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 episode Watch Hannah's original episode https://www.lgbtamish.com/ The Trevor Project Hannah's book Follow Hannah on social media: TikTok: @hannahprosser_beat Mary’s Book Follow Mary on Social: IG @plainrainbows_mary Fb: https://www.facebook.com/Mary.A.Byler/ TikTok: the.misfit.amish The Misfit Amish Podcast 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 Hannah explains some basic rules about her Holdeman Mennonite settlement Mary explains the basic rules in her Amish settlement Modesty and hyper-sexulization of women Marriage without courtship in Mennonites Courtship in Mary's Amish settlements TW: CSA-“Sex education" booklet for parents to teach kids When Hannah recognized she had feelings for girls The consequences of Mary coming out to her parents at 5 yrs old TW: LGBTQ suicide- The Trevor Project How strict gender roles affected Mary's mentality Some Amish are run out of their settlement when it's found out they are gay TW: Rape- Do the Amish have conversion therapy? Mary's advice for anyone leaving the Amish trying to find themselves Mary's activism Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

*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 cults Find and Support Misty! Buy her book "Tears of the Silenced" IG @mistyelainegriffin Facebook: Misty Griffin Website: https://www.mistygriffin.com 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 Misty's early youth Why did Misty's father become Amish? Misty's father tries everything to keep her isolated Amish homeschool education The neighborhood knew and did nothing Misty's dad was sabotaging her How 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 siblings Not 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: CSA Misty couldn't report her ab*ser without being blamed SA, CSA (Misty catches the bishop with his daughter) This has got to stop TW:SA (Misty runs away during an ass*ult) Misty's neighbor drives her to the police Amish are treated like a sovereign nation There are 7 little ones still living in that house Misty leaves the Amish Perps get a slap on the wrist in the Amish How Misty adjusts to life outside the Amish Misty's motivation to speak out Misty finds herself Misty's book makes an impact The bishop's ch*ldren reach out to Misty Does Misty feel like she got justice? TW: CSA Why is ab*se so prevalent in Amish communities? What can be done to help Amish youth? Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

*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 Stripper Find and support Naomi: IG & TT: @AmishInspiration https://www.instagram.com/AmishInspiration https://www.tiktok.com/@amishinspiration How strict Swartzentruber Amish are raised Naomi's exposure to the outside world Swartzentruber Amish Purity Culture How the Amish talk about pregnancy TW: SA, Rape Frequency in Amish Communities TW: SA Correlation To Sex Education Sleeping In The Same Bed Before Marriage Buying English Panties For The First Time The Amish Time Of The Month Naomi's relationship with her parents When Naomi started to rebel / first sexual experience Naomi decides to leave the settlement TW: Prostitution Naomi moves states with her boyfriend Naomi finds ways to make money TW: Naomi's first exotic dancing experience Naomi's Empowerment With Her Sexuality Did Naomi feel like she had no other option than to dance? Naomi's first time with a woman and other "why not" moments TW: Drugs, Prostitution TW: Attempted murder Naomi moves to California and moves on Naomi decides to go to college Naomi's Experience With Polyamory Naomi's Powerful Statement How is Naomi doing now? Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

*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 here Find and Support Oceana YouTube: @oceana33 IG: @witchybishhh_ TT: Ana.Oceana 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 Young Oceana holding everything in and having night terrors TW: Self harm. Did Oceana's parents notice what she was going through? TW: Ocean struggled with eating disorders Oceana battling with eating disorders in her twenties Bill Gothard's Red Flags cause Oceana's family to leave the IBLP Oceana's life after IBLP Oceana started exotic dancing part time Therapy and meditation has helped Oceana since leaving the IBLP Oceana coming into her sexuality What brings Oceana peace now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

*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 here Find and Support Oceana YouTube: @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 up Growing up with 6 siblings, the older ones having to paren How to Train Up book was used in Oceana's house The various punishments Oceana would receive What it was like being home schooled under IBLP The homeschool Wisdom booklets are inaccurate, filled with brainwash and teach victim blaming The case of JD and his predatory behavior How Oceana received much unwanted attention from men growing up TW: When her eating disorders started Sent to the IBLP training center TW: Eating disorder being a sin Problematic conditions at the training center TW: mentions of self harm & an eating disorder Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

