Cults to Consciousness

It started when Maria’s mother was kidnapped and taken to Canada before somehow convincing her parents to give marital consent. Maria would end up being one of 11 children who were moved over and over from different Amish and Mennonite settlements. Maria’s father was a wannabe cult leader and stirred up trouble wherever he went. Homemade preaching tapes sent out to the world would attract predators into Maria’s home. One of them being a Russian man named Sergey, a cult leader himself. At 15, Maria’s parents willingly gave her to Sergey to marry off to another man. At 16 she was alone, hidden in a swampy woodland without electricity or running water, struggling to survive with a newborn.  Click here to watch on YoutubeWatch our follow up LIVE with MariaFind Maria on Social Media!Substack:  https://myworldprism.substack.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/myworld_prismSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jaden Jeffs was born into the polygamous offshoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where his father would become the Prophet. Jaden takes us inside the mind of his father, Warren Jeffs, and gives us insight into his increasingly twisted “revelations” from prison. Watch our initial interview where Jaden talks about his childhood and early adult years following orders from his father that would eventually push him over the edge. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with JadenFind Jaden on Social Media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JadenJeffsIG: https://www.instagram.com/jadenjjeffs100/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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jaden Jeffs was born into the polygamous offshoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where his father would become the Prophet. Drastic changes would ensue, splitting up families, demanding perfection and keeping the children working instead of playing. Jaden takes us inside the mind of his father, Warren Jeffs, and gives us insight into his increasingly twisted “revelations” from prison. His life would be toyed with for over a decade being sent from place to place due to his supposed righteousness until Jaden finally said enough is enough. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE with JadenFind Jaden on Social Media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JadenJeffsIG: https://www.instagram.com/jadenjjeffs100/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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People can already guess that there are struggles that come with being a plural wife, however most don't know the dangers the lesser favorite wives and their children have to endure. We go into very real situations from The Order (the polygamist Mormon sect in Utah) with someone who escaped the cult. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Pt 2 on Amanda's channelFind Amanda:YouTube:  @TheAmandaRaeGrant         IG: @amandaraegrantSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Olivia Marie Plath was on 7 seasons of TLC’s Welcome to Plathville. Today she will answer your questions and open up about her life before, during and after the show. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with OliviaFollow Olivia on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamarieplath/Website: OliviaMariePlath.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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You may know Olivia Marie Plath from TLC’s Welcome to Plathville, but do you know her story before being on the show? Olivia describes what her fundamentalist life was like in a home where her father sexualized her and her sisters, corporal punishment wasn’t optional and her mother, despite severe health issues that could take her life, was forced to continue getting pregnant. Her sincere hope to be saved led her down a path to courtship with Ethan where she would marry into an even more strict and controlling environment. Boundaries didn’t exist to the Plath family and things would progressively get worse and worse throughout their marriage. She finally put an end to it all and now she is vocal about things that weren’t allowed to be shown on the show. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE with OliviaFollow Olivia on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamarieplath/Website: OliviaMariePlath.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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raised in a conservative, fundamentalist Christian environment, Monte Mader’s home life was filled with being forced to memorize Bible verses or risk extreme corporal punishment. A scholar of the Bible, she later publicly deconstructed those beliefs and now focuses on challenging dogma and exploring cultural and historical topics.  Today we discuss some of the main talking points fundamentalist’s use to harm and oppress others and dispute them using the Bible itself. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Monte Mader on social media!IG:  https://www.instagram.com/montemader/Website: https://montemader.com/https://linktr.ee/MonteMaderWatch our initial interview with MonteSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raised in a conservative, fundamentalist Christian environment, Monte Mader later publicly deconstructed those beliefs and now focuses on challenging dogma and exploring cultural and historical topics. Her home life was filled with being forced to memorize Bible verses or risk extreme corporal punishment. Her mom left the family of 6 children early in Monte’s childhood and was replaced by a sadistic stepmother who kept her and her brother in the basement for 2 years along with other harsh punishments. Even though Monte was being bred to be a housewife with strict gender roles, once her father recognized her off-the-charts intelligence, he quickly switched gears and wanted her to become a Supreme Court Justice to enact and even overturn policy for the agenda of extreme fundamentalist ideology. After a tumultuous engagement that ended in betrayal and disaster, Monte continued to deconstruct when she realized she had been lied to about what the Bible actually says from a Scholastic POV. Now she uses her platform with millions of followers to debate against those who try to use the Bible’s words to harm and oppress others. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Monte Mader on social media!IG:  https://www.instagram.com/montemader/Website: https://montemader.com/https://linktr.ee/MonteMaderSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Recker is a former Evangelical Pastor who spent about eight years in ministry before stepping away from traditional evangelicalism. He grew up as the son of a Baptist preacher and attended the fundamentalist Bob Jones University. Now, he speaks up about a love-centered relationship with God as interpreted by the Bible and shares why it’s common for people to fall into Authoritarian based control when they are already in a fear-based or high control religion. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with Brian hereBrian’s Book:  “Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love”Follow Brian on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/berecker/Substack: https://brianrecker.substack.com/Brian’s link tree: https://linktr.ee/bereckerSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Recker is a former Evangelical Pastor who spent about eight years in ministry before stepping away from traditional evangelicalism. He grew up as the son of a Baptist preacher and attended the fundamentalist Bob Jones University. Instead of pastoring a local church in the traditional sense, Brian now speaks, writes, and teaches about a more inclusive, love-centered Christian spirituality. By removing pun*shment from Christianity’s center, Brian boldly reimagines the core questions of faith, such as why Jesus lived and d*ed, and what it means to be “saved.” He emphasizes following Jesus without fear of hell, and focuses on compassion, empathy, and justice in spiritual life.Click here to watch on YouTubeBrian’s Book:  “Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love”Follow Brian on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/berecker/Substack: https://brianrecker.substack.com/Brian’s link tree: https://linktr.ee/bereckerSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Old Colony Mennonites in Texas where JT was raised, education was only a priority up until 8th grade or age 13. After he escaped into the Military as soon as they would take him, he quickly realized he was either lied to or important information was left out. He ended up getting his GED at 21 years old. Learn how he navigated the "English" world with limited knowledge and a drive to succeed. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with JTFollow JT on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/jtguenter/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@jt_guenterSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Western Texas is an Old Colony Mennonite settlement where John Guenter grew up. His mother converted and ended up being one of the most strict members there. He was bullied and abused constantly for being gay, even though he wouldn’t even fully understand his orientation until later in life. He was under threat of being kidnapped and taken to an unlicensed facility in Mexico where they sent people to be “fixed” for various reasons.  Aside from the terror of being separated from family and sent to another country, it was well known that the Mennonites in Mexico had ties with the Cartel. He realized it wasn’t safe for him to remain in the settlement and escaped by joining the military as soon as he was able. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up live with JT  Follow JT on social media!IG: https://www.instagram.com/jtguenter/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@jt_guenterSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Following up our incredible interview with Lilia Tarawa, today we go LIVE with her to further discuss what it was like escaping the Gloriavale cult.  Founded by her grandfather, who was inspired by the Amish in the US, Gloriavale became an isolated community in New Zealand that implemented communal living, strict gender roles and even identical uniforms for its members. The numbers grew rapidly, especially since birth control wasn’t allowed. Lilia showed promise in leadership skills as a chiId, but was quickly shot down in an hours-long public shaming by her own grandfather. When her friends were being arranged to marry men they didn’t know or like, she realized she needed to escape. Learn how her whole family was able to leave Gloriavale and the struggles they faced afterwards. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our initial interview with LiliaBook:  “Daughter of Gloriavale:  My Life in a Religious Cult”Find Lilia on social media!Podcast: “Brandbreaker with Lilia Tarawa”TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@liliatarawaFB: https://www.facebook.com/msliliatarawaIG: https://www.instagram.com/liliatarawa/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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lilia Tarawa was raised in an isolated community in New Zealand started by her grandfather, called Gloriavale. Inspired by the Amish in the US, he implemented communal living, strict gender roles and even identical uniforms for its members. The numbers grew rapidly, especially since birth control wasn’t allowed. Lilia showed promise in leadership skills as a chiId, but was quickly shot down in an hours-long public shaming by her own grandfather. When her friends were being arranged to marry men they didn’t know or like, she realized she needed to escape. Learn how her whole family was able to leave Gloriavale and the struggles they faced afterwards. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE with LiliaBook:  “Daughter of Gloriavale:  My Life in a Religious Cult”Find Lilia on social media!Podcast: “Brandbreaker with Lilia Tarawa”TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@liliatarawaFB: https://www.facebook.com/msliliatarawaIG: https://www.instagram.com/liliatarawa/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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No electricity, no running water, no indoor plumbing.  Lovina Zook grew up in one of the strictest Amish settlements started by her own family. Highly demanding gender roles were enforced leaving Lovina with no other choice than to marry a relative and become a busy housewife, or be considered an old maid at 24. She had high ambitions and knew she had to escape and trade her entire family and community to be free to live her dreams. Her stardom has grown exponentially on social media where she teaches others how to cook and bake like she did while in the Amish. Join us to find out how she managed to do it and any struggles she faced along the way. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Lovina's initial interviewFind Lovina on social media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@lovina_zook/videosIG: https://www.instagram.com/lovina_zook/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovina_zookWebsite: 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind 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.

