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Cults to Consciousness
Shelise Ann Sola
372 episodes
1 day ago

Survivor stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups & people. 

Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast, hosted by Shelise Ann Sola (a former devout Mormon & CSA survivor) and her Producer husband, Jonathan Rosales.  

C2C delves into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments.  They are not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems, while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability.  C2C has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests. Follow to join them on their advocacy mission.

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Society & Culture
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All content for Cults to Consciousness is the property of Shelise Ann Sola and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Survivor stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups & people. 

Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast, hosted by Shelise Ann Sola (a former devout Mormon & CSA survivor) and her Producer husband, Jonathan Rosales.  

C2C delves into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments.  They are not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems, while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability.  C2C has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests. Follow to join them on their advocacy mission.

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Society & Culture
Episodes (20/372)
Cults to Consciousness
Swartzentruber AMISH: My Midnight Escape From One of the Strictest Settlements ft. Lovina Zook
No electricity, no running water, no indoor plumbing.  Lovina Zook grew up in one of the strictest Amish settlements started by her own family. It was common to marry cousins as most people there were related by blood and a woman would be considered an “old maid” if still single by 24 yrs old. Lovina discusses the hardest parts including struggling with mental heath, strict rules and not receiving any love or affection from parents of family members. As soon as she turned 18, she ran away in the middle of the night with the intention to become more than the Amish would ever allow. Lovina would then find a massive following on social media.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our follow up LIVE with Lovina answering your questions Find Lovina on social media! YT: https://www.youtube.com/@lovina_zook/videos IG: https://www.instagram.com/lovina_zook/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovina_zook Website: https://socialsbylovina.com/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:17 Lovina's Amish settlement 00:06:01 How leadership is determined 00:10:52 Strict dress code 00:17:18 Importance of covering hair in Amish tradition 00:20:42 What family like was like for Lovina 00:26:30 Lack of affection within the household 00:34:17 Hygiene standards within the community 00:42:38 Why she ran away 00:48:52 Marrying cousins & s*xual repression 00:55:46 Smuggl*ng books 00:58:10 Why Lovina didn't want to be baptized 01:04:25 When Lovina left 01:15:29 Difficulties after leaving 01:28:01 How her parents treated her after leaving 01:33:15 Linda, listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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2 days ago
1 hour 38 minutes 5 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
LDS Abuse Coverups: Protecting Predators & Assets ft. Alyssa Grenfell
Surviving Mormonism is a new limited series hosted by Real Housewife of Salt Lake City Heather Gay where she interviews people with harrowing stories of how the LDS church failed them. It is a heartbreaking series that reveals the reality of a systemic problem that is not only covered up by church officials, but amplified by their only true intentions…avoiding lawsuits and avoiding bad media. Thousands of people have shared their stories of abuse and coverups at the hands of their leaders who were supposed to protect them. In a church that claims to be the one true church of God, their priorities of protecting their assets over their most vulnerable members, leaves us all bewildered and angry. Episode by episode, Alyssa Grenfell and Shelise recount these stories as shown on the show and give their thoughts as former Mormons.  Click here to watch on YouTube Check out Alyssa interview’s with Shelise on her Channel:  https://youtu.be/YEoxZu4Q8Ws Find Alyssa on social media! YT: www.youtube.com/@alyssadgrenfell/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/alyssadgrenfell TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssadgrenfell Thumbnail Photo of Alyssa provided by Ilana Panich-Linsman website Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:52 Who is Heather Gay 00:07:20 How Mormon critics of the Church are shut out and silenced 00:11:28 Did Alyssa feel she knew enough about the truth behind Mormonism when she served a mission trip 00:13:43 Mormonism equates secrets with spirituality 00:17:24 Bishops are instructed to call the law firm instead of report SA cases 00:21:35 The church doesn't recognize being gay (David Matheson) 00:45:37 Nick Jones, the former Bishop, who stepped down for moral reasons 00:51:16 CW: CSA Cover up- Episode 3 01:00:40 Cognitive dissonance from the church members 01:07:41 How dissenters and critics have changed LDS policy 01:15:29 The insane ending to the show! 01:19:09 Linda, Listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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6 days ago
