Cults to Consciousness

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.**

@JadenJeffs, Son of Warren Jeffs—the current imprisoned prophet of the FLDS—speaks out about Sam Bateman, another “False Prophet” who is also in prison for his crimes against chiIdren. Find Jaden on Social Media! YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JadenJeffs IG: https://www.instagram.com/jadenjjeffs100/ Watch our initial interview with Jaden: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZO1wY_2cnmA?si=kF4nek5GPgJJYoaF watch Jaden's last video with his younger sister, Sienna: https://youtu.be/cgc-UtHSh2Q?si=aMgot_VloVl06yXs 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.**

Did you know that all “righteous” members of the LDS (Mormon) church get a blessing that tells their future directly from God? It’s a coming of age ritual that requires one to fast in preparation for and no one is allowed to read it except for your parents and eventual spouse. Even though Taylor Frankie Paul is stepping away from the LDS church, people are shocked that she chose to post portions of her blessing on social media. @alyssadgrenfell gives us the full scoop! Watch Alyssa's video for a deeper dive: https://youtu.be/LnOm2e4HXjk?si=71yYHbOJK7xBIWtx Find Alyssa on social media! YT: www.youtube.com/@alyssadgrenfell/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/alyssadgrenfell TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssadgrenfell Thumbnail Photo of Alyssa provided by Ilana Panich-Linsman website 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. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Cult survivor, military veteran, and bestselling author of Uncultured & The Cutting of America, Daniella Mestyanek Young further dives into the investigation of invisible systems of control shaping our lives. Raised in the notorious s*x cult the ChiIdren of God, she escaped to America as a teenager—only to find herself inside another rigid institution: the U.S. Army. Years later, as a Harvard-trained expert in organizational psychology, she began asking an important question: What if we’re all in cults? Find and support Daniella! Website & book “The Culting of America”: https://knittingcultlady.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/daniellamyoung_/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@knittingcultladycaptain Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@KnittingCultLady 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 00:03:32 Recognizing Cult Patterns 00:11:43 1. Following a Charismatic Leader 00:20:45 2. Sacred Assumption 00:25:48 3. Transcendant Mission 00:38:35 4. Self-Sacrifice 00:54:02 5. Limited Access to the Outside World 01:05:20 6. Distinguishable Vernacular 01:11:55 7. Us vs Them Mentality 01:16:07 8. Exploitation of Labor 01:21:31 9. High Exit Costs 01:25:53 10. Ends Always Justify the Means 01:32:51 Linda Listen & 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.**

Layla recounts the harsh reality of entering plural marriage at 17 as Warren Jeffs’ 23rd wife, describing immediate emotional overwhelm, humiliation, and strict expectations of obedience. Instead of the supportive sisterhood she had been groomed to expect, she encountered competition, hierarchy shifts, and public shaming. Jeffs exerted control through constant criticism, especially about her body and “worthiness” to have chiIdren. Over time, isolation deepened as she was cut off from family, placed into hiding, and subjected to extreme dietary restrictions and over-exercising that damaged her health and even basic human needs were disregarded. See her reaction to Sam Bateman after watching “Trust Me: The False Prophet”. Watch pt 1 of Layla’s interview: https://youtu.be/E9VAPl-b3F0?si=rf-eDFue8iaBh3Tn Watch our full interview with Jude Bateman, Sam's sister: https://youtu.be/o9z9YdSzL8A?si=6RtMHV3p1A7RrnT_ Find and Support Layla! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@layla_ex_ofwarrenjeffs YouTube: youtube.com/@LaylaMatson 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 00:03:51 The reality of becoming a sister wife 00:13:03 What it’s like being Warren Jeffs’ wife 00:19:08 Layla loses her baby sister 00:26:36 Gaining more sister wives 00:30:43 Layla's father gets sent away 00:37:40 Layla's declining health 00:51:07 When Warren Jeffs was taken 01:09:27 The moment Layla decided to leave 01:16:17 Layla’s thoughts on Sam Bateman and the “Trust Me” Docu-series 01:20:05 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.**