Episodes
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A product of the first generation of bi-ethnic children in Saudi Arabia, as an Italian-Arab, Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson faced new challenges. She lived a double life. One which was very Western, liberal and open and another which was Eastern, focused on Islamic law and extremely strict. Her heart yearned for a western life, but situation didn’t allow for it. Determined to flee to America with a man she fell in love with, she tricked her father into giving legal permission for her to travel on her own. He didn’t know she would never return. Find and Support Jasmin!IG: @jasmin.faulk.dickersonWebsite: https://www.jasminfaulkdickerson.comBook: The Last Sandstorm Use “sandstorm” code for 15% off through the end of July!AmazonPodcast: I Want you to Meet
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Host Instagram @sheliseann
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Twitter @cultstocon
Chapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:13 Growing up with a progressive Italian mother and conservative Saudi father00:08:14 The difference between culture, race, and religion00:14:00 Jasmin's upbringing, and the value of a woman00:16:56 When young girls officially become "women"00:18:35 Jasmin hid the fact that she had gotten her period00:20:48 Jasmin clarifies about her region-specific experience00:23:35 Why young Jasmin thought she had to wear a veil00:25:15 The s*xualization of chiIdren00:27:40 Did Jasmin's progressive mom embrace Muslim culture?00:29:50 What teen life was like for Jasmin00:32:27 Did Jasmin believe in the religious doctrine?00:36:28 The shame and guilt00:38:36 Jasmine breaks down engagements, weddings, marriage from the woman's perspective00:47:37 Trying to escape by getting married young00:57:52 How Jasmine tricked her father into getting permission to leave01:00:57 The tense moment at the airport during Jasmine's escape01:07:09 Life in Wyoming with her 2nd husband01:09:09 Jasmine's life turning upside because of 9II01:11:47 Jasmine finding her own identity01:16:05 What came of Jasmine's relationship with her family?01:18:39 Women need male guardian's to give them permission01:24:07 A devastating end to her 2nd husband's life01:27:35 Jasmine's new life with her current husband01:29:03 What brings Jasmin joy now01:33:31 Linda, listenTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
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Blinded by what appeared to be special psychic gifts and years of professional accreditation, Lauren Geertsen fell hard for an energy worker who manipulated her emotionally, financially and spiritually. A predator who had many other victims simultaneously. This is the story of a whistleblower who risked it all and lost almost everything to expose him. Check out Lauren's book: The Scorpion and the LionFind and support Lauren:YT: @LaurenGeertsenIG: @body_connection_coach
Our Merch!Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
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Find Shelise on Social media!
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Chapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:34 Spiritual truth paradox00:05:30 Defining grooming00:09:11 When someone is unable to give informed consent00:11:32 Lauren's upbringing and how it laid the groundwork for future ab*se00:16:16 How religious and purity culture prevents awareness of signs of a predator00:22:14 S*xual repression in Purity Culture00:26:06 Going from one end of the spectrum to the other00:28:04 A divine pathway and higher purpose00:31:26 The signs of grooming00:36:50 Spiritual gaslighting00:40:54 Using spiritual power as a manipulation tactic00:45:20 Figuring out the truth01:00:20 Using trauma as an excuse for toxic and bad behavior01:04:13 Having to dissolve the business01:08:17 Friendships during the healing journey01:12:37 Being an example for others on the same journey01:18:19 How Lauren is doing today01:22:25 Linda, listen01:23:07 OutroTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
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One of the most sacred tenants of The Order, a fundamentalist polygamous break of sect of the mainstream mormon/LDS church, is living polygamy. Nephi knew he was gay, but hid it most of his life because living authentically was never an option for him. He was essentially assigned a wife at a young age and had 7 children before he realized he couldn’t pretend anymore. His father, who had 14 wives and over 160 children was pushing him to take another wife, so he came out to him. Nephi was told he was gay for various reasons such as eating too much chicken and he needed to stay faithful lest he go to the depths of Hell. Thankfully, he didn’t listen, got out and isn’t hiding his true self any longer.