1 hour 22 minutes 4 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
I Was Groomed & Trafficked into a TANTRIC YOGA SEX CULT
In 2017, Miranda signed up for classes at Tara Yoga Centre in London — a studio associated with the larger network Atman federation (also sometimes called MISA in other countries). At first, the classes were marketed as esoteric or tantric yoga — spiritual practices about inner work, self-improvement and body awareness. As time went on, students were encouraged to date the teachers, blurring lines and creating a toxic power dynamic. Only the true seekers attended the many expensive retreats, which groomed her into desiring a tantric session with the all powerful Guru nobody had met. Slowly, things would become more sexual in nature and those who didn’t participate were seen as prude. After demonstrating her devotion, she was sent to meet the Guru in Paris at an undisclosed location with blacked out windows and other women coming and going blindfolded. She would then be forced into a “spiritual initiation” with the Guru which left her feeling empty and confused. After the ritual, most women were taken to another location where they were told to liberate the world, they needed to be Cam girls. In November 2023, Bivolaru was arrested in France along with many associates. Authorities accused him and the group of kidnapping, trafficking, and sexual exploitation of women under the guise of spiritual practice. Miranda continues to speak out about her experiences. Click here to watch on YouTube Find Miranda on Social Media! IG:  https://www.instagram.com/gracefullawakenings/ https://www.facebook.com/usyogaacademy US Branch atmancultalert.org https://atmanyogafederation.org https://atmancultalert.org resources in multiple languages with media on the organization to date Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:33 Miranda's experience telling her story 00:10:07 Group background 00:14:11 How Miranda got involved 00:15:46 When Miranda realized what she'd gotten into 00:26:03 Miranda's experience at the retreat 00:36:19 Meeting the "spiritual guide" 00:54:05 Noticing red flags 01:12:21 How Miranda felt after leaving 01:15:40 Miranda's deconstruction 01:21:30 Prosecution 01:27:29 What brings Miranda joy now 01:32:22 Linda, Listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 week ago
1 hour 35 minutes 51 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Surviving the Troubled Teen Industry: A 16 Year Old’s Fight to Escape Nine Months in Hell
Alexandra struggled with her parents’ treatment of her, as well as suffering SA which led to a deterioration of her mental health. When she asked her parents for help, she was either dismissed or laughed at. When she was finally given some psychiatric care, it didn’t last long before her parents chose to instead hand over custody and ship her to Utah during winter for a wilderness camp. What was supposed to last 8-10 weeks went on for 13, deep in the snowy mountains with only a tent and utensils they cleaned with dirt. Compliance was expected and mental health ignored. However, even after Wilderness camp was over, she wouldn’t be permitted to go home. Instead she was taken to another facility for 6 months where her will was further broken and symptoms ignored.  Now, Alexandra is a Youth Rights Activist who advocates about the troubled-teen system— typically residential treatment centers, wilderness-therapy programs, “boot camps,” and therapeutic boarding schools aimed at adolescents deemed “at risk,” “troubled,” or having behavioral, emotional, substance-use, or academic issues.  She calls for awareness and reform speaking out about her time in TTI on social media.  Less than a week ago (after 4 years)  she has unmasked. Click here to watch on YouTube Follow Alexandra on social media! Instagram: IG @trail.seasoning  TikTok: @trailseasoning  Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:05:31 Alexandra's background 00:08:55 Dealing with a SA experience 00:11:31 How Alexandra's parents reacted to her as*ault 00:22:13 Why her parents sent her away 00:23:26 Getting k*dnapped 00:26:32 Experience at the wilderness camp 00:28:25 Strip searched and pan*cking when reality sets in 00:34:02 Daily life at camp 00:43:21 The food they had to eat 00:47:38 "Therapy" at camp 00:53:12 Alexandra thought she was free after wilderness camp.... 00:56:11 The second program Alexandra was forced into 01:08:33 They trained them like dogs 01:13:25 What returning home was like 01:23:41 How Alexandra's parents have taken accountability 01:25:31 How Alexandra is doing now 01:27:39 Linda, listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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2 weeks ago
