Cults to Consciousness - podcast cover

Cults to Consciousness

Shelise Ann Solawww.sheliseannsola.com
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.   They delve into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments. Their mission is 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. Subscribe to join them on their advocacy mission.
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Episodes

The Extremely Isolated Life of Growing Up Jehovah's Witness (ft. OwenMorganTelltale)

Jehovah's Witnesses make it a point to separate themselves from "worldly" things which creates a social isolation within mainstream society. Unfortunately, this rule applies to members of all ages. Owen Morgan shares his experience growing up being completely cut off from having friends who were outsiders and explains how JWs now use animated propaganda to perpetuate these rules to young people. Find and Support Owen!YouTube: @OwenMorganTelltale @owensfiresidechat &n... Learn more about your...

Nov 27, 20231 hr 26 min

Jehovah’s Witness: The Inhumane Practice of Familial Isolation

Creative expression is part of our human nature. When belonging to a high control group, one of the first things that is sacrificed is individuality, freedom of self expression, and education about the world outside of the group. Scott was always craving creativity, especially when it came to music. After breaking through the chains of Jehovah’s Witness restrictions, he found continued solace in music. However, that came with the high cost of extreme shunning from his former friends and immed......

Nov 19, 20231 hr 38 min

Inside the Mind of Warren Jeffs and His FLDS Polygamous Cult (Insider Speaks Out)

Two young teens fell into a forbidden love. After being shunned from their fundamentalist Mormon polygamous community, they had the option to be welcomed back, only if they got married immediately. Seven little ones later, Chris had been living in fear of losing his family since dozens of men were sent away to repent for unknown reasons. One day, the call came. He was being excommunicated. Click here to watch on YouTubeResources for those escaping polygamy:https://holdingouthelp.org/ https://......

Nov 13, 20231 hr 34 min

Polygamous Mormon Cult “Lost Boys” (a former member takes them in)

Ben grew up in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) living with 2 moms and 28 siblings. He started working on a construction site around 8 years old and had his own crew by 16, despite only having a 3rd grade education from the private FLDS school. After realizing the outside world ISN’T all evil, he escaped the cult around age 18 and became the go-to person (along side his now-wife Wendy) for other “Lost Boys” to seek out for help. Ben and Wendy explain what ......

Nov 11, 20231 hr 28 min

The Harms of Undiagnosed Autism in a Strict Catholic School

Kelly recounts her difficult childhood growing up Catholic as an undiagnosed autistic girl. There were good times and traumatic times that completely shaped her life path and who she is today. She spent 3rd grade through high school in a private catholic school mostly run by nuns who weren’t happy about Vatican II and she explains how they often took out their frustrations on the children. Now, as a mother, after trying Catholic school for her own children, she recounts the things she wishes ......

Nov 10, 20231 hr 17 min

Catholic Priest Prescribes KNEELING ON FINGERS to Cast Out Sexual Demons

Homeschooled in a Traditional Catholic co-op, Anthony was given extreme guidance from a priest which has had negative long term ramifications. He explains the difference between traditional Catholicism and mainstream Catholicism and how one operates using common mind controls tactics. We also discuss themes of how purity culture can be damaging to men also, creating an unspoken dutiful contract between husband and wife. Click here to watch on YouTubeResource for SA statistics: https://www.rai......

Nov 09, 20231 hr 43 min

Her Dark Reality After “Escaping Polygamy” ft. Amanda Rae

From the TV show “Escaping Polygamy”, Amanda Rae is known for calling out The Order, which is the incestuous polygamous cult she was born and raised in. She goes into depth on her channel about the stories of the men who have nearly 200 children with multiple women. However, everyone is dying to know how SHE has been coping since escaping the cult at 18 years old. We explore the all-too-common toxic relationship dynamics that can result from leaving a high-control group and how to find a heal......

Oct 30, 20231 hr 12 min

FORCED BACK to “The Order” Incestuous Polygamous Cult at 16 After Escaping

After begging for a proper education at 14, Allison had to take things into her own hands. Knowing she was about to be forced into polygamy, she went around her parents at every turn to give herself a different future. One that didn’t involve reproducing with 1/2 siblings or cousins. A road block at every turn didn’t dissuade her from listening to the little girl inside of her who just wanted out. Resources for those escaping polygamy:https://holdingouthelp.org/https://www.hopeafterpolygamy.o......

Oct 29, 20231 hr 37 min

“Escaping Polygamy TV Show Literally Saved My Life”

Manipulated into saying yes to a betrothal to her cousin at 8 yrs old, Michelle knew there was no way she would raise her future family in this incestuous polygamous cult. Her father had 16 wives including half sisters and nieces (one of which was her mother). The horrible treatment in the group caused her to plot her escape and get emancipated at 17. Who knows what would’ve happened if her cousins from the TV show “Escaping Polygamy” didn’t come to help her when they did.Click here to watch ......

