Shows
jon atack, family and friendsHow to dedicate your 0rg@sm - with guest host Cara Cordonia fascinating chat with Cara Cordoni, who escaped a tantric sex cult and is now working to help others make safer choices.Visit Cara's new channel on YouTubeListen to her podcast on Apple and on Spotifyand check out Cara's Substackbuy Jon's latest book, If Scientology Ruled the WorldAnd listen to a free sampleFREE download of our "human predator" posterJon's site Ira Chaleff's "Blink, Think, Choice, Voice" videoand the song Spike wrote for IraJon joins Steve Hassan, Christian Szurko and Chris Shelton in Toronto in 2015 doing an amazing breakdown of the Scientology "Training Routines."
2026-03-142h 01
Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftJournalist Anke Richter on ISTA and cultic patternsWhat happens when a cult journalist finds themselves in a cult? Anke Richter, author of Cult Trip and founder of DECULT, joins Cara to explore the disorienting experience of researching sex cults while simultaneously participating in ISTA, The International School of Temple Arts. Anke describes the dopamine hook of intense retreats that made mundane life feel flat, and the embarrassing realization: "I am one of them."Anke and Cara examine how organizations systematically dismantle consent through "nature selection" rituals and teachings that reframe physical revulsion as spiritual blockage requiring "work." Anke traces these patterns from Rajneeshpuram to...
2026-03-031h 08Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftReading The News: ISTA in New York Magazine, Feb 28, 2025In this Reading The News bonus episode of Fool's Gold, Cara reads the New York Magazine article by Anya Kamanetz, published Feb 28, 2025.No commentary, just the article read aloud.
2026-02-2759 minFool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftEllie Wilde's Journey, former ISTA facilitatorFormer ISTA facilitator Ellie Wilde joins Cara to share her 11-year journey through the organization—from participant to inner circle to speaking out. Ellie arrived at 40 seeking tools for better relationships and sexuality. She traces how she moved into facilitation and what it meant to be part of a world that seemed to offer healing and belonging.Ellie and Cara discuss power dynamics between teachers and students, the difference between genuine empowerment and pseudo-importance, and recovery after leaving. They explore finding your voice after years of silence, the spiral nature of healing, and holding both harm experienced an...
2026-02-251h 02Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftMy ISTA Journey, Pt 2 with Jack RikessCONTENT NOTEContains discussion of coercion, manipulation, organizational abuse, and victim-blaming. Jack's direct, confrontational interviewing style may be activating for survivors.In Part 2 (of 2), Cara and Jack explore what comes after you recognize harm in a community you loved. Cara shares her two-year journey attempting accountability through mediation—believing transformation was possible, documenting patterns of harm, and slowly realizing the organization wasn't interested in genuine change. The conversation moves through the stages of disillusionment: from hopeful participant to concerned insider to reluctant whistleblower. Cara reflects on why she stayed in dialogue so long and what it to...
2026-02-1751 minFool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftReading The News: ISTA in Cyprus: Sacred Sexuality or a Pattern of Harm?Fool's Gold 'Reading The News' Bonus episodes launch with the Politis article, "ISTA in Cyprus: Sacred Sexuality or a Pattern of Harm?" by Katerina Nicolaou, Nov 23, 2025.No commentary, just the article as written, read aloud to you by Cara Cordoni.
2026-02-1121 minFool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftCommercial Cults with anti-MLM guest Julie AndersonWhat happens when your friend's shampoo post on Facebook leads to five years in a commercial cult? Anti-MLM activist Julie Anderson joins Cara to trace her journey from desperately seeking work to becoming one of the most recognizable voices exposing multi-level marketing fraud. Julie explains how Monat recruited her through product testimonials, bonuses, and "ignorance on fire"—the MLM term for recruits who don't understand what they're actually doing but do it with enthusiasm.Julie and Cara explore the mechanics of commercial cults: the VIP customer pipeline, and the three-month bonus trap. They discuss how MLMs normalize fi...
2026-02-101h 12Fool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftMy ISTA Journey, Pt 1 with Jack RikessWhat happens when a journalist flips the script? In this episode, writer and comedian Jack Rikess interviews host Cara Cordoni about her journey into and out of The International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). Cara walks Jack through her three ISTA retreats, from the $2,500 promise of transformation to the reality of large group awareness training (LGAT) manipulation—including sleep disruption, psychological pressure, and the dopaminergic highs that feel like enlightenment but can also be induced mania.Jack brings his journalist's instinct for direct, no-holds-barred questioning ("And what exactly happens with that carrot ritual? "). His style is confrontational bu...
2026-02-0354 minFool's Gold: Discernment in the Age of GriftWhy Fool's Gold? A conversation with Stuart ParkinsonWhat happens when the search for meaning collides with manipulation? In this inaugural episode of Fool's Gold, host Cara Cordoni sits down with communication strategist Stuart Parkinson to explore why this podcast exists—and why we're all fools.Stuart and Cara discuss the archetype of the fool, the mechanics of large group awareness trainings (LGATs), and how bright, thoughtful people end up in harmful organizations. Drawing on Cara's own experiences with multiple cultic groups—from Miracle of Love to the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA)—they examine the patterns that make us vulnerable to coercive control and th...
