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CTP (S3EJunSpecial8) Escaping Cult Control
Exploring more of the world of fascinating Guests, Health, Human Nature, Music / Movies, Mysterious, Politics, Social Issues, and much more
See buzzsprout Transcript for fuller/extended Show Notes (inc. related links) and Transcript Bonus
Transcript Bonus: TheLibertyBeacon "Music, TV, and yes more Movies"
Our conversation with documentary filmmaker Scott Holman delves into the intersection of creativity, religious control systems, and the healing power of artistic expression after escaping cult environments.
• Born and raised in northern Wisconsin, Scott began his creative journey as a musician in the 1990s
• Studied photography and film in Minneapolis before focusing on documentary filmmaking
• Created "Witness Underground," documenting artists who escaped Jehovah's Witnesses and processed trauma through music
• Explains the BITE model (Behavior, Information, Thought, Emotion control) used by cults to manipulate members
• Discusses "bounded choice" - the illusion of freedom within predetermined options set by group leaders
• Shares personal experience with religious control as his parents joined Jehovah's Witnesses during his childhood
• Highlights financial incentives that corrupt religious organizations (JWs generate billions annually from literature sales)
• Emphasizes the distinction between genuine faith and harmful controlling systems
• Advocates for using art as therapy to process trauma after leaving high-control groups
• Premiered "Witness Underground" at nine film festivals including the DeCult conference in New Zealand
Watch "Witness Underground" on Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, Tubi TV, or at witnessunderground.com.

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CTP (S3EJunSpecial7) Faith, Freedom, and Finding Your Voice
Exploring more of the world of fascinating Guests, Health, Human Nature, Music / Movies, Mysterious, Politics, Social Issues, and much more
Xavier, an 18-year-old from Chicago with a Catholic background, shares his journey of political awakening and how COVID restrictions sparked his curiosity about government control and personal freedoms.
• Born and raised in Chicago with a Catholic upbringing that shaped his early worldview
• COVID vaccine mandates and restrictions became a turning point in his political awareness
• Growing up in left-leaning Chicago initially influenced his political perspectives until he began his own research
• The concept of "bread and circus" – how governments use distractions to maintain control over populations
• Social media functioning as modern society's biggest distraction and tool for speech control
• Cancel culture and how those who preach tolerance are often the least tolerant
• Educational experiences that seemed more focused on indoctrination than critical thinking
• The importance of debate and open dialogue versus insult-based arguments
• How younger generations are becoming more inquisitive about power structures and government control

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CTP (S3E105) Weaponized Gov.: Chrisley Pardon (rated "E" Explicit)
Exploring more of the fascinating intersection of Activism, Community Engagement, Faith / Religion, Human Nature, Politics, Social Issues, and beyond
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CTP (S3E105) Weaponized Government: The Chrisley Pardon
Exploring more of the fascinating intersection of Faith / Religion, Human Nature, Politics, and beyond
WARNING: CTP is normally a rated "G" Show, S3E105 is rated "E" for Explicit language (portions inserted from Savaged Unfiltered Show, w/ Me and Mike)
The politically-motivated prosecution and subsequent pardon of Todd and Julie Chrisley reveals deeper issues with our tax enforcement system and government weaponization against political opponents. Their case demonstrates how the IRS targets everyday Americans while the wealthy can afford legal teams to fight back.
• Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted of tax evasion but recently pardoned by President Trump
• Their daughter shared an emotional video about receiving the pardon news directly from President Trump
• The Chrisleys may have been specifically targeted because of their political affiliations
• Even celebrities like Nicolas Cage and Wesley Snipes have faced serious tax issues despite having professional accountants
• The wealthy can afford tax attorneys to shelter income and fight audits while average Americans cannot
• 87,000 new IRS agents were hired to target middle and lower-class Americans who can't afford legal representation
• When audited, average citizens often pay disputed amounts rather than spending more on legal fees to fight
• Political targeting by government agencies has precedent, similar to Lois Lerner targeting conservatives during the Obama administration
• Regardless of who prepares your taxes, you are ultimately responsible for what appears on your return

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