Cults to Consciousness

Tim Ballard has been in the news for the past few months but it just keeps getting worse. You may know him for founding Operation Underground Railroad where he claims to have saved hundreds of kids from s*x trafficking and the movie which falsely depicts his heroism, "Sound of Freedom".  We have discussed a multitude of false claims, backing then shunning (as well as rumored excommunication) from the LDS/Mormon church, sneaky "get rich" schemes and his removal from OUR because of rumored allegations. Well.... 5 women have now come forward and are pressing charges against him for his SA during rescue missions and that's not all! Join me and  @CarahBurrell [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCAib1bMCLZh9Ln0Uq62xxjw]  to discuss all of the updates with this wannabe prophet.  Going live on her channel next here [https://www.youtube.com/live/pY-gg4tFj6Y?si=1xAtEb4SV_LE4JrE] Watch our previous videos on the topic here:  On our channel pt 1 [https://youtube.com/live/EgfOVraScTA?feature=share] On Carah's Channel pt 2 [https://www.youtube.com/live/iRt-rBvRGw4?si=1ViP1NAbQgO1-BYn] https://youtube.com/live/tBTkBr6nWgI [https://youtube.com/live/EgfOVraScTA] Follow and Support Carah! YouTube:  @carrahburrell [https://www.youtube.com/@CarahBurrell]  YouTube:  @carrahburrell  [https://www.youtube.com/@CarahBurrell] Instagram: @nuancehoe  [https://www.instagram.com/nuancehoe] Tiktok: @nuancehoe  [https://www.tiktok.com/@nuancehoe] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nuancehoe [https://www.patreon.com/nuancehoe] 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 [https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-shelise-sola-oct-2025] Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClip] Support C2C - 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 [https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness] Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness [https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness]  Host Instagram @sheliseann  [https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/] Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_] TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  [http://cults.to.consciousness] Twitter @cultstocon [https://twitter.com/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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Timothy Ballard is an American activist, speaker, author, and founder / former CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, an anti-sex trafficking organization. The 2023 American action film Sound of Freedom starring Jim Caviezel was inspired by his work. Documents recently obtained by VICE News show Ballard claimed that a revered and powerful figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played a secret, central role in Operation Underground Railroad, or OUR, the organization Ballard founded.  “Tim is fully convinced that he is supposed to be the 'Mormon Messiah and lead people back to the church,’” read notes from an interview between criminal investigators and a former OUR higher-up. Ballard is now running for Mitt Romney’s Senate seat and called [prominent Republican woman] the other night around 1am, telling her he saw Christ, the 2nd Coming is near, and he’s running because it’s the end of days.  Christ told him to announce it on 10/10. Click here to watch on YouTube [https://youtube.com/live/EgfOVraScTA] Follow and Support Carah! YouTube:  @carrahburrell [https://www.youtube.com/@CarahBurrell]  YouTube:  @carrahburrell  [https://www.youtube.com/@CarahBurrell] Instagram: @nuancehoe  [https://www.instagram.com/nuancehoe] Tiktok: @nuancehoe  [https://www.tiktok.com/@nuancehoe] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nuancehoe [https://www.patreon.com/nuancehoe] 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 [https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-shelise-sola-oct-2025] Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClip] Support C2C - 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 [https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness] Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness [https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness]  Host Instagram @sheliseann  [https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/] Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_] TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  [http://cults.to.consciousness] Twitter @cultstocon [https://twitter.com/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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Dainy describes what life was like for them growing up in their Ultra Orthodox community and going to an all girls’ school. Life was black and white when it came to gender roles and expectations and because of this, boys and girls even got different education. Pushing back and asking questions got them into trouble multiple times when conformity and compliance were demanded. Click here to watch on YouTube  [https://youtu.be/bhLTXVEspO4] 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 [https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-shelise-sola-oct-2025] Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClip] Support C2C - 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 [https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness] Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness [https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness]  Host Instagram @sheliseann  [https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/] Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_] TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  [http://cults.to.consciousness] Twitter @cultstocon [https://twitter.com/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.