Click here to watch on YouTubeConnect with Nephi!FB: Nephi Robinson If 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.org
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Find Shelise on Social media!
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Twitter @cultstocon
Chapter Markers:00:00:00 Intro00:02:13 Nephi's polygamous family dynamic00:03:59 Oldest of 13 kids in immediate family- parentification at 8-10 yrs old00:05:40 Women are responsible for the chiIdren and income00:08:42 ChiId labor in The Order00:11:22 What Nephi's dad Daniel was like00:15:03 Pre-destined families00:20:28 Dance cards for betrothals at 16 yrs old00:26:30 Allowed genres and dance styles for the dances00:28:08 Being gay was not an option00:29:55 TW: suic*de ideation00:32:28 The struggles of being gay with no support00:34:07 Daniel chose Nephi's college major00:38:35 The courting process of The Order- no dating till engaged00:41:53 Nephi's engagement00:43:28 Plural wives get to make up their last name00:45:09 Getting married & being pressured to take another wife00:52:07 Nephi's mom's medical negligence00:58:19 How Daniel reacted when Nephi came out to him01:06:45 Nephi's family's reaction to him coming out and leaving01:09:22 Conversion therapy?01:15:21 When Nephi left to start a new life, what was it like?01:18:35 How Nephi is doing now01:20:28 Linda, ListenTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
Amanda Rae ( @TheAmandaRaeGrant ) shares 3 of her most prominent and shocking post-cult relationships, full of betrayal and manipulation. High control groups, by design, eliminate intuition, manipulate people into doing things they don’t want to do, and make them believe they are freely choosing that lifestyle. This can also happen in relationships. It’s far too common for cult survivors to fall prey to people who can take advantage of their vulnerabilities.Check out Shelise’s horror stories on Amanda’s channel Find and support Amanda!YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrant IG: @amandaraegrant If 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.org
Our Merch!
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Host Instagram @sheliseann
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Twitter @cultstocon
Chapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:00 Are bad relationships due to daddy issues?00:06:43 What it was like growing up in The Order00:14:29 Living in different mental worlds00:16:22 The impact of a parent's prejudice on their chiIdren 00:18:14 Issues from the cult that lingered after getting out00:21:11 Amanda's box of clothes00:22:54 Cult men and narcissistic tendencies00:25:01 Amanda's still in the cult mindset after leaving00:27:32 Spiritual manipulation in relationships00:29:00 A narcissist's lack of empathy and awareness00:33:13 Leaving narcissistic relationships vs leaving The Order00:36:35 Continuously in bad relationships after leaving a cult00:37:28 Amanda's 2nd toxic relationship00:45:20 Amanda's toxic behavior00:51:19 Amanda's 3rd toxic relationship00:52:02 Issues with love-bombing00:54:21 Amanda's qualifications for relationships now00:55:41 Amanda's most recent relationship00:58:26 Little things that add up01:01:09 The last straw01:11:17 The good that came of it and meeting Winston's ex01:14:00 The saga continues... in court01:27:37 Emotional intelligence and accountability01:31:45 What helped Shelise?01:35:09 Listen, Linda01:35:47 OutroTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
