Cults to Consciousness

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.

With immense pressure being one of the sons of the FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs, Ammon would do anything to earn the approval of his father. When he was finally “worthy enough” to be called to the holy land (YFZ Ranch in Texas), he was worked up to 22 hours per day doing hard labor for the church. Assuming Warren truly spoke for God, when he prophesied that the government wanted to come take away the chiIdren, the people were only further convinced he was a prophet considering the 300 police who did just that. Ammon explains how the raid was traumatic for all involved and what it was that finally opened his eyes to who his father really was. Connect with Ammon! IG @ammonjeffs Ammon’s Book Texas Raid 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 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 00:03:43:05 Ammon's childhood as Warren Jeffs' son 00:05:04:21 Warren marries his father, Rulon Jeffs’ wives after dies 00:06:04:08 How many chiIdren did Warren have? 00:06:45:12 Warren becomes prophet during Ammon's chiIdhood 00:07:37:16 FLDS prophet immortality 00:09:57:11 Crisis after Rulon's passing 00:10:58:20 Ammon's father becomes prophet 00:12:37:08 Warren implements changes 00:14:07:18 Warren stops major ordinances 00:15:16:20 FLDS members start to disappear 00:17:43:04 Ammon's mom's health declines 00:22:42:05 Ammon is called to move to the Texas Ranch 00:26:45:08 Ammon's job on the Ranch 00:27:49:05 Warren orders a large compound to be built 00:29:27:18 Were Warren's chiIdren treated differently on the Ranch? 00:31:26:10 Religious pun*shments and atonement 00:34:35:11 Was Warren Jeffs' just putting on a show? 00:36:46:23 Warren Jeffs' is caught by law enforcement 00:38:38:06 The Texas Raid 00:39:20:20 Allegations of abuse from a resident at the Ranch 00:41:30:05 Who called CPS? 00:43:40:07 The Raid in a chiId's point of view 00:47:17:04 Only those worthy enough can be on temple grounds 00:49:18:18 Evidence found 00:50:32:04 After the raid 00:51:49:19 Ammon in charge at the boys camp 00:53:05:14 Living conditions at the boys camp 00:54:44:02 Birthday at the boys camp 00:56:20:14 Sneaking off the boys camp at night 00:57:37:17 Going back to the FLDS ranch in Texas 00:59:15:13 Communication with Warren in the months after the raid 01:00:00:18 New requirements and revelations from Warren while in prison 01:03:36:22 Warren's information control from prison 01:08:00:00 Becoming an apostate 01:09:37:00 Warren starts meetings again 01:10:30:10 Warren excludes Ammon and most members from the meetings 01:11:49:06 Ammon's sisters leave 01:12:41:11 Warren's most recent revelations 01:14:50:19 Ammon's youngest sister visits apostate family members 01:17:53:07 TW: SA 01:19:03:13 Ammon learns the truth 01:20:53:12 TW: CSA 01:23:44:08 How Ammon is doing now 01:28:57:20 Linda, listen! 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.

As the 13th wife of FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, Ada Marie was extremely devout in her faith and belief in her prophet and husband. Even from prison, the entire church population was conditioned to believe he was innocent and persecuted by the government. However, as the years went on, Ada explains how his prophesies and commandments would get more and more odd and demanding. He would continue splitting up families, send people all over different states, disfellowship, then re-baptize and for some, completely cut them off. Ada was sent away for what was supposed to be 10 months. Five years later, she realized even if he allowed her back home, she wouldn’t go. This is the slow process of how she deconstructed from the fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Watch pt. 1 of Ada's interview here Watch this episode on YouTube here Connect with Ada! IG: @adadraper1 FB: Ada Draper 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 Markers: 00:04:13 Does Warren believe his own theatrics? 00:10:04 How Warren treated Ada Marie 00:15:27 How many wives Warren had and how they always had to be "ready" 00:23:10 Warren's wild instructions from prison 00:26:22 Warren gave revelation to take away certain foods 00:30:25 The rollercoaster of Warren's revelations- forced to move 00:35:56 Ada Marie's mother is pun*shed and sent away as a "forever non-member" 00:41:44 Warren doesn't let a woman get lifesaving healthcare 00:43:59 Warren sends Ada Marie away from the "faithful" 00:50:06 She had to find her first job in her 30s in the "outside world" 00:52:34 When she first wore pants instead of her FLDS dress 00:55:59 Learning that outsiders were good people 00:57:53 TW: CSA- Warren m*lested his own daughters 00:59:50 Ada Marie starts to wonder if she actually wants to go back 01:14:39 How Ada Marie is doing now! 01:19:39 Linda, Listen 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.