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 Max Find and support Kathy IG: @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 her The Pastor asked young Kathy afterward if she was pregnant Kathy was punished with chores Church lawyers explain they are supporting the perp Pastor Goddard manipulated everyone to cover it up Kathy's sister's boyfriend took notes from Kathy's perp Why IFB can be considered a cult Kathy's BIL is suspiciously announced to be starting a church Multiple women came forward with SA allegations against Kathy's BIL How Kathy was ostracized and picked on because of her abuse TW: thoughts of suicide Kathy was completely alone in her struggles TW: thoughts of suicide 30 yrs later, Goddard continues to lie and cover up Kathy's abuse How Kathy emotionally handled her story being brought out again Her BIL pleading guilty- not that bright Investigators had Kathy call her perp to get a confession Kathy 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 abuser How Kathy is doing now Find and support Kathy! Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

*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 YouTube Click here to watch part 2 on YouTube Find and support Kathy IG: @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: SA Patterns 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 11 Expectations on young women in the IFB IFB goes to the extreme with being fear driven Why Kathy got sent to an IFB boarding school TW: SA After her exposing "intake" into the girl's school- assigned a "buddy" TW: mentions of attempted suic*de TW: F*tality- Forced manual labor Forced to write letters that they would censor What happened when Kathy finally left the girl's home The IFB started their own school where Kathy was targeted Kathy's father figure turned predatory TW: indecent exposure to a minor & r*pe Kathy's father figure turned predatory TW: indecent exposure to a minor & r*pe The youth pastor kept her around- took her to a pastor school TW: r*pe Called in by the head pastor Goddard Kathy was blamed and shamed for what happened to her No matter the age, girls and women are always blamed for SA Linda, Listen What the next episode holds Kathy was blamed and shamed for what happened to her Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

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 here Watch Shelise's interview on Preacher Boys channel here: Find and support Eric! Website: preacherboyspodcast.com YouTube: @PreacherBoys FB: https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/ IG: @preacherboysdoc TikTok: @preacherboyspod 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 Overview of IFB & its rules How purity culture negatively affects boys/men too Modesty as a subjective topic Dating or not in the IFB? What Eric's education was like at the IFB school How other churches were brought up in discussion while in IFB Similarities with IFB and Mormonism Religious studies injected in school Bible class and the Christian flag Eric choose filmmaking for God over Bible college Eric's faith was shaken because of a predator Eric's wife's feelings at the time Eric left one cult and found himself in another situation The last time Eric was part of the church Dealing with hard topics on Eric's podcast - Preacher Boys Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

*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, Predator Watch this episode on YouTube here Catch the full story of Bikram, featuring Larissa, in the 2019 documentary “Birkram: Yogi, Guru, Predator” Find Larissa on Social IG: @yoginilarissa https://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-2024 TW: Larissa is raped by Bikram Larissa wanted to open up her own yoga studio, and has to go through Bikram TW: Bikram assaults and attempts to rape Larissa again in a hotel room Having to teach a class of 500 in extreme heat and no sleep Larissa worries she may lose her studio after not giving in to Bikram's advances Larissa reads about another survivor and decides to come forward publicly Larissa received backlash on social media from the cult members for speaking out Larissa ends up settling in court Bikram sends a spy to Larissa's studio, she fears for her life After everything, Bikram called Larissa The hold that cults have on you even after you escape Enjoying the yoga practice (without the cult) What brings Larissa joy now? Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

“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 YouTube Click 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 Social IG: @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 Who is Bikram? How Larissa was groomed into going to teacher training Larissa gets chosen to go to teacher training (has to pay a lot) Larissa's boyfriend at the time helped groom her for Bikram Bikram would call out Larissa in front of class to massage him What Larissa was made to do during the harsh teacher training Bikram would ridcule his students What set Bikram apart? Why did people follow him? What led to Larissa getting blacklisted by Bikram Larissa hears Bikram calling to her telepathically Larissa goes back to Bikram Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