1 hour 30 minutes 58 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
How the Billion Dollar “Troubled Teen” Industry Scams & Profits From Parents’ Desperation
Alexandra struggled with her parents’ treatment of her, as well as suffering SA which led to a deterioration of her mental health. Her parents then took drastic measures by paying for her to be kidnapped and taken to a wilderness camp in the dead of Utah winter. They were forced to hike every other day further into the mountains carrying a 60 pound backpack with very little food and warmth for 13 weeks straight. When hazardous conditions resulted in sores on their bodies, they would be asked to strip down in a tent where photos would be taken and sent off.  Alexandra will share the detrimental effects during college while deconstructing her total of 9 months in the TT industry and we will further discuss better alternatives. Now, Alexandra is a Youth Rights Activist who advocates about the troubled-teen system— typically residential treatment centers, wilderness-therapy programs, “boot camps,” and therapeutic boarding schools aimed at adolescents deemed “at risk,” “troubled,” or having behavioral, emotional, substance-use, or academic issues.  She calls for awareness and reform speaking out about her time in TTI on social media.  Less than a week ago (after 4 years) she has unmasked.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch Alexandra's initial interview Follow Alexandra on social media! Instagram: IG @trail.seasoning  TikTok: @trailseasoning  Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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2 weeks ago
1 hour 55 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Teen Mission for Martyrdom: How Superstar Mega-Pastor Glorified Avoidable Medical Neglect Abroad
Raised in the “Holy War” and recruited as a soldier for Jesus, Philip Boltz, son of famous Christian singer Ray Boltz, was deeply invested in changing the world. He went on multiple mission trips abroad, ready to give everything, including his life for the cause. However, the goal to become a martyr was closer than he realized, when an emergency surgery leading to severe infection and medical neglect in India led him to be hospitalized. Ron Luze, the mega pastor leading this enormous teen-based corporation, even praised him for his valiance. This would cause him to double-down in his faith and be spiritually ready to go back to India the next year. More about Teen Mania can be found in the new docu-series Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War, of which he is a part.  Click here to watch on YouTube TikTok: @suprfil  Website: https://www.philboltz.com Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:12 Phil's experience being part of the documentary & his religious upbringing 00:08:50 Phil's introduction to Teen Mania and mission trips 00:17:26 Appendectomy in India 00:23:08 Phil's infection and near de*th experience after surgery 00:30:41 Leadership's responsibility for the safety of youth 00:34:34 The Honor Academy and LTE's 00:39:32 Abnormal patterns and practices in the organization 00:51:05 Phil's teenage evangelizing and his stance now on high-control groups 00:59:41 The beginnings of Phil's deconstruction 01:05:52 Phil & who he is today 01:09:20 Final thoughts and Phil's "Linda Listen" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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3 weeks ago
1 hour 14 minutes 6 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Saved or Shattered? A Teenager’s Descent Into Evangelical Extremism
Liz Boltz Ranfeld, who was featured in the recent Shiny Happy People 2 documentary, was fully immersed in the “Teen Mania” lifestyle. She went on several overseas mission-trips that caused more fear and guilt due to the inability to faith heal on the spot, however it opened her eyes to other cultures that were being labeled as “demonic”. Her father was a well known Christian singer/song writer, Ray Boltz, which put all eyes on her to be a perfect example. Fully blind to the harms being caused at Teen Mania, she only started deconstructing after her parents forbid her from doing the full time-year-long-internship after her brother nearly died and she was stranded overnight at a busy airport with no help from the organization. Her father later came out as gay just as their whole family was doing away with Christian Fundamentalism and she would end up being one of the most critical voices against TM. Click here to watch on YouTube Find and Support Liz TikTok @lizboltz  IG @liz_boltz_ranfeld Website https://www.lizbr.com/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:19 Liz' upbringing and childhood  00:05:06 First impressions of Acquire the Fire 00:11:21 Liz' mission trips 00:21:30 Liz' parents influence 00:27:07 Teen Mania 00:32:03 How Columbine affected Liz 00:35:24 Liz' begins to question Teen Mania 00:42:32 Why Liz wasn't able to continue with Teen Mania 00:47:57 Liz' deconstruction 00:52:34 Recovering Alumni blog 00:55:02 Growing from the experience 01:00:13 What Liz hopes people get out of the documentary See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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3 weeks ago
