Cults to Consciousness

Timmy Gibson is a former fundamental Evangelical Pentecostal Pastor who graduated bible college and spent a total of 30 years of his life teaching and preaching the stories in the Bible. 17 years of which were spent preaching in a church he started himself, which grew to 300 followers. Timmy and his congregation believed he was a conduit of God, as well as a “Healing Evangelist” who could save you from illness, as well as teach you how to speak in tongues, and interpret the meaning. Ironically, his “pursuit of truth” lead him to walk away from the Evangelical Christian faith he once held so near and dear to his heart. Timmy now feels he used to be a cult leader. We discuss his experiences, as well as dive into whether or not he has any regrets. Watch this episode on YouTube Find Timmy on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@timmygibsonkc IG: @timmygibsonkc Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:30 How Timmy was raised, which led him to going to / getting kicked out of bible college 00:06:20 Bible college was so strict Timmy wasn't allowed in a bar 00:10:15 Why Timmy was compelled to go to bible college 00:11:43 What led to becoming a Pastor 00:13:47 What it was like growing up Pentecostal (speaking in tongues) 00:17:26 Life after bible college 00:18:59 Timmy started his own church with 300 followers 00:21:49 Timmy would teach his congregation how to speak in tongues 00:25:02 Confirmation bias; did Timmy feel he was doing the right thing? 00:29:06 How Timmy felt he intentionally & unintentionally manipulated his followers 00:36:24 What Timmy was doing to successfully grow his church 00:41:51 How Christians feel about Timmy now 00:49:24 Timmy breaks down his "healing sessions" 00:52:59 One of Timmy's biggest regrets is turning away officiating a gay couple’s wedding ceremony 00:58:54 How Timmy grew away from his own theological thinking 01:02:02 Did he send any of this followers into a Faith Crisis? 01:04:53 What ultimately led Timmy away from his church 01:13:33 What does Timmy think about those following a Pastor who doesn't believe the bible is literal? 01:21:25 What Timmy misses from his days as a Pastor 01:25:14 What brings Timmy joy now 01:30:52 Linda, listen Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When her well off British family moved to Saudi Arabia near Mecca, Nuriyah Khan ( @HolyHumanist ) lived in two worlds at once— a plush Muslim life inside a compound which protected her from a fundamentalist Islam. Hoping to continue to live a progressive Muslim lifestyle, she married and moved to Dubai. Once her relationship became unsafe, she asked for a separation and was confronted with Sharia law, Islamic religious law that guides the moral and religious lives of Muslims. He relentlessly stalked her along with the Dubai police who were trying to force her to stay with him, confiscating her passport. Watch this episode on YouTube Find Nuriyah on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolyHumanist Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:56 Sunni Muslim, explained 00:05:41 Where Nuriyah grew up and her family's views 00:06:47 Moving to Saudi Arabia 00:09:49 TW: m*rder, v*olence, amp*tations 00:10:03 Sharia law 00:15:14 Witnessing and understanding these things as a chiId 00:17:01 Daily life in Saudi Arabia 00:18:40 TW: r*pe 00:21:06 Did Nuriyah feel safe? 00:23:35 Teenage years in Saudi Arabia 00:25:59 S*x education at an international school in Saudi Arabia 00:27:42 Practicing Islam so close to Mecca 00:31:42 Islam in Dubai 00:32:26 Moving to Dubai 00:33:45 Marrying to date 00:36:41 Things start to change in the relationship 00:44:20 Finally leaving the relationship 00:45:53 Sharia law creates obstacles 00:48:41 Islamic couples counseling and a turn for the worse 00:53:00 Stalking and harassment from Nuriyah's ex-husband and Dubai police 00:55:51 Escaping Dubai 01:01:00 The end of a marriage 01:03:47 Deconstructing Islam 01:12:47 Starting to speak out and starting a YouTube channel 01:19:13 Linda, listen 01:20:44 Outro Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes becoming more devout can actually spark the biggest faith crisis. When  @ApostateProphet  fiercely read to understand the Quran in depth, there were things he could no longer ignore. Learn about his life growing up Muslim in Germany and Turkey and even at one time becoming