Cults to Consciousness

Sarah entered college with almost no religious background, hoping to find community and deepen her newfound Christian faith, only to be drawn into a highly controlling branch of Assemblies of God known as Chi Alpha at Murray State, a Christian Campus Ministry under longtime control of the leader Mark. According to Sarah, the ministry gradually isolated students from family, academics, extracurricular activities, and outside friendships while convincing them that unquestioning obedience was God's will. Members were expected to attend daily prayers, multiple weekly meetings, mission trips, and church services, while every major life decision—from choosing a college major to dating, marriage, and even visiting family—required Mark's approval. Sarah describes how he used fear, guilt, surveillance, and claims of prophetic authority to maintain control, while dismissing concerns by insisting critics were simply attacking God's work. Sarah recounts the lasting emotional damage caused by Mark's manipulation after surviving SA away from campus, but was blamed, forced to deny it happened, and systematically isolated from her friends while others were instructed to spy on her. Things become a lot darker for Sarah when Mark finds out that she became pregnant from the ass*ult. Link to the support group: https://xalionsden.com/forum?wtp=categories Chapter Marks 00:00:00 The Campus Ministry Everyone Said Wasn't a Cult 00:02:03 Growing Up Without Religion Made Her the Perfect Target 00:03:17 Sarah’s ChiIdhood 00:05:39 How Chi Alpha Recruited Vulnerable College Freshmen into Assemblies of God 00:08:05 What is Chi Alpha? Meeting the Leader Who Claimed to Hear from God 00:14:52 Why Survivors Stayed Silent for More Than a Decade 00:16:09 Every Minute of Our Lives Was Scheduled and Controlled / Demands Placed On Members 00:22:14 Why Sarah Stayed Even When She Knew Something Was Wrong 00:29:40 Inside the Secret Rules for Dating, Marriage, and Isolation / Living Situation 00:36:35 CW: Ass*ault / Purity Culture 00:37:28 Her Pastor Blamed her After She Was SA’ed 00:44:30 The Pregnancy That Became Another Tool of Control 00:47:17 Pregnancy 00:51:10 CW: CW: Abort*on — Sarah Was Told She Had a Devil Inside Her 00:54:40 The Trauma Was So Severe Sarah Lost Entire Memories 00:56:45 Aftermath 00:58:00 Why Survivors Don't "Just Leave" 01:02:39 Staying On Campus 01:03:30 The Moment She Finally Walked Away 01:06:48 CW: Su*cide 01:10:20 Deprogramming After Years of Spiritual Ab*se 01:13:06 What Brings Sarah Joy Now 01:16:30 Speaking Out So Other Students Don't Suffer in Silence 01:17:30 Linda, Listen 01:20:40 Finding Healing and Helping Other Survivors Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

It’s not quite as obvious as Scientology, but Mormonism is a pay-to-play religion. This billion dollar company still requires a set amount from its members for them to qualify for the highest level of heaven. However, it gets worse for the offshoot incestuous, polygamous group the Kingston Clan that our guest @TheAmandaRaeGrant grew up in. Join us LIVE today at 3p CST as we deep dive this topic. Watch pt 2 of this discussion with @TheAmandaRaeGrant LIVE @4p CST here: https://www.youtube.com/live/3jTfv40bq1Y?si=71gaARcnKVrRk1yV Clergy Salary VS Tithing history with @analyzing.mormonism https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GN6rDs/ Tithing history https://www.analyzingmormonism.com/tithing/ Official LDS church statement on tithing https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-tithing-declaration

