*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. Find and support Yasmine!Her book: “Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam” The Yasmine Mohammed PodcastYouTube: @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 page 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 wholeYasmine on the current situation in GazaTW: 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 happenedHow Yasmine’s mother got more fundamentalistForced to marry a member of Al-QaedaWhat 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 marriageHow did racism effect Yasmine's ability to get help?Yasmine gets pregnant and has a daughterHow University opened her mindWhat 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? Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

**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 YouTubePre order Tia’s book: A Well-Trained WifeFind Tia on social media!IG:  @tialevingswriterThe 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 husbandDid Tia's parents read her book?Nightmarish doctrine Tia learned in her youthAll that's needed is a submissive and willing spiritYou will drown in a lake of fire if you are not pleasing to GodSelling the patriarchal movement to women- what that literally meansNot allowed to have anything for yourself as a womanTW: Domestic ab*se- calling it a "correction"How Tia emerged from the isolation through secret online communication with womenWhat it was like being a mother within this ab*sive realityTia decided to escape when she saw how it was hurting her chiIdren Tia's escape storyHow 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! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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 YouTubeFind Mike!YouTube: @mikebrown101Mike’s Interview: “How Scientology Almost Killed His Elderly Mother” Find Daniella!IG: @daniellamyoung_ TikTok: search #groupbehaviorgalWebsite: 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-2024Daniella's cult backstoryMike's cult backstoryWhen Daniella redefined what a cult was after learning about non Christian cultsComparisons Mike drew between Scientology and the Military upon joiningDaniella's culty comparisons of the military and Children of God cultDifference in cultic experiences based on genderMike's thoughts on r*pe culture in the military- Daniella responds Difficulties of a misogynistic environmentWhen the "process" worksWhen "the process" to protect women doesn't work and whyCombat barbie and her non-regulation hairIs the Military a cult? Daniella's perspective- Mike's perspectiveGroup motivation in cult thinkThe issue with talent managementIs the fix giving back individualism and identity?Change? Mike says why the military isn't like a cultDaniella's differing opinion on camaraderie Mike acknowledges why Daniella had a different experience than himDoes the military HAVE to be like a cult for max effectiveness?Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.Click here to watch on YouTube Find and Support Cait!Buy her book Rift: https://www.caitwest.com/bookWebsite: 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 page 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 communionCait learned s*x ed from movie reviewsFeelings for men outside of a courtshipWhat 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 Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and support Ashley!https://www.ashleyeaster.com/IG @iamashleyeaster Twitter: @ashleymeasterCults Hidden In Plain Sight- FREE Ebook:https://www.ashleyeaster.com/booksGet 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-2024Ashley's IFB backgroundIFB vs Southern BaptistsDrum Beats and RacismWas 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 schoolThe Patriarchy MovementWhat is the 200 year Quiverfull plan?How did submitting to these types of men affect Ashley?Ashley's grandfather locks her in the basementAshley's trauma responsesStarting the blog, The Stay-At-Home-DaughterAshley's relationship with her momHow 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 herHow is Ashley doing now?Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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 YouTubeFind Serge on Social!YouTube: @literallysergeIG @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! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

At age six, Katherine Spallino is separated from her parents and sent to train for her future in the Church of Scientology’s clergy—the Sea Organization. She rarely sees her parents and never goes to a normal school. Later, Katherine is sent to live at a secluded ranch with other young prospective Sea Org members, called cadets, where she studies Scientology and does manual labor—weeding fields, digging trenches, and works in the galley. The indoctrination escalates, and her family slips even farther into the background. But as she enters her teenage years, a host of new, more immediate concerns emerge, along with fantasies of what else life has to offer.  Should she commit herself to the church, or reject everything she’s ever known for a chance at a different life?Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Katherine on Social!IG @thebadcadet Her Book: The Bad Cadet:  Growing Up in the Church of Scientology's Sea Organization **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 Katherine was born in a Scientrology building with no SSNAt a young age, Katherine saw L Ron Hubbard as a GodConfimation bias when it comes to having super powersDid Katherine know she was growing up differently?Katherine joins a bootcamp for youth who want to become Sea Org membersThe jobs Katherine had to do as a SeaOrg memberIncentivized to write knowledge reports (snitch on each other)The youth ran themselves, which is how they were kept in lineScientology getting around labor lawsKatherine gets shamed for only being able afford 1 pair of underwearDid Katherine have non-scientologist extended family?Racism was so bad, she thought she was a completely different race as a kidSome medical care was provided among neglectWhat made Katherine want to leave the Sea OrgHigh school shock- not like the moviesHow she ended up back in LA with other ex-cadetsWhy Katherine was declared a suppressive personHow she started writing "The Bad Cadet"Katherine tries to reconnect with family after being cut offHow Katherine's family treats her todayHow Katherine is doing nowOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

