Cults to Consciousness

Shelise Ann Sola
Cults to Consciousness

Survivor stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups & people.  Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast, hosted by Shelise Ann Sola—a former devout Mormon / CSA survivor—and her Producer husband Jonathan.   They delve into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments. Their mission is not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems, while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability. C2C has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests. Subscribe to join them on their advocacy mission.  

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

    2D AGO

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

    After a preliminary discussion about the many similarities between Islam and Mormonism, tonight we go into further detail with @apostatealaddin who grew up in the purity culture of Islam within Saudi Arabia. Join us as we compare and contrast the rest of the list.   Click here to watch pt. 1 Click here to watch pt. 2 Click here to watch pt. 3 (this episode) You can watch his full interview here Find Apostate Aladdin YouTube:  @ApostateAladdin   IG: @apostatealaddin  LinkTree https://linktr.ee/ApostateAladdin  We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 28m
  2. An Ex-Mormon & Ex-Muslim Compare Notes ft. Apostate Aladdin

    3D AGO

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

    After an incredible conversation with @apostatealaddin about the purity culture he grew up in within Islam in Saudi Arabia, we realized there were many similarities between Islam and Mormonism.  Join us today as we compare and contrast a full list.   Make sure to stay on after our livestream has ended to be automatically directed to Apostate Aladdin's channel, where we will finish the conversation. Click here to watch this interview (pt 1) You can watch his full interview here Find Apostate Aladdin YouTube:  @ApostateAladdin   IG: @apostatealaddin  LinkTree https://linktr.ee/ApostateAladdin  We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

    3D AGO

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

    ​ @ApostateAladdin  grew up in Saudi Arabia which is a Muslim majority country with strict laws originating from Islam. After going abroad to college, he recognized his learned racism, bigotry and bias was a direct reflection of the religion he was raised in. A deep dive into the theology, history and hadiths made him question everything, including his own ethics.  He details how research and deep critical thinking led him to leave Islam behind, and what the consequences are of speaking out on his YouTube channel.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch his previous episodes here: Ex-Muslim Opens Up About Sex and Islam in Saudi Arabia | The Story of  @ApostateAladdin  An Ex-Mormon & Ex-Muslim Compare Notes ft.  @ApostateAladdin  https://www.youtube.com/live/g0xEu2cacEo?si=TwWZtNPOLVeOZuA9 An Ex-Mormon & Ex-Muslim Compare ALL Notes ft.  @ApostateAladdin  Find Apostate Aladdin on Social! YouTube  @ApostateAladdin   IG: @apostatealaddin  LinkTree https://linktr.ee/ApostateAladdin  We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** 00:04:34 Apostate Aladdin's life growing up in Saudi Arabia 00:07:03 How Apostate Aladdin's experiences with non Muslims deviated from what the Quran teaches 00:09:25 Islam: A religion of peace or a religion of violence 00:10:54 How a lack of context surrounding the Quran can lead to Islamic extremism 00:12:43 How beginning to question Islam impacted Apostate Aladdin 00:15:11 Other aspects of the Quran that led Apostate Aladdin to question Islam 00:17:27 When living a strict religious lifestyle doesn't provide answers to questions and doubts 00:21:32 Breaking core doctrine as step in the deconstruction process 00:24:50 Overcorrection after leaving and managing emotions effectively 00:27:41 The importance of having emotional outlets and having a community 00:31:40 Have empathy for those disparaging you  00:33:18 The role of labels and identity when leaving a high demand religion 00:36:49 When the status of someone's personal beliefs is a bigger deal to others than it is to them 00:37:59 Realities of speaking out against Islam and the very real threats that people face 00:42:44 What the justifications are for extreme laws regarding those who leave Islam or speak out about it 00:44:52 How the idea of a perfect Islamic practice can cause harm to others 00:47:09 The importance of nuance and different sects in the discussion of Islam 00:49:44 How Islam is growing so quickly and is on track to surpass Christianity in numbers 00:52:41 How identity and taking your time to find your identity after leaving Islam is important 00:54:07 How Apostate Aladdin chose his name 00:54:57 Advice for those who are leaving a high demand religion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 4m
  4. How Islam Appeals To & Radicalizes Its Youth ft. Infidel Noodle

    3D AGO

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

    Following up her incredible initial interview, today we are joined again by  @InfidelNoodle  .  We discuss her research on youth Islamic radicalization and the internet, and how high control groups appeal to young people. Raised in a strict Muslim community in Australia, YouTuber Infidel Noodle led a double life for 5 years before making the big decision to leave her parents’ home before marriage. This meant she would be cut off from her family due to disobedience and not fulfilling her role as a woman. When she posted on TikTok about her heartache being ostracized, her video went viral and she decided to remain vocal about the struggles exMuslims face. However, for the safety of her loved ones and herself, she wears a mask to remain anonymous. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch her initial interview here here Find her on Social! YT:  https://www.youtube.com/@InfidelNoodle IG: @infidel.noodle  Resource for those leaving Islam and need help:  https://www.freeheartsfreeminds.com/ We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    42 min
  5. Consequences of Speaking Out: Why Strict Muslim Parents Disowned Their Daughter

