Cults to Consciousness

Learn about the unaired details and behind the scenes information from @TheAmandaRaeGrant who personally knows the documentary participants and who also comes from a separate fundamentalist polygamous Mormon sect called The Order. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch pt 2 of this discussion here Watch our interview with Nomz Watch our interview with Dr. Christine Marie Find and support Amanda! YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrant IG: @amandaraegrant If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org 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: 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.

Dr. 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 sex as a Hasidic woman who is also gay and how the trauma around intimacy has followed her even years after leaving. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Sara here Watch the follow up LIVE stream Find & Support Sara! Website: https://www.drsaraglass.com Book: “Kissing Girls on Shabbat” IG: @drsaraglass LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/drsaraglass 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: 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.

We celebrate our 300th episode with a panel of 4 incredible women bravely coming forward to share their thoughts and experiences growing up in various strict Orthodox communities. They compare notes while illustrating similarities and differences between the sects and how they left to find a better, more autonomous life for themselves, and in some cases, for their children as well. Deep dives can be found on each of the women below in their own full length episodes. Listen with caution, this episode is as heavy as it is inspirational and incredible. Click here to watch on YouTube Resource for people who need help leaving Orthodox Jewish communities Footsteps https://www.footstepsorg.org/ Rights and Religion Forum https://rarforum.org/ Chavie Weisberger Watch our initial interview with Chavie Find and support Chavie! Website: https://www.chavieweisberger.com/ https://www.footstepsorg.org/ https://bac.bard.edu/ Beatrice Weber Watch our initial interview with Beatrice Watch pt 2 here Find and support Beatrice! Substack: https://beatriceweber.substack.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bweber Website: https://beatriceweber.com/about/ Tee Murrin Watch our initial interview with Tee Watch pt 2 Find and support Tee! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tzivyateemurrin/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/tzivya.murrin.medicaid.planner https://www.facebook.com/SensibleSeniorPlanning Rachel Watch our initial interview with Rachel Watch our follow up live stream with Rachel Find and support Rachel! IG: @permissiontobeyourself 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: 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.

Rachel was raised in Israel by Canadian parents who converted to strict Orthodox Judaism as adults. Girls were taught from a very young age that their primary purpose was to become wives and mothers, and the culture emphasized conformity, modesty, and obedience. At 18, after only a few weeks of dating, she became engaged to a man who was in training to become a Rabbi. Not only did she deal with typical hardships that come with that role, but she would become a top recruiter for a separate organization that she now sees as harmful. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Rachel Watch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox women Find and support Rachel! IG: @permissiontobeyourself 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: 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.

Rachel was raised in Israel by Canadian parents who converted to strict Orthodox Judaism as adults. Girls were taught from a very young age that their primary purpose was to become wives and mothers, and the culture emphasized conformity, modesty, and obedience. Rachel explains how these systems created strong psychological pressure, particularly around purity culture, body image, and social behavior, while also framing outsiders and even other Jewish groups as morally inferior. At 18, after only a few weeks of dating, she became engaged to a man who fit the religious and cultural criteria expected of her, despite lingering doubts and emotional attachment to someone else. Click to watch on YouTube Watch our follow up live stream with Rachel Watch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox women Find and support Rachel! IG: @permissiontobeyourself 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: 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.

Shalom’s childhood and education were dominated by intense religious indoctrination. He attended a strict ultra-Orthodox school 365 days a year, where boys studied religious texts from early morning until late at night, with little secular education and frequent physical punishment from teachers. The rigid environment, lack of emotional support, and strict moral expectations led to anxiety, obsessive religious guilt, and deep internal conflict, particularly around sexuality and personal identity. The community’s teachings pushed him toward early marriage as a supposed solution to normal sexual urges and loneliness. He then became a Rabbi and eventually left it all behind. We discuss all the ways rigid patriarchy harms the men too and the consequences of strict gender roles void of choice. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Shalom Watch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox women Find and support Shalom! Shalom’s podcast, Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus Instagram: @shalomshore Personal website: shalomshore.com Religion site: freidomfighter.com Hypnosis site: navyahypnosis.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: 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.

Shalom Shore grew up in a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish environment in Jerusalem connected to the organization Aish HaTorah, dedicated to its mission of bringing secular Jews back to strict religious observance. As the oldest of nine children, Shalom grew up in a household that appeared ideal, but was marked by emotional neglect, financial stress, and a constant focus on religious outreach. Shalom’s childhood and education were dominated by intense religious indoctrination. He attended a strict ultra-Orthodox school 365 days a year, where boys studied religious texts from early morning until late at night, with little secular education and frequent physical punishment from teachers. The rigid environment, lack of emotional support, and strict moral expectations led to anxiety, obsessive religious guilt, and deep internal conflict, particularly around sexuality and personal identity. The community’s teachings pushed him toward early marriage as a supposed solution to normal sexual urges and loneliness. He then became a Rabbi and eventually left it all behind. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our follow up LIVE with Shalom Watch our recent panel with 4 Former Ultra Orthodox women Find and support Shalom! Shalom’s podcast, Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus Instagram: @shalomshore Personal website: shalomshore.com Religion site: freidomfighter.com Hypnosis site: navyahypnosis.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: 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.

Growing up under the sway of a Brooklyn housewife turned guru, Priya Hutner is drawn into a world shaped by bizarre rituals, spiritual promises, and oppressive beliefs. What begins as a quest for enlightenment unravels into a stifling reality as the boundaries between spiritual devotion and control blur. Members were expected to obey the guru completely. Personal decisions—including marriage, celibacy, parenting, and even children’s names—were influenced or dictated by her and private matters were often publicly exposed as a form of “ego destruction.” Despite the manipulation, the community also performed genuine service, such as caring for AIDS patients, the homeless, and people living in poverty. This mix of compassion and control created confusion and loyalty among followers. In her late twenties, Priya was unexpectedly appointed CEO of the ashram, responsible for running the nonprofit organization, managing finances, and coordinating retreats and visitors. Despite the enormous responsibility, the community operated under vows of poverty—Priya herself earned only about $200 a month while overseeing the organization. Meanwhile, the guru remained the ultimate authority over money, decisions, and disputes within the group. Priya deeply believed she was helping humanity and guiding people spiritually, reinforcing her devotion to the guru. Click here to watch on YouTube Find and Support Priya! Priya’s Book: Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation Website: priyahutner.com IG: @priyahutner 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: 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.

Nicole Daedone, founder and former CEO of OneTaste, was JUST sentenced to 9 years in federal prison following a conviction for forced labor conspiracy. She was found guilty of leading a scheme that subjected members to economic, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, along with indoctrination and surveillance. Today we are joined LIVE with Ellen Huet, the investigative journalist for Bloomberg News who wrote the viral article that exposed the dark sides of OneTaste and Daedone, and is author of “EMPIRE OF ORGASM: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult” on the rise and fall of OneTaste, to further discuss the case. Click here to watch on YouTube Find and support Ellen! Ellen’s Book “Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult” https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374604196/empireoforgasm/ Website: https://www.ellenhuet.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/ehuet/ 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: 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.

BREAKING: Former reality TV TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" star Joseph Duggar has pleaded "Not Guilty" to his charges in Florida, almost five years after his brother Josh, who also starred in the TLC show, was convicted of similar charges. Joining us is Eric from @PreacherBoys Podcast to give us the full follow up scoop. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial LIVE when the news first broke Find and support Eric! Website: https://www.preacherboyspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys FB: https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/ IG: @preacherboysdoc TikTok: @preacherboyspod 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: 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.

Join us LIVE as we go in depth with former guest and current lawyer Kolby Reddish to further discuss the case involving CSA claims, and the potential legal outcome, of Judge Brent Basden in Washington’s Clallam County under investigation following serious allegations of LDS bias and misconduct in family court cases. Click here to watch on YouTube Formal Complaint Follow Kolby’s new Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LetsDisagreeShow 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: 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.

Warren Jeffs, the polygamous prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who is currently in prison, has been “leading” his saints in questionable directions. Including not allowing married couples to be intimate and not allowing anyone to marry. We now have credible intel that the FLDS is preparing to start marriages again. This comes with reports of FLDS girls who disappear from their “apostate” parents’ homes immediately after their 18th birthday and cutting off all contact, as they are moved to different locations run by the cult. More information by Sam & Melissa from @GrowingUpinPolygamy Click here to watch on YouTube Follow Sam and Melissa! YouTube: @GrowingUpinPolygamy Website: https://www.growingupinpolygamy.com/ Instagram: @growing_up_in_polygamy Email: growingupinpolygamy@gmail.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: 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 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and his accomplice, Wanda Barzee. She was held captive for nine months, survived repeated SA, and was forced to live in camps across Utah while being disguised in public. In 2003, she was finally recognized by alert bystanders and rescued, leading to the arrest and conviction of her captors. Today, Elizabeth Smart is a survivor, author, and chiId safety activist. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which focuses on preventing chiId abuse, supporting victims, and promoting recovery. She also works as a public speaker, advocates for legislation to protect children, appears in media to raise awareness, and has written books including her most recent “Detours”. She is married, has children, and continues to be a prominent voice for survivor empowerment and child safety. Click here to watch on YouTube Elizabeth’s book: Detours Find Elizabeth on social media! IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official Website: https://www.elizabethsmart.com/ Foundation: elizabethsmartfoundation.org 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: 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.

Mormonism has been a hot topic in pop culture the past couple years and not necessarily in a good way. Following the fame of the hit tv show “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”, the self proclaimed creator of #momtok , center of the swinging drama and “queen bee” of the group, Taylor Frankie Paul was awarded the coveted role of “Bachelorette”. The entire season was filmed and set to premiere tomorrow March 21st, but on Thursday March 19th, the show was pulled by ABC executives following video evidence of a violent encounter between Taylor and her ex Dakota. Join Shelise and @TheAmandaRaeGrant who give details about the situation and their opinions on it. Click here to watch on YouTube Follow Amanda Rae! YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrant IG: @amandaraegrant 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: 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.

BREAKING: Former reality TV TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" star Joseph Duggar is facing a CSA charge in Florida, almost five years after his brother Josh, who also starred in the TLC show, was convicted of downloading CSA images. Joining us is Eric from @PreacherBoys Podcast to give us the full scoop. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our original interview with Eric here Find and support Eric! Website: https://www.preacherboyspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys FB: https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/ IG: @preacherboysdoc TikTok: @preacherboyspod 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: 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.

Escaping a cult and finding peace on the outside is one thing, but what happens when you feel obligated or even required to go back into the same environment that harmed you for so long? Amanda Rae was born and raised in The Order, a polygamous offshoot of Mormonism known for its incestuous marriages. Barely an adult, she escaped and made it her mission to expose the Order while helping other members find their way out. However, a death in the family led her back into the belly of the beast, where she had been shunned and cut off, forced to face the people and places that left physical and emotional scars. Click here to watch on YouTube Find Amanda: YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrant IG: @amandaraegrant 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: 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.

A raw and powerful coming-out story from the beloved American Idol finalist traces David Archuleta’s journey from closeted Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man, revealing the hidden pressures of fame, the weight of religious expectations, and the courage it takes to live authentically. At just seventeen, David Archuleta rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol season seven, captivating millions with his angelic voice. Behind the scenes, however, he was struggling with a truth he feared would destroy everything: he was attracted to men—and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As David matured, he struggled with obsessive religious perfectionism, shame around sexuality, and deep internal conflict about being gay within the LDS Church. His missionary experience and therapy helped him recognize patterns of emotional abuse and unhealthy conditioning. Despite direct conversations with top church leaders, he felt they lacked understanding of LGBTQ issues and often avoided confronting the harm caused by church policies. David recounts what it was like growing up with a domineering father who controlled every aspect of his career and reveals the emotional abuse and inner turmoil that he says plagued his childhood. Ultimately, David reached a breaking point and experienced a powerful moment of self-acceptance, allowing him to embrace his identity, step away from rigid beliefs, and redefine spirituality on his own terms. His story highlights themes of autonomy, healing, faith, mental health, and the courage to live authentically. Click here to watch on YouTube David’s book “Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself” Find David on Social media! FB: https://www.facebook.com/davidarchuleta IG: https://www.instagram.com/davidarchie/ 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: 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.

Born into the secretive and highly controlled world of the Twelve Tribes, Meleah never knew life outside the group. From her earliest memories, every part of her existence was regulated—what she wore, what she thought, how she spoke, and even how she played. Childhood was not a time for imagination or freedom. It was training. In this isolated communal society, children were raised to obey instantly and without question. Play was replaced with productivity. Even family bonds were fragile, as parents could be sent away at any moment, leaving children to be raised and disciplined by strangers within the community. As Meleah grew older, she began to see the cracks in the system. She realized that the utopia she had been promised was built on fear, manipulation, and silence. At just 17, she made the terrifying decision to escape. But freedom came with its own challenges. Thrust suddenly into the modern world, she faced overwhelming culture shock, loneliness, and the painful process of rebuilding her identity from nothing. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our interview with Meleah's sister, Rebecca Find Meleah on social media! The Sister Act Podcast website (submit questions or episode request): https://thesisteractpodcast.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/theunscripther/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSisterAct25 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: 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.

At 15 years old, Rebecca was a highly devout member of the Twelve Tribes— an isolated cult compound that had strict gender roles, extreme corporal pun*shment and high religious expectations. She was hand- selected to marry one of the leader’s sons, in an attempt to shackle him to the group. After struggling with fertility for a few years (which came with its own shaming and blaming), she got pregnant and things were looking better. However, one day her husband tried to escape with a 17 yr old teen girl and once caught, Rebecca was forbidden to see him or even speak to him. She was taken to Georgia where she was isolated during her pregnancy and forced to give birth on a sailboat in the middle of summer. It would take months before she was allowed to reconnect with her husband again. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch pt 1 of Rebecca's interview Watch our interview with Rebecca's sister, Meleah Find Rebecca on social media! The Sister Act Podcast website (submit questions or episode request): https://thesisteractpodcast.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_thesisteractpodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rebecca-Nichols TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesisteractpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSisterAct25 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: 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.

Drawn to the Twelve Tribes in the 1970s by its promise of spiritual purity, communal support, and moral family values, Rebecca’s parents became deeply embedded in a system that demanded complete obedience and surrender of autonomy. Rebecca was one of the oldest of the second generation in the cult, which meant a lot of experimentation was done to determine the fate of other children. At 15 years old—a highly devout member— she was chosen to marry one of the leader’s sons, to attempt to shackle him to the group. Her wedding included group reenactments complete with demons, running from the woods, a crowning ceremony and unwavering submission as an “unworthy woman”. She thought she could escape her abusive and highly controlled childhood with daily corporal punishment by getting married. The reality was far worse. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch pt 2 of Rebecca's interview Watch our interview with Rebecca's sister, Meleah Find Rebecca on social media! The Sister Act Podcast website (submit questions or episode request): https://thesisteractpodcast.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_thesisteractpodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rebecca-Nichols TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesisteractpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSisterAct25 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: 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.