Former supermodel Hoyt Richards recounts how a seemingly ideal upbringing, success at Princeton University, and a promising modeling career left him unexpectedly vulnerable to manipulation by a mysterious man. As a teenager searching for purpose and identity, he was drawn into the orbit of the charismatic spiritual leader, Frederick von Mierers, who used flattery, exclusivity, and promises of enlightenment to gradually gain influence over him. What began as a search for meaning evolved into a decades-long cultic relationship in which Richards learned to distrust his own instincts, suppress critical thinking, and prioritize the group's teachings above family, friendships, and personal autonomy. As Richards rose to become one of the world's most successful male models, the group's control deepened. He ultimately contributed an estimated $4–5 million to the organization, believing his success was proof that he was fulfilling a higher spiritual mission.

Click here to watch on Youtube

Find and support Hoyt!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoytrichardsofficial

https://www.Instagram.com/bringmethebeauties

Website: https://www.hoytrichards.com

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: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

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

When a 19 year old was sent to a war zone in a Russia for his mission, the deep need to remain “faithful” left him scarred when he finally made it home. Years later, his faith would unravel, causing massive shockwaves amongst his family. Following up our enlightening interview with filmmaker Kyson Dana, today we go LIVE with him to further discuss life after his traumatic Mormon Mission.

Click here to watch on YouTube

Watch our initial interview with Kyson

Watch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission”

Support Kyson!

Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/

Website: secondnatureclub.com

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: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

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

Raised in a deeply devout Mormon family in Idaho, Kyson Dana was taught from childhood that serving a mission was not a choice but a sacred duty and a defining milestone of a faithful life. When he was called to serve in southwest Russia, he believed he had been specially chosen by God to bring people the only path to salvation. Mission training reinforced the idea that success or failure depended entirely on a missionary’s faith and worthiness, leaving little room to question the church’s decisions or the dangers of the assignment. Once in Russia, the reality was far different from what he had been prepared for.

Click here to watch on YouTube

Watch Kyson’s film: “The dark side of my Mormon Mission”

Support Kyson!

Yt: https://www.youtube.com/@kysondana

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kysondana/

Website: secondnatureclub.com

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: This podcast provides a platform for guests to share their personal experiences and opinions. The views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or producers. Any allegations discussed are unverified and represent personal accounts only. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. The podcast assumes no legal responsibility for statements made by guests.**

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