6 children early in Monte’s childhood and was replaced by
Ex-Evangelical Pastor Reveals Why Fear-Based Religion Conditions Members for Authoritarianism
Brian Recker is a former Evangelical Pastor who spent about eight years in ministry before stepping away from traditional evangelicalism. He grew up as the son of a Baptist preacher and attended the fundamentalist Bob Jones University. Now, he speaks up about a love-centered relationship with God as interpreted by the Bible and shares why it’s common for people to fall into Authoritarian
Why Baptist Preacher’s Son Became Popular Pastor Then Gave it ALL Up
Brian Recker is a former Evangelical Pastor who spent about eight years in ministry before stepping away from traditional evangelicalism. He grew up as the son of a Baptist preacher and attended the fundamentalist Bob Jones University. Instead of pastoring a local church in the traditional sense, Brian now speaks, writes, and teaches about a more inclusive, love-centered Christian spiritu
Life After MENNONITES with an 8th Grade Education (Discovering the “English” World)
In the Old Colony Mennonites in Texas where JT was raised, education was only a priority up until 8th grade or age 13. After he escaped into the Military as soon as they would take him, he quickly realized he was either lied to or important information was left out. He ended up getting his GED at 21 years old. Learn how he navigated the "English" world with limited knowledge and a drive t
OLD COLONY MENNONITES: His Tormented Childhood in a Strict Mennonite Cult
In Western Texas is an Old Colony Mennonite settlement where John Guenter grew up. His mother converted and ended up being one of the most strict members there. He was bullied and abused constantly for being gay, even though he wouldn’t even fully understand his orientation until later in life. He was under threat of being kidnapped and taken to an unlicensed facility in Mexico where they
Escaping New Zealand’s Gloriavale: Cult Leader’s Granddaughter Exposes ALL
Following up our incredible interview with Lilia Tarawa, today we go LIVE with her to further discuss what it was like escaping the Gloriavale cult. Founded by her grandfather, who was inspired by the Amish in the US, Gloriavale became an isolated community in New Zealand that implemented communal living, strict gender roles and even identical uniforms for its members. The numb
Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult (ft. Lilia Tarawa)
Lilia Tarawa was raised in an isolated community in New Zealand started by her grandfather, called Gloriavale. Inspired by the Amish in the US, he implemented communal living, strict gender roles and even identical uniforms for its members. The numbers grew rapidly, especially since birth control wasn’t allowed. Lilia showed promise in leadership skills as a chiId, but was quickly shot do
Life After Swartzentruber AMISH: From No Electricity to Social Media Stardom ft. Lovina Zook
No electricity, no running water, no indoor plumbing. Lovina Zook grew up in one of the strictest Amish settlements started by her own family. Highly demanding gender roles were enforced leaving Lovina with no other choice than to marry a relative and become a busy housewife, or be considered an old maid at 24. She had high ambitions and knew she had to escape and trade her entire f
Swartzentruber AMISH: My Midnight Escape From One of the Strictest Settlements ft. Lovina Zook
No electricity, no running water, no indoor plumbing. Lovina Zook grew up in one of the strictest Amish settlements started by her own family. It was common to marry cousins as most people there were related by blood and a woman would be considered an “old maid” if still single by 24 yrs old. Lovina discusses the hardest parts including struggling with mental heath, strict rules and
LDS Abuse Coverups: Protecting Predators & Assets ft. Alyssa Grenfell
Surviving Mormonism is a new limited series hosted by Real Housewife of Salt Lake City Heather Gay where she interviews people with harrowing stories of how the LDS church failed them. It is a heartbreaking series that reveals the reality of a systemic problem that is not only covered up by church officials, but amplified by their only true intentions…avoiding lawsuits and avoiding bad me
I Was Groomed & Trafficked into a TANTRIC YOGA SEX CULT
In 2017, Miranda signed up for classes at Tara Yoga Centre in London — a studio associated with the larger network Atman federation (also sometimes called MISA in other countries). At first, the classes were marketed as esoteric or tantric yoga — spiritual practices about inner work, self-improvement and body awareness. As time went on, students were encouraged to date the teachers, blurr
How the Billion Dollar “Troubled Teen” Industry Scams & Profits From Parents’ Desperation
Alexandra struggled with her parents’ treatment of her, as well as suffering SA which led to a deterioration of her mental health. Her parents then took drastic measures by paying for her to be kidnapped and taken to a wilderness camp in the dead of Utah winter. They were forced to hike every other day further into the mountains carrying a 60 pound backpack with very little food and warmt
Surviving the Troubled Teen Industry: A 16 Year Old’s Fight to Escape Nine Months in Hell
Alexandra struggled with her parents’ treatment of her, as well as suffering SA which led to a deterioration of her mental health. When she asked her parents for help, she was either dismissed or laughed at. When she was finally given some psychiatric care, it didn’t last long before her parents chose to instead hand over custody and ship her to Utah during winter for a wilderness camp. W