First, there was Guru Bhajan. A self proclaimed master of what he called Kundalini Yoga. Later known as an ab*ser on every level, he died and left a gaping hole in the Western market for the next “master” to step in as a celebrity Guru. Enter Guru Jagat. A charismatic female leader who started her own school, attracting young, enthusiastic millennials who wore all white with turbans to her classes. Filled with promises of enlightenment, abundance and more, one of her followers, Charlotte, became a very important employee of Jagat’s. Sleep deprived, over worked and underpaid, she slowly spiraled out and lost all sense of her original identity. Click here to watch on YouTube Find Charlotte on Social TikTok: @charlotte.medlock Instagram: @charlottesface 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 Guru Jagat, Yogi Bhajan, and Kundalini Yoga How Charlotte met Guru Jagat aka Katie Griggs The techniques learned in Kundalini yoga The money printing meditation Charlotte wanted to work for Guru Jagat Charlotte started working full time for Guru Jagat for cheap Was Guru Jagat working with celebs and making a lot? The point it all started unraveling Did Charlotte feel like she was growing? What the work environment was like with the co workers What led to Charlotte quitting Guru Jagat giving Charlotte validation Charlotte was ostracized from family and friends The culty things that started to wake Charlotte up How is Charlotte now that she's reset? Guru Jagat passed away Charlotte's "consciousness" now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Is Mormonism a cult? Jubilee’s “Middleground” had on a panel of current believing Mormons and ex-Mormons to debate this and other nuanced topics. Join us, along with one of the ex-Mormon panelists, Dr. John Dehlin of @mormonstories as we dive deeper into some of the more “cringeworthy” responses, and un-aired behind the scenes details, to decide who really won. Click here to watch this episode & see on screen photos Check out Jublilee's "Can Mormons and Ex Mormons See Eye to Eye? | Middle Ground" video here Watch Mormon Stories' reaction to Jubliee's video: "Jubilee's “Mormons vs Ex-Mormons” on Middle Ground - Ex-Mormon Cast Reacts | Ep. 186" Check out Nuancehoe's reaction to Jublilee's video: Mormons BOMB In Cringeworthy Debate | ExMo Jubilee Reaction Our interview with Nuancehoe and Dillan (from this Jublilee debate) here A deeper dive of Dillan’s story on Nuancehoe’s channel here Find John Dehlin on social media! YT @mormonstories IG: @mormstories 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 Is Mormonism a cult? Does John feel the Ex Mormon side won the entire debate? Were the panelists given the prompts beforehand? Is masturbation a sin? Does a Mormon have to tell their bishop every time they masturbate? Are women and men equal in the church? Is it okay for the doctrine to change? Has the Mormon church done good in the world? Footage John wishes made the cut Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Harvard graduate Joelle Tamraz, was young, enthusiastic and a perfect target for a fake yoga guru. Seeking enlightenment, purpose and peace, she came across a man who swept her off her feet and used spiritual manipulation to eventually exploit her and her family out of thousands of dollars. He told wild stories of channelling and inhabiting someone else’s body to justify cheating right in front of her face. Find out how after 18 years, despite having built a yoga studio together, she was able to see through it all and escape his clutches. IG: @joelletamraz X / LinkedIn / TikTok: @joelletamraz FB: www.facebook.com/joelletamraz1/ Book: The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga: A Memoir Website: https://joelletamraz.com/ YouTube: @elevatingvoices 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-2024 Meeting the Arun right after graduating from Harvard Yogic Flying, explained What it was like meeting this "Guru" and falling under his spell How Joelle was groomed by Arun Why Arun focused in on Joelle The long con in Arun trying to create a harem Joelle married Arun not knowing about his criminal record Joelle's mom gets targeted too Love-bombed and manipulated Arun pit Joelle against her parents Arun's manipulation tactics Arun explains why original yoga practices were for men Arun claimed to be 180 years old, now in a new body, and married with 5 kids Arun sealed Joelle to him Arun would "channel" spirits Arun starts heavy drinking to "save the life" of Joelle's father Arun declared he would never work again (and live off of Joelle) How Arun was using "channeling" to manipulate Joelle and others Joelle regains her power Joelle realizing she had been conned for 18 years What happened to Arun? How Joelle is doing now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Ben John: "As a beginner entrepreneur/business owner in 2019, I was introduced to a book by Grant Cardone(The 10X Rule) that lured me into mentorship from him. After 3.5 years and $250k spent with Grant & his organization, I realized that I had ignored all the signs in that environment that encouraged me to idolize Grant as a God, seek him for success, disconnect with those who don’t align with him or me, chase money, deceive, & manipulate others to get what I want. I later found that Grant is being operated by the church of Scientology and after looking into that myself, it made sense why he treats people badly & why he teaches entrepreneurs to unethically scale their business. I have been publicly speaking about this consistently so that people can be aware of not only Grant, but ALL self serving entrepreneurs who prey on people’s fears to manipulate them & teach them how to deceive others. I’ve done it regularly on my instagram/FB page, Instagram lives, & interviews." Links to Ben’s book, “Misguided Mentor” and businesses on his instagram page