Warren Jeffs, currently in prison for CSA, is the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, otherwise known as the FLDS. He claims that God commanded him to take dozens of wives, some of whom were as young as 12 years old. In his enormous temple/compound that his members built in Texas, he conducted what he called “heavenly sessions” which were essentially big orgies with his wives, which he taped. Ultimately, his disturbing records is what got him put into prison, but he continues to send revelations, which get more and more outlandish, to his faithful members on the outside. Watch this episode on YouTube here Watch pt. 2 of Ada's interview here Connect with Ada! IG: @adadraper1 FB: Ada Draper Support Shelise + Jonathan Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast **FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However,  you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations.   Click here to go to the official booking page Our Merch!Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.

An ex-Muslim man converts his entire family to Mormonism when missionaries knock on his door. His stroke of genius combined with schizophrenia and tendency towards extreme punishments and every type of ab*se, created a cult-like environment for his chiIdren. He created his own religion and wrote a 2422 page manuscript of his own holy text. We take a look at his mindset and life through the lens of his son Adrian. Adding further clarification and commentary on generational trauma, Sami, Adrian’s daughter, joins us. Find Sami on social media: YouTube @mildwestsami IG: @mild_west_sami Support Shelise Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast **FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here! Patreon Venmo @sheliseann Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness Host Instagram @sheliseann TikTok @cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara Adrian's father's chiIdhood in India and transition to America Effraim's mental illness impact Adrian's traumatic chiIdhood dynamics Adrian's guilt and shame and its breeding ground for Mormonism Growing up with drugs in the home TW: CSA How boys and girls were treated differently Converting to Mormonism How things changed in Adrian's household after converting Justifying Mormon beliefs Adrian's father becomes a prophet What Effraim's Book of the Priesthood of God contains The Table of Contents Is Effraim's Book historically accurate? Effraim becoming God TW: Suicide ideation Adrian standing up to his father's abuse Adrian's relationship with his mom during all everything happening with his father Sami's chiIdhood and the impact of Mormonism Leaving Mormonism and becoming authentic What happened with Adrian's father? **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.

Outsiders often criticize Mormonism for its wild beliefs and the scandalous actions of the founding prophet Joseph Smith, but the member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are left in the dark about the truth of it history. Carah Burrell  @CarahBurrell  and Shelise, examine the life and actions of Joseph Smith from a non-faith promoting, historical view, different from their Mormon upbringing. From the ugly truth about polygamy, a Mormon Militia, and original secret temple rituals to Joseph Smith’s personal hit man, we cover it all! Carah's Greece opportunity has passed Find Carah on social media: YouTube IG @nuancehoe **FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations. Click here to go to the official booking page https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-shelise-sola-aug-2024 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 Find Shelise on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsiousness Host Instagram @sheliseann https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/ TikTok @cults.to.consciousness https://www.tiktok.com/@cults.to.consciousness Twitter @cultstocon https://twitter.com/cultstocon Chapter Marks 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:01 Different branches of the Mormon church 00:08:57 Joseph Smith's early life & the fraud he was committing 00:11:59 The Book of Mormon as the keystone to the religion 00:16:27 Joseph Smith 00:29:13 Using women to manipulate other women 00:30:26 The "Happiness Letter" used to manipulate a young girl into marrying JS 00:37:27 The tactics JS used to score wives 00:42:27 Revelations at convenient times 00:45:48 How JS "translated" these holy revelations 00:55:29 How the LDS church hides truth 01:01:55 Ritualistic Free Mason temple ceremonies 01:11:25 Original temple rituals that were taken out 01:12:28 How did it end for JS? 01:26:19 Porter Rockwell- a hit man for JS 01:28:02 Back to the martyrdom of JS 01:34:59 Emma, the first wife of JS started her own branch 01:37:56 Why is there so much Mormon true crime happening now? 01:42:49 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.

*Content Warning: self harm, physical abuse*  Anonymous YouTuber Apostate Aladdin shares his story of becoming a man in an environment that used fear to keep boys and girls and men and women separated. This intense fear that men need to be kept away so they don’t act on their uncontrollable desires, left him feeling scared, targeted, alone and shameful. Here we learn about purity culture through a different lens and how he was able to overcome his fear of interacting with women so he could create positive friendships and relationships.Click here to watch on YouTubeLive episodes together where we discuss the similarities and differences between Islam and Mormonism:Part 1Part 2Part 3Find Apostate AladdinYouTube: @apostatealaddinIG: @apostatealaddinLinkTree**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However,  you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations.   Click here to go to the official booking page Why AA wears a mask and has a pseudonym Specifically AA's experience & not every Muslim's experience Apostate as a derogatory term What kind of interactions were allowed with the opposite sex A young AA getting in trouble for liking a girl TW: CA- What happened when AA was caught texting a girl Vague rules within the purity culture he experienced Even young boys weren't allowed certain places alone What these restrictions did to the minds of boys and men The nightmare of puberty What happened when AA realized masturbation was considered a sin The pilgrimage- feeling unworthy  Was dating allowed? Does the hypersexualizaiton create odd turn ons? When did AA start pushing the boundaries? When did AA begin to have healthy interactions with women? What did AA find about Islam that he didn't resonate with? Did he convert his GF to being a Muslim? Where did AA land in his spirituality and relationships? 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.