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Lindsey Williams of the hit Amazon Prime docu-series, “Shiny Happy People”, was an eager 18 year old when she was hand-picked by cult leader Bill Gothard to work at IBLP headquarters. After grooming her as one of his “Gothard Girls” Gothard would get too close in his one-on-one prayer sessions with her. After being kicked out for kissing a boy, forced to do free labor and write an apology letter to his parents, she finally reconnected with her love. Bill then tried to sabotage her engagement so he could have her in “single years of service” for longer. Watch pt. 1 of Lindsey's interview here
IG: @thecultchronicles
Lindsey’s hair and make up pageLindsey’s link tree
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Chapter Marks
00:04:06 How Lindsey ended up at the Training Center00:05:36 IBLP's "Umbrella of Authority"00:08:46 Arriving at the Training Center00:10:15 The free labor she was expected to do 00:14:14 How her health was negatively impacted by the trauma00:20:33 Lindsey decided to sneakily reconnect with Bryce00:28:10 Bill Gothard personally tried to sabotage her marriage00:39:00 "Single service" years?00:44:31 They finally got the green light to court each other00:52:16 The beautiful path to Lindsey's new career01:05:26 What Lindsey wishes they would have aired in the "Shiny Happy People" documentary01:09:17 What brings Lindsey joy now01:11:52 Linda, listen
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
Today we are joined by Lindsey Williams of the hit Amazon Prime docu-series, “Shiny Happy People”, exposing the Duggars and Bill Gothard’s IBLP practices. Lindsey dives deep into the lack of education growing up with Gothard’s ATI religious home school program, how she wanted to leave her ab*sive household at 18 and join the famous Gothard (who was seen as a prophet) at head quarters, and how Gothard began to groom her as one of his “Gothard Girls” once he had her alone. IG: @thecultchroniclesLindsey’s hair and make up pageLindsey’s link treeSupport SheliseAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Our Merch!
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstoconChapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:37 IBLP and Bill Gothard, explained00:07:28 Modesty rules for women in the IBLP00:11:02 Lindsey explains her home school education with the Words of Wisdom booklets00:13:19 What Lindsey feels now is lacking from the Words of Wisdom00:16:23 What the day to day education was like00:21:11 Did Homeschool ATI-ers have to take a state test?00:25:04 How Lindsey's parents reacted to the changes made at home00:28:06 Does Lindsey feel she had a happy chiIdhood?00:35:50 Lindsey plays a recording of her 18 year old self giving her Testimony at head quarters00:47:52 Corporal pun*shment is encouraged in the IBLP00:52:58 How Lindsey ended up at head quarters with Bill Gothard00:58:18 Gothard preys on Lindsey01:15:51 Gothard inserts himself as Lindsey's spiritual father (tries to get her mole removed)01:19:32 Lindsey accidentally had some men sent away, and she was blamed01:26:17 How Lindsey met her husband (and why he was sent home by Gothard)01:33:46 After "the kiss" Lindsey is sent to a Training Center01:36:52 Linda, listenTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
Joined in the studio is friend, comedian, and ex-IBLP “cult kid” Davey Jackson. Having spent his childhood homeschooled by his mother, at 12, his parents decided to incorporate Bill Gothard’s practices into his education. As a form of punishment for having a girlfriend, at 16, Davey was sent to an intense IBLP training center. Instead of correcting his “bad” behavior, Davey further rebelled, which ultimately led him to spend 7 days in the Prayer Room, the center’s solitary confinement, which only had a bible. Davey recounts his losing-touch-with-reality experience, his attempts at escape, and now, all of these years later, going back to the center where the source of his decades of living with trauma began. (Also, Jonathan takes his first shot at a solo interview.)
