IndoctriNation

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.

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination This special Patreon exclusive bonus episode with Andrew Pledger was recorded for Andrew’s Beyond BJU podcast which will be released later this summer, but we wanted to offer our Patreon supporters early access as a thank-you for your continued support. In this discussion, Andrew and Rachel aim to define the subtle line between education and indoctrination. Andrew, a cult survivor and Bob Jones University alum dives deep into his own experiences to explore the subtle tactics used to control information and manipulate beliefs. Together they discuss the warning signs of indoctrination and how to recognize it in a variety of learning environments. Listen To Andrew's Beyond BJU Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-bju-exposing-fundamentalism/id1705924428 Thanks again to all our Patrons for making this episode possible!!

Nikki G. is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach who helps survivors recover and thrive after Religious Trauma & Cult involvement. She is also a survivor of multiple narcissistic relationships, religious trauma, as well as a former member of multiple cultic communities. Nikki is the CEO of Nikki G Speaks LLC, which exists to support survivors with individual coaching services, an online community, and other various forms of psycho-education related to religious trauma, narcissistic abuse, and cult involvement. Nikki is also a co-host of the podcast “Surviving the Black Church” where she and her co-hosts delve into conversations regarding religious trauma in the Black Church. She and another colleague have just recently founded The Black Religious Trauma Recovery Network, which is a resource to educate, support, and empower black religious trauma survivors. Nikki also sits on the board of directors for Tears of Eden. In this enlightening episode, Nikki G delves into the complex layers of religious trauma within the black church, the deceptive comfort of "church hurt," and the journey to reclaiming personal agency after indoctrination. Nikki shares her personal story of survival and her mission to support others in their healing process. Connect with Nikki and learn more about her work: Website: www.nikkigspeaks.com Podcast: Surviving the Black Church 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.

Uriah Wesman is a multiple-cult survivor, and one-liner comedian turned comedic storyteller. Early in his career, he was hesitant to speak about the cultic involvement of his childhood, but now after nearly 8 years of performing and producing hundreds of comedy shows he’s found a way to transmute the pain of his childhood into laughter and catharsis. Uriah is now laser-focused on taking those darkest parts of his childhood and bringing them to light with his new one-man show called “Three Cults Walk Into A Bar” Where he brings levity to his difficult circumstances growing up in three different cults, being kidnapped as a child and recovering from a near-death experience. The debut performance of his show is on Saturday, May 11th at the Lyric Hyperion Theater in Los Angeles. In this compelling episode, Rachel has a profound conversation with Uriah, who shares his journey from being born into the Church Universal and Triumphant – where his life was dictated by the whims of a leader – to his tumultuous family dynamics and his struggle to find his own identity. His story is a tapestry of harrowing experiences, including being kidnapped by his mother and surviving a near-death experience, all of which he's now bravely turning into a source of laughter and healing through his one-man show "Three Cults Walk into a Bar." Follw Uriah on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uriahjokes/ YouTube:https://youtube.com/@UriahWesman?si=Rrd7s2P7S9LMo0Uj Purchase Tickets to Uriah’s show here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-cults-walk-into-a-bar-tickets-726865222447?aff=oddtdtcreator 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 Tik Tok: 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

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this bonus solo episode, Rachel delves into the harrowing intersection of crime and belief, discussing the chilling case of 'God's Misfits.' She examines the tragic murder of two women by a group claiming divine justification for their actions. Rachel goes on to explore the psychology behind using spirituality to rationalize crime, the impact of cultic groups on family dynamics, and the haunting notion of life as a "simulation".