    4D AGO

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

    Raised in a strict Muslim community in Australia, YouTuber Infidel Noodle led a double life for 5 years before making the big decision to leave her parents’ home before marriage. This meant she would be cut off from her family due to disobedience and not fulfilling her role as a woman. When she posted on TikTok about her heartache being ostracized, her video went viral and she decided to remain vocal about the struggles exMuslims face. However, for the safety of her loved ones and herself, she wears a mask to remain anonymous. Click here to watch on YouTube Find her on Social! YT:  https://www.youtube.com/@InfidelNoodle IG: @infidel.noodle  Resource for those leaving Islam and need help:  https://www.freeheartsfreeminds.com/ We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** 00:03:02 Why Infidel Noodle wears a mask 00:03:59 Reactions Noodle has received for speaking out on her channel 00:06:35 What it was like for IN growing up in South Africa 00:07:39 Life in New Zealand 00:10:12 The changes a young IN experienced once her parents introduced fundamentalist Islam into her life 00:11:42 How the modesty requirements increased 00:14:52 The changes IN experienced when she moved to Australia 00:18:10 Did IN push back on the strict rules with her parents? 00:20:42 Studying the scripture is what made IN want to leave Islam 00:26:13 Infidel Noodle would hide her "regular" clothes in the car 00:29:18 Finally, after 5 years, IN told her boyfriend about her double life 00:29:58 The tense time IN got spotted outside wearing shorts 00:31:50 At 20, IN decided she didn't want to live her double life anymore 00:33:56 The falling out Infidel Noodle had with her parents 00:38:54 IN planed her escape 00:41:10 Leaving the community behind 00:43:19 Infidel Noodle posts to TikTok and goes viral 00:47:34 How IN's siblings responded to her leaving Islam 00:52:13 The de*th threats IN gets 00:56:28 What made Infidel Noodle start a YouTube channel to speak out further? 00:58:54 Is IN worried about people finding out her identity? 01:00:31 The consequences of leaving Islam 01:03:48 What brings Infidel Noodle joy now? 01:05:24 linda, listen 01:07:41 Why Aisha goes by "Infidel Noodle" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 17m
  6. ExMuslim Australian Wrongfully Arrested for Social Media Post by Corrupt Tanzanian Police

    5D AGO

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

    Zara Kay went viral when she was wrongfully arrested and detained for seemingly no reason. She tweeted that she needed help and since becoming an Australian citizen, she got the consulate involved. It appears that the Tanzanian, Islamic cult she grew up in, was unhappy with her outspoken (contradictory to teachings) opinions on social media and seems to have paid the Tanzanian police to arrest her while visiting home during the pandemic in 2020. No formal charges were made after ransacking her home and detaining her for hours. Soon after her release, personal information and messages were leaked to the public, her family and her received multiple death threats. She now runs The Faithless Hijabi where she provides support for ex Muslims.  Click here to watch on YouTube Find Zara on social media:  IG: @zarakayk   YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ZaraKayk (The Untethered Mind) Website:  https://www.faithlesshijabi.org/ We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** 00:02:45 Zara's Strict Upbringing in Tanzania 00:06:45 Zara's Desire for More in Life 00:09:58 Strict Rules of Zara's Childhood 00:14:24 Hijab Wearing Practices in Zara's Community 00:15:54 The Influence of Islamic Culture in Tanzania 00:26:51 Zara's father changes his mind last minute about her moving out 00:28:57 Zara's New Experiences as a College Student 00:31:44 How Zara felt like breaking former rules  00:34:31 Learning about s*x from magazines 00:38:44 Zara's terrifying jump out of the comfort zone 00:41:07 Zara's face to face confrontation with a gay man 00:42:44 Zara Begins Receiving Threats for Speaking Up on Social Media 00:48:58 Why Tanzania police unexpectedly arrested Zara 00:53:42 Zara's experience with the corrupt police of Tanzania 00:57:34 CW:  Attempted SA in Tanzanian Jail 01:00:48 Zara escaped charges but couldn't leave the country 01:02:54 Zara's family got de@th threats after leaked messages 01:06:44 Tanzanian cult leaders are HOW rich?! 01:09:11 What is the "Faithless Hijabi?" 01:14:40 Precautions Zara Takes for Her Safety 01:16:06 How Zara is doing now 01:18:15 Linda, Listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 28m
  7. ExMuslim Addresses Islamophobia (it's not what you think)

    5D AGO

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

    Joining us today to follow up her incredible interview is South Asian ExMuslim, Haram Doodles.  In one of her first public appearances unmasked, she recounted what it was like growing up with a life of restriction and fear from her parents, her culture, and God-- and why and how she ultimately left Islam.  Today she addresses the controversial topic:  Islamophobia.    Speaking out on social media as an artist and ExMuslim Atheist, her art is a collection of haram (forbidden) doodles that advocate in solidarity with other courageous ExMuslims who’ve left Islam as a protest of Islam's strict restrictions.  Her hopes are to spread the word about Ex-Muslim Awareness Month this December.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch her initial interview here Find Haram Doodles: Twitter: https://x.com/HaramDoodles IG: @haramdoodles   Official website: https://haramdoodles.com We want to meet you in real life!  Come adventure with us on our 2nd C2C VACATION!  Click here to go to the official booking page Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast. Find 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: 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.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    56 min
4.9
out of 5
403 Ratings

About

Survivor stories of claiming independence after leaving high-control groups & people.  Cults to Consciousness is a YouTube channel and podcast, hosted by Shelise Ann Sola—a former devout Mormon / CSA survivor—and her Producer husband Jonathan.   They delve into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments. Their mission is not anti-religious but firmly anti-abuse, aiming to shed light on manipulative practices and systems, while promoting compassion, understanding, and accountability. C2C has attracted a kind and engaged community who thoughtfully support their guests. Subscribe to join them on their advocacy mission.  

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada