Podcast · Society & Culture

Cults to Consciousness

by Shelise Ann Sola, Jonathan C Rosales · English · Society & Culture

For the curious & compassionate. Firsthand Survivor Stories of escaping cults, high-control groups & people. The Cults to Consciousness Podcast (and YouTube channel) is Hosted by Shelise Ann Sola (a former devout Mormon / CSA survivor) and her Producer husband, Jonathan Rosales. Not anti-religious

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 1 hr 14 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 27 minNew

I Escaped My Father’s Polygamous Cult… Then Became a Mormon Missionary

After escaping the FLDS at 18, Warren Jeffs’ son Wendell Jeffson, didn’t leave Mormonism behind… he joined the mainstream LDS Church and eventually became a Mormon missionary. In this follow up Part 2, Wendell reveals the strange transition from being raised as the Prophet’s son to preaching a new version of the faith, navigating dating and the outside world for the first time, and eventually questioning whether he had truly escaped religious control at all. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch part 1 with Wendell Find and support Wendell! IG: https://www.instagram.com/wendell_jeffson/ Our…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E446 · 9 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Warren Jeffs’ Son Reveals What It Was REALLY Like Growing Up With Him
Wendell Jeffson, son of notorious FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs, reveals what it was really like growing up inside his father’s isolated world. From being separated from his mother and hidden away on the Texas compound to believing his father spoke for God. Wendell opens up about the extreme control, wealth, manipulation, medical neglect, family hierarchy, and disturbing practices hidden behind the compound walls. Click here to watch on YouTube Find and support Wendell! IG: https://www.instagram.com/wendell_jeffson/ Our Costa Rica Vacation has sold out! Join our waitlist in case of any…
E445 · 7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 25 min
My Criminal Father Groomed Me to Take Over His Empire
Sonny Malvolio grew up inside a world most children only see in movies. His father was a professional criminal who escaped prison, fled with the family to Mexico, gave his children new identities, and began grooming Sonny to become part of his criminal empire. From doing payroll at eight years old to living surrounded by guns, violence, paranoia, and fear, Sonny shares how the unthinkable became normal, and what it took to finally reclaim his autonomy and begin building a life of his own. Click here to watch on YouTube Follow and support Sonny! IG: https://www.instagram.com/bornloco/ FB:…
E444 · 5 Oct 2026 · 51 min
Growing Up With a Narcissistic Mother Everyone Else Worshipped (ft. Jinjara Mitchell)
Jinjara Mitchell returns to go deeper into what it was like growing up with a narcissistic mother who was adored by the public but terrifying behind closed doors. She opens up about the manipulation, fear, and control that shaped her chiIdhood—and the complicated process of recognizing the truth about her mother and breaking free from her influence. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch the initial interview with Jinjara: https://youtu.be/f5eBuowfsKs?si=NkSeoxHX1F2jDkYT Find and support Jinjara! IG: https://www.instagram.com/jinjara FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565572438309…
E443 · 2 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
I Started Investigating My Dad’s Death— and Uncovered My Family’s Darkest Secrets
Jinjara Mitchell grew up watching her mother become a celebrated motivational speaker and powerful businesswoman while experiencing a very different person behind closed doors. Now, after uncovering medical records, conflicting accounts surrounding her father’s death, a dramatically changed will, and painful memories of CSA, Jinjara is publicly investigating the family story she says she was raised to believe… trying to finally uncover the truth. Click here to watch on YouTube Use code CULTFREE at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Gift with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Find and…
E442 · 30 Sep 2026 · 59 min
When Being the “Perfect Mormon” Becomes an Obsession
Justin returns LIVE to dive deeper into how growing up Mormon intensified his OCD into debilitating religious scrupulosity, where even the smallest decisions could become questions of obedience, worthiness, and sin. He’ll unpack the specific rules he felt compelled to follow, how leaving a high-control religion dramatically changed his experience with OCD, and how he learned to replace rigid, black-and-white thinking with nuance, self-trust, and a much freer way of living. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Justin Find and support Justin! IG:…
E441 · 29 Sep 2026 · 1 hr
Escaping the Mormon Home Where Mom Spoke for God (ft. Athena Grimes)
Athena Grimes returns LIVE to dive deeper into the dark side of “personal revelation” and how her mother used supposed messages from God to justify extreme control and abuse. Along with more stories from growing up under her mother’s religious authority we’ll unpack what happens when a parent believes their own voice is the voice of God. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Athena Find and support Athena! IG: https://www.instagram.com/athena.grimes_/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@athena_grimes YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Athena_grimes Our Costa Rica Vacation has…
E440 · 25 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
At 9 Years Old, My Mormon Mom Said God Wanted Her to Sacrifice Me
Athena Grimes grew up in mainstream Mormonism under a mother who, Athena says, used “personal revelation” to justify extreme control, isolation, punishment, and abuse—including telling nine-year-old Athena that God required an “Abraham experience” in which she would die, leading Athena to plan her own funeral and say goodbye to her family. Years later, after joining the military, getting married, entering therapy, and eventually leaving Mormonism, Athena began recognizing the religious framework that had been used to control her, and ultimately made the decision to cut contact with her…
E439 · 23 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
How I Got My Mom to Leave Mormonism
Today I sit down LIVE with Mama Bear to reveal how I played a part in helping her leave Mormonism, and what we’ve learned about our family and each other since walking away. We’ll unpack toxic perfectionism, family vs. faith, shocking garment stories, and multigenerational perspectives on what it meant to be a “good Mormon mom,” while uncovering some truths about my childhood, including mom’s secret feelings about the demands of the church. Our Costa Rica Vacation has sold out! Join our waitlist in case of any cancellations Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations…
E437 · 21 Sep 2026 · 30 min
BREAKING: Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body REMOVE Blood Doctrine? (ft.Alissa Watson)
Jehovah’s Witnesses have changed their blood doctrine again. In Governing Body Update #6, a major shift was announced regarding red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma—components that Jehovah’s Witnesses were previously instructed not to accept, but which are now being left to individual conscience. Alissa Watson of @alissasawake joins us LIVE to break down what changed, what Jehovah’s Witnesses were taught before, and the difficult questions this raises about “new light,” organizational authority, and the real-world consequences of a doctrine involving life-or-death…
E436 · 18 Sep 2026 · 52 min
ESCAPING THE ROOM My Tyrannical Hoarder Father Kept Me CONFINED to for 16 Years
Mae returns LIVE to answer viewer questions and dive deeper into the parts of her childhood story we couldn’t fully explore in our first conversation. We’ll unpack more of the extreme isolation and religious control she experienced, what happened after she finally left her father’s home, and how she’s learned to navigate freedom, relationships, and healing after growing up so disconnected from the outside world. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Mae Find and support Mae! YT: https://www.youtube.com/@Maeden IG photography: https://www.instagram.com/maeden.photo/…
E435 · 16 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
The Mormon Mission That Sent Him Into a Mental Health Crisis
Raised in an intensely devout Mormon household, Justin Shoemaker believed happiness and salvation came from following every rule exactly… until religious scrupulosity and intrusive thoughts sent him into a devastating mental-health crisis on his mission. After returning home, attending BYU-Idaho, rushing into a temple marriage, and later becoming deeply involved in an Amway-associated training organization, Justin began recognizing the same patterns of obedience, shame, and surrendered autonomy repeating throughout his life. Click to watch on YouTube Find and support Justin! IG:…
E434 · 15 Sep 2026 · 56 min
TED BUNDY Joined the Mormon Church While He Was Killing Women (ft. Postmormon Postmortem)
How did one of America’s most notorious serial killers convince a religious community that he was one of them, and for a time, that he couldn't possibly be guilty? Today we are joined LIVE with Hannah and Jess of the “ @PostmormonPostmortem ” Podcast to deep dive Bundy’s Mormon conversion, his life inside the congregation, arrest, members defending & supporting him, and ultimately his conviction and excommunication. Click here to watch on YouTube Follow and support Hannah & Jess! Website: https://postmormonpostmortem.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/postmormonpostmortem/ YT:…
E433 · 11 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
She Spent 16 Years Trapped in ONE ROOM by Her Tyrannical Hoarder Father
Explore my Hungryroot Digital Cookbook “Cult Classics” and get 40% off your first order plus a free item in every box for life at https://hungryroot.com/CULTFREE For most of the first 16 years of her life, Mae Vanders says she was confined to a tiny section of one room inside her family’s hoarded home—never attending school and relying on her older sister, television, and whatever she could read to understand the outside world. Her father invoked the Bible and his role as the “head of the household” to justify extreme control, isolation, and ab*se, until Mae and her mother finally moved out…
E432 · 9 Sep 2026 · 59 min
The Cult Controlled How I Had Sex and With Who: Inside Aesthetic Realism
In this follow-up LIVE, Donna Lamb takes us deeper inside Aesthetic Realism, revealing how the group attempted to control members’ sexuality, relationships, and identities, and how she eventually became part of the system herself. Donna confronts her role in helping convince gay people they could “change,” while exposing the manipulation that kept her devoted to the group for decades. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Donna Find and support Donna! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnalamb330/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaLambSpeaks Substack:…
E431 · 8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
She Escaped a Pimp… Then Spent 30 Years in a Cult
They can't harm you, if they can't find you! Use code CULT at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/cult At just 18 years old, Donna Lamb arrived in New York City dreaming of becoming an actress—only to be recruited into sex work on her second day in the city. After dr*gs, violence, and a terrifying encounter that made her fear for her life, Donna escaped that world but soon found herself pulled into Aesthetic Realism, a high-control group that she says attempted to change her sexuality, dictated relationships and even s*x, and demanded devotion to its founder,…
E430 · 4 Sep 2026 · 54 min
How this Cult RECRUITS Teens… and What Happens When They Try to Leave
Following up our enlightening interview with Mitch Cunico of @Cult_Audit about his time as a leader within the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), we are joined with him LIVE today to further dive into their recruiting process. Were they recruiting? What do they say? How do they approach college students? How can parents warn their kids? We’ll go behind the curtain into the “Letters to Mother” system and how personal information can create the appearance that “Mother” somehow knows what someone is thinking or struggling with. And what Mitch feels happens when a member begins…
E429 · 2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 44 min
I Became a Leader in a Korean Cult — My Arranged Wife Was Used to Spy On Me
Former high-ranking World Mission Society Church of God member Mitch Cunico (of @Cult_Audit ) reveals how a seemingly innocent Bible study pulled him into a South Korean high-control religious group that demanded relentless evangelizing, money, strict obedience, and eventually even control over his marriage. Mitch was matched with a Korean wife he barely knew, living at the church as pastoral staff, watching members’ private confessions allegedly be used to monitor them, and ultimately discovering information that shattered his belief in the organization. Click to watch on YouTube Find and…
E428 · 31 Aug 2026 · 28 min
She Infiltrated Sam Bateman’s Cult and JUST Watched Him Get Sentenced
Dr. Christine Marie infiltrated the inner circle of polygamous cult leader Samuel Bateman, helping expose the horrific ab*se happening behind closed doors and ultimately contributing to his downfall. Now, just days after watching Bateman receive his final sentence in court, Christine joins us to reveal what it took to bring him down… and what it was like to finally see justice served. Click here to watch on YouTube Find and Support Christine! Website: http://christinemarie.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.christinemarie/ https://voicesfordignity.org/ Watch our initial interview with Dr.…
E427 · 28 Aug 2026 · 54 min
JUST SENTENCED: Ex-Wives to Polygamist Cult Leader Reveal What Happened in Court
Polygamous sect leader Samuel Bateman has been sentenced to a total of 74 years in prison. Yesterday an Arizona state judge handed down an additional 24-year prison sentence to be served consecutively after his 50-year federal prison sentence. Today we are joined LIVE with Naomi "Nomz" Bistline (Sam Bateman’s former 13th wife) who was at the hearing and gave an impact statement, and his former 22nd wife, Makelle Bistline, as they debrief us on exactly what happened. Click here to watch on YouTube Follow and support Nomz and Makelle! IG: @nomzia_b TT: @nomzia_b FB:…
E426 · 26 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
The Dark Reality of Birth Defects in an Incestuous Polygamist Cult ft. @TheAmandaRaeGrant
Explore my Hungryroot Digital Cookbook “Cult Classics” and get 40% off your first order plus a free item in every box for life at https://hungryroot.com/CULTFREE Amanda Rae returns for a disturbing deep dive into the alleged consequences of generations of incest within the polygamous Kingston Group, from miscarriages and birth defects to infertility and reproductive coercion. Amanda and Shelise examine how the group’s obsession with preserving its “pure” bloodline has impacted women and chiIdren—and why, despite mounting consequences, the practice continues Click here to watch on YouTube…
E425 · 24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
When Two Best Friends Become SISTER WIVES to a FALSE PROPHET
When two best friends are coerced to becoming sister wives to a false prophet, how does their friendship evolve? Did it survive the pressures of a household with over 20 other wives? Have they maintained a friendship after one of them helped put the false prophet behind bars? Makelle and Nomz return today for a special LIVE stream to answer all! Click here to watch on YouTube Follow and support Makelle and Nomz! IG: https://www.instagram.com/16_makelle/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@16makelle IG: @nomzia_b https://www.instagram.com/nomzia_b/ TT: @nomzia_b…
E424 · 21 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
The 22nd Wife Who Helped TAKE DOWN FLDS “False Prophet” Sam Bateman
After being gr**med and coerced into becoming Sam Bateman’s 22nd wife, Makelle Bistline reveals what life was actually like inside his polygamous household—and how quickly the disturbing reality began to surface. As her doubts grew, Makelle secretly helped get information to Christine, eventually becoming part of the quiet resistance that helped expose Bateman and bring the FBI closer to his inner circle. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our Part One with Makelle Watch our LIVE with Makelle & Nomz Watch our interview with Nomz Our interview with Dr. Christine Katas Follow and support…