Teen Mission for Martyrdom: How Superstar Mega-Pastor Glorified Avoidable Medical Neglect Abroad
Raised in the “Holy War” and recruited as a soldier for Jesus, Philip Boltz, son of famous Christian singer Ray Boltz, was deeply invested in changing the world. He went on multiple mission trips abroad, ready to give everything, including his life for the cause. However, the goal to become a martyr was closer than he realized, when an emergency surgery leading to severe infection and med
Saved or Shattered? A Teenager’s Descent Into Evangelical Extremism
Liz Boltz Ranfeld, who was featured in the recent Shiny Happy People 2 documentary, was fully immersed in the “Teen Mania” lifestyle. She went on several overseas mission-trips that caused more fear and guilt due to the inability to faith heal on the spot, however it opened her eyes to other cultures that were being labeled as “demonic”. Her father was a well known Christian singer/song w
How She Helped TAKE DOWN Pedo Cult Leader of the La Luz Del Mundo
CW: Mentions of CSA, SA, ED & Suicide Ideation. Sochil Martin was born and raised in the worldwide church known as La Luz del Mundo. At age 9 she started to become groomed to be a concubine to the Apostle who was their living prophet on Earth. Her own aunt took her to him, because that’s what had happened to her and her family as young girls. They were not only expected to compl
9 yr Old Given as One of Many “Concubines” to Apostle in La Luz Del Mundo Cult
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 @cul
9 yr Old Forced by Cult to Become Chess Master to Convert the World (ft. Danny Rensch)
Born into the Church of Immortal Consciousness, Danny Rensch spent his childhood navigating the isolated confines of a cult. Despite psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and neglect, he persevered. An international chess master and world-class commentator, Rensch’s remarkable journey led him to being the face of Chess.com, one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world.&nb
CSA Survivor Reveals How To Help Your Children Avoid Predators
Mandi Pagliarini was put into a recovery program at 15 yrs old and would quickly be handed over to multiple predators by the leader until she left at 22. She realized years later that not all forms of abuse feel the same, and has dedicated her work to teaching parents how to speak to their children and teens to help keep them safe. Every parent should have these important conversations at
Manipulation Tactics & Identity Control: The Disturbing “Reality” Behind America's Next Top Model
Sarah Hartshorne gives the exposé on what REALLY happened on one of the hottest reality tv shows of its time, America’s Next Top Model. We did a deep dive interview with her, but today we focus in on some of the more disturbing parts of her time on Season 9 including waiving their rights to a camera free shower. Girls had no choice but to be moldable clay when it came to their identity, l
“America's Next Top Model WAS A CULT” Sarah Hartshorne Reveals the Dark Truth Behind Cycle 9
(CW: Mentions of Eating Disorder) Sarah Hartshorne, a fan favorite America’s Next Top Model contestant pulls back the curtain on the iconic but deeply flawed reality competition show, exposing the manipulation and chaos behind the scenes. Tyra Banks’s America’s Next Top Model was a cultural phenomenon with more than six million weekly viewers at its peak. Over its fifteen-year run, the sh
How Cult Masquerading as AA Group Preyed on & Trafficked Vulnerable Teens
CHAPTER MARKS NOT AVAILABLEMandi Pagliarini was thrown into Alcoholics Anonymous as a teen when her parents caught her drinking, and overreacted. She was lured into loving summer boarding camps with cute boys and fun activities, so immediately following high school graduation, the thought of being full time boarded with the group sounded fun and necessary for her health. Unfortunately, a
What it’s REALLY like Being a Cult Survivor Who Interviews Cult Survivors Every Day
Today Shelise takes the hot seat to be interviewed by husband and co-producer Jonathan Rosales. A brief discussion about Mormonism and the various shapes it can take in people’s lives gives more context to why Shelise feels it is a cult/high control group. They discuss the light hearted aspects of leaving the cult bubble such as being out of the loop with pop culture. Then, for the first
Tim Ballard Claims RITUAL SATANlSM Happening in LDS Church (yet still fully believes)
Carah Burrell and Ryan Fisher have continued to cover the Tim Ballard scandal since it was leaked two years ago that he had plans to become the new LDS prophet and take over the government through white nationalism. He was using his “connections” with the now deceased apostle Ballard (no relation) to bolster his cause at Operation Underground Railroad, which evidence has now suggested it
Adventist Husband Threatens to Make Wife “Disappear” in Religious Conversion Facility If She Leaves
Following our incredible interview with Rosei Quartz, today we go LIVE with her to further discuss her time with her threatening Adventist husband. Rosei was born a Seventh-Day Adventist where her father eventually became a charismatic and highly performative pastor in the church. She attended private Adventist schools and was constantly the center of her father’s fake sermons. Rosei’s mo