Former supermodel Hoyt Richards recounts how a seemingly ideal upbringing, success at Princeton University, and a promising modeling career left him unexpectedly vulnerable to manipulation by a mysterious man. As a teenager searching for purpose and identity, he was drawn into the orbit of the charismatic spiritual leader, Frederick von Mierers, who used flattery, exclusivity, and promises of enlightenment to gradually gain influence over him. What began as a search for meaning evolved into a decades-long cultic relationship in which Richards learned to distrust his own instincts, suppress critical thinking, and prioritize the group's teachings above family, friendships, and personal autonomy. As Richards rose to become one of the world's most successful male models, the group's control deepened. He ultimately contributed an estimated $4–5 million to the organization, believing his success was proof that he was fulfilling a higher spiritual mission. Find and support Hoyt! IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoytrichardsofficial https://www.Instagram.com/bringmethebeauties Website: https://www.hoytrichards.com Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro / The Supermodel Who Lost Everything to a Cult 00:03:48 Hoyt's chiIdhood & introduction to the cult 00:07:15 A Chance Beach Encounter That Changed His Life Forever 00:10:08 Freddie's Recruitment Tactics 00:14:30 Why Spirituality Made the Cult So Convincing / The Cult Recipe 00:21:00 The Hidden Psychology Behind Cultic Relationships / First years in the Cult 00:26:45 The Alien Guru Who Built a Global Following - Frederick von Mierers 00:34:50 Becoming the World's Highest-Paid Male Model 00:41:45 When the Cult's Rules Started Falling Apart / Major Changes in the Group 00:48:30 The Emotional Cost of Losing Family and Friends / The Fallout from Going Public 00:53:45 Parts of the story not in the documentary 00:55:15 Inside the Group's Power Structure and Control Tactics 00:56:30 Escaping & Deconstructing 01:02:00 The Beginning of Doubt and Cracks in the Story 01:09:00 Realizing He Had Been Manipulated for Decades 01:11:28 Red Flags Looking Back 01:15:03 Hoyt's Life Now / Walking Away From a Life He Built Himself 01:21:53 Final Thoughts & Linda listen Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

When a 19 year old was sent to a war zone in a Russia for his mission, the deep need to remain “faithful” left him scarred when he finally made it home. Years later, his faith would unravel, causing massive shockwaves amongst his family. Following up our enlightening interview with filmmaker Kyson Dana, today we go LIVE with him to further discuss life after his traumat*c Mormon Mission. Watch our initial interview with Kyson: https://youtu.be/YbhKUZfEmjY Watch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission” https://youtu.be/Im4p0jjYGxw?si=JWeHmm2mKuczEk1a Support Kyson! Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/ Website: secondnatureclub.com Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

Raised in a deeply devout Mormon family in Idaho, Kyson Dana was taught from chiIdhood that serving a mission was not a choice but a sacred duty and a defining milestone of a faithful life. When he was called to serve in southwest Russia, he believed he had been specially chosen by God to bring people the only path to salvation. Mission training reinforced the idea that success or failure depended entirely on a missionary’s faith and worthiness, leaving little room to question the church’s decisions or the dangers of the assignment. Once in Russia, the reality was far different from what he had been prepared for. Watch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission” https://youtu.be/Im4p0jjYGxw?si=JWeHmm2mKuczEk1a Support Kyson! Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/ Website: secondnatureclub.com Chapter Marks 00:04:02 - Mormon missions 00:07:03 – Why Mormon Missions Can Be Deeply Traumat*c 00:13:04 – Growing Up Mormon: A Mission Was Never a Choice 00:17:21 – Opening His Mission Call to Russia Alone 00:19:48 — The Missionary Training Center 00:21:15 – The Mission Training That Set Him Up to Blame Himself 00:24:29 – His First Night in Russia Changed Everything 00:27:23 – Witnessing Death Just Days Into His Mission 00:32:39 – Why He Kept Knocking Doors Despite the Danger 00:37:40 — Russia and the Mormon church 00:39:04 – The Church Told Them Not to Tell Their Families About the V*olence 00:44:31 — V*olence Experienced in Russia 00:46:12 – The Moment Kyson Started Questioning Everything 00:53:18 – Living in Constant Fear and Hyper-vigilance 1:00:42 – The Lowest Point of the Mission / How Trauma Followed Kyson Home From His Mission 1:07:35 – The Long Road to Deconstructing Mormonism 1:14:28 – Why Thousands of Former Missionaries Related to His Story 1:21:40 – Linda, listen (What I Wish Every Young Mormon Knew Before Serving) 1:28:55 – Finding Healing, Sovereignty, and Life After the Church Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

In this follow up interview with Mykelti Brown Padron, she reflects on growing up in the polygamist Mormon offshoot featured on the TLC series Sister Wives, describing a chaotic chiIdhood where older chiIdren were often forced to raise younger siblings. Mykelti recounts how the constantly shifting parenting styles between her different mothers created anxiety and emotional instability, how she took on caregiving responsibilities as early as four years old, changing diapers, helping raise siblings, and how fear of law enforcement and CPS led the family to avoid hospitals and outside intervention. Mykelti dives into the emotional consequences of the family’s disciplinary culture, particularly the rule against “tattle telling,” which she explains discouraged chiIdren from reporting h*rmful behavior and contributed to deep emotional wounds. She reveals that after disclosing a troubling experience from chiIdhood, she was punished rather than protected, making it difficult to trust adults or seek help. Mykelti credits Robyn Brown, her father’s fourth wife, with eventually helping her feel safe enough to speak openly and receive support. As an adult and mother now herself, she reveals the similarities and differences in how she parents her chiIdren from her own chiIdhood. Follow and support Mykelti! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mykeltipadron1536 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/u85780932 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykeltip/ Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/c4ltycot #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Chapter Marks 00:00:00 — Intro 00:01:00 — Punished for Speaking Up About Trauma 00:02:15 — Introducing Mykelti Brown Padron & Sister Wives Background 00:05:00 — Growing Up Under Multiple Parenting Styles 00:06:50 — Fear, Punishment, and Walking on Eggshells 00:08:10 — Never Receiving One-on-One Attention 00:09:50 — Acting Out for Attention in a Massive Family 00:10:40 — Parenting Siblings as a ChiId 00:13:25 — Full Toddler Care Responsibilities at Age 6 00:14:10 — Dangerous “ChiIdren Watching ChiIdren” Situations 00:16:15 — Avoiding Hospitals & Medical Neglect Fears 00:18:45 — Seeing ChiIdhood Differently Through Motherhood 00:20:40 — Vacc*nes, Isolation, and Health Beliefs 00:21:30 — Home Births in Polygamist Culture 00:24:40 — C-Section Tr*uma & Twin Pregnancy Recovery 00:28:00 — Choosing Home Birth vs. Hospital Birth 00:30:40 — The “No Tattle Telling” Rule 00:32:20 — CA, Silence, and Fear of Pun*shment 00:33:45 — Why Robyn Became a Safe Person 00:35:00 — Parents Overwhelmed by Too Many ChiIdren 00:36:10 — “Lord of the Flies” Energy Inside the Household 00:37:00 — Finally Feeling Emotionally Validated 00:38:00 — Robyn’s Complicated Role in the Family 00:39:00 — Holidays, Religion, and What Wasn’t Shown on TV 00:45:30 — Dating rules for Mykelti growing up 00:46:00 — Emotional Manipulation & Family Loyalty 00:53:00 — How Fame Changed the Brown Family Dynamic / Purity Culture 01:00:00 — The Pressure of Growing Up on Reality Television 01:07:00 — Navigating Marriage After a Chaotic ChiIdhood / How Mykelti raises her own ChiIdren 01:09:22 — How Mykelti has learned to emotionally regulate herself 01:14:00 — Red Flags Mykelti Now Sees in Polygamy 01:15:34 — Linda, listen Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

Sofia May describes how the ab*se at the Tibetan Buddhist retreat center, Tara Mandala, escalated into full psychological control after the guru reframed her suffering as a form of “spiritual advancement.” After months of isolation, humiliation, sleep deprivation, impossible work demands, and emotional manipulation, the guru finally told her she had intentionally been “triggering” her to accelerate enlightenment. Instead of recognizing the ab*se, Sofia (already deeply indoctrinated into the belief that gurus use pain to dissolve the ego) interpreted the cruelty as proof she was receiving special spiritual treatment. Watch pt 1: https://youtu.be/iCl1yqz2P0c?si=_2RRevKmkGug64i3 Website: sofiamaycomedy.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/ Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:10 Lama Tsultrim's response to asking for help 00:08:53 CW: SA, Ab*se and hazing within the cult 00:17:21 Growing job responsibilities 00:27:35 CW: DV, Sofia's ab*sive boyfriend 00:37:16 Confronting Tara Mandala about her ab*sive ex 00:45:27 The process of leaving 00:52:31 Work after leaving Tara Mandala 00:56:41 Healing and growth through comedy 01:01:39 Supporting Tara Mandala 01:05:40 Sofia's life now 01:10:38 Final thoughts & Linda Listen Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

A survivor of severe chiIdhood ab*se, Sofia May recounts how growing up in a v*olently dysfunctional and narcissistic family left her desperate for love, safety, and validation. After years of trying to earn protection from her parents by suppressing her own needs and identity, she became drawn to Buddhism because its teachings on dissolving the ego and transcending suffer*ng mirrored the self-erasure she had already been conditioned into. Sofia found temporary healing and belonging at the Tibetan Buddhist retreat center Tara Mandala, where the peaceful environment, supportive community, and emphasis on the “sacred feminine” felt like an escape from her traumatic home life. Over time, however, under the thumb of Lama Tsultrim Allione, the teachings and culture slowly encouraged deeper submission, guru worship, and the abandonment of personal boundaries. watch pt 2: https://youtu.be/rQPFsG_hH3k?si=mZSFkxFcvascEzTN Website: sofiamaycomedy.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/sofiamaycomedy/ Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:06 CW: CA, Incest, Sofia May's chiIdhood 00:08:10 CW: Attempted Su*cide, Falling into Buddhism 00:16:29 Speaking out about Buddhism 00:21:27 Reasons for joining the Buddhist group 00:31:16 CW: CSA, Lama Tsultrim & the types of Buddhism 00:38:14 From "toilet Buddhism" to religious Buddhism 00:46:46 Complete abandonment and mental collapse 00:55:58 CW: Su*cidal ideation, Further betrayals and isolation 01:02:38 Linda, listen Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