E423 · 17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Warren Jeffs’ Daughter Reveals Unexpected Reasons People Are Leaving the FLDS
In this follow-up conversation, Sienna returns to share what’s changing inside the FLDS and the unexpected reasons some members are beginning to walk away. As Warren Jeffs’ daughter, she offers a rare insider perspective on what’s driving people to question the group, what makes leaving so complicated, and how life inside the FLDS continues to evolve. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Sienna Find and support Sienna! Sienna is 12 weeks pregnant and is going to be a single mama. Support her with her Baby Registry :) Sienna’s art IG:…
E422 · 14 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
FLDS “Prophet” Married My 3 Mothers, My Young Sisters… And Me (Makelle’s Story)
Raised in the FLDS with 3 mothers and 27 siblings, Makelle grew up believing extreme restrictions, poverty, and obedience to religious authority were simply normal. That foundation made her vulnerable when self-proclaimed prophet Sam Bateman entered her family’s world, even as she questioned his teachings and was horrified to discover he was “marrying” underage girls. As Bateman gained control over her family—eventually marrying several of Makelle’s sisters and one of her mothers—Makelle continued resisting him and secretly shared information that ultimately exposed what was happening inside…
E421 · 12 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 29 min
Warren Jeffs’ Daughter Reveals What REALLY Happened Inside the FLDS
Sienna shares what it was like growing up as one of Warren Jeffs' children inside the FLDS, from the 2008 Texas raid and years of strict control to the fear, isolation, and manipulation that shaped her childhood. She opens up about the moment she began questioning everything… Click here to watch on YouTube Find and support Sienna! Sienna’s art IG: https://www.instagram.com/siennahazej/ Resources for leaving Polygamy & volunteer opportunities 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…
E420 · 10 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
Gloriavale Cult Survivor Exposes Everything WRONG with New “Devotion” Doc (ft. Lilia Tarawa)
Lilia Tarawa—granddaughter of Gloriavale founder Neville Cooper—shares her perspective on the new Paramount+ documentary Devotion, which offers unprecedented access inside the isolated New Zealand religious community. While she appreciates the rare footage and the opportunity to hear from current members, Lilia argues that the documentary fails to present the full reality of Gloriavale by omitting critical historical context, survivor experiences, and the systemic ab*se that has shaped the community for decades. Drawing from her own upbringing inside the group, she explains how communal…
E419 · 5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
Inside NXIVM Cult’s Collapse and the Hollywood Actress Behind It (ft. Bonnie Piesse)
Bonnie Piesse shares the deeply personal story of how a successful acting and music career in Hollywood left her feeling spiritually empty, ultimately making her vulnerable to the promises of NXIVM. She was introduced to the organization by her future husband, Mark Vicente. What initially appeared to be an empowering self-improvement community instead slowly eroded her confidence through constant criticism, psychological manipulation, and a culture that encouraged members to relentlessly search for their own flaws while elevating Keith Raniere as the ultimate authority. Trusting her own…
E418 · 3 Aug 2026 · 57 min
Why Narcissists Become Dangerous When You Expose Them (ft. Mark Vicente)
After our powerful conversation with former NXIVM insider and filmmaker Mark Vicente about The Narcissist's Playbook, we're sitting down with him once again for a special live discussion to go even deeper. This time, we're moving beyond understanding the mindset of narcissists to explore what happens when they're challenged. Why do narcissists react so intensely when confronted? What fears drive their rage, retaliation, and manipulation? How can survivors safely stand up to them—or should they at all? Click here to watch on YouTube Mark’s original interview Find and support Mark! Donate to &…
E417 · 27 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
I Interviewed Real Narcissists... What They Admitted Terrified Me (ft.Mark Vicente)
Filmmaker and former NXIVM member Mark Vicente returns to discuss his new documentary, The Narcissist's Playbook, using both his experience exposing NXIVM and years of research into narcissistic personalities to explain why destructive leaders across cults, abusive relationships, and even public life often follow the same psychological pattern. Drawing from his own journey through multiple spiritual movements before becoming one of the key figures who helped bring down Keith Raniere, Mark explores how idealistic, empathetic people are especially vulnerable to manipulation. He reflects on the…

About Cults to Consciousness

Cults to Consciousness is a English society & culture podcast from Shelise Ann Sola, Jonathan C Rosales. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Shelise Ann Sola, Jonathan C Rosales
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 1 hr 14 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1635013492

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