a communist. AP’s video: The Scientific Mistakes of the Quran https://youtu.be/8yMD99gyr14?si=X7PHkuOxs8FWRGZa Find and connect with Apostate Prophet! YouTube:  @ApostateProphet  IG @Apostate_Prophet https://www.instagram.com/apostate_prophet Patreon patreon.com/apostateprophet Support Shelise Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! https://cults-to-consciousness-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann **FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Markers 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:45 Apostate Prophet's story in a nutshell 00:07:11 Why leaving Islam and speaking out can be life threatening 00:09:39 How the Islamic apostasy law is practiced differently among Muslims 00:15:05 Living in Germany as a Muslim 00:18:40 What the Quran says in regards to other religions 00:26:23 Interacting with those outside of Islam in Germany 00:28:50 Moving from Germany to Turkey as a teen 00:34:29 TW: R*pe & M*rder of young girl 00:36:46 Rules that changed in Turkey 00:41:31 TW: CA- when he wouldn't pray as a chiId 00:42:21 Rebelling and joining communist political parties 00:46:55 TW: DV & m*rder- Why AP's aunt was k*lled 00:58:34 Were there ties to Islam for the m*rderer's actions? 01:04:42 Diving deeper into Islam and becoming more religious 01:13:51 Leaving Turkey and leaving Islam 01:18:21 What drove AP to start his channel? 01:23:32 How AP is doing now 01:24:20 Linda, Listen Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A product of the first generation of bi-ethnic children in Saudi Arabia, as an Italian-Arab, Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson faced new challenges. She lived a double life. One which was very Western, liberal and open and another which was Eastern, focused on Islamic law and extremely strict. Her heart yearned for a western life, but situation didn’t allow for it. Determined to flee to America with a man she fell in love with, she tricked her father into giving legal permission for her to travel on her own. He didn’t know she would never return. Find and Support Jasmin! IG: @jasmin.faulk.dickerson Website: https://www.jasminfaulkdickerson.com Book: The Last Sandstorm Use “sandstorm” code for 15% off through the end of July! Amazon Podcast: I Want you to Meet Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:13 Growing up with a progressive Italian mother and conservative Saudi father 00:08:14 The difference between culture, race, and religion 00:14:00 Jasmin's upbringing, and the value of a woman 00:16:56 When young girls officially become "women" 00:18:35 Jasmin hid the fact that she had gotten her period 00:20:48 Jasmin clarifies about her region-specific experience 00:23:35 Why young Jasmin thought she had to wear a veil 00:25:15 The s*xualization of chiIdren 00:27:40 Did Jasmin's progressive mom embrace Muslim culture? 00:29:50 What teen life was like for Jasmin 00:32:27 Did Jasmin believe in the religious doctrine? 00:36:28 The shame and guilt 00:38:36 Jasmine breaks down engagements, weddings, marriage from the woman's perspective 00:47:37 Trying to escape by getting married young 00:57:52 How Jasmine tricked her father into getting permission to leave 01:00:57 The tense moment at the airport during Jasmine's escape 01:07:09 Life in Wyoming with her 2nd husband 01:09:09 Jasmine's life turning upside because of 9II 01:11:47 Jasmine finding her own identity 01:16:05 What came of Jasmine's relationship with her family? 01:18:39 Women need male guardian's to give them permission 01:24:07 A devastating end to her 2nd husband's life 01:27:35 Jasmine's new life with her current husband 01:29:03 What brings Jasmin joy now 01:33:31 Linda, listen Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Blinded by what appeared to be special psychic gifts and years of professional accreditation, Lauren Geertsen fell hard for an energy worker who manipulated her emotionally, financially and spiritually. A predator who had many other victims simultaneously. This is the story of a whistleblower who risked it all and lost almost everything to expose him. Check out Lauren's book: The Scorpion and the Lion Find and support Lauren: YT: @LaurenGeertsen IG: @body_connection_coach Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:34 Spiritual truth paradox 00:05:30 Defining grooming 00:09:11 When someone is unable to give informed consent 00:11:32 Lauren's upbringing and how it laid the groundwork for future ab*se 00:16:16 How religious and purity culture prevents awareness of signs of a predator 00:22:14 S*xual repression in Purity Culture 00:26:06 Going from one end of the spectrum to the other 00:28:04 A divine pathway and higher purpose 00:31:26 The signs of grooming 00:36:50 Spiritual gaslighting 00:40:54 Using spiritual power as a manipulation tactic 00:45:20 Figuring out the truth 01:00:20 Using trauma as an excuse for toxic and bad behavior 01:04:13 Having to dissolve the business 01:08:17 Friendships during the healing journey 01:12:37 Being an example for others on the same journey 01:18:19 How Lauren is doing today 01:22:25 Linda, listen 01:23:07 Outro Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nephi Robinson, a former member of The Order, shares his profound journey from a polygamous upbringing to embracing his identity as a gay man. He reveals the pressures he faced from his father, who had 14 wives, and how he was assigned a wife at a young age, leading to the birth of seven children. Nephi recounts the absurd reasoning behind being told he was gay and ultimately his courage to come out. His candid reflections on family dynamics in the cult, the challenges of navigating love and identity, and the quest for self-acceptance make for a captivating discussion.

Amanda Rae ( @TheAmandaRaeGrant ) shares 3 of her most prominent and shocking post-cult relationships, full of betrayal and manipulation. High control groups, by design, eliminate intuition, manipulate people into doing things they don’t want to do, and make them believe they are freely choosing that lifestyle. This can also happen in relationships. It’s far too common for cult survivors to fall prey to people who can take advantage of their vulnerabilities. Check out Shelise’s horror stories on Amanda’s channel Find and support Amanda! YouTube: ​⁠​⁠ @TheAmandaRaeGrant  IG: @amandaraegrant 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 www.holdingouthelp.org Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:00 Are bad relationships due to daddy issues? 00:06:43 What it was like growing up in The Order 00:14:29 Living in different mental worlds 00:16:22 The impact of a parent's prejudice on their chiIdren 00:18:14 Issues from the cult that lingered after getting out 00:21:11 Amanda's box of clothes 00:22:54 Cult men and narcissistic tendencies 00:25:01 Amanda's still in the cult mindset after leaving 00:27:32 Spiritual manipulation in relationships 00:29:00 A narcissist's lack of empathy and awareness 00:33:13 Leaving narcissistic relationships vs leaving The Order 00:36:35 Continuously in bad relationships after leaving a cult 00:37:28 Amanda's 2nd toxic relationship 00:45:20 Amanda's toxic behavior 00:51:19 Amanda's 3rd toxic relationship 00:52:02 Issues with love-bombing 00:54:21 Amanda's qualifications for relationships now 00:55:41 Amanda's most recent relationship 00:58:26 Little things that add up 01:01:09 The last straw 01:11:17 The good that came of it and meeting Winston's ex 01:14:00 The saga continues... in court 01:27:37 Emotional intelligence and accountability 01:31:45 What helped Shelise? 01:35:09 Listen, Linda 01:35:47 Outro Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindsey Williams of the hit Amazon Prime docu-series, “Shiny Happy People”, was an eager 18 year old when she was hand-picked by cult leader Bill Gothard to work at IBLP headquarters. After grooming her as one of his “Gothard Girls” Gothard would get too close in his one-on-one prayer sessions with her. After being kicked out for kissing a boy, forced to do free labor and write an apology letter to his parents, she finally reconnected with her love. Bill then tried to sabotage her engagement so he could have her in “single years of service” for longer. Watch pt. 1 of Lindsey's interview here IG: ⁠@thecultchronicles⁠ ⁠Lindsey’s hair and make up page⁠⁠ Lindsey’s link tree Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:04:06 How Lindsey ended up at the Training Center 00:05:36 IBLP's "Umbrella of Authority" 00:08:46 Arriving at the Training Center 00:10:15 The free labor she was expected to do 00:14:14 How her health was negatively impacted by the trauma 00:20:33 Lindsey decided to sneakily reconnect with Bryce 00:28:10 Bill Gothard personally tried to sabotage her marriage 00:39:00 "Single service" years? 