Watch this episode on YouTube hereYoutube: @daveyjaxxInstagram: @daveyjaxDavey Jackson - The Cult Kid | Full Comedy SpecialWatch our first interview with Davey HereShelise and Lindsey Williams interviewed by Davey
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Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
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Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Chapter Marks00:04:15 What the Shiny Happy People docu-series was like for those that grew up in the IBLP00:06:47 IBLP explained00:09:50 What homeschool and ATI was like for Davey growing up00:11:09 When Davey started questioning his religious home school education00:12:47 Davey's parents send him to an education center as a form of punishment00:16:06 Davey was not allowed to listen to music00:19:08 What it was like for Davey at the IBLP Training Center00:23:35 What led Davey to solitary confinement at 1600:25:51 Similarities within IBLP, IFB, and the "troubled teen" industry00:27:40 Solitary confinement00:28:34 Davey tries to break out from the window00:32:36 The rest of Davey's time at the Training Center00:34:45 Coming back broken00:36:06 Davey confronts his parents afterward00:38:52 Davey using drugs and alcohol to escape and disassociate00:45:01 When things started looking brighter for Davey00:46:40 Davey revisits the Training Center all of these years later00:58:37 It hits Davey once he sees the prayer room windows -
With immense pressure being one of the sons of the FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs, Ammon would do anything to earn the approval of his father. When he was finally “worthy enough” to be called to the holy land (YFZ Ranch in Texas), he was worked up to 22 hours per day doing hard labor for the church. Assuming Warren truly spoke for God, when he prophesied that the government wanted to come take away the chiIdren, the people were only further convinced he was a prophet considering the 300 police who did just that. Ammon explains how the raid was traumatic for all involved and what it was that finally opened his eyes to who his father really was. Connect with Ammon!IG @ammonjeffsAmmon’s Book Texas RaidIf 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.org
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Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
Chapter Marks 00:03:43:05 Ammon's childhood as Warren Jeffs' son00:05:04:21 Warren marries his father, Rulon Jeffs’ wives after dies00:06:04:08 How many chiIdren did Warren have?00:06:45:12 Warren becomes prophet during Ammon's chiIdhood00:07:37:16 FLDS prophet immortality00:09:57:11 Crisis after Rulon's passing00:10:58:20 Ammon's father becomes prophet00:12:37:08 Warren implements changes00:14:07:18 Warren stops major ordinances00:15:16:20 FLDS members start to disappear00:17:43:04 Ammon's mom's health declines00:22:42:05 Ammon is called to move to the Texas Ranch00:26:45:08 Ammon's job on the Ranch00:27:49:05 Warren orders a large compound to be built00:29:27:18 Were Warren's chiIdren treated differently on the Ranch?00:31:26:10 Religious pun*shments and atonement00:34:35:11 Was Warren Jeffs' just putting on a show?00:36:46:23 Warren Jeffs' is caught by law enforcement00:38:38:06 The Texas Raid00:39:20:20 Allegations of abuse from a resident at the Ranch00:41:30:05 Who called CPS?00:43:40:07 The Raid in a chiId's point of view00:47:17:04 Only those worthy enough can be on temple grounds00:49:18:18 Evidence found00:50:32:04 After the raid00:51:49:19 Ammon in charge at the boys camp00:53:05:14 Living conditions at the boys camp00:54:44:02 Birthday at the boys camp00:56:20:14 Sneaking off the boys camp at night00:57:37:17 Going back to the FLDS ranch in Texas00:59:15:13 Communication with Warren in the months after the raid01:00:00:18 New requirements and revelations from Warren while in prison01:03:36:22 Warren's information control from prison01:08:00:00 Becoming an apostate01:09:37:00 Warren starts meetings again01:10:30:10 Warren excludes Ammon and most members from the meetings01:11:49:06 Ammon's sisters leave01:12:41:11 Warren's most recent revelations01:14:50:19 Ammon's youngest sister visits apostate family members01:17:53:07 TW: SA01:19:03:13 Ammon learns the truth01:20:53:12 TW: CSA01:23:44:08 How Ammon is doing now01:28:57:20 Linda, listen!