Raised by Scientology and forced into the Sea Org and labor intensive youth camps, Mike Brown didn’t have a choice but to be indoctrinated and used by the organization. After he managed to escape, leaving behind his mother and wife, years later he learned of the extreme elder ab*se that was happening. Determined to save his mother who was quickly being worked to death, he devised a plan to break her out and nurse her back to health before it was too late. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Mike:  YT @mikebrown101If you need help escaping Scientology, visit:https://www.theaftermathfoundation.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 How Mike Brown and his family got involved in ScientologyWhat it was like for Mike in his youth having auditing sessionsE meters, past lives, and powersMike being told at 7 years old that he has super powersMike's mother joined the Sea Org and Mike runs around LAAt 13 Mike gets moved to a ranch to be used as work force How the topic of s*x was treated for teens in ScientologyThe pun*ishments for crossing the lineWhen Mike decides to leave at 15Mike gets married at 18 - the problems he facedMike and his wife were encouraged to get an ab*rtionDavid Miscavige blows up on Mike's wife, Mike ultimately leavesMike is reunited with his father after he leaves ScientologyMike thinks his mother is being well taken care ofHow Mike realized his mother wasn't safeHow Mike's mother is doing now (and what happened to her)Scientology vs. MormonismHow Mike is doing nowOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

The troubled teen industry has been in the limelight lately for its more than questionable tactics to “reform” kids. Add in a heavy dose of religious extremism and you have the sometimes fatal Independent Fundamental Baptist all-girl’s school Ashley attended. The most common sentence was 1 year of brutal manual labor, peer-inflicted punishments and psychological warfare. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Ashley on Social!IG @ashfilet Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ashley.kellam**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 did Ashley's family become involved in the church?Why Ashley got sent to the girl's boarding schoolHow did the rules change after joining the IFB?Boarding school expectations vs reality...Ashley's game plan for survival"The Get Right Room"Ashley's shame and guiltHow the parents were also manipulatedTW: Mentions of su*cide and de@thWhat did Ashley learn in school?Were there other IFB schools?Forgetting the IFB schoolHow was Ashley changed after boarding school?Survivor's PromHolding space for yourselfWhat brings Ashley peace and joy now?Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

Disguised as a wholesome Christian school for troubled youth, was a house of horrors for those unlucky enough to be placed there. Diabolical and dangerous punishm*nts, intense physical labor left these girls scarred in more ways than one.  The documentary “Let Us Prey”, finally started to expose the secrets behind the walls of the school and within the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) churches as a whole. Amanda shares her story, as a young one of parents who ran one of these schools.Click here to watch on YouTube TikTok: @notmyfathersdaughter3 Support 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 Beliefs and rules of the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptists)TW: CA in various formsHow the boarding schools are related to IFBDoctrines that promoted ab*se at homeCulottes or skirts? Rules tighten at Agape.TW: CA-Amanda's dad learns new punishmentsTW: CA - Amanda's grandmother calls CPSAre these group homes still running?What's the draw of sending your kid to an IFB boarding school?Sad*stic parents? Or good intentions?What was Amanda's actual education like there?Trapped at Circle of Hope until age 30 – Rachel Kellso’s storyTW: CA -5 point restraint punishm*nt at IFB schools How did Amanda finally escape boarding school?"We aren't a cult...THEY are!" DeconstructingRepeating damaging patriarchal patternsWhere are Amanda's parents now?Agape shuts down (with some help from TikTok)How Amanda has been since "Let Us Prey" releasedOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

Joined for a second time by Mary (former Amish) and Hannah (former Holdeman Mennonite), we discuss the ways in which being gay/bi in their settlements harshly affected them and how queer plain people are generally erased from society. Bringing awareness and visibility to the LGBTQ community, they share their experiences openly and shed light on the disproportionate harm they faced.Watch Mary's original episodeWatch Hannah's original episodehttps://www.lgbtamish.com/The Trevor ProjectHannah's bookFollow Hannah on social media:TikTok: @hannahprosser_beatMary’s BookFollow Mary on Social:IG @plainrainbows_mary Fb: https://www.facebook.com/Mary.A.Byler/TikTok: the.misfit.amishThe Misfit Amish PodcastOur C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page Hannah explains some basic rules about her Holdeman Mennonite settlementMary explains the basic rules in her Amish settlementModesty and hyper-sexulization of womenMarriage without courtship in MennonitesCourtship in Mary's Amish settlementsTW: CSA-“Sex education" booklet for parents to teach kidsWhen Hannah recognized she had feelings for girls The consequences of Mary coming out to her parents at 5 yrs oldTW: LGBTQ suicide- The Trevor ProjectHow strict gender roles affected Mary's mentalitySome Amish are run out of their settlement when it's found out they are gayTW: Rape- Do the Amish have conversion therapy?Mary's advice for anyone leaving the Amish trying to find themselvesMary's activismOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

