Cults to Consciousness

Claire was raised as product of Scientology. Her early childhood years spent in Scientology boarding schools away from her parents. As a teenager, she doubled down and rose up to one of the highest ranks possible where she was working directly for David Miscavige. Witnessing David's abusive ways and after she was forced to do horrific things, she knew she had to escape. Her story will leave you on the edge of your seat as she describes her master plan to escape the headquarters of Scientology... 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.

Claire Headley, President of The Aftermath Foundation, recounts her difficult childhood in the primary hands of Scientology in the UK. Coerced to sign a billion year contract by 7 years old, her life was dedicated to learning how to be the best Sea Org member she could possibly be. Longing to be a “normal” kid like those in her public school, she had plans to escape. Until, a major life event shook her which cemented her beliefs in Scientology. She had no idea the horrors that awaited her whe... 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.

Back again for our 1 year channel anniversary is @nuancehoe ! Peek behind the curtain with us to discover the dark and dirty past of Mormon (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) history and even what current LDS apologists are up to in the name of fundamentalism. We both believe that true change, does not come from gaslighting or pretending things weren't harmful, but by full acknowledgement, apology and tangible steps to undo the hurt caused by dangerous doctrine and leader... 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: self harm, brief mention of child SA** From forced Molly Mormon into rockstar, Irene discusses what her life was like being raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism) and the extreme manipulation tactics that were used to keep members active. She attended the Mormon university BYU and served a mission in Honduras, before meeting someone who completely changed her life and helped open her eyes to the cult mentality she was in. Click here to watch 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.

Liz was brainwashed and sucked into a dangerous Korean cult, groomed to be one of the cult leader's spiritual brides. They preyed on her love for Christianity and longing to belong. This episode explores her upbringing as a Pentecostal Christian which adds layers of context to help us understand how she was primed to fall into the JMS cult.Click here to watch on YouTube Find her previous episode here "How the Korean JMS Cult Brainwashed and Hospitalized Her"Find Liz on Social!TikTok @lizthefo... 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.

Featured in “The Sins of the Amish”, Meg endured a life of t*rture at the hands of her father and other family members. First in an Old Order Amish settlement, then a black bumper Mennonite Settlement, the ab*se was condoned and accepted by the community. Using books like “To Train Up A Child”, it was normal for fathers to break the will of their children as early as 18 months old. Against her wishes, she was forced into an arranged marriage which had many of the same characteristics of her f... 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, abuse, r*pe, suic*de ideation** We have learned about people who grow up in abusive environments who don’t have a good chance of breaking that cycle while they are still in the cult bubble. But what about the people who understand abuse not only goes unnoticed in these cults, but is even celebrated, and they join for this reason? Hannah’s story illustrates how when the outside world can clearly see a group where abuse thrives, and they don’t want to get caught, 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: Frequent mentions of child SA & r*pe among other forms of abuse & suic*de ideation**Mary Byler’s story is horrific and shocking, yet one of the reasons she is being so brave in sharing her story, is because it’s not uncommon. The Amish are often romanticized for their “plain” lifestyle, yet people don’t understand or know about the sheer terror facing the women and children of these communities. Extreme forms of purity culture combined with a no-questions-asked “alw... 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, Incest, Rape** Along with extreme sexual distortions and a severe lack of sexual education, the Old Order Amish are taught that pregnancy means women have “The Sickness”, and that any talk of sex is forbidden until marriage.Having left the Old Order Amish 25 years ago, Eli Yoder, has helped 200+ people flee the Amish community. In today's episode, we discuss the dark corners of the seemingly bright and simple groups that exist today, along with the shocking ... 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.