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As the 13th wife of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, Ada Marie was extremely devout in her faith and belief in her prophet and husband. Even from prison, the entire church population was conditioned to believe he was innocent and persecuted by the government. However, as the years went on, Ada explains how his prophesies and commandments would get more and more odd and demanding. He would continue splitting up families, send people all over different states, disfellowship, then re-baptize and for some, completely cut them off. Ada was sent away for what was supposed to be 10 months. Five years later, she realized even if he allowed her back home, she wouldn’t go. This is the slow process of how she deconstructed from the fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Watch pt. 1 of Ada's interview here
Watch this episode on YouTube hereConnect with Ada!IG: @adadraper1 FB: Ada Draper
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Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
Chapter Markers:00:04:13 Does Warren believe his own theatrics?00:10:04 How Warren treated Ada Marie00:15:27 How many wives Warren had and how they always had to be "ready"00:23:10 Warren's wild instructions from prison00:26:22 Warren gave revelation to take away certain foods00:30:25 The rollercoaster of Warren's revelations- forced to move00:35:56 Ada Marie's mother is pun*shed and sent away as a "forever non-member"00:41:44 Warren doesn't let a woman get lifesaving healthcare00:43:59 Warren sends Ada Marie away from the "faithful"00:50:06 She had to find her first job in her 30s in the "outside world"00:52:34 When she first wore pants instead of her FLDS dress00:55:59 Learning that outsiders were good people00:57:53 TW: CSA- Warren m*lested his own daughters00:59:50 Ada Marie starts to wonder if she actually wants to go back01:14:39 How Ada Marie is doing now!01:19:39 Linda, Listen
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Warren Jeffs, currently in prison for CSA, is the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, otherwise known as the FLDS. He claims that God commanded him to take dozens of wives, some of whom were as young as 12 years old. In his enormous temple/compound that his members built in Texas, he conducted what he called “heavenly sessions” which were essentially big orgies with his wives, which he taped. Ultimately, his disturbing records is what got him put into prison, but he continues to send revelations, which get more and more outlandish, to his faithful members on the outside.
Watch this episode on YouTube hereWatch pt. 2 of Ada's interview hereConnect with Ada!IG: @adadraper1 FB: Ada Draper
Support Shelise + JonathanAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page Our Merch!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** -
An ex-Muslim man converts his entire family to Mormonism when missionaries knock on his door. His stroke of genius combined with schizophrenia and tendency towards extreme punishments and every type of ab*se, created a cult-like environment for his chiIdren. He created his own religion and wrote a 2422 page manuscript of his own holy text. We take a look at his mindset and life through the lens of his son Adrian. Adding further clarification and commentary on generational trauma, Sami, Adrian’s daughter, joins us. Find Sami on social media:YouTube @mildwestsamiIG: @mild_west_samiSupport SheliseAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!PatreonVenmo @sheliseannFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian GuevaraAdrian's father's chiIdhood in India and transition to AmericaEffraim's mental illness impactAdrian's traumatic chiIdhood dynamicsAdrian's guilt and shame and its breeding ground for MormonismGrowing up with drugs in the homeTW: CSA How boys and girls were treated differently Converting to MormonismHow things changed in Adrian's household after convertingJustifying Mormon beliefsAdrian's father becomes a prophetWhat Effraim's Book of the Priesthood of God containsThe Table of ContentsIs Effraim's Book historically accurate?Effraim becoming GodTW: Suicide ideationAdrian standing up to his father's abuseAdrian's relationship with his mom during all everything happening with his fatherSami's chiIdhood and the impact of MormonismLeaving Mormonism and becoming authenticWhat happened with Adrian's father?**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
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Outsiders often criticize Mormonism for its wild beliefs and the scandalous actions of the founding prophet Joseph Smith, but the member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are left in the dark about the truth of it history. Carah Burrell @CarahBurrell and Shelise, examine the life and actions of Joseph Smith from a non-faith promoting, historical view, different from their Mormon upbringing. From the ugly truth about polygamy, a Mormon Militia, and original secret temple rituals to Joseph Smith’s personal hit man, we cover it all!Carah's Greece opportunity has passed Find Carah on social media: YouTubeIG @nuancehoe
**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-shelise-sola-aug-2024Support SheliseAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastFind our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usdPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnesshttps://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsiousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannhttps://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/TikTok @cults.to.consciousnesshttps://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconhttps://twitter.com/cultstoconChapter Marks00:00:00 Intro00:04:01 Different branches of the Mormon church00:08:57 Joseph Smith's early life & the fraud he was committing00:11:59 The Book of Mormon as the keystone to the religion00:16:27 Joseph Smith 00:29:13 Using women to manipulate other women00:30:26 The "Happiness Letter" used to manipulate a young girl into marrying JS00:37:27 The tactics JS used to score wives00:42:27 Revelations at convenient times00:45:48 How JS "translated" these holy revelations00:55:29 How the LDS church hides truth01:01:55 Ritualistic Free Mason temple ceremonies01:11:25 Original temple rituals that were taken out01:12:28 How did it end for JS?01:26:19 Porter Rockwell- a hit man for JS01:28:02 Back to the martyrdom of JS01:34:59 Emma, the first wife of JS started her own branch01:37:56 Why is there so much Mormon true crime happening now?01:42:49 Linda, ListenTheme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
*Content Warning: self harm, physical abuse* Anonymous YouTuber Apostate Aladdin shares his story of becoming a man in an environment that used fear to keep boys and girls and men and women separated. This intense fear that men need to be kept away so they don’t act on their uncontrollable desires, left him feeling scared, targeted, alone and shameful. Here we learn about purity culture through a different lens and how he was able to overcome his fear of interacting with women so he could create positive friendships and relationships.
