The Mormon Church Sent Me to One of the Most Dangerous Places on Earth
Cults to Consciousness
Jul 08
The Mormon Church Sent Me to One of the Most Dangerous Places on Earth
The Mormon Church Sent Me to One of the Most Dangerous Places on Earth

Cults to Consciousness
Jul 08
In this episode, Kyson Dana shares his harrowing experience as a Mormon missionary in southwest Russia, revealing the stark contrast between his devout upbringing and the dangerous reality he faced. From witnessing violence to enduring psychological manipulation, Kyson's story exposes the high-control nature of missions and the profound impact on his mental health, ultimately leading to his deconstruction and healing.
Kyson Dana recounts his journey from a devout Mormon childhood in Idaho to a traumatic mission in Russia, where he faced extreme poverty, violence, and hostility. He describes the intense pressure to proselytize despite dangers like being held at gunpoint and witnessing a murder, criticizing the church for sending missionaries unprepared and prioritizing its interests over their safety. The psychological manipulation, including rigid quotas and suppression of grief, led to severe mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts and PTSD. Upon returning, he began deconstructing his faith after learning about church history and finding new perspectives, eventually leaving Mormonism. He now finds healing through filmmaking and sharing his story, emphasizing vulnerability and deep connection, and advocates for ending the missionary program.
10:01
10:01
Assigning higher meaning to trauma can be a red flag.
27:21
27:21
I witnessed a fatal stabbing in a pedestrian tunnel.
48:18
48:18
I told him to accept death for the celestial kingdom.
55:34
55:34
Leaving is technically possible but psychologically impossible.
1:07:00
1:07:00
I later recognized them as PTSD symptoms from my high-demand mission experience.
1:25:19
1:25:19
Leaving high-control groups allows for a fuller, more authentic human experience.
