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

An Ex-Mormon & Ex-Muslim Compare Notes ft. Apostate Aladdin

After an incredible conversation with @apostatealaddin about the purity culture he grew up in within Islam in Saudi Arabia, we realized there were many similarities between Islam and Mormonism. Join us today as we compare and contrast a full list. Make sure to stay on after our livestream has ended to be automatically directed to Apostate Aladdin's channel, where we will finish the conversation. Click here to watch this interview (pt 1) You can watch his full interview here Find Apostate Aladdin...

Jun 13, 202547 min

Extremists Threaten YouTuber for Speaking Out After Leaving Islam ft. Apostate Aladdin ​

​ @ApostateAladdin grew up in Saudi Arabia which is a Muslim majority country with strict laws originating from Islam. After going abroad to college, he recognized his learned racism, bigotry and bias was a direct reflection of the religion he was raised in. A deep dive into the theology, history and hadiths made him question everything, including his own ethics. He details how research and deep critical thinking led him to leave Islam behind, and what the consequences are of speaking out on his...

Jun 13, 20251 hr 4 min

How Islam Appeals To & Radicalizes Its Youth ft. Infidel Noodle

Following up her incredible initial interview, today we are joined again by @InfidelNoodle . We discuss her research on youth Islamic radicalization and the internet, and how high control groups appeal to young people. Raised in a strict Muslim community in Australia, YouTuber Infidel Noodle led a double life for 5 years before making the big decision to leave her parents’ home before marriage. This meant she would be cut off from her family due to disobedience and not fulfilling her role as a w...

Jun 12, 202542 min

Consequences of Speaking Out: Why Strict Muslim Parents Disowned Their Daughter

Raised in a strict Muslim community in Australia, YouTuber Infidel Noodle led a double life for 5 years before making the big decision to leave her parents’ home before marriage. This meant she would be cut off from her family due to disobedience and not fulfilling her role as a woman. When she posted on TikTok about her heartache being ostracized, her video went viral and she decided to remain vocal about the struggles exMuslims face. However, for the safety of her loved ones and herself, she w...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 17 min

ExMuslim Australian Wrongfully Arrested for Social Media Post by Corrupt Tanzanian Police

Zara Kay went viral when she was wrongfully arrested and detained for seemingly no reason. She tweeted that she needed help and since becoming an Australian citizen, she got the consulate involved. It appears that the Tanzanian, Islamic cult she grew up in, was unhappy with her outspoken (contradictory to teachings) opinions on social media and seems to have paid the Tanzanian police to arrest her while visiting home during the pandemic in 2020. No formal charges were made after ransacking her h...

Jun 11, 20251 hr 28 min

ExMuslim Addresses Islamophobia (it's not what you think)

Joining us today to follow up her incredible interview is South Asian ExMuslim, Haram Doodles. In one of her first public appearances unmasked, she recounted what it was like growing up with a life of restriction and fear from her parents, her culture, and God-- and why and how she ultimately left Islam. Today she addresses the controversial topic: Islamophobia. Speaking out on social media as an artist and ExMuslim Atheist, her art is a collection of haram (forbidden) doodles that advocate in s...

Jun 10, 202556 min

ExMuslim Activist Speaks Out: Why She Remains Closeted After Leaving Islam

One of her first public appearances unmasked, South Asian ExMuslim, Haram Doodles, recounts what it was like growing up with a life of restriction and fear from her parents, her culture, and God. She reveals the details of why and how she ultimately left Islam. Speaking out now on social media as an artist and ExMuslim Atheist, her art is a collection of haram (forbidden) doodles that advocate in solidarity with other courageous ExMuslims who’ve left Islam as a protest of Islam's strict restrict...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 29 min

ULTRA ORTHODOX: How Medical Staff & Rabbi Failed Woman Giving Birth

Joining us today to follow up her initial interview is Sara Glass. Sara vulnerably shares in great detail about what it was like navigating s*x, pregnancy, chiIdbirth and postpartum as a Hasidic Ultra Orthodox woman who was also gay. Click to watch on YouTube Watch her initial full interview here Find Sara on social media: Website: https://www.drsaraglass.com Book: “Kissing Girls on Shabbat” IG: @drsaraglass LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/drsaraglass We want to meet you in real life! Come adventure...

Jun 09, 202550 min

ULTRA ORTHODOX: Hasidic Jewish Sect FORCED Her to Marry; Denied Gay Woman a Divorce

Sara Glass knew she kept falling in love with women, but that didn’t matter. She knew her place as an Ultra Orthodox woman. She was placed into an arranged marriage to a man shortly after graduating high school and she painfully left her girlfriend behind. Sara vulnerably shares in great detail about what it was like navigating s*x, pregnancy, chiIdbirth and postpartum as a Hasidic woman who was also gay. Click here to watch on YouTube Find Sara! Website: https://www.drsaraglass.com Book: “Kissi...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 27 min

Why We All Fell for This Yoga Guru CON MAN

Anyone can get sucked into a cult or be manipulated by an enthusiastic leader with bad intentions. Harvard graduate Joelle Tamraz, was young, enthusiastic and a perfect target for this specific yoga guru. Seeking enlightenment, purpose and peace, she came across a man who swept her off her feet and used spiritual manipulation to eventually exploit her and her family out of thousands of dollars. In this follow up episode we will discuss how exactly he got people to believe he had special powers a...

Jun 06, 202556 min

Exposing Mystical Manipulation in a New Age YOGA CULT

Join us live as Charlotte Medlock, former devout follower and right-hand employee to the infamous Guru Jagat, breaks down the various manipulation tactics implemented by the "Guru" in her rise and abrupt death. From sleep deprivation, to spiraling out of her sense of identity, we discuss how Kundalini Yoga was turned into a modern New Age cult. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our original interview Charlotte: How Narcissistic Yoga Guru Jagat Exploited Her Followers Find Charlotte on Social ...

Jun 06, 202545 min

Breath of Fire: Kundalini Yoga Cult Hijacked My Life (the Aftermath)

The new MAX documentary “Breath of Fire” exposes a dark side of Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini yoga. Today we are joined by Dr. Jules, who was featured in the doc, for a follow up to her initial C2C interview. What does it truly mean to wake up out of the “yoga matrix” after 8 years and find some sort of normalcy in life? Click here to watch on YouTube Full length interview with Jules IG: @jtotheules We want to meet you in real life! Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION! Click here to go to t...

Jun 05, 20251 hr 8 min

Breath of Fire: 8 Years in Hollywood’s Predatory Kundalini Yoga Cult

Searching for community and a higher purpose in life, Dr. Jules Hartley found herself in a Kundalini Yoga class which promised a life of prosperity. All she had to do was follow the prescribed lifestyle, wear a turban, practice yoga and meditation at 4am every day, follow a specific diet and cleanses and essentially worship the late Yogi Bhajan. It would take 8 years before she realized it none of the claims were true, her life was falling apart, and she was essentially in a cult. Watch her in t...

Jun 05, 20251 hr 34 min

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt SENTENCED to Prison ft. Kendra Lee Bryan

Breaking News - Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced to Prison. Today we are joined by ex cult member, Kendra Lee Bryan, who has been following the case closely and will walk us through all of the sentencing updates. Click here to watch on YouTube For more information, watch these videos: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced to Prison w/ Lauren Mathias Sentencing Hearing | Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced Judge Locks Up YouTube Mom Ruby Franke After She Begs for Forgiveness...

Jun 04, 202554 min

8 Passengers' Ruby Franke PLEADS GUILTY: Shocking Details ft. Kendra Lee Bryan

8 Passengers’ Ruby Franke pleads guilty to her charges with a plea agreement. Kendra Lee Bryan of [Cult]ure Shock joins us to discuss the details of the plea deal, and reveal harrowing details of what Ruby’s family endured. Kendra, a fellow cult survivor, is a valuable asset to C2C. She has come upon some hard times, and we'd like to support her by helping her find a job (unethically laid off), and throwing her some donations in the meantime. Click here to watch on YouTube venmo: @thekendrab cas...

Jun 04, 202546 min

LATEST Bodycam Footage & Updates on Mormon Mommy Blogger (including Shari's 911 call)

Kendra Lee Bryan has been following the case closely and will walk us through all of the updates since our last livestream. Click here to watch on YouTube Subscribe to Kendra's Channel! YouTube: @KendraLeeBryan IG: no longer active We want to meet you in real life! Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION! Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find ou...

Jun 03, 202555 min

Further Condemning Testimony About Jodi Hildebrandt Surfaces (8 Passengers)

Fingers have been pointed and blame shifted from the alleged perpetrators Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt in court. Are we really surprised? However, more and more people are coming forward to attest to the awful treatment Ruby and Jodi have both inflicted on others aside from Ruby's own. Joined by Kendra Bryan, we will discuss some of the new updates in the case. Click here to watch on YouTube Subscribe to Kendra's Channel! YouTube: @KendraLeeBryan IG: no longer active We want to meet you in r...

Jun 03, 202554 min

YouTuber "Ruby Franke" ARRESTED for Abusing Her Children (8 Passengers EXPOSED)

Breaking news with Mormon mommy blogger Ruby Franke who was arrested for extreme CA. Join me, Andrew Gold and Kendra Bryan to discuss the details of the arrest. Click here for the 1st part on YouTube on Andrew Gold's Channel before moving over here. Click here to watch this episode on YouTube Subscribe to Andrew's Channel! YouTube: Andrew Gold IG: @andrewgold_ok Subscribe to Kendra's Channel! YouTube: @KendraLeeBryan IG: no longer active We want to meet you in real life! Come adventure with us o...

Jun 03, 202543 min

The Horrific Book "To Train Up a Child" Break Down by Kendra Lee Bryan

Join us to further discuss the awful book "To Train Up a Child". As a follow up to our episode together, we will answer your questions! Click here to watch on YouTube Watch her episode first here Find Kendra on Social! IG: no longer active FB: Kendra Bryan (the bad child) TikTok: @kendraleebryan We want to meet you in real life! Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION! Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welco...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 9 min

Her Childhood Tortured in Shawano WI Cult

Childhood was anything but peaceful growing up as a “Rama kid” in this insular Shawano, Wisconsin Cult. Claiming to have seen God and speak for Him, the leader seemed to enjoy torturing his members (especially the youth) and keeping them under strict control. Michele was 5 when her parents left her at the cult compound where she was endlessly tortured. She wouldn’t fully end up escaping until her 30s. Click here to watch on YouTube Follow Michele on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC-76QylEA3K...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 25 min

What Shawano Cult Leader Did to 12 Year Old He Was Threatened By

Shifrah grew up in the horrific Shawano, Wisconsin cult often called SIST. She frequently witnessed people being beat*n or shocked with cattle prods. Some people joined to fulfill their own sadistic fantasies, while others were too indoctrinated or programmed to realize the CA was wrong and unacceptable. Determined to beat up adults who were harming chiIdren, shifrah became a ring leader of sorts and a huge target to the cult leader. Afraid of what influence she may have, Shifrah was kicked out ...

May 30, 20251 hr 27 min

Narcissistic Father Did the Unspeakable to His Young Daughter

CW: CSA, SA, Abuse. Cult dynamics can be found in large, high control groups, as well as in single families. From no locked doors or privacy within the house, to accompanying her on dates, ab*sing her with barb wire, and hold her family hostage, Kahlia’s father essentially acted like a cult leader in her household and kept her imprisoned with manipulation tactics and various forms of ab*se. Learn what it took for her to leave her dying grandmother (per her wishes) so she could escape and find tr...

May 29, 20251 hr 5 min

Uncovering the Shawano Wisconsin Cult: Why Her Family was TARGETED and TORTURED by Sadistic Leader

The Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology, known also simply as SIST, is a secretive fundamentalist Christian-like group based in Shawano, Wisconsin. The group was founded by Rama Behera, a Hindu who converted to Christianity, who later changed his name to Dr. Rama Chandra Samanta Roy. Born and raised in the insidious cult, Elisabeth Gronval and her 8 other siblings went through hell at the hands of the leader. He would isolate and torture chiIdren with hard manual labor, disturbing ph...

May 28, 20251 hr 36 min

Ballerina Farm Controversy: Former LDS Trad Wife Weighs In (ft. Jennie Gage)

Hannah Neeleman, LDS trad wife and mom-fluencer for over 9 million collective followers is under high scrutiny from the world after an article in The Times, pulled back the veil from her seemingly perfect life. Journalist Megan Agnew wrote about her sneaking suspicion of secret oppression going on behind the scenes due to her impression of Hannah’s heavily lurking husband. Is Hannah, the pageant-winning, butter-churning, picture perfect mother of eight actually happy to have blown up her balleri...

May 27, 20251 hr 13 min

More Disturbing Mormon Propaganda Surfaces (Ex Mormons React) ft. Alyssa Grenfell

Click here to listen to Part 1 on YouTube An old official LDS church document has just surfaced on Reddit about the “dangers” of masturb*tion and we are here to cover it with @alyssaadgrenfell. Also on the docket are other harmful talks about the normative practice. Make sure you go to Alyssa’s channel to watch part 1 before we redirect to our channel to continue the conversation! Click here to watch this episode on YouTube Find Alyssa on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyssadgr...

May 27, 202559 min

Why I Regret My Mormon Mission ft. Alyssa Grenfell ​

Ex Mormon YouTuber Alyssa Grenfell, opens up about her experience going to the Mormon University Brigham Young University and on her service mission for the LDS church. Here is why she ultimately regrets spending a year and a half trying to convert people to the faith. Click here to watch on YouTube Catch Shelise on Alyssa’s channel where they discuss soaking and other loopholes Find Alyssa on social media: YouTube: @alyssadgrenfell TikTok: / alyssadgrenfell Instagram: / alyssadgrenfell Blog: ht...

May 27, 20251 hr 52 min

Tortured for 8 Years by Sadistic “Shawano Wisconsin Cult” Leader

Born into this hyper-strict cult in Wisconsin, Martha Glory Stecker Kartaoui was told she was one of the chosen people. Intense modesty rules and odd dietary restrictions were nothing compared to what she endured every weekend at the compound with her family. Groomed by the leader himself, Martha was chosen to move to the compound where she would be psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and physically tortured for 8 years until she could escape his tight grasp. Now, Martha is a certified lif...

May 26, 20251 hr 34 min

Warren Jeffs’ Texas Raid: An Insider Look into the Fundamentalist Mormon Ranch Take Down

Join us with the amazing husband and wife team, Sam and Melissa from @GrowingUpinPolygamy as they break down their latest exclusive interview with the son of the notorious Polygamist Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) leader, Warren Jeffs. Ammon Jeffs shared with them an unprecedented glimpse into life at YFZ Ranch, shedding light on the realities of being raised by the infamous polygamous prophet, the untold stories, challenges, the traumatic Texas Raid, and the insights from someone who lived throug...

May 23, 202547 min

Ex-FLDS Cult Member Explains Miracles Experienced (ft. Growing Up in Polygamy)

People often ask how anyone can believe in a Prophet who's currently in prison. We will hear from ex-FLDS (Fundamentalist Mormon) member, Sam, from @GrowingUpinPolygamy , what his spiritual experiences were like inside the cult. His wife, Melissa, will join us to add her opinions on her spiritual experiences in mainstream Mormonism. Click here to watch on YouTube Make sure to catch the live with us on their channel immediately after C2C interviews GUIP: https://youtu.be/9-1ds4x1eXk?si=SnmoN31Y_S...

May 23, 202549 min

Blood Atonement: Ervil LeBaron's Daughters Set the Record Straight

The new cult documentary "Daughters of the Cult" explores the LeBaron family, as it relates to killings in the name of God, also known as Blood Atonement. Sisters, Anna and Celia LeBaron, join us to discuss details that were left out of the documentary. Click here to watch on YouTube We want to meet you in real life! Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION! Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appre...

May 22, 20251 hr 4 min
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