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



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www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/pdf.html

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Escaping A Kingdom Of Darkness w/Judith Castillo

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:

https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination



In this special bonus episode, Rachel dives deep into the dark and often hidden world of children’s television. Inspired by the recent docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," she explores the unhealthy culture plaguing TV and movie sets, particularly those involving child actors.




From the #MeToo movement to the power dynamics that create toxic environments, this episode sheds light on the harrowing experiences many young actors have faced. Rachel discusses the psychological responses to abuse, the culture of silence and intimidation, and the need for major industry reforms.



Watch the trailer for Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV:   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rav5QVDs6ks




Thanks to all of our Patreon supporters for making this episode possible!!

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Behind the Curtains of Kids' TV

Penn and Kim Holderness talk about living with and navigating their marriage through ADHD. They open up about their struggles and share strategies to make living with ADHD a little easier. Look out for their new book, ADHD is Awesome.&nbsp; More about Penn and Kim:<a href="https://theholdernessfamily.com/adhd-is-awesome/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theholdernessfamily.com/adhd-is-awesome/</a> WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via&nbsp;iTunes and leave a review.&nbsp;It costs nothing.&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2</a> Spread the word via social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;It costs nothing.Our website is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mentalpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mentalpod.com</a>&nbsp;our FB is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Facebook.com/mentalpod</a>&nbsp;and our&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;are both @Mentalpod&nbsp; Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor&nbsp;(with occasional rewards)&nbsp;for as little as $1/month&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.patreon.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Patreon.com/mentalpod</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at <a href="https://mentalpod.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mentalpod.com/donate</a>You can also donate via <a href="https://www.zellepay.com/get-started" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zelle</a>&nbsp;(make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)&nbsp;To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod&nbsp; Try Our Sponsor’s Products/ServicesSee Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

#698 ADHD In Marriage - Penn & Kim Holderness

Tiffany Yecke Brooks is the author of the new book Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse which equips readers to understand and name tactics of spiritual abuse and manipulation. Each chapter covers a different method of control found in toxic religious communities--including legalism, indoctrination, praise, and fear--and how to identify and respond to it healthily.  Tiffany is the lead or contributing author on more than two dozen books, including Gaslighted by God: Reconstructing a Disillusioned Faith. A popular speaker for student groups, faith conferences, and academic lectureships, Brooks holds a Ph.D. in American and Dramatic Literature from Florida State University.



In this compelling episode, Tiffany and Rachel cover a wide range of topics, from the psychological impacts of spiritual anxiety to the manipulative use of language in religious settings. Rachel and Tiffany discuss the importance of recognizing and naming abusive tactics, the role of intuition in protecting oneself, and the challenges of breaking free from high-control environments.



Tiffany also emphasizes the significance of understanding the context and interpretation of religious texts, and how authoritarian leaders often use rhetorical fallacies to maintain control. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of spiritual abuse and the paths to healing and empowerment.



Discover more about Tiffany's work and her latest book at tiffanyyeckebrooks.com.



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Spiritual Sleight Of Hand w/Tiffany Yecke Brooks

Dr. Arash Javanbakht @Arash_Javanbakht is a psychiatrist and serves as the director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State School of Medicine. He shares his work studying PTSD and other trauma, in particular the wild success that has been achieved via Augmented reality tech treatments. Check out his book Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety For More About Dr. Javanbakht:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.starclab.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.starclab.org</a>Buy his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Afraid-Understanding-Purpose-Harnessing-Anxiety/dp/1538170388/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20NSXDNT6PBS3&amp;keywords=afraid&amp;qid=1707125979&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C1348&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AFRAID: Understanding the Purpose of Fear, and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety</a>Social Media @Arash_Javanbakht WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via&nbsp;iTunes and leave a review.&nbsp;It costs nothing.&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2</a> Spread the word via social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;It costs nothing.Our website is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mentalpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mentalpod.com</a>&nbsp;our FB is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Facebook.com/mentalpod</a>&nbsp;and our&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;are both @Mentalpod&nbsp; Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor&nbsp;(with occasional rewards)&nbsp;for as little as $1/month&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.patreon.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Patreon.com/mentalpod</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at <a href="https://mentalpod.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mentalpod.com/donate</a>You can also donate via <a href="https://www.zellepay.com/get-started" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zelle</a>&nbsp;(make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)&nbsp;To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod&nbsp; Try Our Sponsor’s Products/ServicesSee Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

#699 - Harnessing Anxiety - Dr Arash Javanbakht

Diana Nowak is a survivor of the infamous troubled teen institution known as The Academy at Ivy Ridge. She is featured in the recently released Netflix docuseries The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping which specifically covers The Academy at Ivy Ridge. The series directed by Katherine Kubler exposes the corruption and abuse of the troubled teen industry through the stories of Diana and her fellow survivors who are still haunted by their experiences. 