1 hour 10 minutes 14 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
How She Helped TAKE DOWN Pedo Cult Leader of the La Luz Del Mundo
CW: Mentions of CSA, SA, ED & Suicide Ideation.  Sochil Martin was born and raised in the worldwide church known as La Luz del Mundo. At age 9 she started to become groomed to be a concubine to the Apostle who was their living prophet on Earth. Her own aunt took her to him, because that’s what had happened to her and her family as young girls. They were not only expected to comply, it was considered a great blessing to be chosen and used. They were then considered an “unconditional” which meant their life was not their own and all choices would be made by the Apostle, including who they would eventually marry. However, even after marriage, the SA would not end. It wasn’t until Sochil’s husband rang the alarm that what was happening was not ok, that Sochil realized her adolescence was a horrible lie. Sochil then went on to help put some of the leadership in jail which will be covered in a livestream with her.  Click here to watch on YouTube Find Sochil on social media: IG:  @sochilmartin.healing  Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro  00:04:56 La luz del mundo 00:18:51 Sochil's upbringing 00:28:32 The draw of the church 00:39:12 What unconditional means in LDM 00:47:36 CW: Mentions of ED 00:58:48 How Sochil was paired with her husband 01:11:26 Sochil's husband finds out what's going on  01:17:34 Trying to warn parents to no avail 01:23:22 Linda, Listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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3 weeks ago
50 minutes 48 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
9 yr Old Given as One of Many “Concubines” to Apostle in La Luz Del Mundo Cult
Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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4 weeks ago
1 hour 30 minutes 4 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
9 yr Old Forced by Cult to Become Chess Master to Convert the World (ft. Danny Rensch)
Born into the Church of Immortal Consciousness, Danny Rensch spent his childhood navigating the isolated confines of a cult. Despite psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and neglect, he persevered. An international chess master and world-class commentator, Rensch’s remarkable journey led him to being the face of Chess.com, one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world.  Rensch recounts his life, starting from the moment he discovered chess in the summer of 1995, all the way up to being at the center of the most explosive cheating scandal in chess history.  He chronicles the traumas of being “special” in a cult that forced separation from his mother. Mentored by an alcohol*c, Russian chess master, he found solace alongside suffer*ng in his obsession for an ancient game, and chess became his only escape. Rensch rose through the chess ranks until a medical emergency nearly took him out of the game forever. And it almost did, until Chess.com came along. Deeply heartfelt, keenly reflective, and haunting, today Danny dives further into the details of his book, Dark Squares, and the never-before-told story of Danny Rensch’s resilience, survival, and his enduring love for the game that saved him.  Click here to watch on YouTube Danny's Book Amazon: Dark Squares Follow Danny on Social Media! IG: @dannyrensch  Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:54 Background on the Church of Immortal Consciousness 00:10:53 Danny's chiIdhood & his parents' relationship 00:20:43 First experiences with chess 00:25:52 When chess started taking off for Danny 00:29:31 Danny's relationship with his mentor, Igor 00:33:29 Being given his spiritual purpose to play chess 00:39:54 Connections to the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer 00:44:49 Sacrificing the relationship with his mother 00:54:48 Balancing intuition and belief 01:00:39 Living two lives 01:07:46 Medical issues & turning to subst*nces 01:18:46 The hero of Danny's story 01:25:58 Overcoming the mysoginy taught by the cult 01:30:48 Founding Chess.com 01:38:47 Triggering moments from the Queen's Gambit 01:43:00 Danny's life now 01:47:24 Full circle moment with Searching for Bobby Fischer 01:51:53 Danny's Linda Listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 56 minutes 53 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
CSA Survivor Reveals How To Help Your Children Avoid Predators
Mandi Pagliarini was put into a recovery program at 15 yrs old and would quickly be handed over to multiple predators by the leader until she left at 22. She realized years later that not all forms of abuse feel the same, and has dedicated her work to teaching parents how to speak to their children and teens to help keep them safe. Every parent should have these important conversations at age appropriate times and Mandi is here to discuss the ways to do that.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch Mandi's initial interview here Find and Support Mandi! IG @mandiptalkspredators https://www.instagram.com/mandiptalkspredators/ Substack: https://mandiptalkspredators.substack.com/ https://linktr.ee/mandipagliarini Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 2 minutes 4 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Manipulation Tactics & Identity Control: The Disturbing “Reality” Behind America's Next Top Model