** 00:03:51  What schooling was like for Ultra Orthodox groups and the differences of study between girls and boys 00:16:18  When Dainy figured out what s*x was and rules around interacting with different genders 00:19:05  Why modesty rules were put in place and who they apply to 00:22:27  CW: CSA - The extent of s*xual ab*se within Dainy's Ultra Orthodox community 00:28:41  How Dainy felt as a chiId in their Ultra Orthodox community and how it fostered low self esteem and sense of self 00:30:54  How the rules progressed as Dainy got older and how even more strict things are now 00:33:52  How watching movies affected Dainy's friendships 00:36:05  How Dainy's love for learning and knowledge came with consequences 00:45:05  Cookies vs C*caine: Distinguishing sins 00:46:18  Judgement on your religious morals in school over grades and lack of identity in the community 00:54:27  Women are expected to work and do it all but have limited options 01:01:38  Dainy further's their Orthodox education while not following all Jewish law 01:07:20  Growing away from Judaism before traveling to Israel in search of answers once and for all 01:19:46  The push against critical thinking in Orthodox Judaism 01:21:49  How Dainy is doing now 01:23:07  Linda, listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Following up her initial interview, we go LIVE with famous Hasidic comedian, Leah Forster.  After being outed and ostracized from her Ultra Orthodox family and community, Leah, who always felt silenced and repressed, details how comedy clubs and restaurants were forced to ban her from performing, how she took to social media and went viral, and ultimately, how she turned pain into comedy.   Click here to watch on YouTube [https://youtube.com/live/kcZP53J6_nM] Watch her initial interview here [https://youtu.be/SzEnSOFVqt4?si=NPIuD3V3ZybwMTy-] Find and support Leah! IG @LeahForster [https://www.instagram.com/leahforster] Pre order Leah’s Book: https://clubmilff.com/ [https://clubmilff.com/] Theater show:  https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/thats-yentatainment/ [https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/thats-yentatainment/] 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 [https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-shelise-sola-oct-2025] Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClip] Support C2C - 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 [https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness] Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness [https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness]  Host Instagram @sheliseann  [https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/] Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_] TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  [http://cults.to.consciousness] Twitter @cultstocon [https://twitter.com/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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Growing up in an Ultra Orthodox Hasidic family, Leah Forster always felt silenced.  Ab*sed at the hands of her father, she began to turn pain into comedy.  Later on, performing for Jewish female only crowds, Leah crossed boundaries within her community and became famous.  Things took a dark turn when she was outed on social media and then fired on the spot from her teaching job of 13 years.  When comedy clubs/restaurants were forced to ban her from performing, she took to social media and went viral.  She lost her relationship with her mother, and never regained a relationship with her father.  Leah recounts her story and the details of growing up in a world of arranged marriages and repression. Click here to watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/SzEnSOFVqt4] Find and support Leah! IG @LeahForster [https://www.instagram.com/leahforster] Pre order Leah’s Book: https://clubmilff.com/ [https://clubmilff.com/] Theater show:  https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/thats-yentatainment/ [https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/thats-yentatainment/] 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 [https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-shelise-sola-oct-2025] Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousnessClip] Support C2C - 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 [https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness] Venmo @sheliseann Find us on Social media! Instagram @cultstoconsciousness [https://www.instagram.com/cultstoconsciousness]  Host Instagram @sheliseann  [https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/] Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_  [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.rosales_] TikTok @cults.to.consciousness  [http://cults.to.consciousness] Twitter @cultstocon [https://twitter.com/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.** 00:02:51 What Leah's book is about 00:04:02 Leah's upbringing as a Hasidic Jew 00:08:15 When Leah realized she was attracted to other girls 00:09:29 Leah turning her pain into comedy from a young age 00:15:34 Crossing boundaries within her community and become famous within 00:18:48 Outed and fired on the spot from her English teaching job of 13 years 00:20:55 Leah loses her relationship with her mother 00:22:36 Does Leah currently have a relationship with her father? 00:26:18 Leah addresses being cut off by her parents 00:28:59 Leah talks about her experience being in an arranged marriage 00:33:04 They tried to paint Leah as mentally unstable and take her child away from her 00:37:39 How Leah rebuilt her confidence after being turned down 00:42:25 How Leah is doing now 00:44:46 Linda, Listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]