(CW: CSA, Dr*g A, Self H*rm, Suic*de Ideation) For a boy growing up in the 1970s, rural northern New Jersey was a year-round playground, filled with secret fishing holes, enchanted woods, and private trails to explore with friends. But this chiIdhood idyll was snatched from Clark Fredericks by a man he regarded as a local hero: Dennis Pegg, the town’s Boy Scout leader, a law enforcement officer with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department, and, as Fredericks would discover, a serial pred*tor. Through his teenage years and young adulthood, Fredericks kept silent about the horrific ab*se he experienced, turning to dr*gs, alcoh*l, gambl*ng, and s*x addict*on to numb the memories. For decades, he remained tormented by shame, unable to share the secrets that were eating away at his psyche—until he v*olently confronted his ab*ser. Following his timing in pr*son, Clark Fredericks and his story have inspired major reform of the statutes that once severely limited the rights of C.A. victims to sue their ab*sers. Find Clark: Book “Scarred”: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Scarred/Clark-Fredericks/9781668018651 Podcast “Free Like-Me”: https://freelike-me.buzzsprout.com/ Website: https://www.freelike-me.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/clarkfredericks/?hl=en YT: https://www.youtube.com/@clarkfredericks3309 Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:22 Dennis Pegg's integration in Clark's hometown 00:10:36 The first instance of ab*se/gr**ming 00:14:23 Pegg's gr**ming tactics 00:18:51:23 CW: CSA, animal ab*se 00:20:00 Burying the CSA 00:27:16 The signs of CSA starting to manifest 00:32:29 The effects of CSA on a male survivor 00:38:27 Being in debt to the mob 00:41:30 PTSD and other struggles 00:42:08 CW: dr*g ab*se 00:46:52 Acknowledging the CSA for the first time & Confronting his ab*ser 00:51:14 CW: passion-provocation mansla*ghter 00:58:41 Going to pr*son 01:00:29 CW: Self h*rm, suic*de ideation 01:06:07 Life changing choices in pr*son 01:11:15 Sobriety 01:15:32 Reconnecting with the love of his life 01:22:00 Final thoughts and Linda listen **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

Is “Biblical patriarchy” stripping women of their autonomy? We’re joined LIVE today with former “Fundamentalist Trad Wife” and author, Tia Levings, to discuss Pastor Dale Partridge’s dangerous, prescriptive opinions for young girls. Watch the latest interview with Tia: https://youtu.be/2hJ_6UrP8KA Watch our initial interview with Tia: https://youtu.be/878zW1sqai8?si=t8a0soYA80NCl91a Pt 2 with Tia: https://www.youtube.com/live/CI8_9zL09SY?si=rwEAQwblBcQZ7M1R Find and support Tia! Order “I Belong to Me” (Book and website): https://tialevings.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter/ Substack: https://tialevings.substack.com/ Linktree: http://linktr.ee/TiaLevings Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

Tia Levings discusses her new book “I Belong to Me” as a continuation of her healing journey after escaping a deeply controlling Christian patriarchal environment. Her first memoir, “A Well-Trained Wife”, focused on surviving ab*se and indoctrination, while the second book explores what comes after leaving: trauma recovery, identity rebuilding, and deconstruction. Tia describes how religious extremism, purity culture, and patriarchal systems shaped her from chiIdhood into adulthood, conditioning her to suppress autonomy, accept ab*se, and remain emotionally dependent. She shares how these systems impacted her development, relationships, s*xuality, and sense of self, ultimately culminating in a near murd*r-su*cide escape from her marriage and a decade-long process of healing. Watch our follow up LIVE stream with Tia: https://www.youtube.com/live/u6ZF-2sWQQc?si=A85Rc0jd8zxAMiG3 Watch our initial interview with Tia: https://youtu.be/878zW1sqai8?si=t8a0soYA80NCl91a Pt 2 with Tia: https://www.youtube.com/live/CI8_9zL09SY?si=rwEAQwblBcQZ7M1R Find and support Tia! Order “I Belong to Me” (Book and website): https://tialevings.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter/ Substack: https://tialevings.substack.com/ Linktree: http://linktr.ee/TiaLevings Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:10:14 Overview of Tia's story 00:14:10 Interference in development milestones 00:19:39 Purity culture 00:28:04 The real world impacts of purity culture teaching 00:32:43 Fight, flight, freeze, & fawn trauma responses 00:37:27 Neurological responses to trauma & triggers 00:46:12 Connections between trauma and arousal 00:52:47 Getting stuck in a trauma response 01:00:22 CW: SA, Therapy modalities 01:09:35 Taking accountability 01:21:15 Boundaries and expectations 01:25:56 Final thoughts **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