Why AA wears a mask and has a pseudonym Specifically AA's experience & not every Muslim's experience Apostate as a derogatory term What kind of interactions were allowed with the opposite sex A young AA getting in trouble for liking a girl TW: CA- What happened when AA was caught texting a girl Vague rules within the purity culture he experienced Even young boys weren't allowed certain places alone What these restrictions did to the minds of boys and men The nightmare of puberty What happened when AA realized masturbation was considered a sin The pilgrimage- feeling unworthy Was dating allowed? Does the hypersexualizaiton create odd turn ons? When did AA start pushing the boundaries? When did AA begin to have healthy interactions with women? What did AA find about Islam that he didn't resonate with? Did he convert his GF to being a Muslim? Where did AA land in his spirituality and relationships?--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Click here to watch on YouTube
Live episodes together where we discuss the similarities and differences between Islam and Mormonism:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Find Apostate Aladdin
YouTube: @apostatealaddin
IG: @apostatealaddin
LinkTree
**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page -
*Content Warning: Many mentions of physical abuse & sexual abuse* Tricked into moving to Iraq at age 14, Ellaf was separated from her mother and forced into a chiId marriage by her father who felt she was too much of a burden to raise. Ellaf’s husband was even more controlling than her father and knew that he could get away with hurting her in many ways, because she was alone in an unfamiliar country and didn’t know the culture or the language. Forbidden to use birth control, she had 3 chiIdren before she was 21 years old and after years of suffering, courageously stood up to both her husband and father and got away. This is her story of perseverance and victory against all odds.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Connect with Ellaf
IG @ellaf_altamimi
**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking pageOur Merch!
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
*Content Warning: Domestic Violence, SA, CA* Determined to fight for the human rights of the oppressed, Yasmine Mohammed speaks out and shares her experiences with Islam extremism. Her mother forced her to marry a terrorist and it wasn’t until she fell pregnant with a daughter that made her realize she had to escape in order to secure her a better life. In search of freedom, she also found her voice and now she platforms countless other people who share their experiences.
Why is critiquing Islam is such a sensitive subject? What are some of the dangers of speaking out against Islam? Muslims vs the Islamic religion as a whole Yasmine on the current situation in Gaza TW: R*pe, SA- prisoners of war How does this relate to Islamic doctrine? The nuance of Islam vs Palestine Some of the good that has happened How Yasmine’s mother got more fundamentalist Forced to marry a member of Al-Qaeda What were some of the rules Yasmine had to follow as a chiId? TW: CA & SA- What was her stepfather like outside of his religious adherence? Did Yasmine ever fully believe in Islam? TW: DV& r*pe- Yasmine's first week of marriage How did racism effect Yasmine's ability to get help? Yasmine gets pregnant and has a daughter How University opened her mind What was the deconstruction process like for Yasmine? Creating your own values and morals after leaving a high demand religion How did Yasmine's daughter impact her drive to change their lives?
