S1E2: My ISTA Journey, Pt 1 with Jack Rikess

What 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 but not hostile—he challenges, asks uncomfortable questions about sexuality and polyamory, and isn't afraid to express his opinion. Together, they find both absurdity and darkness in Cara's story, exploring how bright people miss obvious red flags and why she initially believed ISTA could be reformed.TRIGGER WARNING: Contains explicit discussion of sexual practices, manipulation, and coercive group dynamics. Jack's direct, challenging interviewing style may be activating for some survivors.DISCLAIMER:Views expressed represent individual opinions and experiences, not official positions of the podcast or producers. Content is not intended to malign any religion, group, organization, business, individual, or entity.ABOUT GUESTJack Rikess was a stand-up comic for twenty-five years performing across the USA. Along the way he became a producer of comedy shows and other productions, including two years as an Operational Manager for The Emerald Cup. In the early 2000s, he wrote about the Northern California Cannabis scene. That led to a column with Village Voice Media, "Toke of the Town" which was distributed in twenty American cities including LA Weekly, SF Weekly, and City Pages in his hometown of Minneapolis.His work is featured in Stephen Sparks and Tom Allman's book, "Out There In The Woods"—an account of being embedded with law enforcement in the 36-day manhunt for a double-murderer hiding in the hills of Mendocino County.His first novel, "Just For A Couple Of Weeks" will be published in spring of 2026.Connect with JackRESOURCES:Safer Sex-Positive and Spiritual Communities: 3SC.CommunityICSA (International Cultic Studies Association): ICSA.orgCONNECT:Conversations like these helped me get through the darkest times, and I hope they help us get through dark times together. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you.Questions or feedback: [email protected] a 30 min curiosity call with Cara: calendly.com/caracordonicoaching Substack: https://caracordoni.substack.com/Instagram: @caracordoniLike what you're hearing? Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and leave a review. Your engagement helps others find these conversations.