People in the "modern world" tend to romanticize the Amish. They seem to live simple lives and keep to themselves with their big families and old traditional ways of doing things. This may be true AND it's possible that a world of secrets, abuse and lack of care for those suffering mental illness are also extremely common. Joined by ex Old Order Amish, Eli Yoder, we discuss the dark corners of the seemingly bright and groups that exist today.Click here to watch on YouTubeResource for current ... 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 unsuspecting Aussie girl was intentionally recruited and manipulated to eventually become one of cult leader's Jung Myung Seok thousands of spiritual brides. The the self proclaimed reincarnated Messiah and convicted r*pist was in jail when she met him through the plexi-glass in Korea. Forced to restrict her food intake to please Jung, she lost so much weight her health deteriorated and she was hospitalized. Learn how her near death experience saved her life, by helping her escape the dang... 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 1 year of horrific cult stories, we thought it would be nice to celebrate these brave souls with all of their best advice and funny statements through their “Linda, listen” moment. An empowering statement, be it sassy, inspirational, funny or all of the above. This video can also serve as a recap of what we have been up to all year and give you a peek into each episode which you may have missed. Watch on YouTubeepisode 02 - Nuancehoe episode 04 - Ashleyepisode 05 - True Mormon Quotes ep... 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.

Fresh out of the sheltered sexuality of Mormonism, Kirsten had just gotten a divorce and badly needed a job. Convincing herself that she just didn't know what "normal" body positivity and sexuality looked like, she got a job at a nudist, sex club that lured people in by pretending to be a zen, meditative, buddhist retreat. For the first time ever, someone is speaking out against the One Love Temple, otherwise known as the Sea Mountain Resort in Las Vegas, NV.Click here to watch on YouTubeTo w... 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.

Brigham Young was the second prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and who Brigham Young University was named after. Brigham is known for a LOT of heinous actions against the saints, so it shouldn't come as a surprise when learning about the abhorrent policies of the school. Since Kirsten went there, it's only gotten slightly better. Find out what these students have to go through just to get an education. We also go into what EFY/FSY is, and why it was/is problematic for... 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.

BONUS EPISODE! Disney, don't come after us! In making the new Little Mermaid movie, we get you were tied to the 1989 classic, which was tied to the 1845 fairy tale, but we couldn't help but notice all of the CULTY parallels. From an oppressive polygamist father with an "us vs them" mentality, to a banished sea witch with her own agenda of ownership and rule, literally taking Ariel's voice and leaving her voiceless, we breakdown all the ways the Little Mermaid is super culty.... 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 Abuse/Suicide Attempt** The book that is linked to 3 deaths of children, completely warped Kendra's life. Her parents took the abusive techniques to "train" their 7 children to the extreme. Fighting for her life everyday, trying to understand what she did to deserve this pain, when she turned 18 she ran. Little did she know, she ran right into the arms of another predator who married her 2 weeks later and got her pregnant 6 months after that. When the abuse continued,... 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.

Blamed and shamed for sexual sin she never committed, Jess was forced into multiple IBLP training centers for “bad girls” where she was put on a no-speak order for weeks at a time. Punished for asking for basic needs during extreme manual labor in the intense heat, she constantly felt to blame for not measuring up to impossible standards. Her story is one of perseverance and strength as she finally finds her way out of the cult and begins to acclimate to the completely foreign outside world.&... 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.

When a young boy's family joins the Institute in Basic Life Principles cult (as seen on the "Shiny Happy People" doc), his life gets a lot more complicated. Shamed for having a girlfriend at 16, his family moves him out of state then sends him away to an IBLP training/rehabilitation center for "bad kids". The goal, to break his mind, body, and soul into submission. After leaving the cult at 18, he found himself unable to connect with society and he turned to extreme drug and alcohol abu... 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.

Finally! The details about our extra, over the top, Old Hollywood wedding at the Historic Los Angeles Movie Palace built in 1931! It was incredible and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. We both were able to showcase our talents in unique ways and offer a production and wild experience for our guests! Make sure to keep your eyes on the screen for this one. There are a LOT of photos and videos to share with you. Also, stick around to the end for some MAJOR channel updates! Thank 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.

Sentenced to 120 years in prison for racketeering, sex trafficking, and many more nefarious sexual offense counts, Keith Raniere once led the MLM cult, NXIVM, which at its height had 700 active members. Along with Sarah Edmondson, Mark Vicente helped recruit members, and then ultimately helped bring it down. Their departure from the cult is documented in the HBO documentary series, The Vow. In today's episode, Mark dives deeper into the disturbing details of his personal experienc... 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.

With the explosion of cult documentaries in the last 10 years, and the subsequent exposure and awareness it's brought, viewers are rushing to watch as many possible. But there may be some shocking ones you may have missed! In this episode, Dr. John Dehlin (Mormon Stories podcast), and I, break down our top 10 must watch cult docs of the past decade. Click here to watch on YouTube(Clickable Chapter Markers available on YouTube)Parallels between John Dehlin's Mormon past and cult do... 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: mentions of child SA** Emily Elizabeth Anderson—a featured survivor on the cult documentary “Shiny Happy People” exposing the IBLP— is an example of how abuse thrives within these extreme fundamentalist Christian teachings. She endured trauma after trauma which caused her body to shut down with Crohn’s disease. Once she recognized the abuse at the hands of her father and Bill Gothard himself, she joined a lawsuit against IBLP and Bill and deconstructed the toxic teachings f... 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: various mentions of CA** Upon watching the Shiny Happy People documentary, I realized they essentially had all the same rules as the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints group (FLDS) aside from practicing polygamy. Joined by Sam and Melissa from @GrowingUpinPolygamy , we dissect all the ways the IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles) mirror the FLDS.Click here to watch on YouTube(clickable chapter markers on YouTube)FLDS, explainedPurity Culture: saving first kiss for ... 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: Brief mentions of child ab*se, domestic ab*se, suic*de ideation** The Institute in Basic Life Principles is an extreme Christian fundamentalist set of beliefs that took hold on society when The Duggars (from TLC’s “19 kids and Counting”) made it popular. These beliefs look “Happy and Shiny” from the surface, but deep inside rots the truth about the misogynistic, abusive and oppressive practices that force children and wives to obey at all costs. Jen joins us and tells (for ... 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 Kingston Clan is known for their incestuous polygamy in an effort to keep their "bloodline" pure. From deformities and infertility, to racism and coercion, take a peek inside "The Order"—an extremist off shoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormonism) with Amanda Rae from the TV show "Escaping Polygamy".Click here to watch on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on YouTube)Her incestuous family bushThe leader, Paul, has 27 wivesThe deformities with inbreedi... 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 Order" or the "Kingston Clan" is known for their incestuous practices of polygamy in an effort to keep their "bloodline pure". They are a fundamentalist branch of Mormonism in Salt Lake City where marrying 1st cousins and even half siblings is seen as perfectly fine. Amanda Rae, who was raised in this group, escaped at 17 and was seen on the TV show "Escaping Polygamy" helping others to do the same. Learn the ins and outs of this cult and why she so badly wanted out. 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: brief mentions of suicide ideation 1 hr 34 mins in** Within mainstream Mormonism is a fundamentalist group that takes the "Latter Days" incredibly serious. They are loosely known as the Doomsday or Prepper Mormons. Rachel lived in extreme poverty, rarely received any medical attention, had no power or running water and had no idea she was in a cult until years and years later. Not only did she deconstruct end times Mormonism, but found herself deconstructing mainstream Morm... 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: Mentions of SA** Raised in Scientology, at 12 years old, the church accused her of “Instigating” her own S.A., then sent her away to a Scientology boarding school, where the abuse continued. For the first time, Daisy opens up about her horrific childhood growing up in Scientology. Learn why scientologist perpetrators are often unpunished, while the victims suffer in silence. Listen with care. Click here to watch on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on ... 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 excommunicated from the Jehovah's Witness faith, Rome's life completely changed. Shunned from his mother and other family members, he meets India, who slowly helps him deconstruct and acclimates him to a world full of Holidays and birthday celebrations. A beautiful love story of patience, understanding and acceptance. Click here to watch the episode on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on YouTube) Growing up Jehovah's Witness in VirginiaWho are the Jehovah's Witnesses?Not ... 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: Brief mentions of Suic*de Ideation and R*pe**Daniella Mestyanek Young finally escaped the Children of God sex cult at age 15 desperately trying to acclimate to life in the US and starting school for the first time. Her accolades and honors would land her in the US military which not only compounded upon her growing mound of trauma, but eventually leading her to an impossible breaking point. Click here to watch on YouTubeClick here to watch the previous video with Daniella(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.

***CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of child sexual assault/physical abuse, child trafficking and sex***Please listen with care. This episode is very heavy and potentially triggering. This is, however, an important story to tell. Daniella Mestyanek Young was born and raised in the Children of God sex cult, who's goal was to raise sexually liberated children with little to no secular education. This is the story of her childhood behind the walls of the compounds all over the world. The next episode, ... 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.

You met Chavie in a previous episode. A determined mother who took a long hard road out of Hasidic Judaism so her children could have more choices that she did growing up. Now you get to hear from one of her children! Ruby recounts what it was like being forced to live a judge ordered Hasidic lifestyle, until they stood up and said no. From learning what they had been missing in school, to unearthing social media for the first time at 17, they are now living the life THEY chose for themselves... 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.

Any day, the verdict will be in! Will Danny Masterson be charged for the violent r*pe of 3 different women? Joined by Aaron with @GrowingUpInScientology , we discuss his full live coverage of the May 2023 trial in Los Angeles and all the characters who are playing a role behind the scenes. From scientology lawyers, propaganda bloggers and even a reverend, to Leah Remini in the court room, there is a lot to discuss! Click here to watch on YouTube(clickable chapter markers availabl... 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.

For someone who planned to name their children using every letter of the alphabet, everyone was shocked when he left the fundamentalist Mormon church called The Work. He was dedicated, invested, had his first kiss at the alter of his arranged marriage, and ultimately his curiosity and empathy led him out. Calvin Wayman's journey is inspiring! Make sure to check out the first episode we did, explaining more of his childhood and the backstory of the FLDS.Click here to watch the episode on YouTu... 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.

Calvin and I dissect the world of Mormon Fundamentalism, from mind control, decision coercion, EXTREME racist teachings from the early prophets and the secret sauce to creating the most controlling cults. Learn the good and bad of growing up with 4 mothers and 44 siblings in the same home, and how they redefined the meaning of monogamy in unexpected ways.Click here to watch the episode on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on YouTube)The run down of FLDS doctrine when they split from... 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 17 she realized she was in a religious prison. She had just been "arranged" to be married to a stranger and had been plotting her escape for 2 years. Determined not to become a plural wife for the sole purpose of having as many children as possible, she did whatever it took to leave and pursue higher education at a large cost. See how she transformed her life and navigated the hard lessons of the "real world".Click here to watch the episode on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on... 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.

Isolated from the outside world while imprisoned in the FLDS compound, Judith Bateman breaks down her childhood in the Warren Jeffs polygamy cult. In a reality where “the more wives a husband has the more Righteous he is” Jude talks what it was like growing up with 17 siblings and 2 mothers, “demonstrating readiness" at 12 years old, being turned in to Warren Jeffs himself, how everyone’s pets were sentenced to death, how fear kept the members controlled, and how she ultimately devised ... 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.

A father fights the Quebec government after realizing the secular education both he and his children had gotten in their Hasidic Yeshivas, were intentionally not up to the legal state requirements. Struggling with ostracization, dishonor and a battle to keep their own children after leaving the sect, Yohanan Lowen continues to fight for the children who don’t know any better.Click here to watch the episode on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on YouTube)No functional education for i... 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/Sexual Discussions** A brave and fierce mother, Chavie Weisberger, divulges the deepest, darkest corners of her life from growing up in a very strict ultra-orthodox sect of Judaism ran by her grandfather. She shares her heart-wrenching custody battle and how the courts forced her to conform to the religion years after she had left it behind. Listen with caution, this episode is as heavy as it is inspirational and incredible. Click here to watch it on YouTu... 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.

