Childhood was anything but peaceful growing up as a “Rama kid” in this insular Shawano, Wisconsin Cult. Claiming to have seen God and speak for Him, the leader seemed to enjoy torturing his members (especially the youth) and keeping them under strict control. Michele was 5 when her parents left her at the cult compound where she was endlessly tortured. She wouldn’t fully end up escaping until her 30s. 

Click here to watch on YouTube

Follow Michele on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@UC-76QylEA3KKCmfBe5d0MPw 

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

Subscribe to our C2C "CLIPS" Channel!

Support C2C - Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast.

Find our FULL (uncensored) merch store here!

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cultstoconsciousness

Venmo @sheliseann

Find us on Social media!

Instagram @cultstoconsciousness 

Host Instagram @sheliseann 

Co Producer / Host @jonathan.rosales_ 

TikTok @cults.to.consciousness 

Twitter @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.**

00:03:45 Rama's history and how he came to be in the United States and converted to Christianity

00:06:39 Michele's early life in the cult

00:08:39 Early memories from the cult and their lasting effects

00:12:03 What it was like living in the compound and ways in which food was used in harmful ways

00:12:49 TW:  Michele was tortured as a chiIId, having to eat her own vomit

00:18:56 How Rama would pit chiIdren and families against each other

00:22:25 TW: Psychological and physical ab*se

00:28:07 What going to public school was like for Michele and how the other chiIdren and teachers treated her

00:30:48 Michele's inconsistent schooling and how it effected her later on

00:33:59 Michele's final straw to leave the church and the repercussions for defying Rama

00:39:21 How Michele's mother's relationship with her chiIdren and the church changed after Michele left

00:42:11 How Michele's mom's devotion to Rama added to the ab*se

00:44:25 TW: Physical ab*se

00:45:52 Rama's control over parents led to Michele's parentification

00:50:42 Physically leaving the cult, mentally still following Rama

00:52:18 How mental health was viewed in the cult 

00:54:37 How Michele handled parenthood after her trauma

00:56:50 Michele's experience in therapy and what helped her to find healing

00:59:56 Michele's symptoms of PTSD

01:05:51 Michele uses energy healing practices to cut ties with Rama

01:11:33 What Michele believes now

01:12:04 How Michele is doing now

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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