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 YouTubeWatch our follow up LIVE with Lovina answering your questionsFind Lovina on social media!YT: https://www.youtube.com/@lovina_zook/videosIG: https://www.instagram.com/lovina_zook/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovina_zookWebsite: 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind 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 Intro00:03:17 Lovina's Amish settlement00:06:01 How leadership is determined00:10:52 Strict dress code00:17:18 Importance of covering hair in Amish tradition00:20:42 What family like was like for Lovina00:26:30 Lack of affection within the household00:34:17 Hygiene standards within the community00:42:38 Why she ran away00:48:52 Marrying cousins & s*xual repression00:55:46 Smuggl*ng books00:58:10 Why Lovina didn't want to be baptized01:04:25 When Lovina left01:15:29 Difficulties after leaving01:28:01 How her parents treated her after leaving01:33:15 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 YouTubeCheck out Alyssa interview’s with Shelise on her Channel:  https://youtu.be/YEoxZu4Q8WsFind Alyssa on social media!YT: www.youtube.com/@alyssadgrenfell/IG: https://www.instagram.com/alyssadgrenfellTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssadgrenfellThumbnail Photo of Alyssa provided by Ilana Panich-Linsman websiteSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind 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 Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:52 Who is Heather Gay00:07:20 How Mormon critics of the Church are shut out and silenced00:11:28 Did Alyssa feel she knew enough about the truth behind Mormonism when she served a mission trip00:13:43 Mormonism equates secrets with spirituality00:17:24 Bishops are instructed to call the law firm instead of report SA cases00:21:35 The church doesn't recognize being gay (David Matheson)00:45:37 Nick Jones, the former Bishop, who stepped down for moral reasons00:51:16 CW: CSA Cover up- Episode 301:00:40 Cognitive dissonance from the church members01:07:41 How dissenters and critics have changed LDS policy01:15:29 The insane ending to the show!01:19:09 Linda, ListenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 YouTubeFind Miranda on Social Media!IG:  https://www.instagram.com/gracefullawakenings/https://www.facebook.com/usyogaacademy US Branch atmancultalert.orghttps://atmanyogafederation.orghttps://atmancultalert.org resources in multiple languages with media on the organization to dateSubscribe 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind 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 Marks00:00:00 Intro00:03:33 Miranda's experience telling her story00:10:07 Group background00:14:11 How Miranda got involved00:15:46 When Miranda realized what she'd gotten into00:26:03 Miranda's experience at the retreat00:36:19 Meeting the "spiritual guide"00:54:05 Noticing red flags01:12:21 How Miranda felt after leaving01:15:40 Miranda's deconstruction01:21:30 Prosecution01:27:29 What brings Miranda joy now01:32:22 Linda, ListenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 YouTubeWatch Alexandra's initial interviewFollow 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind 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.

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 YouTubeFollow 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/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind 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 Marks00:00:00 Intro00:05:31 Alexandra's background00:08:55 Dealing with a SA experience00:11:31 How Alexandra's parents reacted to her as*ault00:22:13 Why her parents sent her away00:23:26 Getting k*dnapped00:26:32 Experience at the wilderness camp00:28:25 Strip searched and pan*cking when reality sets in00:34:02 Daily life at camp00:43:21 The food they had to eat00:47:38 "Therapy" at camp00:53:12 Alexandra thought she was free after wilderness camp....00:56:11 The second program Alexandra was forced into01:08:33 They trained them like dogs01:13:25 What returning home was like01:23:41 How Alexandra's parents have taken accountability01:25:31 How Alexandra is doing now01:27:39 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.