Cults to Consciousness

Shelise Ann Sola, Jonathan C Rosales

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 Rosales.   C2C delves into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments.  They are 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. Follow to join them on their advocacy mission.

  1. 21h ago

    Why This Incestuous Polygamous Cult Turns Families Into Enemies (ft. Amanda Rae Grant)

    Children in The Order, an incestuous polygamous break-off of the LDS church are tormented in every way possible for “the kingdom of God upon the Earth”. When they get the strength and courage to escape, they are met with total and complete exile. What no one talks about is how the mothers of these chiIdren, though they are also part of the problem, are punished and made to suffer as well. Joined by  @TheAmandaRaeGrant  who grew up in The Order and bravely escaped at 17, she shares her personal story and stories of those around her.  Click here to watch on YouTube In an effort to bring our community together and make lasting friendships, we are also launching a trip to Costa Rica hosted by C2C today! Only 9 spots remain after our early booking launch.  Watch how our last trip went: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-VQZnJTcy/?igsh=MWJ0N2VvZnYxcmQ2Yw== Click here for the booking page and trip itinerary 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.

    Why This Incestuous Polygamous Cult Turns Families Into Enemies (ft. Amanda Rae Grant)
  2. 3d ago

    I Was Groomed to Die for God

    Liz Dieatrick grew up in an intensely fundamentalist Assemblies of God household, where she was told from childhood that God had uniquely called her to become a missionary. Raised by a pastor father and a deeply controlling, highly religious mother, she developed crippling religious scrupulosity, suppressed her own identity, and built her entire sense of purpose around sacrificial service to God. After studying missions in college, surviving life-threatening illnesses on overseas mission trips, and enduring the public scandal of her father's arrest in a sex sting, she interpreted every hardship as confirmation that she was faithfully following God's plan rather than questioning the system that shaped her.   Liz recounts her years with Live Dead, an Assemblies of God missions movement focused on reaching "unreached people groups" in restricted countries, the intensive security training for kidnappings and interrogations, pressure to deceive governments about missionary work, and an organizational culture that glorified self-sacrifice while minimizing personal autonomy. Looking back, Liz identifies numerous red flags she overlooked at the time, and reflects on her suicide attempt, trauma therapy, rebuilding her identity, and the possibility that this interview could permanently alter her relationship with her parents. Click here to watch on YouTube Find and support Liz! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@formerfundie/ 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.

    I Was Groomed to Die for God
  3. 4d ago

    The Dark Truth Behind a Sinister Christian College Ministry (I Ended Up Leading)

    Kathleen Brooks was drawn into Chi Alpha, a campus ministry affiliated with the Assemblies of God, while searching for purpose, belonging, and spiritual direction in college. What initially appeared to be a vibrant Christian community slowly evolved into an intensely controlling environment under the influence of a charismatic leader, Mark, who inserted himself into nearly every aspect of members' lives. Kathleen describes years of manipulation through love-bombing, spiritual authority, isolation, control over dating and marriage, financial sacrifice, and relentless ministry expectations. Even after becoming a respected leader herself, she remained convinced she was serving God, unaware of how deeply the system had shaped her thinking and enabled harmful practices she unknowingly perpetuated while in leadership. After Mark's death, hidden misconduct, financial irregularities, and broader organizational failures began to surface, ultimately leading Kathleen and her husband to question everything they had devoted their lives to.  Click here to watch on YouTube 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.

    The Dark Truth Behind a Sinister Christian College Ministry (I Ended Up Leading)
  4. 6d ago

    I Was Recruited on Campus Into a Cult

    Sarah entered college with almost no religious background, hoping to find community and deepen her newfound Christian faith, only to be drawn into a highly controlling branch of Assemblies of God known as Chi Alpha at Murray State, a Christian Campus Ministry under longtime control of the leader Mark.  According to Sarah, the ministry gradually isolated students from family, academics, extracurricular activities, and outside friendships while convincing them that unquestioning obedience was God's will. Members were expected to attend daily prayers, multiple weekly meetings, mission trips, and church services, while every major life decision—from choosing a college major to dating, marriage, and even visiting family—required Mark's approval.  Things become a lot darker for Sarah when Mark finds out that she became pregnant from the assault. Click here to watch on Youtube  Link to the support group 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.

    I Was Recruited on Campus Into a Cult
  5. Jul 13

    You Have to Pay HOW MUCH to Get Into Mormon Heaven? ft. Amanda Rae

    It’s not quite as obvious as Scientology, but Mormonism is a pay-to-play religion. This billion dollar company still requires a set amount from its members for them to qualify for the highest level of heaven. However, it gets worse for the offshoot incestuous, polygamous group the Kingston Clan that our guest  @TheAmandaRaeGrant  grew up in.  Join us LIVE today at 3p CST as we deep dive this topic. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch pt 2 of this discussion with  @TheAmandaRaeGrant   Clergy Salary VS Tithing history with @analyzing.mormonism  Tithing history Official LDS church statement on tithing  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.

    You Have to Pay HOW MUCH to Get Into Mormon Heaven? ft. Amanda Rae
  6. Jul 10

    I Gave an Alien Cult $5 Million and 20 Years (Confessions of a Male Supermodel)

    Former supermodel Hoyt Richards recounts how a seemingly ideal upbringing, success at Princeton University, and a promising modeling career left him unexpectedly vulnerable to manipulation by a mysterious man. As a teenager searching for purpose and identity, he was drawn into the orbit of the charismatic spiritual leader, Frederick von Mierers, who used flattery, exclusivity, and promises of enlightenment to gradually gain influence over him. What began as a search for meaning evolved into a decades-long cultic relationship in which Richards learned to distrust his own instincts, suppress critical thinking, and prioritize the group's teachings above family, friendships, and personal autonomy.  As Richards rose to become one of the world's most successful male models, the group's control deepened. He ultimately contributed an estimated $4–5 million to the organization, believing his success was proof that he was fulfilling a higher spiritual mission. Click here to watch on Youtube Find and support Hoyt! IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoytrichardsofficial https://www.Instagram.com/bringmethebeauties Website: https://www.hoytrichards.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.

    I Gave an Alien Cult $5 Million and 20 Years (Confessions of a Male Supermodel)
  7. Jul 9

    Why Devout Mormon Missionary Denounced it All

    When a 19 year old was sent to a war zone in a Russia for his mission, the deep need to remain “faithful” left him scarred when he finally made it home. Years later, his faith would unravel, causing massive shockwaves amongst his family.  Following up our enlightening interview with filmmaker Kyson Dana, today we go LIVE with him to further discuss life after his traumatic Mormon Mission. Click here to watch on YouTube Watch our initial interview with Kyson Watch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission”   Support Kyson! Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana  IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/  Website: secondnatureclub.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.

    Why Devout Mormon Missionary Denounced it All
  8. Jul 8

    The Mormon Church Sent Me to One of the Most Dangerous Places on Earth

    Raised in a deeply devout Mormon family in Idaho, Kyson Dana was taught from childhood that serving a mission was not a choice but a sacred duty and a defining milestone of a faithful life. When he was called to serve in southwest Russia, he believed he had been specially chosen by God to bring people the only path to salvation. Mission training reinforced the idea that success or failure depended entirely on a missionary’s faith and worthiness, leaving little room to question the church’s decisions or the dangers of the assignment.  Once in Russia, the reality was far different from what he had been prepared for.  Click here to watch on YouTube Watch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission”   Support Kyson! Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana  IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/  Website: secondnatureclub.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.

    The Mormon Church Sent Me to One of the Most Dangerous Places on Earth
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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 Rosales.   C2C delves into the nuanced experiences of individuals who have escaped a broad spectrum of high-control groups and coercive environments.  They are 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. Follow to join them on their advocacy mission.

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