Rachel Nelson, Chelle Swierz, and Melissa Longfellow were all teachers and leaders for many years in the Baptiste Yoga organization - a high-control yoga system led by Baron Baptiste that claims to be changing the world through its “methodology.” During that time they dedicated their careers and much of their personal lives to the group and the leader, believing that what they were doing was healing the planet.
After each having their pivotal moment at different times, they re-connected to process their experience together and discover that what felt indescribably “off” was the result of cult indoctrination techniques.
They subsequently started a podcast to share their experiences and educate people about the dangers in Baptiste Yoga: thought control, manipulation, and coercion and the charismatic leader. Each of them is now focused on taking back their own life and enjoying life exactly as they choose it.
They join Rachel to talk about their collective experience in hopes of informing others about the dark side of this very popular and powerful organization.
In the first half of this two-part conversation, the three guests introduce themselves and explain how they first got involved with Baptiste yoga, their first impressions of Baron, and some red flags they've come to understand in retrospect.
Before you go: Rachel offers further insights into some of what the guests shared with her, pointing out some of the ridiculous ironies of the group's "empowering self-help" message and the dangers inherent in this type of deception.
Listen to Journey Into Yoga Cults here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-into-yoga-cults/id1599860304
Follow Journey Into Yoga Cults on IG:
@bpyi_yoga_truth
@yogacultspod
Find Rachel's book "Now I Know: Kids Talking To Kids About Divorce..." here:
www.amazon.com/Now-I-Know-Rachel…ein/dp/1620867893
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