Sarah Hartshorne gives the exposé on what REALLY happened on one of the hottest reality tv shows of its time, America’s Next Top Model. We did a deep dive interview with her, but today we focus in on some of the more disturbing parts of her time on Season 9 including waiving their rights to a camera free shower. Girls had no choice but to be moldable clay when it came to their identity, looks and sometimes their name. Even when a look change was the choice of production, they were sometimes judged and mocked for it later in the show. Identities, self esteem and boundaries crumbled all for the hope of making it to “the top”. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch her full interview here Find Sarah! Book: You Wanna Be on Top? A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America's Next Top Model Website: https://www.sarahbhartshorne.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbhartshorne/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 7 minutes 9 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
“America's Next Top Model WAS A CULT” Sarah Hartshorne Reveals the Dark Truth Behind Cycle 9
(CW: Mentions of Eating Disorder) Sarah Hartshorne, a fan favorite America’s Next Top Model contestant pulls back the curtain on the iconic but deeply flawed reality competition show, exposing the manipulation and chaos behind the scenes. Tyra Banks’s America’s Next Top Model was a cultural phenomenon with more than six million weekly viewers at its peak. Over its fifteen-year run, the show captured the glitz of the early aughts as well as its most toxic attitudes—from the glamorous but often questionable photo shoots to the cutting feedback from its highly respected if out-of-touch judges. But as its fans have grown up and as the next generation discovers ANTM, they’ve also begun to reckon with the enduring ways that the show has affected their body image and self-esteem. Sarah Hartshorne would have never guessed that her first foray into modeling would start with being blindfolded alongside three dozen other girls on a charter bus winding through Puerto Rico. Cycle 9’s only plus-size contestant takes us into the heart of the unforgiving auditions; the labyrinthian cruise ship the girls weren’t allowed to enjoy; and, of course, the L.A. “model house” teeming with hidden cameras and elaborately constructed tensions. As the season unfolds and the producers’ interview questions about her weight and her opinions of the other girls become increasingly pointed, Hartshorne uncovers the destabilizing methods employed to film “reality.”  Why didn’t the house have a microwave or a dishwasher? Why did girls regularly faint during eliminations? Why is it that the girls had their most meaningful conversations in closets? Sarah Hartshorne dissects the iconic show. Click here to watch on YouTube Find Sarah! Book: You Wanna Be on Top? A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America's Next Top Model Website: https://www.sarahbhartshorne.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbhartshorne/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.* See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 35 minutes 35 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
How Cult Masquerading as AA Group Preyed on & Trafficked Vulnerable Teens
CHAPTER MARKS NOT AVAILABLE Mandi Pagliarini was thrown into Alcoholics Anonymous as a teen when her parents caught her drinking, and overreacted. She was lured into loving summer boarding camps with cute boys and fun activities, so immediately following high school graduation, the thought of being full time boarded with the group sounded fun and necessary for her health. Unfortunately, a bait and switch quickly happened when she realized that in this particular group, all sponsors and authority lead directly to the man at the top named Mike. He started micromanaging every single aspect of their lives including specific diets, where they went and even, who he thought they should be sleeping with. Young teens were given to 30+ year old men for “their own good” and this included Mike himself who was in his 50s. If compliance was not given, they were berated in front of the whole group. Mandi’s parents were still under the impression that she needed to be there, even though she had nothing close to resembling alcoholism, so she was left feeling alone and afraid of the outside world. After attempting to leave twice, it finally stuck and after drastically overcorrecting, she found her way.  Click here to watch on YouTube Find and Support Mandi! IG @mandiptalkspredators  Substack: https://mandiptalkspredators.substack.com/ Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 22 minutes 18 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
What it’s REALLY like Being a Cult Survivor Who Interviews Cult Survivors Every Day