Find and support Yasmine!
Her book: “Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam”
The Yasmine Mohammed Podcast
YouTube: @yasminemohammedxx
Non-Profit: Free Hearts Free Minds
Website: https://www.yasminemohammed.com/
IG @yasmohammedxx
**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking pageOur Merch!
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support -
**Content Warning: DV, rape, SA** Tia Levings discusses her dark reality in Christian fundamentalism, with evangelical patriarchy and religious trauma. Having appeared in the Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People, and written a harrowing memoir, A Well-Trained Wife she reveals how she had to save herself and her family and details the ways that extreme views can manifest in a marriage.
Recruited into the fundamentalist Quiverfull movement as a young wife, Tia Levings learned that being a good Christian meant following a list of additional life principles––a series of secret, special rules to obey. Being a godly and submissive wife in Christian Patriarchy included strict discipline, isolation, and an alternative lifestyle that appeared wholesome to outsiders. Women were to be silent, “keepers of the home.” But in the patriarchy, a woman with opinions is in danger, and eventually, Tia faced an urgent and extreme choice: stay and face dire consequences, or flee with her children.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Pre order Tia’s book: A Well-Trained Wife
Find Tia on social media!
IG: @tialevingswriter
The Anti-Fundamentalist**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page
How Tia was raised that led to falling prey to her husband Did Tia's parents read her book? Nightmarish doctrine Tia learned in her youth All that's needed is a submissive and willing spirit You will drown in a lake of fire if you are not pleasing to God Selling the patriarchal movement to women- what that literally means Not allowed to have anything for yourself as a woman TW: Domestic ab*se- calling it a "correction" How Tia emerged from the isolation through secret online communication with women What it was like being a mother within this ab*sive reality Tia decided to escape when she saw how it was hurting her chiIdren Tia's escape story How Tia's children handled it all When did Tia feel safe enough to deconstruct and begin healing? Advice for someone going through a similar situationOur Merch!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** -
Daniella grew up in the Children of God and Mike in Scientology. Together they discuss ways that the military, of which they were both in for many years, is cultic and their differing perspectives.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Find Mike!
YouTube: @mikebrown101
Mike’s Interview: “How Scientology Almost Killed His Elderly Mother”
Find Daniella!
IG: @daniellamyoung_
TikTok: search #groupbehaviorgal
Website: https://www.uncultureyourself.com/
Amazon: "Uncultured: A Memoir"
Previous episodes with Daniella
“Her Horrific Childhood in the CHILDREN OF GOD S*x Cult ft. Daniella”
“Her Parallels Between Children of God S*x Cult & the US Military ft. Daniella Mestyanek Young”
“Escaping CHILDREN OF GOD, the Aftermath (ft. Daniella Mestyanek Young)”**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-shelise-sola-aug-2024
Daniella's cult backstory Mike's cult backstory When Daniella redefined what a cult was after learning about non Christian cults Comparisons Mike drew between Scientology and the Military upon joining Daniella's culty comparisons of the military and Children of God cult Difference in cultic experiences based on gender Mike's thoughts on r*pe culture in the military- Daniella responds Difficulties of a misogynistic environment When the "process" works When "the process" to protect women doesn't work and why Combat barbie and her non-regulation hair Is the Military a cult? Daniella's perspective- Mike's perspective Group motivation in cult think The issue with talent management Is the fix giving back individualism and identity? Change? Mike says why the military isn't like a cult Daniella's differing opinion on camaraderie Mike acknowledges why Daniella had a different experience than him Does the military HAVE to be like a cult for max effectiveness?Our Merch!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** -
Cait West was completely under her father’s rule down to all her decisions. She was told he would even make the biggest decision of her life for her— who she was going to marry. She was gr**med to be a submissive wife under the patriarchy movement and stay-at-home daughters movement. Her homeschooling was completely unregulated and not much attention was paid to her education, because her sole purpose was to be a mother who eventually belonged to her husband. Terrified that anything less than strict obedience would land her in the fiery depths of Hell, she felt she had no choice but to go along with it well into her 20s. This is how she gained her independence and escaped that lifestyle.
