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Cults to Consciousness

Cults to Consciousness

Shelise Ann Sola, Jonathan C Rosales 421 Episodes Aug 21, 2026

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

The 22nd Wife Who Helped TAKE DOWN FLDS “False Prophet” Sam Bateman
The 22nd Wife Who Helped TAKE DOWN FLDS “False Prophet” Sam Bateman Aug 21, 2026 01:23:12 After being gr**med and coerced into becoming Sam Bateman’s 22nd wife, Makelle Bistline reveals what life was actually like inside his polygamous household—and how quickly the disturbing reality began to surface. As her doubts grew, Makelle secretly helped get information to Christine, eventually becoming part of the quiet resistance that helped expose Bateman and bring the FBI closer to
Warren Jeffs’ Daughter Reveals Unexpected Reasons People Are Leaving the FLDS
Warren Jeffs’ Daughter Reveals Unexpected Reasons People Are Leaving the FLDS Aug 17, 2026 01:00:40 In this follow-up conversation, Sienna returns to share what’s changing inside the FLDS and the unexpected reasons some members are beginning to walk away. As Warren Jeffs’ daughter, she offers a rare insider perspective on what’s driving people to question the group, what makes leaving so complicated, and how life inside the FLDS continues to evolve.Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch ou
FLDS “Prophet” Married My 3 Mothers, My Young Sisters… And Me (Makelle’s Story)
FLDS “Prophet” Married My 3 Mothers, My Young Sisters… And Me (Makelle’s Story) Aug 14, 2026 01:02:58 Raised in the FLDS with 3 mothers and 27 siblings, Makelle grew up believing extreme restrictions, poverty, and obedience to religious authority were simply normal. That foundation made her vulnerable when self-proclaimed prophet Sam Bateman entered her family’s world, even as she questioned his teachings and was horrified to discover he was “marrying” underage girls. As Bateman gained co
Warren Jeffs’ Daughter Reveals What REALLY Happened Inside the FLDS
Warren Jeffs’ Daughter Reveals What REALLY Happened Inside the FLDS Aug 12, 2026 01:28:39 Sienna shares what it was like growing up as one of Warren Jeffs' children inside the FLDS, from the 2008 Texas raid and years of strict control to the fear, isolation, and manipulation that shaped her childhood. She opens up about the moment she began questioning everything…Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Sienna!Sienna’s artIG: https://www.instagram.com/siennahazej/Resourc
Gloriavale Cult Survivor Exposes Everything WRONG with New “Devotion” Doc (ft. Lilia Tarawa)
Gloriavale Cult Survivor Exposes Everything WRONG with New “Devotion” Doc (ft. Lilia Tarawa) Aug 10, 2026 01:19:30 Lilia Tarawa—granddaughter of Gloriavale founder Neville Cooper—shares her perspective on the new Paramount+ documentary Devotion, which offers unprecedented access inside the isolated New Zealand religious community. While she appreciates the rare footage and the opportunity to hear from current members, Lilia argues that the documentary fails to present the full reality of Gloriavale by
Inside NXIVM Cult’s Collapse and the Hollywood Actress Behind It (ft. Bonnie Piesse)
Inside NXIVM Cult’s Collapse and the Hollywood Actress Behind It (ft. Bonnie Piesse) Aug 5, 2026 01:13:39 Bonnie Piesse shares the deeply personal story of how a successful acting and music career in Hollywood left her feeling spiritually empty, ultimately making her vulnerable to the promises of NXIVM. She was introduced to the organization by her future husband, Mark Vicente. What initially appeared to be an empowering self-improvement community instead slowly eroded her confidence through
Why Narcissists Become Dangerous When You Expose Them (ft. Mark Vicente)
Why Narcissists Become Dangerous When You Expose Them (ft. Mark Vicente) Aug 3, 2026 00:57:06 After our powerful conversation with former NXIVM insider and filmmaker Mark Vicente about The Narcissist's Playbook, we're sitting down with him once again for a special live discussion to go even deeper. This time, we're moving beyond understanding the mindset of narcissists to explore what happens when they're challenged. Why do narcissists react so intensely when confronted? What fear
I Interviewed Real Narcissists... What They Admitted Terrified Me (ft.Mark Vicente)
I Interviewed Real Narcissists... What They Admitted Terrified Me (ft.Mark Vicente) Jul 27, 2026 01:36:53 Filmmaker and former NXIVM member Mark Vicente returns to discuss his new documentary, The Narcissist's Playbook, using both his experience exposing NXIVM and years of research into narcissistic personalities to explain why destructive leaders across cults, abusive relationships, and even public life often follow the same psychological pattern. Drawing from his own journey through multipl
How Mormons Enslaved & Erased Native American Children
How Mormons Enslaved & Erased Native American Children Jul 24, 2026 00:50:11 Following up the enlightening interview with Ember Hudson, today she joins us LIVE to further discuss Native slavery, which is the least discussed aspects of early Utah history.  Early Mormon settlement in Utah profoundly impacted Native communities through slavery, land displacement, and forced assimilation. After the Utah Territory legalized Native slavery in 1852, many Native chiI
The Mormon Church Called Me Chosen... and Cursed
The Mormon Church Called Me Chosen... and Cursed Jul 22, 2026 01:23:52 Ember Hudson shares the deeply personal story of growing up as a Native American woman in the LDS Church, where Mormon teachings about Indigenous people left her struggling with identity, worth, and belonging. Raised between her tribal heritage and a predominantly white Mormon community, she recounts how doctrines surrounding the Lamanites, rac*st interpretations of skin color, and repeat
Why This Incestuous Polygamous Cult Turns Families Into Enemies (ft. Amanda Rae Grant)
Why This Incestuous Polygamous Cult Turns Families Into Enemies (ft. Amanda Rae Grant) Jul 20, 2026 00:56:54 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.
I Was Groomed to Die for God
I Was Groomed to Die for God Jul 17, 2026 01:22:55 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

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