How Cult Leader Found a Following in Hollywood (One Tree Hill Star Speaks Out)

Shannon Foley Martinez was a vict*m of CSA at age 14. Never quite able to meet her parent's expectations, Martinez sought out other angry teens. By 16 she was a sk*nhead spouting white supremac*st rhetoric, giving stiff-armed N*zi salutes and tagging public property with swast*kas. Fortified by the love of an adopted family, Martinez left the sk*nheads behind, and today is committed to devoting the rest of her life to helping dismantle the culture of white suprem*cy, as well as helping others find their way to the other side of a life of hate.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Shannon on Social Media: IG: @shannon_foley_martinezTake back your personal data with Incogni! Use code SHELISE at https://incogni.com/shelise and get 60% off an annual plan.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 Marks00:03:27 Shannon's chiIdhood and vulnerabilities that led her to joining a Neo N*zi group00:12:06 How sports helped Shannon00:15:34 How moving during a vulnerable developmental age effected Shannon00:24:39 What high school was like for Shannon00:28:35 A night that changed Shannon's life at 1400:30:42 CW: r*pe How Shannon's traum*tic experience at a party led to h*rmful behaviors00:35:34 Shannon's mom blamed her for be v*ctimized00:43:32 How Shannon's undirected anger led her to the wrong crowd00:49:16 How rac*sm come into play for Shannon00:55:15 What a woman's role in the movement looks like01:00:50 How Shannon found her way outSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Aug 1h 2min

Shannon Foley Martinez was a victim of CSA at age 14. Never quite able to meet her parent's expectations, Martinez sought out other angry teens. By 16 she was a skinhead spouting white supremacist rhetoric, giving stiff-armed Nazi salutes and tagging public property with swastikas. Fortified by the love of an adopted family, Martinez left the skinheads behind, and today is committed to devoting the rest of her life to helping dismantle the culture of white supremacy, as well as helping others find their way to the other side of a life of hate. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 1: https://youtu.be/SjlWNeLPKtA?si=4h-zGqOrC_ePCIx-Find Shannon on Social Media: IG: @shannon_foley_martinezSubscribe 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 Intro00:02:54 Resetting living in a safe environment00:10:58 What made Shannon change her perspective00:17:14 How Shannon's college experience opened her eyes to new information00:23:05 Having chiIdren changed Shannon’s outlook & goals00:33:32 Breaking cycles with Shannon’s chiIdren and grandchiIdren00:37:09 Setting healthy boundaries and figuring out appropriate expectations00:42:29 Boundaries with adult chiIdren in the home00:45:37 Shannon's continued healing journey and coming to peace within herself00:56:17 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 Aug 1h 3min

Christian Picciolini found himself stumbling through high school, struggling to find a community among other fans of punk rock music. There, he was recruited by a notorious white power sk*nhead leader and encouraged to fight with the movement to "protect the white race from extinction." Soon, he had become an expert in rac*st philosophies, a terror who roamed the neighborhood, quick to throw fists. When his mentor was sent to prison, sixteen-year-old Picciolini took over the man's role as the leader of an infamous neo-Naz* sk*nhead group.Seduced by the power, he accrued through intimidation, and swept up in the rhetoric he had adopted, Christian worked to grow an army of extrem*sts. He used music as a recruitment tool, launching his own propag*nda band that performed at white power rallies around the world. But slowly, as he started a family of his own and a job that for the first time brought him face to face with people from all walks of life, he began to recognize the cracks in his hat*ful ideology. Then a shocking loss at the hands of rac*al viol*nce changed his life forever, and Picciolini realized too late the full extent of the h*rm he'd caused.Click here to watch on YouTubeCheck out Christian’s books:christianpicciolini.com“White American Youth": whiteamericanyouth.com"Breaking H*te”: breakinghate.comFind Christian on social media:IG: @cpicciolini 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 Intro00:05:33 How Christian was vulnerable to recruitment and thus got involved00:12:12 American History X and its parallels to Christian’s experience00:13:41 The moment that Christian realized v*olence equaled power00:17:30 How Christian went from going along with the ideologies to really believing them00:19:39 What the goal of the movement was00:22:50 Christian's double life participating in the movement while also playing football00:26:12 Christian's experience with a black body guard in high school00:33:13 The facade begins to fade after Christian's recruiter goes to prison00:36:32 How their h*te for others was rooted in their h*te for themselves00:38:40 Why and how women join these groups00:41:55 How these groups self contain their ideas and how it warps member's perception of reality00:45:35 Christian's marriage and its fallout gave him the freedom to leave the movement00:51:48 Christian non-linear path to healing and how meeting someone from his past changed his future01:00:11 The importance of accountability in healing01:02:27 Where Christian is today and what brings him joy01:05:15 What Christian's relationship is like with his sons and how they feel about his past01:12:11 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Aug 1h 14min

A Happy Mother’s Day to everyone tuning in! This is an honest conversation between a mother and daughter about the crippling expectations placed on mothers in high control groups. Lisa explains her experience growing up in Mormonism which shaped her view of her options after high school and directly led her to becoming a young mother leaving her dreams behind. Shelise chimes in about what she remembers the messaging being as a young girl in Mormonism and explains the pros and cons of raising a child outside of a high demand religion.Click here to watch on YouTubeConnect with Lisa!Business IG: @spiritofottertail https://www.instagram.com/spiritofottertail?igsh=MWFtdTdodHZ5aDFiOQ==Take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code SHELISE at https://incogni.com/shelise and get 60% off an annual plan.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 Marks000:00:00 Intro00:03:47 Shelise's Special Announcement...00:04:25 Lisa's early years attending Young Womens00:05:28 The only option for a woman was to be a wife and mother00:12:14 What the crossroads of career vs marriage was like for Lisa00:16:44 Are Utah Mormons different than Mormons from other states?00:21:25 The pitfalls of the church pressuring young people to get married00:28:37 Parenting is already hard enough-- what the extra layer of guilt & shame was like for Lisa00:31:35 The discusses her own break downs00:34:51 The chaos of Lisa getting the chiIdren ready for church, and to show up presenting perfect00:39:50 The pressures of a Mormon mom when it comes to their children's actions00:44:06 Lisa's thoughts on sending her kids on a Mormon Mission00:47:01 Things that made being a parent difficult while Mormon00:52:17 Lisa's regrets as a Mormon mom00:54:25 Shelise opens up about her beliefs and raising chiIdren in a religious state01:04:14 Lisa's thoughts on the after life01:05:47 What is the cost of Mormon salvation?01:12:12 How Lisa feels about the less strict parenting rules the church has now01:18:20 Final thoughts01:26:35 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Aug 1h 26min

From a desperate mother in poverty to an American Romani family, Amanda had no trace of who she was. All of her documents were either destroyed or hidden and any trace of her biological mother was gone. Her life was a paradox of luxury coupled with ab*se and isolation. Kept out of school and othered for being adopted, she felt completely alone. Amanda was pushed into an arranged marriage which turned into another nightmare. Find out how she escaped.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Amanda: IG: @redpandasattack93 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@RedPandasattack93?si=CtRqmiGBKbbrglnqSubscribe 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 Intro00:03:29 How Amanda Came Across Cults to Consciousness & Decided to Share Her Story00:05:42 CW: Traff*cked as an infant; Issues of Not Having Documentation00:10:34 Background on Amanda’s Biological Mother & Some of Her Health Issues00:14:00 CW: CA, CSA, Amanda Shares Her Most Prominent ChiIdhood Memories00:19:57 Amanda Explains Some of the Romani Foundational Beliefs & Practices00:24:07 CW: CA, DV, Amanda’s Observations of Ab*se Amongst the Romani People00:28:34 CW: CA, DV, SA, CSA, Details About Amanda’s Father's Targeted Ab*se & Control00:30:48 Romani Marriages & How Amanda Rebelled Against Her Own00:35:58 How Amanda Was Deprived A Traditional Education & Her Efforts to Learn00:40:44 The Materialism of The Romani & The Control Amanda Was Subject To00:44:28 What the day to day looked like for Amanda and her family00:47:02 Amanda Gives Examples of How the Romani Make Their Living00:51:25 CW: Marital R*pe, SA, Amanda’s First Marriage Within the Romani Community00:59:12 CW: DV, Amanda’s attempts to Leave Her Marriage And Turning to Alcohol to Cope01:05:10 CW: Suic*de Attempts01:08:34 What Makes Amanda Happy Now That She's Out01:12:17 How Amanda Was Finally Able to Leave the Cult & Meeting Her Now Partner01:16:32 How Amanda’s Brother Showed the Same Traits as Her Father01:20:51 Final Thoughts & Amanda’s Hopes for Her Family01:24:28 Linda, ListenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Aug 1h 28min

In our previous interview, Gina exposed many ways in which she was trained from birth to scam as a fortune teller. Some of the schemes her family ran on unsuspecting or vulnerable people garnered over $100k. Gina explained how the American Romani family she was a part of, was not living up to the beautiful culture of her persecuted people, but were greedy, ab*sive and scammers. Forced to become one herself, or be beat*n for her noncompliance, she had no other choice but to succumb to their demands. However, once she got pregnant from an outsider, she knew in order to save the life of her chiId, she had to escape. Today we will talk about her life after running away from her family and how the made it in the world with no education past 12 years old. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Gina's initial full interview here: https://youtu.be/lFD7FaWWWY4?si=gok4dXhuhM_HB_O9Find Gina: Book: Shay BariIG: @_shaybari Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_ShayBariSubscribe 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.

13 Aug 1h 3min

Gina Merino grew up in California with a very strict family which identifies as “Gypsies”. Her life was strictly controlled and she experienced harsh ab*se at the hands of her step mother. At elementary age, before being pulled out of school, she would begin telling fortune, understanding she was lying to people, but had no other choice. She uncovers ways in which her and her family scammed people out of thousands of dollars. When her father revealed a deep secret to his wife and family, both him and Gina were immediately treated like garbage. Gina was stuck, isolated in the family until years later when she made a daring escape and never looked back. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Gina: Book: Shay BariIG: @_shaybari Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_ShayBariTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code SHELISE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/sheliseSubscribe 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 Intro00:03:56 The specific Romani group that Gina came from00:06:20 How Gina feels about using the G-word to refer to her people00:08:08 Stand out memories for Gina00:10:05 How Gina reacted to getting pulled out of school00:11:09 Why it was important to be pulled out of school00:13:56 How Gina was taught to scam at an early age00:20:30 How Gina felt having to lie at an early age00:23:50 The biggest scam Gina witnessed00:29:52 Growing up with an abus*ve stepmother00:38:21 Gina's father comes out as gay and it changes the course of her life00:41:44 Gina's last words to her father00:46:18 Gina was forced to go back00:51:53 Gina is in a painful place, and is put on a strict diet00:53:31 Gina is forced back to fortunetelling00:59:37 Gina plots her escape01:11:16 "I just needed more hugs"01:14:22 Did Gina ever make contact with her family again?01:15:56 What brings Gina joy now01:19:44 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Aug 1h 20min

Born a Romani girl in the US, in a very insulated group, Paulina Stevens had her future laid out for her. She was set in an arranged marriage to her cousin at 14 years old and after her dowry was paid, her new family claimed they “owned her”. Things got dark and possessive very quickly and no one would help her. After having chiIdren and realizing she needed to escape, she would spend years fighting back against threats, legal battles and now the indoctrination of her own chiIdren by their father and his family. She still cherishes parts of the Romani traditions and educates people in the culture. Click here to watch on YouTubeBook: Secrets of Romani Fortune TellingWebsite: https://www.romanistanpodcast.com/Instagram: @_paulina_v_Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/romanistanpodcastSubscribe 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 Intro00:03:28 Background on the Romani, Early Memories00:07:52 CW: Mentions of R*pe, C Marriages, Cultural History of the Romani People and How it Still Affects Them00:11:04 Paulina’s ChiIdhood and How She Was Denied a Traditional Education00:16:27 Fortune Telling, and Traditional Aspects of her Romani Group00:22:19 External Pressures That Led to Paulina to Get Married as a Teenager00:27:27 Double Standards in Paulina’s Romani Community and the Control They Impose Over Women00:32:54 CW: SA, Stark Differences Paulina Experienced in her In-Law's Family00:37:45 The Pressure To Have ChiIdren and Paulina’s Family's Involvement in Her Parenting00:41:25 Why She Decided To Leave Her Community & Her Experiences Fighting for Custody00:48:00 Paulina’s Struggles Fighting for Custody00:51:14 How Paulina’s ChiIdren Are Being Influenced By the Romani Community & How She Stays Involved in Her Heritage00:54:22 How Paulina was and Still is Negatively Treated by some in the Romani Community01:01:28 Paulina Shares About Her Life Now01:05:16 Final Thoughts and Linda ListenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Aug 1h 10min