00:44:31 They finally got the green light to court each other 00:52:16 The beautiful path to Lindsey's new career 01:05:26 What Lindsey wishes they would have aired in the "Shiny Happy People" documentary 01:09:17 What brings Lindsey joy now 01:11:52 Linda, listen Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we are joined by Lindsey Williams of the hit Amazon Prime docu-series, “Shiny Happy People”, exposing the Duggars and Bill Gothard’s IBLP practices. Lindsey dives deep into the lack of education growing up with Gothard’s ATI religious home school program, how she wanted to leave her ab*sive household at 18 and join the famous Gothard (who was seen as a prophet) at head quarters, and how Gothard began to groom her as one of his “Gothard Girls” once he had her alone. IG: @thecultchronicles Lindsey’s hair and make up page Lindsey’s link tree Support Shelise Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:37 IBLP and Bill Gothard, explained 00:07:28 Modesty rules for women in the IBLP 00:11:02 Lindsey explains her home school education with the Words of Wisdom booklets 00:13:19 What Lindsey feels now is lacking from the Words of Wisdom 00:16:23 What the day to day education was like 00:21:11 Did Homeschool ATI-ers have to take a state test? 00:25:04 How Lindsey's parents reacted to the changes made at home 00:28:06 Does Lindsey feel she had a happy chiIdhood? 00:35:50 Lindsey plays a recording of her 18 year old self giving her Testimony at head quarters 00:47:52 Corporal pun*shment is encouraged in the IBLP 00:52:58 How Lindsey ended up at head quarters with Bill Gothard 00:58:18 Gothard preys on Lindsey 01:15:51 Gothard inserts himself as Lindsey's spiritual father (tries to get her mole removed) 01:19:32 Lindsey accidentally had some men sent away, and she was blamed 01:26:17 How Lindsey met her husband (and why he was sent home by Gothard) 01:33:46 After "the kiss" Lindsey is sent to a Training Center 01:36:52 Linda, listen Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joined in the studio is friend, comedian, and ex-IBLP “cult kid” Davey Jackson. Having spent his childhood homeschooled by his mother, at 12, his parents decided to incorporate Bill Gothard’s practices into his education. As a form of punishment for having a girlfriend, at 16, Davey was sent to an intense IBLP training center. Instead of correcting his “bad” behavior, Davey further rebelled, which ultimately led him to spend 7 days in the Prayer Room, the center’s solitary confinement, which only had a bible. Davey recounts his losing-touch-with-reality experience, his attempts at escape, and now, all of these years later, going back to the center where the source of his decades of living with trauma began. (Also, Jonathan takes his first shot at a solo interview.) Watch this episode on YouTube here Youtube: @daveyjaxx Instagram: @daveyjax Davey Jackson - The Cult Kid | Full Comedy Special Watch our first interview with Davey Here Shelise and Lindsey Williams interviewed by Davey Our Merch! Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness Venmo @sheliseann Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast Website CultsToConsciousness.com Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara **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 00:04:15 What the Shiny Happy People docu-series was like for those that grew up in the IBLP 00:06:47 IBLP explained 00:09:50 What homeschool and ATI was like for Davey growing up 00:11:09 When Davey started questioning his religious home school education 00:12:47 Davey's parents send him to an education center as a form of punishment 00:16:06 Davey was not allowed to listen to music 00:19:08 What it was like for Davey at the IBLP Training Center 00:23:35 What led Davey to solitary confinement at 16 00:25:51 Similarities within IBLP, IFB, and the "troubled teen" industry 00:27:40 Solitary confinement 00:28:34 Davey tries to break out from the window 00:32:36 The rest of Davey's time at the Training Center 00:34:45 Coming back broken 00:36:06 Davey confronts his parents afterward 00:38:52 Davey using drugs and alcohol to escape and disassociate 00:45:01 When things started looking brighter for Davey 00:46:40 Davey revisits the Training Center all of these years later 00:58:37 It hits Davey once he sees the prayer room windows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.