Returning guests, Rachel Holdt and Elizabeth Humble are sisters who were raised in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church they’ve now identified as a Cult, Cornerstone Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1998, Rachel was the whistleblower instrumental in the eventual arrest and criminal conviction of Charles Dean Miller, the son of a pastor who would become known to be a decades-long serial pedophile. After multiple generations and dozens of victims corroborated law enforcement investigations, his sexual abuse of underage girls was discovered. Liz and Rachel’s forthcoming memoir tentatively titled “The King James Virgin and Other Myths of the IFB” tells this story. Rachel and Liz are returning to the show to continue telling the story they began last week and offer further insights into their harrowing experiences in the hopes that they may help listeners who may have been through similar traumas. So if you have not already, please go back and listen to last week’s episode where they introduce their story. Before You Go: Rachel explains the inherent danger of religious ideologies that claim women's bodies are responsible for men's actions. 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 Tik Tok: 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

Rachel Holdt and Elizabeth Humble are sisters who were raised in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church they’ve now identified as a Cult, Cornerstone Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1998, Rachel was the whistleblower instrumental in the eventual arrest and criminal conviction of Charles Dean Miller, the son of a pastor who would become known to be a decades-long serial pedophile. After law enforcement investigations were corroborated by multiple generations and dozens of victims, his sexual abuse of underage girls was discovered. Liz and Rachel’s forthcoming memoir tentatively titled “The King James Virgin and Other Myths of the IFB” tells this story. Rachel currently resides in Southern California, where she works as an educator in the field of biomechanics through the modalities of dance and pilates. Her extraordinary experiences growing up in an oppressively restrictive environment that harshly policed the female body, inform her teaching philosophy through a lens of empathy and inclusion of all bodies. Elizabeth currently lives in Oklahoma near her three daughters and two granddaughters, where she works as a barber, seamstress, and food truck owner. She also sits on the board of the Stillwater Downtown Association. Elizabeth attended Nazarene Bible College and later obtained a business management degree following her barber schooling at New Mexico Junior College. In this first half of a two-part conversation, Rachel and Elizabeth provide background on their childhood as members of an IFB-based cult, offering insights on the effects of restrictive environments, psychological and sexual abuse, and the lasting impacts these abuses had on their adult lives. Before You Go: Rachel points out how rare it is for children raised in cults to maintain healthy relationships with their family members. 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 Tik Tok: 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

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode at: www.patreon.com/indoctrination In this solo bonus episode, Rachel shares her insights on the "Love Has Won" cult, led by Amy Carlson who is referred to within the group as "Mother God". Rachel points out the commonalities that Amy's manipulative leadership shares with other cult leaders. Thanks to all of our supporters for making this episode possible!!

Jeff Guinn is the author of the new book Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage. He has written several other best-selling books including; The Life & Times of Charles Manson, and War on the Border. Jeff was the co-executive producer alongside Leonardo DiCaprio on the TV docuseries "Terror in the Jungle," which is based on his book, The Road to Jonestown. He currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame and a two-time winner of the Texas Book Award. In this fascinating conversation, Jeff points out the common personality traits among the cult leaders he's studied in depth in his work, including Charles Manson, David Koresh, and Jim Jones. Throughout the discussion, Rachel confirms Jeff's understanding by relating what she's learned from her clients who have survived cultic experiences. Before You Go: Rachel explains why governmental organizations are often inept when dealing with cults and can often be an impediment to justice because of their ignorance and arrogance. Jeff's new book Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage is available here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Waco/Jeff-Guinn/9781982186104 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 Tik Tok: 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

Scott M. Coley is a lecturer in philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His research interests include philosophy of religion, moral epistemology, and political philosophy. He is the author of the upcoming book Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right which unravels the rhetoric and biblical proof-texting that support Christo-authoritarianism: the ideology that presses Christian theology into the service of authoritarian politics. In this highly informative conversation, Scott provides insights into the theological interpretations that Christian Evangacalism relies on to justify its authoritarian stances and how they are used to influence public policy in the U.S. Before You Go: Rachel explains how using the bible as the one true source of morality and justice limits a broader understanding of the world. Scott’s book is available for pre-order here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467466004/ministers-of-propaganda/ 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 Tik Tok: 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