What really happens inside cults—and why do so many intelligent people stay?

In this raw, eye-opening conversation, Shelise Ann Sola, host of Cults to Consciousness, breaks down the hidden realities of modern cults, including Mormon fundamentalist groups, Scientology, Amish communities, and lesser-known sects still operating in plain sight today. From child neglect and forced marriages to information control, fear tactics, and psychological manipulation, this episode exposes how cults thrive—and why leaving is harder than most people realize.

We explore how cults harm children the most, how leaders use shame and isolation to maintain power, why survivors struggle to leave, and how awareness is helping people wake up and walk away in record numbers.

This isn’t sensationalism. It’s survivor-led truth.

🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

💡 How cults control people without physical force

🧠 Why identity is stronger than logic

🚩 The biggest red flags of high-control groups

👶 Why children suffer the most in cult systems

🔒 How information restriction shapes belief

😶 The role of shame, fear, and obedience

🧩 Why leaving feels like losing yourself

⚠️ How cult dynamics appear in everyday life

CHAPTERS

00:00 – How cults operate in plain sight

02:30 – Why cult survivors find community through shared stories

06:10 – Information control: the real source of power

10:45 – Mormonism, modesty rules, and social enforcement

15:30 – Missions as indoctrination boot camps

20:55 – Polygamy, power, and sexual control

27:40 – Bloodlines, incest, and modern fundamentalist groups

33:20 – Children of God: the most disturbing cult case

40:15 – Scientology and the systematic neglect of children

47:10 – Why leaving feels worse than staying

52:45 – Amish communities and hidden abuse

58:20 – How to recognize cult dynamics in everyday life

1:02:10 – Final thoughts: awareness, compassion, and red flags

🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT

👉 Apply to be on the podcast: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application

📩 Business inquiries / sponsors: sean@digitalsocialhour.com

👤 GUEST:

Shelise Ann Sola - https://www.instagram.com/sheliseann/?

💼 SPONSORS

QUINCE: https://quince.com/dsh

🥗 Fuel your health with Viome: https://buy.viome.com/SEAN

Use code “Sean” at checkout for a discount!

🎧 LISTEN ON

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759

📸 Sean Kelly Instagram: @seanmikekelly

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team.

While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show.

Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.

We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program.

🔥 Stay tuned for more episodes featuring top creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world!

🔍 KEYWORDS

cults psychology, cult documentary, cult survivors, scientology exposed, mormon cults, polygamy cults, high control groups, cult indoctrination, cult abuse, children in cults, information control, cult leaders psychology

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.