Former FLDS member Jude Bateman recounts her upbringing in the polygamist FLDS community of Colorado City and the terrifying realities of life under Warren Jeffs’ increasingly extreme rule. She grew up in a household with two mothers and 17 chiIdren, where obedience and fear governed daily life as new rules and expectations became more radicalized. Jude explains how her brother, Sam Bateman — later infamous for leading his own sect — played a role in enforcing loyalty to the church, even taking her to “turn herself in” before Warren Jeffs at age 15. She shares the trauma of being sent to Bountiful, Canada under the guise of a vacation, only to discover she was being groomed for an arranged marriage. The conversation then shifts into a deeply personal examination of Sam Bateman’s transformation from a rebellious, thrill-seeking teenager into a dangerous cult leader. Find and support Jude and Cherish Families: https://www.cherishfamilies.org/ Watch part 1 of our initial interview with Jude here: https://youtu.be/e3tybqAw180 Watch part 2 here:https://youtu.be/GOIU9ss1BZE Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:37 Jude's family dynamic growing up 00:07:04 Sam "turned in" Jude to Warren Jeffs when she was 15 00:13:38 Jude is shipped off to Canada 00:17:48 Jude gets told she's been chosen to get married 00:26:40 Jude makes her escape 00:31:13 What was Sam Bateman like growing up? 00:35:33 Sam's traumatic brain injury 00:43:45 Did Jude and her family know what Sam was proclaiming to his followers? 00:48:02 What was it like for Jude watching the documentary? 00:53:05 Where does Jude think the s*xual distortion came in for Sam? 01:02:13 Did Sam really want to be just like Warren? 01:04:10 Why Sam felt he had prophetic powers 01:08:23 Did he know he was being malicious, or was it delusion? 01:12:36 Has any of Sam's family spoken to him while he's been in prison? 01:23:41 Linda, listen **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

“Scientology speed runs” are a new internet trend and protest where creators, streamers, and activists storm Scientology centers to see how quickly they can get confronted, removed, banned, or “declared suppressive” by staff or security—often while filming for livestreams or social media. Today we are joined LIVE with Claire Headley to discuss whether this is a good or bad thing for taking down the nefarious organization. Watch our intial interview with Claire: https://youtu.be/qR5f6caeXfQ?si=05bCsZfJ4PoefHlm Find and Support Claire! The Aftermath Foundation: http://www.theaftermathfoundation.org/ To volunteer: vounteer@theaftermathfoundation.org Website: https://blownforgood.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blownforgood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blownforgood/ Twitter: @claireheadley https://twitter.com/claireheadley Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

James Luceno is a former fifth degree ranked member of the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), an initially welcoming, symbol-rich spiritual society rooted in Aleister Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema. Over time, what began as an immersive and meaningful community experience became increasingly controlling and ethically troubling, ultimately leading James to view it as a h*rmful, cult-like system. One in which he had to step away from, getting him ostracized from the community he invested 11 years into. Today James joins us LIVE to dive deeper into the initiation rituals themselves— what he’s personally seen and experienced the rituals do to people, why they feel profound and transformative, and how the logic of initiation gradually extends beyond the rituals themselves to shape how members interpret the dysfunction and harm they experience in the Order. Watch James’ initial interview here: https://youtu.be/g-w8Kwhd0dQ Follow and support James! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Entelecheia Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/turningofthesky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turningsky/ X: https://x.com/LapisMercurii Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

Since 2021, a case has been open against the Jehovah’s Witness Religion and a Norwegian state, claiming their practice of shunning is considered a violation of chiId rights. That case has been closed and left us all furious. Learn more as we are joined by Alissa Watson (@alissasawake) to discuss what this chilling ruling really means. Find Alissa on Social: YouTube: @athomewithalissa https://www.youtube.com/@alissasawake IG: @alissasawake https://www.instagram.com/alissasawake TikTok: @alissasawake https://www.tiktok.com/@alissasawake Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClips Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon **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. This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**