Judith Castillo is a passionate and determined PhD student at the University of Houston, where her academic focus is on Latino and Women’s studies. Her journey into academia is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences as a survivor of the La Luz Del Mundo cult. Forced into marriage at the tender age of 15 to a member of the cult's leadership, Judith faced unimaginable challenges and coercion. Despite the odds stacked against her, she found the courage to break free from the cult's grip and pursue a path of healing and empowerment. Through her academic pursuits, Judith has transformed her trauma into a source of strength and advocacy. She is committed to shedding light on the perils of patriarchal religions and the impact they have on women and marginalized communities. Her research delves into the intersection of gender, culture, and religion, aiming to create meaningful change and empower survivors. Outside of academia, Judith is an active leader in the Latino community, using her voice to advocate for social justice and support fellow survivors of cults and patriarchal systems. Her resilience and dedication inspire others to challenge oppressive norms and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society. In this gripping episode of IndoctriNation, we delve into the harrowing tale of Judith Castillo, a survivor of the La Luz del Mundo cult. A PhD student at the University of Houston, Judith's academic pursuits in Latino and women's studies are deeply rooted in her personal history of coercion and survival. At just 15, she was forced into marriage with a member of the cult's leadership, igniting a journey of immense challenges and ultimately, empowerment. Through her research, Judith courageously confronts the perils of patriarchal religions and their impact on women and marginalized communities. As she shares her story with Rachel, we uncover the dark underbelly of a church led by a so-called "apostle" and the shocking tactics used to manipulate and control. From forced marriages to systemic shaming, Judith's experiences shine a light on the complex layers of abuse within the cult. Follow Judith on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judith.castillo.77 Listen To Judit's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3x0D0TDx8Q6rtAqX2ORgXj?si=646be745e96d4f99 IndoctriNation Podcast Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/groups/2359873534281759/ All of Rachel's free informational PDF documents are available here: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html All of Rachel's video lectures are available for purchase here: www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctrination Connect with us on Social Media: Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination Facebook: www.facebook.com/indoctrinationpodcast TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@indoctrinationpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/rachelbernsteinlmft You can always help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple/iTunes.