*Content Warning : SA, CA, CSA, mentions of rape* After enduring an excruciating youth at the hands of her mother and step father, isolated on a mountainside, Misty was forced into an Amish settlement at 18 years old. Though in many ways this new lifestyle was far more liberating than what she was used to, it came with darker days than she could’ve ever imagined. Hurt and blamed by those most trusted she took a risk and tried to escape. Http://www.Change.org/childrightsact to sign Misty’s petition to get congress to come in and protect the youth locked in cultsFind and Support Misty!Buy her book "Tears of the Silenced"IG @mistyelainegriffinFacebook: Misty GriffinWebsite: https://www.mistygriffin.comOur C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page Misty's early youthWhy did Misty's father become Amish?Misty's father tries everything to keep her isolatedAmish homeschool educationThe neighborhood knew and did nothingMisty's dad was sabotaging herHow Misty adjusted to being a teen in one of the strictest Amish communities in the U.S.What it was like going from isolation to lots of siblingsNot knowing how to use money or a phone"The woman is the temptress"Amish protocols for handling CSA "The entire community was in on the plot"TW: CSAMisty couldn't report her ab*ser without being blamedSA, CSA (Misty catches the bishop with his daughter) This has got to stopTW:SA (Misty runs away during an ass*ult)Misty's neighbor drives her to the policeAmish are treated like a sovereign nationThere are 7 little ones still living in that houseMisty leaves the AmishPerps get a slap on the wrist in the AmishHow Misty adjusts to life outside the AmishMisty's motivation to speak outMisty finds herselfMisty's book makes an impactThe bishop's ch*ldren reach out to MistyDoes Misty feel like she got justice?TW: CSAWhy is ab*se so prevalent in Amish communities?What can be done to help Amish youth?Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

*Content Warning: sexual assault, rape, prostitution, attempted murder* Due to lack of education when she left the strict Swartzentruber settlement, Naomi slipped into exotic dancing, prostitution, drugs, and almost getting murdered.  In this episode, she opens up about her trials and tribulations with growing up Amish, her dark reality afterward, and eventually finding the light at the end of the tunnel.Naomi’s book:  The Amazing Adventures of an Amish StripperFind and support Naomi:IG & TT:  @AmishInspiration https://www.instagram.com/AmishInspirationhttps://www.tiktok.com/@amishinspirationHow strict Swartzentruber Amish are raisedNaomi's exposure to the outside worldSwartzentruber Amish Purity CultureHow the Amish talk about pregnancyTW: SA, Rape Frequency in Amish CommunitiesTW: SA Correlation To Sex EducationSleeping In The Same Bed Before MarriageBuying English Panties For The First TimeThe Amish Time Of The MonthNaomi's relationship with her parentsWhen Naomi started to rebel / first sexual experienceNaomi decides to leave the settlementTW: ProstitutionNaomi moves states with her boyfriendNaomi finds ways to make moneyTW: Naomi's first exotic dancing experienceNaomi's Empowerment With Her SexualityDid Naomi feel like she had no other option than to dance?Naomi's first time with a woman and other "why not" momentsTW: Drugs, ProstitutionTW: Attempted murderNaomi moves to California and moves onNaomi decides to go to collegeNaomi's Experience With PolyamoryNaomi's Powerful StatementHow is Naomi doing now?Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

*Content Warning: eating disorders, mentions of homophobia* In this follow up episode we’re going to continue with Oceana’s story growing up under the strict Institute in Basic Life Principles run by Bill Gothard who was recently exposed for preying on young girls.  She opens up about coming home from the IBLP training camps, her parents’ reaction, how it led to further untreated eating d*sorders, how all of the programming and IBLP culture permeated into her adult life, and how it’s still affecting her now. Oceana discussing becoming an exotic dancer, how she uncovered her s*xuality, understanding that she was gay, and how she was able to ultimately deprogram from the IBLP. Watch PT 1 with Oceana hereFind and Support OceanaYouTube: @oceana33 IG: @witchybishhh_TT: Ana.OceanaOur C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page Young Oceana holding everything in and having night terrorsTW: Self harm. Did Oceana's parents notice what she was going through?TW: Ocean struggled with eating disordersOceana battling with eating disorders in her twentiesBill Gothard's Red Flags cause Oceana's family to leave the IBLPOceana's life after IBLPOceana started exotic dancing part timeTherapy and meditation has helped Oceana since leaving the IBLPOceana coming into her sexualityWhat brings Oceana peace nowOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