IG: @benjaminjohnmic FB: Ben’s Massive Impact 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 Who is Cardone? Why Ben was attracted to this self help group Why Cardone stood out to Ben Cult leaders and sales men What it was like going to Cardone's seminars Ignoring the red flags When Ben started to notice himself change Did Ben find the info useful? Did Ben have any buyer's remorse? What Cardone was like in person Does Ben think Cardone was giving his money to Scientology? The similarities between Cardone's Program and Scientology The group wanting others to distance themselves from Ben Breaking members down and calling it "care" When Ben realized he needed to get out Cardone being used for this influence by Scientology The rise of finance gurus during the fear of 2020 Did Ben convert anyone at the time? How Ben got his daughter involved Ben's relationship with his father How Ben is doing now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church), has long been known for their secret temple rituals that only the worthy saints can participate in. Shelise grew up in this mainstream Mormon Church, learning that going to the temple was the ultimate goal, that if she could only be worthy enough, she might even get to see Jesus himself walking the halls. The picture that is painted to it’s members (because NOTHING is disclosed ahead of time) is vastly different than what actually happens when you finally get to go. Shelise’s mom Lisa, describes the ultra secret temple rituals that happen inside the tall, castle-like walls. How I Got My Mom to Leave Mormonism Does My Mom Regret Leaving Mormonism? Official church website on temple marriage changes Find Lisa on Social IG @spiritofottertail 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 Quick explanation of the Mormon temple The LDS church didn't approve of Lisa's partner choice How Lisa felt being denied a temple marriage Worthiness requirements to go to the temple A flip flopping bishop on Lisa's worthiness You're given a new name What actually goes on in the temple? Signs, symbols and tokens What happened when Lisa's friend forgot the new name Role playing getting let into heaven through the veil with code Doing work for the dead Shelise talks about doing baptisms for the dead Shelise's awkward first kiss story They say Jesus literally walks the halls Lisa wouldn't have gone if she knew what went on in there TOP SECRET Mormon ritual- The Second Anointing Naked poncho touching/anointing Shelise learns something shocking about Lisa's intent! Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Celia was a daughter of the cult leader Ervil LeBaron, who practiced a fundamentalist Mormon teaching called Blood Atonement which meant taking lives in the name of God. Things got even more out of control when he was put in prison for his crimes and a hit list he created was beginning to be carried out by some of his younger followers. Thankfully, the practice of blood atonement, by way of the LeBarons has been disavowed today, but the effects of these tragic teachings still linger in the lives of those who were affected by it. Celia describes what her life was like, growing up as a LeBaron on the run. IG: @CKLeBaron Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cklebaron Her sister Anna’s Memoir: The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir Annas IG: @AnnaKLeBaron Hulu Documentary: Daughters of the Cult Resources for leaving Polygamy & volunteer opportunities Short Creek Dream Center: https://www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/ Holding Out Help: https://holdingouthelp.org/ 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 Celia's feelings after the documentary released The LeBarons no longer practice blood atonement Celia was born on a kitchen table How they practiced Polygamy No belongings because of constant moving Celia's experience learning about Mormonism Celia went on a mission to convert mainstream LDS to fundamentalist LDS TW: mentions of murder- Indoctrinating kids to be ok with blood atonement Ervil stole Celia's mom from her first husband Were original temple rituals practiced in the LeBaron group? Did Celia have any sort of relationship with her father, Ervil? TW: Murder-Ervil put a hit on his pregnant daughter- Celia's perspective Their scary living situation in Bakersfield, CA Celia confronted her mother about the neglect Celia was put to work at a very young age in dangerous conditions TW: Abuse- An unexpected harsh punishment Sent home from her mission- her shelf cracking How Celia is doing now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Polygamist, Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) leader, Warren Jeffs, is currently serving a life sentence in prison for CSA which he claims was revelation from God. He currently still has a few thousand members of his church who believe he was wrongly convicted and completely innocent. A man God being”persecuted” because he’s a true prophet, they would say. Years and years have gone by and he continues to give dangerous "revelations" to his followers including telling his own daughters to stop eating. Find out what else he is saying or commanding from prison with this exclusive insider information given to us by the amazing husband and wife team Sam and Melissa from @GrowingUpinPolygamy Watch the episode we did on their channel here YouTube: @growingupinpolygamy Website: https://www.growingupinpolygamy.com/ Instagram: @growing_up_in_polygamy Email: growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com Resources for leaving Polygamy & volunteer opportunities If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org Short Creek Dream Center: https://www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/ 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 Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

