Cults to Consciousness

*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 heal... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 th... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*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 ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*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 ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“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 coul... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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, bec... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 photosCheck out Jublilee's "Can Mormons and Ex Mormons See Eye ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 foun... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 li... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 eati... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**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 at... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 MemoirIG: @A... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At only 17 years old, Ceci was assigned to become a plural wife and instant mother to 5 children before having her own child 5 months later. She then became 1 of 5 plural wives in this Fundamentalist Latter Day Saint (polygamous Mormon break off) community led by Warren Jeffs who is now in prison for CSA. Warren had a tendency to separate families for seemingly no reason and one night, she was told her husband and the other 4 wives were being sent away to “repent”, leaving the 20+ kids solely... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raised primarily in rural China, Faith Jones went a myriad of ab*ses before finally escaping The Children of God cult to pursue higher education. The cult is known for its far too liberal views on s*xuality which ended up being forced polyamory and free love, even extending to the young members of the communes. She grew up singing on the streets or performing in restaurants to make money for “the family” as none of the adults had jobs. Once she left, she was able to become a lawyer and now sp... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spending most of his young life in India, Philip endured unspeakable things at the hands of his own parents and other adults in the COG cult. These principles and disciplinary actions were taught directly by the leader David Berg, who twisted the Bible to hurt a lot of people, including the young. This is a graphic story of what he faced and how he managed to escape and create a new life. Find Philip on Social IG: @phil_seibel Website: https://www.philipseibel.com/https://www.my-print.ch/His ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up abroad in the COG cult meant that Daniella Mestyanek Young was isolated from birth to be a subservient, s*x item for the men in the group. At 15, a few months before she was about to be "on the menu" she realized she needed to get out. We talk about how difficult it can be when leaving a cult and rediscovering one's identity along with learning how the world works. Daniella Mestyanek Young is an Author, a TEDx Speaker, a s*x-cult survivor, a US Army Combat Veteran, an extremely adv... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chelsea Goodrich endured years of CSA from her Mormon Bishop father John Goodrich. Chelsea and her mother Lorraine went to the Mormon/LDS church for help in prosecuting him, but they let her down at every turn, despite making it seem they wouldn’t. What seemed like a good faith payment for Lorraine’s rapidly deteriorating health due to all the stress, ended up being disguised as a gag order given by the LDS church. This is a layered and complicated case that has been frequently misrepresented... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After years of committing CSA with his own daughter, Mormon bishop John Goodrich confessed his sins to a higher authority called the Stake President. However, the information was never passed to his wife, Chelsea’s mother, or the authorities, and the CSA continued. Years later, Chelsea confided in her mother about what had happened in her childhood which led to a series of more unfortunate events. We go into depth about her hardships and confusion after deconstructing these traumatizing event... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Katie's home life was less than perfect. However, her parents remained very loyal to the teachings and the gospel of the LDS Church. After years of SA from an older brother, Katie's sister reported it to the Bishop during a confession. The Bishop advised to keep it a secret from everyone, including her parents, as the shame the perpetrator would have faced being forced to come home early from his LDS mission... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**Content Warning: rape and self harm** It's well known that pre-marital s*x among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a huge sin. This is the shocking story of what happened to a member of 18 years old, who's "virtue" was stolen from her. Not only did she have to recount every detail of her traumatic experience alone to multiple men, she was eventually disfellowshipped for her "sins". Years later, after trying again as a faithful, devout, Mormon mom, Kris realized s... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Her father, who got many ideas from his time in the Embassy of Heaven cult, claims to be a prophet. In his paranoia and attempts to escape the US government, he moved his family from state to state and then eventually to Ecuador. Determined it was the right thing to do as ordered by God, his family was completely isolated from proper education and mainstream society. At 18 years old, just 7 months ago, Ella realized she was in a cult and was able to escape.Click here to watch on YouTube Our C... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**THIS EPISODE IS MEANT TO BE WATCHED- THIS IS TO INFORM YOU TO HEAD OVER TO YOUTUBE TO SEE THE WHOLE THING AFTER THE INTRO**CLICK HERE TO WATCHWe can't wait to share with you footage from our Old Hollywood Glamour themed wedding, set in the Historic 1930s Movie Palace! It was a dream lost in time. First, you'll see our actual 5 min wedding film created by the ever so talented couple at Amora Cinema. Next, you'll get to see the 1930s B&W silent short film rendition of our love story which... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jehovah's Witnesses make it a point to separate themselves from "worldly" things which creates a social isolation within mainstream society. Unfortunately, this rule applies to members of all ages. Owen Morgan shares his experience growing up being completely cut off from having friends who were outsiders and explains how JWs now use animated propaganda to perpetuate these rules to young people. Find and Support Owen!YouTube: @OwenMorganTelltale @owensfiresidechat &n... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Creative expression is part of our human nature. When belonging to a high control group, one of the first things that is sacrificed is individuality, freedom of self expression, and education about the world outside of the group. Scott was always craving creativity, especially when it came to music. After breaking through the chains of Jehovah’s Witness restrictions, he found continued solace in music. However, that came with the high cost of extreme shunning from his former friends and immed... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two young teens fell into a forbidden love. After being shunned from their fundamentalist Mormon polygamous community, they had the option to be welcomed back, only if they got married immediately. Seven little ones later, Chris had been living in fear of losing his family since dozens of men were sent away to repent for unknown reasons. One day, the call came. He was being excommunicated. Click here to watch on YouTubeResources for those escaping polygamy:https://holdingouthelp.org/ https://... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben grew up in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) living with 2 moms and 28 siblings. He started working on a construction site around 8 years old and had his own crew by 16, despite only having a 3rd grade education from the private FLDS school. After realizing the outside world ISN’T all evil, he escaped the cult around age 18 and became the go-to person (along side his now-wife Wendy) for other “Lost Boys” to seek out for help. Ben and Wendy explain what ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly recounts her difficult childhood growing up Catholic as an undiagnosed autistic girl. There were good times and traumatic times that completely shaped her life path and who she is today. She spent 3rd grade through high school in a private catholic school mostly run by nuns who weren’t happy about Vatican II and she explains how they often took out their frustrations on the children. Now, as a mother, after trying Catholic school for her own children, she recounts the things she wishes ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Homeschooled in a Traditional Catholic co-op, Anthony was given extreme guidance from a priest which has had negative long term ramifications. He explains the difference between traditional Catholicism and mainstream Catholicism and how one operates using common mind controls tactics. We also discuss themes of how purity culture can be damaging to men also, creating an unspoken dutiful contract between husband and wife. Click here to watch on YouTubeResource for SA statistics: https://www.rai... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the TV show “Escaping Polygamy”, Amanda Rae is known for calling out The Order, which is the incestuous polygamous cult she was born and raised in. She goes into depth on her channel about the stories of the men who have nearly 200 children with multiple women. However, everyone is dying to know how SHE has been coping since escaping the cult at 18 years old. We explore the all-too-common toxic relationship dynamics that can result from leaving a high-control group and how to find a heal... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After begging for a proper education at 14, Allison had to take things into her own hands. Knowing she was about to be forced into polygamy, she went around her parents at every turn to give herself a different future. One that didn’t involve reproducing with 1/2 siblings or cousins. A road block at every turn didn’t dissuade her from listening to the little girl inside of her who just wanted out. Resources for those escaping polygamy:https://holdingouthelp.org/https://www.hopeafterpolygamy.o... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Manipulated into saying yes to a betrothal to her cousin at 8 yrs old, Michelle knew there was no way she would raise her future family in this incestuous polygamous cult. Her father had 16 wives including half sisters and nieces (one of which was her mother). The horrible treatment in the group caused her to plot her escape and get emancipated at 17. Who knows what would’ve happened if her cousins from the TV show “Escaping Polygamy” didn’t come to help her when they did.Click here to watch ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**Content Warning: Multiple depictions of child abuse and infant death** This incestuous polygamous Mormon sect promotes and endorses extreme punishments. Michelle had a father who took pleasure in these punishments. Aside from that, her first job was at 4 yrs old which grew to 3 jobs by the time she was in Jr High. Against all odds, she graduated High School at 15 years old, then college a few days after her 18th birthday. Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss when part 2... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*Content Warning: Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Attempted Suicide, Rape* Growing up in a cult known for its incestuous polygamy and grooming for marriage at 3, Shanell was set up for failure from the beginning. After being coerced into choosing a husband at 18, she married her first cousin and everything quickly went downhill. Her relationship was so dangerous, her husband went to jail and she fled her home to safety, eventually deciding to leave The Order as well. Three years later,... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**Content warning: multiple depictions of child abuse** Growing up with 14 moms and nearly 200 siblings in an insulated community with very strict rules, proves to be extremely challenging and confusing. Shanell wasn’t even supposed to know who her biological father was, but was smart enough to figure it out. Not allowed to go to High School, she had what they considered the “privilege” of getting a job instead, to earn money that she needed permission to access. A second mother to her 11 sib... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forced into the Amish lifestyle, Audrey had no choice but to conform to the strict Amish standards. She married young, and later found out her husband had been hurting their daughters in unimaginable ways. Most Amish mothers side with their husbands in this situation, but not Audrey. After taking her soon to be ex husband to court, the entire community shunned and stalked her and her family. Resources for those in need:Generations Unleashed Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Generations.Unleash... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An expert witness for Amish and Mennonite court cases, Lizzie explains the rules of her intense settlement before taking us through her unbelievable story of disaster, lethal betrayal, tragedy, abandonment and perseverance. She even gives us a glimpse of the strange dating practice which takes place in the woman’s bedroom. Resources: https://www.theplainpeoplespodcast.com/resourcesWebsite: https://www.lizziehershberger.com/Her book: “Behind Blue Curtains: A True Crime Memoir of an Amish Woman... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*Content warning: SA, beastiality, DV, infant death, miscarriage** Having been blissfully unaware of the methods of control and "ownership" of women growing up in the Amish, Elizabeth was not prepared for the dark and brutal marriage that followed. Her husband forbid her to going to the hospital for her 8 births which left her in questionable and dangerous hands. After she finally got the courage to get police involved, her community put her in shunning for 4 years straight, before she realiz... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From an atheist household to strict Mennonite, Jasper had an incredible amount of adjusting to do as a teenager. Her love for riding horses and asking questions branded her with “unruly” and “rebellious”. Anyone who got close to her was shipped away and eventually, due to lack of socialization and acceptance, her mental health quickly deteriorated. She now hosts “The Plain People’s Podcast” where she platforms former Mennonite and Amish so they may tell their stories.Click here to watch on Yo... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The reality of having multiple mothers can be a dark one. The little ones are the ones who suffer the most. Within this clear imbalance of power lies an eldest son, laden with far too many responsibilities. Eventually, Val is kicked out of his own community, partly due to his sexual preferences. Although, he was well on his way out to freedom and happiness within the "normal world".Click here to watch on YouTubeResource for those escaping polygamy:https://holdingouthel... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apostolic United Brethren prophesied this now comedian would restore the true LDS (Mormon) church to the earth. In Ben's case, 2 moms prove to be far more difficult than convenient, as he was dealing with working long hours for little to know money at 8. Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow Ben on Social:Instagram @thefreshkingbenjaminhttps://www.instagram.com/thefreshkingbenjaminwww.thefreshkingbenjamin.comOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny d... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**Content warning: CHILD SA, ANOREXIA, CA, TRAFF*CKING** At 9 Years Old, Isami Daehn was traded by her narcissistic mother, in exchange for piano lessons for her and her siblings. Isami now speaks out about the horrors of growing up in a narcissistic, high demand family, while being raised an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist in Japan. Not all high control groups are major churches or large corporations. Sometimes, certain personality disorders, when combined with strict religiosity, c... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once a top ranking Scientologist, now a former, Claire Headley was called to testify in the 2nd, most recent trial of Danny Masterson on his SA convictions of 3 women. As an Expert Witness, her testimony helped the jury understand why Scientology itself played a crucial role in the suppression of evidence. He has just been found guilty, and sentenced to life in prison. Claire now speaks out on the details of her time on the stand.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and Suppor... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

**Content warning: Open dialogue around sex & mentions of SA & Rape** Purity culture seems innocent and shiny on the outside, but when you look closer, understanding there are two sides to every coin, it gets dark and dangerous. Kendra and I take an honest look at the intentions of purity culture and how it often backfires and creates more issues including abuse and self hatred. Click here to watch on YouTubeEpisodes with the Ex- Mormon Sex Therapist:LDS Sex Therapist Ousted for Views... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

His mother converted to Scientology when he was 6 years old and his life changed forever. When he rejected the teachings, she kicked him out of the house and he was forced to find friends to live with which was never permanent. At 15 years old with no place to live, no money, no job and no real world experience having only an education at a Scientology school, he caved and joined the Sea Org. His audio/visual skills were immediately put to work at Golden Era Productions at headquarters in Sou... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scientology Sea Org employees who work at the headquarters in Southern California, are treated like prisoners. After Marc was falsely accused of embezzling money, they threatened to take hime away from his wife to put him in a rehabilitation center. His only other option was a dangerous escape off of the property. Learn how a civilian saved his life, and how Scientology began to stalk and harass Marc and his family for speaking out about the abuses within the organization. Click here to watch... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Commercial director Mitch Brisker was scouted by Scientology to put them on the map and he did! His Dianetics commercials were a huge hit and mostly responsible for selling millions of copies of the books. They convinced him to go work at Golden Era Productions where he turned around the entire film department and started making good quality work for training and marketing purposes. Shelise shares how she was on set around the same time as an actor in a few Scientology films. Most surprisingl... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.