Speaking the language of Angels, literal demons attached to people who were sinning, exorcisms of alcoholics and more. This church shaped Derek's early teen years until he tried many other denominations of Christianity in search of the right one. As a pastor in training, during his intense studies of the Bible, he ended up going an unexpected direction. Derek runs the Mythvision YouTube channel where he discusses mythology, history and more! Check it out!Click here to watch this episode... 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 abuse* No child should have to endure what Kelli went through. These abusive, Scientology practices were encouraged by the doctrine and the church throughout her entire childhood. I'm amazed at how she has risen above it all and truly embodies compassion and empathy for others who are or have gone through similar abusive situations. Click here to watch on YouTube(clickable chapter markers available on YouTube)How her parents got involved in ScientologyHer earliest memo... 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 it ethical to raise children in a high demand group/religion? What if you think it is what is best for them? Aaron and I discuss the unintended consequences of raising your children with steadfast beliefs that could ultimately harm them in the future. As someone who was raised a Scientologist and now has a channel totally dedicated to the topic @GrowingUpInScientology , Aaron shares his thoughts and opinions and personal stories. Click here to watch on YouTubeClick here to watch him interv... 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 over 350 interviews with ex-cult members, psychopaths, experts and more, Andrew Gold has a diversified and educated perspective on Cults. The frequently asked question, "Are all religions cults?" is answered and contemplated in this thought-provoking interview detailing his experiences and opinions. Check out his channel at @AndrewGold1 We will be releasing a second episode on his channel very soon!Click here to watch on YouTube!(clickable chapter markers available on YouTub... 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 often overlooked demographic in the discussion of high-demand groups are people with various disabilities, who are treated differently and even told some outlandish doctrine about their bodies. René comes on to openly discuss what it was like converting to mormonism and then recognizing the harm it was causing her differently abled son & grandchildren. Click here to watch on YouTube(clickable chapter markers on YouTube)René's first introduction to religiosity Her friends' opinions... 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.

He signed a 1 billion year contract of service to Scientology and then they kicked him out when he expressed that the "tech" wasn't working for him. Stories of manipulation with an honest heart, secrets about the alien god Xenu and more, in this awesome interview with @apostatealex Click here to watch on YouTube How Apostate Alex became Apostate Alex on YouTubeDifferences in Scientology between the US & UKThe documentary that made Alex interested in ScientologyThe story of Xenu... 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.

**Trigger Warning: brief mention of SA towards the end of the interview** It's time we talk about the little humans who are raised in cults. Parents do the best they can with the information they have, so the blame is not on them. It is on these high-demand organizations who first con the parents, and then indoctrinate the kids. A vicious cycle until someone is able to break free. Let's take a look into the childhood of Dani, a former Scientologist who was raised in the church, and the reperc... 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: Brief mention of sexual assault in regards to repentance***Public shaming, excommunication, proselytizing, information control and more are just a few of the similarities between Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. Joined again by Altworldly for a sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking episode, we unpack what it's like to be in the CULTure of the two religions. Click here to watch the episode on YouTube!(clickable chapter markers available on YT)ProselytizingPurity Culture ... 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.

Secret societies, the second coming, Armageddon and specially translated bibles, Jake and I are back again for a deep dive into the similarities between Mormonism and Jehovah's witnesses! After an hour of only doctrinal and theological comparisons, we realized we needed to record an entirely separate episode on just the cultural similarities! Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss it!Click here to watch the episode on YouTube!(clickable chapter markers available on YT)Deconstructing one... 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.

Modern day struggles of a millennial mom who was raised a Jehovah's Witness, but wants a different life for her child. We discuss the moral compass absent of God or punishment, embracing and celebrating self, and letting go of shame that stifles one's voice. Enjoy this vulnerable account of Brooke Chanel's story!Click here to watch on YouTubeAs mentioned: For FREE daily intuitive text messages from Ashley Easter:Text the word Intuition to 917-809-7311 (USA only)Watch Ashley's episode HERE(cli... 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.

Can Mormonism stand up to legal criticism when it comes to their truth claims? In this short bonus episode, Kolby—an ex-Mormon lawyer— explains why certain things can't just be explained away by Mormon apologists and how definitions of words are bent when it suits them. Let's see how they might hold up if Mormonism was on trial! Click here to watch on YouTube!Make sure to check out the rest of Kolby's story here(clickable chapter markers available on YouTube)Why Apply Legal Principals to God?... 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.