Narrowly escaping out of her window where she was held prisoner, Briell, the 65th wife of FLDS cult leader Warren Jeffs, continued to be on the run from her family who wanted to k*ll her. Warren was in prison and he knew she would testify against him, so he ordered people to take her down. After years of seeking safety and peace of mind, she returned to the hometown of the cult and was able to claim Warren’s 45 bedroom mansion. This is what she decided to do with it… Watch pt 1 with Briel here Find Briell on social media! Website: https://www.brielldecker.com/ IG: @BriellDecker Facebook: Briell Decker Blanchart Resources for leaving Polygamy & volunteer opportunities Short Creek Dream Center: https://www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/ Holding Out Help: https://holdingouthelp.org/ 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 Briell's brother was told to lock her up in solitary confinement Briell's escape Briell went to her first shelter Briell's family hunts her down Briell started having psychosis spells The trials of reacquainting with life after the escape Briell gets adopted as an adult, and changes her name Briell finds out about the Warren Jeffs house Briell re-marries Briell gives the mansion she was awarded to the recovery Dream Center What it's like for Briell living in the same place where everything happened How is Briell's mental state working at the center that used to be Jeffs' home? Briell’s coping mechanism strategies What brings Briell peace now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

**TW: CSA, Suicide, threats of murder** Born into the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS/Mormon), Briell was groomed at a very early age to one day become a plural wife to the prophet Warren Jeffs. Her parents wept when they found out the prophet’s plans, but had no choice but to give her, at 18, to the over 50 year old man as his 65th wife. When Briell saw what Warren was doing with his 12 year old wives in Texas, she was mortified and resisted Warren’s attention to which she would be severely punished for. Watch pt 2 with Briell here Documentary: Prisoner of the Prophet (HBO & Discovery +) Find Briell on social media! Website: https://www.brielldecker.com/ IG: @BriellDecker Facebook: Briell Decker Blanchart Resources for leaving Polygamy & volunteer opportunities Short Creek Dream Center: https://www.shortcreekdreamcenter.org/ Holding Out Help: https://holdingouthelp.org/ 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 difference between Mormonism and Warren Jeffs' FLDS What it was like for Briell when power shifted from Rulon to Warren When Briell married Warren Warren taking over Rulon's wives without the wives' consent Still practicing Blood Atonement On the way to get married to Warren Warren asked Briell if she had any revelations from God after they married Briell didn't have proper sex education During the marriage ceremony Briell was terrified of Warren What Warren revealed to his wives during a secret meeting What was happening at the Texas compound Warren built The clothes Briell was forced to wear How Warren Jeffs tricked his wives Briell filling a case against Warren Briell kept escaping, only to be brought back TW: threats of murder Briell transferring to her brother's home Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**

As seen in the new and popular Hulu documentary “Daughters of the Cult”, Anna LeBaron shares with us stories the documentary missed as well as some additional details to her story as Ervil LeBaron’s daughter. We discuss blood atonement, her childhood being moved from place to place with little money for food, shelter or clothing among the plural wives and their kids, as well as conspiracy theories for how her father Ervil actually died in prison. Book: The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir IG: @AnnaKLeBaron Celia IG: @CKLeBaron Hyrum IG: @hyrumlebaron Hulu Documentary: Daughters of the Cult 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 Chapter Markers: Anna's book "The Polygamist's Daughter" Brief overview of the fundamentalist Mormon break off How her relations go back to Joseph Smith! Her father, Ervil, took out a competing leader None of Ervil's descendants still believe in blood atonement or his teachings Something the documentary missed Anna's early memories as a child & meeting her father They loved the safety and security of school They learned things about each other during filming What was Anna's experience with the Fundamentalist Mormon theology? Did Anna also get militia training? How young Anna was when she started working full time in a warehouse What was going on around the time Anna decided to escape? Remembering not to compare trauma Anna's theory about how her father died in prison Anna makes the decision to escape How Anna could survive after running away Anna discovers that she was in a cult as a teen Triggering moments that led Anna to seek therapy How Anna is doing now Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.**