From Mormonism to Christ the Story of Cody Smith
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “From Mormonism to Christ the Story of Cody Smith” inside PodZeus.
In this powerful episode of *Cultish*, host Jeremiah Roberts and guest Pastor Wade welcome Cody Smith, a former member of the LDS Church from Utah, to share his deeply personal journey from Mormonism to faith in Christ. Cody recounts growing up in a deeply religious family with a long lineage tied to early Mormon leaders like Brigham Young, yet he experienced profound spiritual dissonance from childhood—starting with terrifying sleep paralysis episodes shortly after his baptism at age eight. Despite years of seeking answers within the LDS Church, he found only dismissal and spiritual pressure, which deepened his doubts. His eventual departure from the church led to a period of militant atheism, mental health struggles, homelessness, and suicidal ideation. A turning point came when he entered a New Age program called Impact Trainings in Bluffdale, Utah, where he underwent intense psychological conditioning, astral projection experiences, and spiritual manipulation. Though initially feeling empowered, he eventually realized he was being spiritually enslaved by a demonic entity posing as a 'spirit guide.' This revelation, combined with the realization that the system demanded endless money and devotion, led him to break free and ultimately find true healing and identity in Christ. The episode exposes the manipulative structures common across cultic systems—whether LDS, New Age, or other belief systems—highlighting how spiritual experiences can be weaponized to control and deceive. The narrative arc underscores the devastating cost of spiritual deception and the redemptive power of authentic faith. Cody’s story reveals how early trauma, family dysfunction, and religious indoctrination can create a perfect storm for spiritual vulnerability. His journey from fear to freedom illustrates the importance of discernment, the danger of performance-based spirituality, and the necessity of a Savior who offers real peace, not manufactured control. The episode also draws parallels between LDS teachings, New Age spirituality, and Scientology, exposing their shared mechanisms: secret knowledge, hierarchical control, financial extraction, and the promise of transcendence through obedience. Ultimately, Cody’s testimony is a call to truth, healing, and the liberating power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual experiences like sleep paralysis and astral projection can be manipulated by cultic systems to create dependency and false identity.
The LDS Church’s emphasis on performance, family, and eternal progression can create immense pressure and spiritual anxiety, especially for those questioning their faith.
New Age and cultic programs often use psychological manipulation—like isolation, yelling, and 'spiritual' experiences—to break down individuals and rebuild them under control.
The promise of 'self-created salvation' in New Age movements is a dangerous counterfeit of true redemption found only in Christ.
True freedom comes not from self-mastery or spiritual elevation, but from surrender to Christ and the forgiveness of sins.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Call to Support Cultish
The episode opens with a heartfelt appeal for donations to support the *Cultish* ministry, emphasizing the importance of listener funding in continuing their mission to expose cults and help people find freedom in Christ.
Cody Smith’s Mormon Roots and Family Background
Cody Smith introduces himself as a Utah native with deep roots in early Mormon history, tracing his lineage back to Brigham Young and the Grange family. He shares his upbringing in Riverton, Utah, and the family dynamics that contributed to his early spiritual dissonance.
Early Spiritual Experiences and the Crisis of Faith
“I was just asleep and I woke up suddenly... there was just, there was something that felt so off. And it was kind of like sleep paralysis. Like I couldn't move and I couldn't look away.”
The Fall from Mormonism and the Descent into Atheism
Cody describes how his questioning intensified through adolescence, leading to a complete rejection of Mormonism. He became a militant atheist, rejecting all religion, which coincided with a temporary cessation of spiritual experiences but a worsening of mental health, anxiety, and depression.
Homelessness, Mental Health, and Suicidal Ideation
“I actually welcomed death. I tried to commit suicide twice in my life... I was just like, well, death can't be that bad.”
“True freedom comes not from self-mastery or spiritual elevation, but from surrender to Christ and the forgiveness of sins.”
“I had trusted whatever entity I was communicating with... but I was not in control. I was enslaved.”
“I actually welcomed death. I tried to commit suicide twice in my life... I was just like, well, death can't be that bad.”
Host
Guests
Cody Smith
person
LDS Church
organization
Jeremiah Roberts
person
Impact Trainings
organization
Utah
place
Pastor Wade
person
New Age Spirituality
other
The Cultish Show
organization
Brigham Young
person
Spirit Guide
other
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “From Mormonism to Christ the Story of Cody Smith” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime