Cults to Consciousness

Demetria is a survivor of an Oregon New Age group called TwinRay. She describes her journey into spirituality after reading Eckhart Tolle's works and being drawn to an online guru who claimed to have achieved spiritual liberation and later claimed he wasn’t even human. He introduced a woman (a former actress) to the leadership and claimed they were 'twin rays' with special spiritual knowledge. Demetria paid these self appointed Gurus $17,000 extra for life coaching and they put her on an all-fruit and charcoal pudding diet for 6 months, on top of charging $9,000 retreats where attendees were given a mysterious 'elixir’, later discovered to be DM.T. Once everyone was in an elevated state and under the influence, they would then make sales pitches for expensive products and future retreats. It was clear that the Twin Rays were living in luxury while their followers were exploited, used for labor, and not given a second thought. Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow Demetria on Substack: Demetriam.substack.comSubscribe 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.

15 Sep 1h 31min

Feeling worthless as a young single adult in the Mormon church, Katie was sucked into a relationship with a “worthy priesthood holder” from her ward. Once he discovered her SA, a trauma that others were blaming and shaming her for, he claimed he could cure her using OneTaste’s Orgasmic Meditation. Vulnerable and left in the dark with all things sex related, he groomed her into thinking she needed these sessions with him to release her trauma. Unbeknownst to Katie, OneTaste was another cult who was pushing harmful ideas about SA, exploiting women and much worse. These harmful practices and ideologies combined with his predatory nature, led him to steal her virginity while she was unconscious having a seizure. He later admitted to purposely impregnating her so she would be forced to marry him. Barely 18, with no real support, Katie was left picking up the pieces while continuously being monitored and berated by the Mormon ran Brigham Young University’s honor code office. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 1 of Katie’s interviewSubscribe 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.

12 Sep 1h 14min

Born and raised in a Mormon majority town, Katie was doing her best to be the most righteous and worthy Mormon she could be. Everything came crashing down when she was blamed by her mother and shamed by her bishop for being SA’d. They claimed her “purity was tainted” and she needed to repent. Upon graduation, she went to the Young Single Adults ward, where she was primed to be targeted by a “worthy priesthood holder” who tried to lure her into an orgasm cult with promises to “fix” her sexual trauma. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 2 of Katie’s interviewSubscribe 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.

11 Sep 1h

Amanda Rae joins us to talk about the ways in which her former polygamous cult weaponizes ignorance and purposely withholds information about reproduction to keep women submissive to their husband. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch Pt 2 on Amanda's channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/Q_vdflUQ69Y?si=oyE3eTaPp0QMpbimFind Amanda:YouTube: @TheAmandaRaeGrant IG: @amandaraegrantSubscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannFind us on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon **Disclaimer: 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.

10 Sep 1h

Daryl Davis has spent decades infiltrating and befriending not only Klan members but Klan leaders, even going as far as to attend their rallies. On a quest to do nothing more than explore racism and gather information for his book, Klan-Destine Relationships, Daryl Davis eventually became the recipient of numerous robes and hoods given to him by Klan members who rescinded their beliefs after coming to know him. He had inadvertently stumbled upon a successful method of forming friendships between sworn enemies. His methods have made him the center of controversy in some circles where he is considered “politically incorrect,” but after proving his methods work, he has made supporters out of his detractors.As a race relations expert, Daryl Davis has received acclaim for his book, Klan-Destine Relationships and his work in race relations from many respected sources including CNN, NBC, Good Morning America, The Learning Channel, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun and many others. He is also the recipient of numerous awards including the highly prestigious Elliott-Black Award and the Bridge Builder Award presented by the American Ethical Union and Washington Ethical Society respectively, to name a few. Filled with exciting encounters and sometimes amusing anecdotes, Daryl Davis’ impassioned lectures leave an audience feeling empowered to confront their own prejudices and overcome their fears, seeking to build a bridge and forge peace with their most unlikely adversaries.Click here to watch on YouTubeFollow Daryl:IG: @realdaryldavis Website: https://www.daryldavis.com/Daryl’s book: The Klan WhispererSubscribe 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 Intro00:06:12 Daryl’s First Time Experiencing Rac*sm00:10:43 The Question Daryl’s Tried to Answer His Entire Life 00:15:42 Daryl’s Thoughts of Why Someone May Join A Group Like the Kl*n00:24:55 Daryl Shares About His First Positive Interaction with a Kl*n Member00:33:39 Daryl Explains the Hierarchy and Organization of the Kl*n00:38:15 Daryl’s Efforts to Interview Members of the Kl*n and Gives Some Definitions of Their Beliefs00:42:57 Daryl Speaks on the State of Civil Rights for POC and Women in the US and Among the Kl*n00:49:36 Daryl Tells of His Methods for Changing Peoples Perspectives & The Justifications Some Kl*n Members Use00:55:55 Daryl’s Perspective On How to Change Someone's Faulty Perspective01:02:43 Daryl’s Interactions with a Major Kl*n Leader and His Family01:09:06 More Interactions with Kl*n Members and Some More Background on the Systematic Rac*sm in America01:18:30 Why Daryl Still Feels Safe While Attending Kl*n Rallies and Events01:23:36 The Significance of Cross Burning in the Kl*n and about Their Supposed Christian Faith01:28:44 How Faulty Information Makes Its Way into Belief Systems01:34:14 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 Sep 1h 40min

Isolated in the Apostolic United Brethren, Janae’s father went unchecked when exploiting the nature of the religious group. With 4 wives and over a dozen children, he misused his power to control them all. “Life lessons” laced in traumatic experiences would leave the girls feeling helpless, scared and vulnerable without him, even when he was the true source of danger. Essentially acting as a cult leader within an already restrictive cult, Janae’s father took advantage of the system which had lasting negative effects. Click here to watch on YouTubeFind and Support Janae!IG: @janaedubose Facebook: Janae DuBose Book: “In The Cult Next Door”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 intro00:04:07 How the AUB split from the mainstream LDS church00:08:43 Hierarchy in the church and how Janae’s father affected their family's place00:10:34 What Janae's father was like and how he got involved with the AUB00:13:18 How Janae's father exploited AUB rules for his benefit00:14:48 CW: CA Janae's father's man*pulation and ab*se tactics00:25:31 Janae's mom's reaction to her chiIdren's ab*se and how the AUB predisposed her to marrying Janae's father00:30:03 CW: CSA Janae's father's openness about his pred*tory behavior00:33:05 How Janae's father's lack of self awareness led to a projection of his own feelings and issues00:35:20 The use of other religious beliefs in the household00:37:07 CW: SA How their father's ab*se affected the boys and their relationships with their sisters00:40:06 The cycle of ab*se (or lack thereof)00:41:43 The constant vulnerability in the house00:43:22 Inability to understand AUB00:46:57 Janae’s feelings on being a plural wife 00:48:54 Janae's mother's search for answers led them to mainstream Mormonism00:56:03 CW: r*pe - Janae’s past left her vulnerable after escaping 01:01:41 Learning to stand in your power as a woman 01:04:13 How people from ab*sive situations can be targets for other ab*sers in the future01:08:47 Finding safety in yourself and life after a cult01:16:16 What makes Janae happy today01:17:50 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Sep 1h 21min

In the Apostolic United Brethren, a break off from the mainstream Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), polygamy is not only expected, but a requirement to get into the highest level of heaven per the original prophet Joseph Smith. Women are also expected to “multiply and replenish the Earth”. In this 2nd part to Emily’s interview, she delves into what it was like getting married at the age of 17, realizing her father was in fact “evil”, her reaction to him rising up as “Prophet” of the AUB, as well as what her deconstruction process has been like, and what’s it’s been like speaking out in recent years. Click here to watch on YouTubeWatch pt 1 of Emily’s interviewWatch Emily’s sister, Melanie’s interviewMelanie’s liveFind Emily on social media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Good-Enough-444IG: @good_enough_444 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 Marks:00:00:00 Intro00:03:51 Emotional damage from purity culture after CSA00:06:01 Was Emily pushed into getting married at a young age?00:12:12 Emily's parents told her and her siblings they all lived polygamy in their own ways00:16:08 How much Emily knew about s*x Ed and getting pregnant at 1800:19:28 When Emily started to deconstruct00:24:54 Has Emily discussed what happened to her with her chiIdren?00:31:07 What made Emily decide to tell her story00:37:13 The "Without a Crystal Ball" interview00:39:34 What brings Emily joy now00:46:53 Emily's kind words about C2C00:50:41 Linda, listenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 Sep 57min

In the Apostolic United Brethren, a break off from the mainstream Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), polygamy is not only expected, but a requirement to get into the highest level of heaven per the original prophet Joseph Smith. Women are also expected to “multiply and replenish the Earth”. Emily’s mother (the second wife) had 11 chiIdren and had to work 3 jobs to put what little food on the table she could. Even with the best of intentions and all the love she gave her chiIdren, it often left them hungry, delirious and malnour*shed. Emily was babysitting infants and toddlers at just 7 years old with no milk to properly care for them. On top of this, the man who would later become the prophet of the AUB, her father, would come home and rage on all his chiIdren. An emotional and physical tort*re that left them scared and scarred for years to come.Click here to watch on YouTubeFind Emily on social media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Good-Enough-444IG: @good_enough_444 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 Intro00:04:00 Emily explains the AUB00:06:42 Rac*sm when it's convenient00:12:19 Emily's family unit- How many moms/sister wives?00:16:37 CW: Depictions of CA- How Emily's father treated his chiIdren00:21:10 How their father's ab*se affected them long term00:27:13 Did Emily's mother try to step in to help?00:30:23 Core memory babysitting infants at 7 yrs old00:35:39 Limited access to food00:38:49 Effects of malnour*shment00:40:21 CW: CSA- why there is a high rate of CSA in the AUB00:51:13 Emotional dam*ge from purity culture after CSASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 Sep 55min