2026-01-231h 21
Sex Is Medicine REBOOT'Conscious Community' or Cult? What I learned from my journey with ISTAThis is a true story of coercion, manipulation, and abuse….What happens when sexual healers engage in acts of sexual harm? Who can you turn to when an organization's leadership lacks a genuine interest in accountability?In this episode of Sex Is Medicine, Devi speaks with ISTA survivor advocate, Cara Cordoni, to explore how "sex-positive, trauma-informed" communities can sometimes function as high-control groups that cause harm to those they claim to serve.In this episode, Cara shares her experience of participating in several levels of ISTA training, the coercion, manipulation, and...
2025-11-201h 25
The Cult VaultThe International School of Temple Arts - ISTAIn this episode of the Cult Vault Podcast, host Kacey interviews Cara Cordoni, a leadership coach and activist, who shares her experiences with the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). The conversation delves into the complexities of cult dynamics, consent, and the journey from participant to activist. Cara discusses her initial excitement about ISTA retreats, the problematic agreements surrounding consent, and the leadership's role in perpetuating harmful practices. The episode emphasises the importance of community, transparency, and accountability in spiritual spaces, while also addressing the challenges survivors face in their healing journeys.Get in Touch or Support: P...
2025-06-291h 50
IndoctriNationCult Hopping Chronicles pt. 2: Unraveling The Threads Of Control with Cara CordoniIn this powerful conclusion to Rachel's conversation with Cara Cordoni, the complexities of navigating high-control environments are brought to light. Cara, a seasoned leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experiences, shares her harrowing journey through the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) and the manipulative tactics employed within such groups. Picking up from the previous episode, Cara details her experiences with coercive practices that blur the lines of consent and personal agency.Throughout their discussion, Rachel and Cara unpack the psychological impact of being pushed into uncomfortable situations under the guise of personal...
2025-05-071h 24
IndoctriNationCult Hopping Chronicles pt. 1: A Journey Through Control and Liberation with Cara CordoniIn this compelling episode, Rachel engages in a deep and revealing conversation with Cara Cordoni, a certified leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experiences. This is part one of their two-part discussion, where Cara shares her journey through the labyrinth of cults, from her early encounters with a charismatic individual in San Francisco to her experiences with organized religions and large group awareness trainings.As Cara recounts her story, she reflects on the psychological manipulation and emotional hooks that kept her entangled in these environments for years. She candidly discusses the allure of belonging and the...
2025-04-301h 15
jon atack, family and friendsThe Sexual Shamanic Experience with Cara Cordoni and Dave BoodaThe International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) utilizes the Large Group Awareness Training (LGAT) model. It focuses on sexual intimacy with the promise of spiritual transformation. Cara gives a fascinating account of her eight-year marriage to a one-on-on guru, who claimed to be descended from both Mesmer and Gurdjieff. She then relates her intriguing experiences with ISTA which breaks down sexual barriers as an LGAT. Cara now questions the ethics and possible negative consequences of ISTA as well as ISTA's refusal to take responsibility for those consequences or change practices that can have harmful consequences. Dave has a long...
2025-04-271h 40
Speaking of CultsSpeaking of Cults...Good Sex and Bad GroupsThis week, I welcome Cara Cordoni, a sex-positive coach, and Dave Booda, to discuss how groups such as the tantric sexual healing group ISTA use the same cult-like tactics known as Large Group Awareness Training. We go into a lot of detail on this. Enjoy!
Cara's website: https://caracordonicoaching.com
Dave's article: https://boodaism.com/ista/
3SC Community: https://3sc.community
NY Magazine article: https://archive.md/SxPTQ
2025-04-191h 55
Marijuana MindEp. 67 CIRO Glass Cleaning with Laura Costa and Cara CordoniWelcome to this week's exciting episode of Marijuana Mind! Co-hosts Cynthia Brewer and Dr. Justin Davis interview Laura Costa and Cara Cordoni who have started a business selling their glassware cleaning invention! Laura (CEO) and Cara discusses some of their history, how they came to make this prototype (CIRO), and how they have made their business to begin taking their product to market. Enjoy this exciting and intriguing conversation! Ciro Indiegogo Campaign https://www.facebook.com/MJMindPodcast/
2023-01-281h 11
The Edge ShowDo you clean your glass with Cohost Nikki Lawley and the Founders of CiroThe Edge Show is written and cohosted by Wendy Love Edge
Cohost: Nikki Lawley
Producer: A. Edge Productions
Editor: Flint Woods
Special Guests Laura Costa and Cara Cordoni
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ciro-clean-your-bong-with-soundwaves
Founder’s Stories
Laura and Cara:
Laura Costa started her professional career as an electrician which led to a lifetime of innovating creative solutions to everyday challenges in her garage workshop. As a farmer’s wife and head of many a trim crew, for years Laura tinkered with cleaning resinous tools, pipes, and bongs which led to the creation of CIRO.
Cara Cordoni has worked in many different...
2022-12-0728 min
Investing in CannabisEpisode 19- Green Rush ConsultingIn this episode Brandon interviews the lovely ladies of Green Rush Consulting, Sarah Ceti and Cara Cordoni. Green Rush Consulting helps entrepreneurs nationwide apply for and win medical cannabis licenses. Brandon, Cara, and Sarah dive deep into the process of applying and successfully winning medical cannabis licenses in different states, the story of building Green Rush, and the dates and docs that matter for entrepreneurs seeking licensing in California. Cara also delights us with an awesome song at the end. Enjoy!
2015-12-231h 09