Today Shelise takes the hot seat to be interviewed by husband and co-producer Jonathan Rosales. A brief discussion about Mormonism and the various shapes it can take in people’s lives gives more context to why Shelise feels it is a cult/high control group. They discuss the light hearted aspects of leaving the cult bubble such as being out of the loop with pop culture. Then, for the first time, Shelise goes into depth about the CSA from her past and how it not only affects her daily life, but her life as a host who platforms other trauma survivors. Other hardships with running the channel while going through intense personal challenges are spoken of in detail which leads them to extreme gratitude for their audience and community who has gathered to support their guests and the cause.  Click here to watch on YouTube Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:05:08 Why Shelise feels she's a Cult Survivor, having left Mormonism 00:11:22 Does Shelise feel more "connected" to society now that she's more caught up on pop culture? 00:18:36 What it feels like for Shelise to be Agnostic 00:22:21 Did Shelise ever think she would interview Cult Survivors for a living? 00:28:27 How Shelise handles the trauma offload from hosting interviews each week? 00:30:59 Shelise discusses the ab*se she experienced from her father 00:34:18 What's it been like for Jonathan having to be a container for Shelise 00:34:40 Moments Shelise broke down after conducting interviews 00:39:52 Does Shelise have a relationship with her father now? 00:51:30 Confronting the ab*se from Shelise's father, now that Shelise & Jonathan have a daughter 00:54:55 Shelise & Jonathan discuss their m*scarriage 01:02:25 Being pregnant while interviewing Cult Survivors 01:04:13 Jonathan on producing Cults to Consciousness 01:10:28 Did Jonathan feel they would be successful in the beginning? 01:13:10 The time Shelise had psychic readings done 01:17:35 Jonathan & Shelise on filming their own documentary 01:23:23 C2C Officially launches Channel Memberships! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 25 minutes 17 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Tim Ballard Claims RITUAL SATANlSM Happening in LDS Church (yet still fully believes)
Carah Burrell and Ryan Fisher have continued to cover the Tim Ballard scandal since it was leaked two years ago that he had plans to become the new LDS prophet and take over the government through white nationalism. He was using his “connections” with the now deceased apostle Ballard (no relation) to bolster his cause at Operation Underground Railroad, which evidence has now suggested it was all a ruse, including allegedly luring women into SA situations by Tim during their “raids”. The LDS church responded swiftly with an ex-communication, severing his membership and ego. He has since been trying to appeal that decision multiple times, however, simultaneously alleging that the LDS church is full of Satanic Ritual ab*se of children and denouncing leadership.  Click here to watch on YouTube Find and Support Carah and Ryan: Carah's YT: https://www.youtube.com/@CarahBurrell Carah's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/nuancehoe The LATEST Video on Tim: https://youtu.be/q3F-lBMaGw4?si=pEkCtD9k_bdGX5lu  Original interview on Last Dispensation:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knWZW93jvjk Julie Green Rant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yTBLjtbwbA Donorbox: https://donorbox.org/thanks-for-the-amazing-content-carah-let-me-help-you-keep-it-funded Venmo: CarahB: https://account.venmo.com/u/CarahB  Patreon exclusives: https://tinyurl.com/3r2jurck Let's get in touch! timmydidwhatpodcast@gmail.com or thenuancehoe@gmail.com Ryan's Info! Substack: https://ryanfisherak78.substack.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryanfisherak78/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NephiteExplorer Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 19 minutes 5 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Adventist Husband Threatens to Make Wife “Disappear” in Religious Conversion Facility If She Leaves
Following our incredible interview with Rosei Quartz, today we go LIVE with her to further discuss her time with her threatening Adventist husband. Rosei was born a Seventh-Day Adventist where her father eventually became a charismatic and highly performative pastor in the church. She attended private Adventist schools and was constantly the center of her father’s fake sermons. Rosei’s mother got chronically ill and was ignored, being told her symptoms were made up for attention. She ended up passing suspiciously and Rosei’s father was married again 4 months later.  Rosei ended up in an Adventist marriage which ended up being extremely toxic. Upon asking for a divorce, she was called a witch and even “hexed her husband with COVlD”. He then threatened to disappear her into Adventist conversion therapy if she tried to leave. Escaping and fearing for her life, she frantically grew a social media following in hopes it would protect her. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch the intiial interview with Rosei Find Rosei on social media: Twitch: twitch.tv/roseiquartz IG: @roseiquartzofficial   Discord:  https://discord.gg/MZqsvXUZHN TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roseiquartz Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 16 minutes 10 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Seventh-Day Adventism: Uncovering My Mother’s Suspicious Death