*Content Warning: eating disorders, self harm* Further shedding light on the Institute in Basic Life Principles run by Bill Gothard who was recently exposed for preying on young girls, is Oceana who grew up living by their rules. Extreme patriarchy, silencing and sexualization of women and blaming those who are being hurt, are just a few things that create compounded trauma. Oceana fought through untreated eating d*sorders, because therapists were considered sinful, as well as the mental health struggles that came with the strict confines of the religious practices and IBLP training centers. Watch Pt 2 with Oceana hereFind and Support OceanaYouTube: @oceana33 Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 6 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page The IBLP patriarchal rules that affected Oceana growing upGrowing up with 6 siblings, the older ones having to parenHow to Train Up book was used in Oceana's houseThe various punishments Oceana would receiveWhat it was like being home schooled under IBLP The homeschool Wisdom booklets are inaccurate, filled with brainwash and teach victim blamingThe case of JD and his predatory behaviorHow Oceana received much unwanted attention from men growing upTW: When her eating disorders startedSent to the IBLP training centerTW: Eating disorder being a sinProblematic conditions at the training centerTW: mentions of self harm & an eating disorderOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

The Independent Fundamental Baptist church is known for having extreme views on “worldly” things. Women are over-sexualized to the point where even the very young are blamed and punished for “temping” men into hurting them. Kathy was one of those young women. Her pastor purposely protected the perp and she was ostracized by family, friends and other church members. Our previous episode with her (linked below) illustrates the awful details of her childhood. In this episode, we speak more on the blaming, shaming, and further victimization of other girls who sought justice. Watch Part 1 on YouTube Here: My IFB Youth Pastor Groomed Me. I Was Blamed.Watch her on the documentary called “Let Us Prey” on MaxFind and support KathyIG: @montanamom4 FB: Kathy Durbin Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page Kathy was yelled at by the Pastor's wife for what he did to herThe Pastor asked young Kathy afterward if she was pregnantKathy was punished with choresChurch lawyers explain they are supporting the perpPastor Goddard manipulated everyone to cover it upKathy's sister's boyfriend took notes from Kathy's perpWhy IFB can be considered a cultKathy's BIL is suspiciously announced to be starting a churchMultiple women came forward with SA allegations against Kathy's BILHow Kathy was ostracized and picked on because of her abuseTW: thoughts of suicideKathy was completely alone in her strugglesTW: thoughts of suicide 30 yrs later, Goddard continues to lie and cover up Kathy's abuseHow Kathy emotionally handled her story being brought out againHer BIL pleading guilty- not that brightInvestigators had Kathy call her perp to get a confessionKathy gets some justice almost 30 years later!When did Kathy start to see the IFB for what it really was?The court gave no mercy to her abuserHow Kathy is doing nowFind and support Kathy!Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

*Content Warning: child sex abuse, child abuse, rape, mentions of attempted suicide* When purity culture is front and center in a strict religious organization, youth are blamed for being preyed on by adults. It creates an unsafe environment for those who don’t understand boundaries, consent, grooming, or have any s*x education at all to even have proper vocabulary for what might be happening to them. Kathy Durbin explains this harmful culture and how she was ultimately a survivor of it. She also discusses her year long sentence in an IFB all girl’s home where extreme punishments were at times fatal. Click here to watch on YouTubeClick here to watch part 2 on YouTubeFind and support KathyIG: @montanamom4 FB: Kathy Durbin Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page The rules of the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptists)Does the IFB have a prophet?TW: SAPatterns and blaming women"Give all your money to God"Did Kathy recognize she was growing up differently than other youth?The slow indoctrination of becoming IFB at 11Expectations on young women in the IFBIFB goes to the extreme with being fear drivenWhy Kathy got sent to an IFB boarding schoolTW: SAAfter her exposing "intake" into the girl's school- assigned a "buddy"TW: mentions of attempted suic*deTW: F*tality- Forced manual laborForced to write letters that they would censorWhat happened when Kathy finally left the girl's homeThe IFB started their own school where Kathy was targetedKathy's father figure turned predatoryTW: indecent exposure to a minor & r*peKathy's father figure turned predatoryTW: indecent exposure to a minor & r*peThe youth pastor kept her around- took her to a pastor schoolTW: r*peCalled in by the head pastor GoddardKathy was blamed and shamed for what happened to herNo matter the age, girls and women are always blamed for SALinda, ListenWhat the next episode holdsKathy was blamed and shamed for what happened to herOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