What is the patriarchy movement and where does it come from? What were some of the gender roles her dad believed in? How isolating was Cait's childhood? How did Cait's religion focused education impact her life? Did Cait ever yearn for a better education while being homeschooled? How did Cait's fear begin and impact her life? How did Cait's religious upbringing view mental health? Cait's scrupulosity and taking communion Cait learned s*x ed from movie reviews Feelings for men outside of a courtship What was courtship like for Cait? What is the Stay-At-Home Daughter Movement? What was Cait's parents' relationship like? How did Cait's dad become their church's courtship expert? When did Cait start to understand what she actually wanted? How did Cait's husband help her find her way? What was it like for Cait to discover her sexuality? What are some resources for those who are struggling? What was Cait's first
Click here to watch on YouTube
Find and Support Cait!
Buy her book Rift: https://www.caitwest.com/book
Website: https://www.caitwest.com/
Substack: https://caitwest.substack.com/
IG: @CaitWestWrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caitwestwrites/
TikTok: @CaitWestWrites
**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking pageOur Merch!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** -
Isolated in a cult within a cult within a cult, Ashley was completely sheltered from the outside world. From infancy she was labeled as unruly and even demon-possessed. Determined to break her as a toddler, then later brag about it, her pastor grandfather took it too far. She would be forced into submission and gr**med to be a “stay-at-home daughter” until her father transferred authority to her betrothed husband. This is how she accidentally escaped the prison in her mind.
Ashley's IFB background IFB vs Southern Baptists Drum Beats and Racism Was there scripture to back their racism? What types of music was Ashley allowed to listen to? What it was like being isolated in the IFB home school The Patriarchy Movement What is the 200 year Quiverfull plan? How did submitting to these types of men affect Ashley? Ashley's grandfather locks her in the basement Ashley's trauma responses Starting the blog, The Stay-At-Home-Daughter Ashley's relationship with her mom How many siblings did Ashley have? What was Ashley's big goal? What was courtship like for Ashley? "I kissed dating goodbye" Were courtship relationships transactional? What was Ashley's breaking point? How Ashley's husband held space for her How is Ashley doing now?
Click here to watch on YouTube
Find and support Ashley!
https://www.ashleyeaster.com/
IG @iamashleyeaster
Twitter: @ashleymeaster
Cults Hidden In Plain Sight- FREE Ebook:
https://www.ashleyeaster.com/books
Get intuitive texts from Ashley! Text “Intuition” to 917-809-7311
Courage 365: A non-profit for ab*se survivors:
https://www.courage365.org/
Watch Ashley’s TEDx Talk: Why You Could Be Vulnerable To A Cult | Ashley Easter
https://youtu.be/eDvhN7rSLK4?si=uv9J4CYkuTZZVx3p
**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-shelise-sola-aug-2024Our Merch!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** -
Scientology doesn’t believe in the young. They teach that they are trillion year old beings in small bodies. Therefore, they are not treated developmentally correct. Neglected, exploited for work and severely mistreated, they suffer the most in this organization. Serge Del Mar tells his story of growing up in Scientology and his advocacy work to make people wake up and listen to the lost souls who are begging silently for help.
Click here to watch on YouTube
Find Serge on Social!
YouTube: @literallyserge
IG @literallyserge
If you need help escaping Scientology, visit:
https://www.theaftermathfoundation.org/
https://sptvfoundation.org/**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page
Our Merch!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cults-to-consciousness/support
Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
Website CultsToConsciousness.com
Find Shelise on Social media!
Instagram @cultstoconsciousness
Host Instagram @sheliseann
TikTok @cults.to.consciousness
Twitter @cultstocon
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
**Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** - Show more