NO TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE Rosei Quartz was part of the Seventh Day Adventist church in Canada where her father became a very performative and charismatic Pastor. It never felt authentic to Rosei and things got worse when he started using stories (which were most likely fabricated) about her in his very public sermons. This put an unwelcome target on her back as a chiId that stuck with her throughout her years in the church. When her mother became chronically ill, it was believed that she was either making it up for attention, or just wasn’t being faithful enough to be well. Rosei watched helplessly as her mother withered away before her eyes, even losing her teeth to this unknown cause. What’s worse, her mother suspiciously passed when Rosei was at college and years later she found out through her autopsy that she died of a fentanyl overdose. Lies upon lies built even though an adventist marriage until she finally escaped it all.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our LIVE with Rosei Find Rosei on social media: Twitch: twitch.tv/roseiquartz IG: @roseiquartzofficial   Discord:  https://discord.gg/MZqsvXUZHN TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roseiquartz Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 32 minutes 30 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
“Internship” From Hell at Torturous Christian Extremist Honor Academy
As a teenager, devoted to her faith, Carrie Saum felt being born a woman was a punishment. Her mother was a strongly devout Christian woman who implored on Carrie that if she didn’t go to Russia on a teen mission trip, Russians would go to Hell and their blood would be on her hands. These teen trips were mostly run by other young adults who put the kids in ill*gal and morally questionable situations. However, nothing was off the table when it came to showing your devotion to God. In fact, dying a martyr is what Carrie assumed would happen to her. She didn’t realize she had any other choice. Now she is committed to exposing the “Honor Academy” for what it is/was. A way to exploit teens for their time, money and labor, to create an army of unquestioning, obedient adults.  Click here to watch on YouTube Find Carrie on social media: TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriesaum IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriesaum Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:51 Carrie's part in the documentary 00:08:15 Carrie's upbringing 00:13:53 Acquire the Fire 00:20:52 Carrie drops out of college to join the internship program 00:28:58 What it was like when Carrie's parents moved out of state 00:32:17 Carrie's time in Russia 00:42:56 The Honor Academy 00:55:36 Columbine 00:59:24 ESOAL 01:10:09 How the martyr mindset affected Carrie 01:19:07 After deconstruction 01:21:49 What brings Carrie joy  01:23:24 Linda Listen See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 26 minutes 7 seconds

Cults to Consciousness
Amy Duggar King’s Secret Life Behind The Camera
Amy Duggar, cousin to the famous Duggar family from TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” exposes what life was REALLY like on and off the big screen. Her own childhood was plagued by a narcissistic and cruel father who would constantly take her on a roller coaster of ups and downs. Her grandfather (Jim Bob & her mother’s father) was also a character that parents knew could not be alone with their kids. However, there was even a time in her childhood when her grandfather lived in her home.  Today we zoom in on life in an abusive home, the chaos and the confusion, in contrast with the life of luxury on camera and what that did to her mental health.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Amy Amy’s Book: Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade by Getting Louder with the Truth IG: @amyrachelleking  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyrking Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness  Host Instagram @sheliseann  Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  Twitter @cultstocon  **Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.** See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1 month ago
1 hour 37 minutes 25 seconds

Cults to Consciousness

Survivor stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups & people. 

Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast, hosted by Shelise Ann Sola (a former devout Mormon & CSA survivor) and her Producer husband, Jonathan Rosales.  

C2C delves into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments.  They are not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems, while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability.  C2C has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests. Follow to join them on their advocacy mission.