The cult doc “Let Us Prey” on HBO, highlights the issues within the high control religious group Independent Fundamental Baptist, of which Eric was a part of. From the covering up of predatory behavior of the leaders, to extreme patriarchal control which blames victims and breeds perpetrators, Eric walks us through what his life was like being isolated in this group until his adult years. Which eventually led him and his wife to belong to another cult like group!Watch this episode on YouTube hereWatch Shelise's interview on Preacher Boys channel here:Find and support Eric!Website: preacherboyspodcast.comYouTube: @PreacherBoysFB: https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/IG: @preacherboysdoc TikTok: @preacherboyspodOur C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page Overview of IFB & its rulesHow purity culture negatively affects boys/men tooModesty as a subjective topicDating or not in the IFB?What Eric's education was like at the IFB schoolHow other churches were brought up in discussion while in IFBSimilarities with IFB and MormonismReligious studies injected in schoolBible class and the Christian flagEric choose filmmaking for God over Bible collegeEric's faith was shaken because of a predatorEric's wife's feelings at the timeEric left one cult and found himself in another situationThe last time Eric was part of the churchDealing with hard topics on Eric's podcast - Preacher BoysOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

*Content Warning: rape and sexual assault* Yoga instructor Larissa Anderson took yoga “guru” Bikram Choudhury to court for s*xual assault and blacklisting her yoga business after Larissa rejected a s*xual advance by Bikram (who had r*ped her before).  He refused to promote her studio and she was blacklisted from the Bikram Yoga community.At the time of the s*xual assault, Bikram had already personally approved her studio down to the floor plan and knew that Larissa had begun negotiating a lease, retained a contractor and took out thousands of dollars in debt to open the studio.  Larissa recounts the events that led to this court case, and the odd things that happened after. Watch the 1st part of Larissa’s interview here:  Falling Prey to BIKRAM: Yoga Guru, Founder, PredatorWatch this episode on YouTube hereCatch the full story of Bikram, featuring Larissa, in the 2019 documentary “Birkram: Yogi, Guru, Predator”    Find Larissa on SocialIG: @yoginilarissahttps://www.instagram.com/yoginilarissa/Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-shelise-sola-aug-2024TW:  Larissa is raped by BikramLarissa wanted to open up her own yoga studio, and has to go through BikramTW:  Bikram assaults and attempts to rape Larissa again in a hotel roomHaving to teach a class of 500 in extreme heat and no sleepLarissa worries she may lose her studio after not giving in to Bikram's advancesLarissa reads about another survivor and decides to come forward publiclyLarissa received backlash on social media from the cult members for speaking outLarissa ends up settling in courtBikram sends a spy to Larissa's studio, she fears for her lifeAfter everything, Bikram called LarissaThe hold that cults have on you even after you escapeEnjoying the yoga practice (without the cult)What brings Larissa joy now?Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**

“Guru” Bikram was responsible for bringing hot yoga to the states and popularizing it. Without realizing, Larissa Anderson was slowly groomed by her then boyfriend and yoga studio owner to seamlessly fall right into Bikram’s hands. He would eventually request massages from Larissa in front of hundreds of students and get more and more bold when they were alone together.Larissa underwent the intense 9 week bootcamp-style training to become an official  Bikram yoga teacher so that she could eventually open her own yoga studio.  Along with many other students, she endured ridicule from him, in the name of toughing up and being indestructible, and was later assaulted and r*ped by Bikram.  Larissa explains the depths of her grooming and brainwashing as she descended into the cult of this Guru-narcissist.Click here to watch on YouTubeClick here to watch part 2 on YouTube Catch the full story of Bikram, featuring Larissa, in the 2019 documentary “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator”    Find Larissa on SocialIG: @yoginilarissaOur C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has 5 spots left!  Click here to go to the official booking page Who is Bikram?How Larissa was groomed into going to teacher trainingLarissa gets chosen to go to teacher training (has to pay a lot)Larissa's boyfriend at the time helped groom her for BikramBikram would call out Larissa in front of class to massage himWhat Larissa was made to do during the harsh teacher trainingBikram would ridcule his studentsWhat set Bikram apart?  Why did people follow him?What led to Larissa getting blacklisted by BikramLarissa hears Bikram calling to her telepathicallyLarissa goes back to BikramOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.**