*Content Warning: Many mentions of physical abuse &  sexual abuse*  Tricked into moving to Iraq at age 14, Ellaf was separated from her mother and forced into a chiId marriage by her father who felt she was too much of a burden to raise. Ellaf’s husband was even more controlling than her father and knew that he could get away with hurting her in many ways, because she was alone in an unfamiliar country and didn’t know the culture or the language. Forbidden to use birth control, she had 3 chiIdren before she was 21 years old and after years of suffering, courageously stood up to both her husband and father and got away. This is her story of perseverance and victory against all odds.Click here to watch on YouTubeConnect with EllafIG @ellaf_altamimi**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out!  However, you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations.  Click here to go to the official booking page  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.** 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.

*Content Warning: Domestic Violence, SA, CA* Determined to fight for the human rights of the oppressed, Yasmine Mohammed speaks out and shares her experiences with Islam extremism.  Her mother forced her to marry a terrorist and it wasn’t until she fell pregnant with a daughter that made her realize she had to escape in order to secure her a better life. In search of freedom, she also found her voice and now she platforms countless other people who share their experiences.Find and support Yasmine!Her book: “Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam”The Yasmine Mohammed PodcastYouTube: @yasminemohammedxxNon-Profit: Free Hearts Free MindsWebsite: https://www.yasminemohammed.com/IG @yasmohammedxx**FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However,  you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations.   Click here to go to the official booking page Why is critiquing Islam is such a sensitive subject? What are some of the dangers of speaking out against Islam? Muslims vs the Islamic religion as a whole Yasmine on the current situation in Gaza TW: R*pe, SA- prisoners of war  How does this relate to Islamic doctrine? The nuance of Islam vs Palestine  Some of the good that has happened How Yasmine’s mother got more fundamentalist Forced to marry a member of Al-Qaeda What were some of the rules Yasmine had to follow as a chiId? TW: CA & SA- What was her stepfather like outside of his religious adherence? Did Yasmine ever fully believe in Islam? TW: DV& r*pe- Yasmine's first week of marriage How did racism effect Yasmine's ability to get help? Yasmine gets pregnant and has a daughter How University opened her mind What was the deconstruction process like for Yasmine? Creating your own values and morals after leaving a high demand religion  How did Yasmine's daughter impact her drive to change their lives?  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.** 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.

**Content Warning: DV, rape, SA** Tia Levings discusses her dark reality in Christian fundamentalism, with evangelical patriarchy and religious trauma.  Having appeared in the Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People, and written a harrowing memoir, A Well-Trained Wife she reveals how she had to save herself and her family and details the ways that extreme views can manifest in a marriage.Recruited into the fundamentalist Quiverfull movement as a young wife, Tia Levings learned that being a good Christian meant following a list of additional life principles––a series of secret, special rules to obey. Being a godly and submissive wife in Christian Patriarchy included strict discipline, isolation, and an alternative lifestyle that appeared wholesome to outsiders. Women were to be silent, “keepers of the home.” But in the patriarchy, a woman with opinions is in danger, and eventually, Tia faced an urgent and extreme choice: stay and face dire consequences, or flee with her children.Click here to watch on YouTubePre order Tia’s book: A Well-Trained WifeFind Tia on social media!IG:  @tialevingswriterThe Anti-Fundamentalist **FULLY BOOKED** Our C2C vacation where we can meet you in real life and go on adventures together has sold out! However,  you can add yourself to our waitlist in case of cancellations.   Click here to go to the official booking page How Tia was raised that led to falling prey to her husband Did Tia's parents read her book? Nightmarish doctrine Tia learned in her youth All that's needed is a submissive and willing spirit You will drown in a lake of fire if you are not pleasing to God Selling the patriarchal movement to women- what that literally means Not allowed to have anything for yourself as a woman TW: Domestic ab*se- calling it a "correction" How Tia emerged from the isolation through secret online communication with women What it was like being a mother within this ab*sive reality Tia decided to escape when she saw how it was hurting her chiIdren  Tia's escape story How Tia's children handled it all  When did Tia feel safe enough to deconstruct and begin healing? Advice for someone going through a similar situation Our Merch!Patreon: Patreon.com/cultstoconsciousnessVenmo @sheliseannAny donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcastWebsite CultsToConsciousness.comFind Shelise on Social media!Instagram @cultstoconsciousnessHost Instagram @sheliseannTikTok @cults.to.consciousnessTwitter @cultstoconTheme 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.