Oct 26, 202350 min

The Reality of a Dangerous Incestuous Father of 200+

**Content Warning: Multiple depictions of child abuse and infant death** This incestuous polygamous Mormon sect promotes and endorses extreme punishments. Michelle had a father who took pleasure in these punishments. Aside from that, her first job was at 4 yrs old which grew to 3 jobs by the time she was in Jr High. Against all odds, she graduated High School at 15 years old, then college a few days after her 18th birthday. Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss when part 2......

Oct 21, 20231 hr 15 min

Escaping “THE ORDER” Incestuous Polygamy Cult (Un-Aired Details) ft. Shanell Snow DeRieux

*Content Warning: Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Attempted Suicide, Rape* Growing up in a cult known for its incestuous polygamy and grooming for marriage at 3, Shanell was set up for failure from the beginning. After being coerced into choosing a husband at 18, she married her first cousin and everything quickly went downhill. Her relationship was so dangerous, her husband went to jail and she fled her home to safety, eventually deciding to leave The Order as well. Three years later,... Learn...

Oct 18, 20231 hr 20 min

INCESTUOUS Polygamy Mandatory for Salvation: Growing Up In “The Order”

**Content warning: multiple depictions of child abuse** Growing up with 14 moms and nearly 200 siblings in an insulated community with very strict rules, proves to be extremely challenging and confusing. Shanell wasn’t even supposed to know who her biological father was, but was smart enough to figure it out. Not allowed to go to High School, she had what they considered the “privilege” of getting a job instead, to earn money that she needed permission to access. A second mother to her 11 sib......

Oct 13, 20231 hr 30 min

AMISH Mother Shunned for Protecting Her Daughters from Their Father

Forced into the Amish lifestyle, Audrey had no choice but to conform to the strict Amish standards. She married young, and later found out her husband had been hurting their daughters in unimaginable ways. Most Amish mothers side with their husbands in this situation, but not Audrey. After taking her soon to be ex husband to court, the entire community shunned and stalked her and her family. Resources for those in need:Generations Unleashed Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Generations.Unleash......

Oct 12, 20231 hr 6 min

Swartzentruber AMISH: The Unknown SINISTER Side of the Strictist Settlement

An expert witness for Amish and Mennonite court cases, Lizzie explains the rules of her intense settlement before taking us through her unbelievable story of disaster, lethal betrayal, tragedy, abandonment and perseverance. She even gives us a glimpse of the strange dating practice which takes place in the woman’s bedroom. Resources: https://www.theplainpeoplespodcast.com/resourcesWebsite: https://www.lizziehershberger.com/Her book: “Behind Blue Curtains: A True Crime Memoir of an Amish Woman......

Oct 11, 20231 hr 27 min

AMISH: Her Unlicensed Midwives Used Veterinary Tools

*Content warning: SA, beastiality, DV, infant death, miscarriage** Having been blissfully unaware of the methods of control and "ownership" of women growing up in the Amish, Elizabeth was not prepared for the dark and brutal marriage that followed. Her husband forbid her to going to the hospital for her 8 births which left her in questionable and dangerous hands. After she finally got the courage to get police involved, her community put her in shunning for 4 years straight, before she realiz......

Oct 06, 20231 hr 26 min

Her ISOLATION in a Strict Mennonite Cult Led to Madness

From an atheist household to strict Mennonite, Jasper had an incredible amount of adjusting to do as a teenager. Her love for riding horses and asking questions branded her with “unruly” and “rebellious”. Anyone who got close to her was shipped away and eventually, due to lack of socialization and acceptance, her mental health quickly deteriorated. She now hosts “The Plain People’s Podcast” where she platforms former Mennonite and Amish so they may tell their stories.Click here to watch on Yo......

Oct 05, 20231 hr 24 min

Growing Up in an Incestuous Mormon Cult

The reality of having multiple mothers can be a dark one. The little ones are the ones who suffer the most. Within this clear imbalance of power lies an eldest son, laden with far too many responsibilities. Eventually, Val is kicked out of his own community, partly due to his sexual preferences. Although, he was well on his way out to freedom and happiness within the "normal world".Click here to watch on YouTubeResource for those escaping polygamy:https://holdingouthel... Learn more about your a...

Sep 25, 202359 min

Mormon Polygamist Cult EXPLOITS Minors at 25 Cents per Hour

Apostolic United Brethren prophesied this now comedian would restore the true LDS (Mormon) church to the earth. In Ben's case, 2 moms prove to be far more difficult than convenient, as he was dealing with working long hours for little to know money at 8. Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow Ben on Social:Instagram @thefreshkingbenjaminhttps://www.instagram.com/thefreshkingbenjaminwww.thefreshkingbenjamin.comOur Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny d... Learn more ...

Sep 24, 20231 hr 38 min

Narcissistic Parents Did the Unspeakable to Their Young Daughter (ft. Isami Daehn)

**Content warning: CHILD SA, ANOREXIA, CA, TRAFF*CKING** At 9 Years Old, Isami Daehn was traded by her narcissistic mother, in exchange for piano lessons for her and her siblings. Isami now speaks out about the horrors of growing up in a narcissistic, high demand family, while being raised an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist in Japan. Not all high control groups are major churches or large corporations. Sometimes, certain personality disorders, when combined with strict religiosity, c... Learn...

Sep 12, 20231 hr 7 min

The Expert Witness Who TOOK DOWN Danny Masterson

Once a top ranking Scientologist, now a former, Claire Headley was called to testify in the 2nd, most recent trial of Danny Masterson on his SA convictions of 3 women. As an Expert Witness, her testimony helped the jury understand why Scientology itself played a crucial role in the suppression of evidence. He has just been found guilty, and sentenced to life in prison. Claire now speaks out on the details of her time on the stand.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and Suppor... Learn more about ...

Sep 11, 202352 min

The Reality of Growing Up with PURITY CULTURE in a Sex-Obsessed World

**Content warning: Open dialogue around sex & mentions of SA & Rape** Purity culture seems innocent and shiny on the outside, but when you look closer, understanding there are two sides to every coin, it gets dark and dangerous. Kendra and I take an honest look at the intentions of purity culture and how it often backfires and creates more issues including abuse and self hatred. Click here to watch on YouTubeEpisodes with the Ex- Mormon Sex Therapist:LDS Sex Therapist Ousted for Views......

Sep 03, 20231 hr 12 min

The DANGEROUS Lengths Scientology Went to Destroy Marc Headley

Scientology Sea Org employees who work at the headquarters in Southern California, are treated like prisoners. After Marc was falsely accused of embezzling money, they threatened to take hime away from his wife to put him in a rehabilitation center. His only other option was a dangerous escape off of the property. Learn how a civilian saved his life, and how Scientology began to stalk and harass Marc and his family for speaking out about the abuses within the organization. Click here to watch......

Sep 01, 202349 min

SCIENTOLOGY: When A Coerced Child Joins A Cult to Survive (ft. Marc Headley)

His mother converted to Scientology when he was 6 years old and his life changed forever. When he rejected the teachings, she kicked him out of the house and he was forced to find friends to live with which was never permanent. At 15 years old with no place to live, no money, no job and no real world experience having only an education at a Scientology school, he caved and joined the Sea Org. His audio/visual skills were immediately put to work at Golden Era Productions at headquarters in Sou......

Sep 01, 202359 min

Top SCIENTOLOGY Commercial & Film Director Reveals UNEXPECTED Insider Secrets

Commercial director Mitch Brisker was scouted by Scientology to put them on the map and he did! His Dianetics commercials were a huge hit and mostly responsible for selling millions of copies of the books. They convinced him to go work at Golden Era Productions where he turned around the entire film department and started making good quality work for training and marketing purposes. Shelise shares how she was on set around the same time as an actor in a few Scientology films. Most surprisingl......

Aug 27, 20231 hr 18 min

Her BRUTAL Escape From Scientology: The UNREAL Story of Top Ranking Sea Org Member, Claire Headley

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

Aug 25, 20231 hr 38 min

Scientology’s Abandoned and Neglected Children (ft. Claire Headley)

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

Aug 22, 20231 hr 5 min

Horrific Teachings Mormon Church Doesn't Want You to Know About (ft.@nuancehoe)

Back again for our 1 year channel anniversary is @nuancehoe ! Peek behind the curtain with us to discover the dark and dirty past of Mormon (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) history and even what current LDS apologists are up to in the name of fundamentalism. We both believe that true change, does not come from gaslighting or pretending things weren't harmful, but by full acknowledgement, apology and tangible steps to undo the hurt caused by dangerous doctrine and leader... Learn...

Aug 20, 20231 hr 25 min

Former Missionary Dissects Mormon Manipulation Tactics (ft. Irene's Entropy)

**Content Warning: self harm, brief mention of child SA** From forced Molly Mormon into rockstar, Irene discusses what her life was like being raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism) and the extreme manipulation tactics that were used to keep members active. She attended the Mormon university BYU and served a mission in Honduras, before meeting someone who completely changed her life and helped open her eyes to the cult mentality she was in. Click here to watch o......

Aug 15, 20231 hr 37 min

How Being Pentecostal Primed Her for Korean JMS Cult

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

Aug 15, 20231 hr 10 min

“Sins of the Amish” Doc: Darker Details than They Were Willing to Release on TV

Featured in “The Sins of the Amish”, Meg endured a life of t*rture at the hands of her father and other family members. First in an Old Order Amish settlement, then a black bumper Mennonite Settlement, the ab*se was condoned and accepted by the community. Using books like “To Train Up A Child”, it was normal for fathers to break the will of their children as early as 18 months old. Against her wishes, she was forced into an arranged marriage which had many of the same characteristics of her f......

Aug 09, 20231 hr 25 min
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