In this episode, Diana recounts her traumatic two-year stay at Ivy Ridge, including forced medication, unconsenting strip searches, and emotional abuse. Now an advocate for survivors with the Breaking Code Silence organization, Diana is determined to ensure that her story, and those of countless others, are heard and believed.


Rachel and Diana delve into the psychological and emotional tactics used to break down the teens, such as the infamous "Lifeboat Process,"  Diana also discusses the long-term effects of such abuse, including trust issues, abandonment issues, and the struggle to feel worthy and deserving of good things.



Discover more about Diana's advocacy work and the Breaking Code Silence organization at:
www.breakingcodesilence.org


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Twitter: twitter.com/_indoctrination

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Surviving The Program w/Diana Nowak

This is just a preview of our Patreon exclusive bonus episode. You can hear the full episode by becoming a member at:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination



In this solo bonus episode, Rachel shares her insights on the harrowing experience of testifying about abuse in a courtroom. Rachel discusses the re-traumatization many survivors face when confronting their abusers in court, the emotional toll of recounting traumatic events, and the fear of retaliation. She shares powerful stories from survivors of various high-profile cases, including the NXIVM and La Luz del Mundo trials, highlighting the complexities and emotional challenges of seeking justice.



Rachel also explores the empowering aspects of speaking out and its profound impact on both the survivor and society. She discusses the importance of breaking the silence, empowerment through expression, and the creation of safe spaces for survivors to connect and support each other.


Thank you, Patrons, for your continued support!!

BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: Trauma & Testimony

Valerie is one of Paul’s friends from his support group. She shares stories from her childhood in Rome, which included a philandering and deceptive father. She also digs deep into her own relationship patterns and how she’s trying to break them.&nbsp; This episode was sponsored by the podcast&nbsp;The Quiet Journeys of Professor Atwood. Listen here&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quiet-journeys-of-professor-atwood/id1526404626" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quiet-journeys-of-professor-atwood/id1526404626</a> This episode was sponsored by Prolon.&nbsp; For 15% off their 5 day nutrition program to to <a href="http://www.ProlonLife.com/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ProlonLife.com/podcast</a> WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via&nbsp;iTunes and leave a review.&nbsp;It costs nothing.&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2</a> Spread the word via social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;It costs nothing.Our website is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mentalpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mentalpod.com</a>&nbsp;our FB is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Facebook.com/mentalpod</a>&nbsp;and our&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;are both @Mentalpod&nbsp; Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor&nbsp;(with occasional rewards)&nbsp;for as little as $1/month&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.patreon.com/mentalpod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.Patreon.com/mentalpod</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at <a href="https://mentalpod.com/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mentalpod.com/donate</a>You can also donate via <a href="https://www.zellepay.com/get-started" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zelle</a>&nbsp;(make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com)&nbsp;To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod&nbsp; Try Our Sponsor’s Products/Services See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

#700 Choosing Healthier Men - Valerie

Returning guest, Jonathon Sawyer is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder. Working with the National Education Policy Center, Jon researches public and private education. Through his in-progress dissertation, Jon explores pressing tensions between the right to religious freedom and the separation of church and state, focusing on taxpayer-supported religious schools.



Motivated by life-defining experiences in a school associated with the early years of the New Apostolic Reformation, Jon is particularly attentive to LGBTQ students who are subjected to religiously motivated discrimination. Through his work, Jon aims to educate his academic community and the public on the discrimination some LGBTQ youth may experience in taxpayer-supported religious schools. He also explores how religious extremism radicalizes youth against democracy. Jon has also presented research on civil rights, education policy, and religion at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association.




Jonathan shares alarming details about how billions of taxpayer dollars are flowing into religious schools that may be radicalizing youth against democratic values. He discusses the rhetoric of demons and exorcism practices that are prevalent in some charismatic and Pentecostal Christian communities. These practices not only harm the psychological well-being of individuals but also pose a threat to the democratic fabric of our society.

Rachel and Jonathan explore the concept of "self-invisibility," a term Jonathan uses to describe individuals who, due to extreme religious indoctrination, become invisible to themselves. This phenomenon can lead to a perpetuation of discrimination and harm, as those who are indoctrinated may go on to discriminate against others.

The episode also touches on the broader societal implications of religious extremism. Jonathan warns against the language used by some political and religious leaders, which can often be dismissed as hyperbole but has real-world consequences. He emphasizes the need for both thoughtful liberals and conservatives to recognize and address these issues.



You can find out more about Jon and his work at:
https://www.jonsawyer.org




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Your reviews and ratings on Spotify and Apple/iTunes are greatly appreciated and help the show reach a wider audience.

Religious Extremism in Schools w/Jonathon Sawyer

Welcome to IndoctriNation: A weekly podcast covering cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control.

Escaping A Kingdom Of Darkness w/Judith Castillo

IndoctriNation

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