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02/05/2020 11:39 PM

bare it all - episode five.

Aria: Hey, y’all! Welcome back to Bare It All! On today’s episode, we will be talking about cults. I don’t know much about them, so I’m hoping today’s guest will be giving me more insight into what a cult is, considering he used to be a part from one. Oliver Teufel, thanks for joining me today!

Oliver: Thanks for having me! -grins; I know this might be a strange thing to talk about, so it's nice to be here!

AW: -chuckles; I wouldn’t say it’s strange, per say. More like it’s interesting to people outside of cults. -smiles; So, I’ve never heard your story before, so can you tell us a bit about your childhood and how you ended up in a cult? Was it a religious thing?

OT: It's funny because I've always been fascinated with cults when I was a little younger. -laughs some; Never thought I'd end up in one. But, I didnt necessarily join because I wanted to. -chuckles; but first to answer your question, yes it was Religious. Uhm, there is still some things that I'm not comfortable with saying about it at least from my view on the inside.

AW: It’s okay. You can just tell us what you’re comfortable with. -smiles;

OT: I was 7 when I moved to Ohio. My dad had passed away and my mom said there was a better life waiting in this town called Englewood. We moved there and I mean, I was a weird kid growing up. My mom was baptized into the Church and said we had to start going to church. I was 7, so I wasn't wanting to sit in a church for hours but I did. -laughs; I mean what kid wants to and I'm Jewish, so I was all about God and all that but didn't understand the way this church was being ran. To speed things along, my brother got engaged to his best friend who is the cult leaders Grandson. Uh, so about the age of 15, I was sucked into it. Despite not wanting to join the cult. I was against the church. I didn't even know the church was actually a cult. I just thought I was apart of the Church, despite never having been baptized. -clears his throat; Apparently, you had to get baptized on your 17th birthday, which I was only 15, so I had time to go.

AW: I couldn’t imagine attending a church that had such a darkness to it, ya know? Especially, with being so young. -clears throat; So..what did this cult consist of? Can you give us details or just a general aspect of what it was?

OT: It is a lot to take in, honestly and I mean, the fact that you want me here to talk about something a bit dark, it's pretty amazing since most people tend to back away from me and since you and my mom are friends, I felt more comfortable talking -smiles and chuckles; You'll also notice I'm a rambler, so apologies now -laughs some, shaking his head;

AW: I’m a rambler too, so it’s okay! -chuckles softly;

OT: -smiles and chuckles; Glad to know I'm not alone. Uh, anyways. From what I knew of or at least what they've told me because I was young, I mean, I'm only 18 now and there's still a lot of things I'm not even sure of with the cult, even to this day but uh, it was originally started out as a way to get closer to God, ya know? These people felt that God would choose them to move onto a better life whenever he decided to come back and start over new. That was with the original members, the ones who started the Church in the first place. It basically, they had their rules and stuff and what you were allowed to do and not to do and stuff. Meat was banned, electronics were banned, basically anything and everything that could alter your mind and thoughts from God and from the Church, was banned.

AW: So basically, y’all lived pretty much off the grid in a way? Did you have to live in the same home and whatnot like some do? Or could you live separately, but had to follow by the rules of no meat, electronics, and etc?

OT: But yeah, basically. I mean, Englewood is on a map of Ohio, if you look close enough but it's also not. It's a small town with I think 500 or 600 people. We did have our own homes, it was almost like your typical small town area but it was secluded. The schools were literally next to each other. You'd have the elementary school then across the fence was the middle school and across that fence was the high school. And that's the thing though, not everyone in that town was part of the Church. So, if you were to pass by it, you literally would think it's a basic town but if you were a church member and/or a cult member, you had to follow all these rules. There was a lot of them. There's even a handbook you had to follow.

AW: That was my next question that you answered. -chuckles; If everyone in the town was a member. So, the people that weren’t, were they aware of the cult?

OT: -laughs some; Guess that's the plus of being a rambler, you tend to answer most questions. Uh, I'm not sure though on that. I think most knew but not all. Most just kept to themselves and tried to encourage the church but at the same time, were a little weary. Sort of like how I was, I was weary of the church but because of my mother, and what she put me through, I had to go to Church.

AW: -nods her head; Let me know if these questions get to be too much. You don’t have to answer. But aside from the rules like no cell phones and all of that, how extreme was it? Like what did the cult pertain, religion wise and rituals?

OT: So far, you're good -smiles at her; It's hard to say because I didn't get too far into the cult as a full member because by the time I was known as a member, I was pulled out after the media had managed to get involved and the whole trial started to happen. There were a lot of rules, a lot of one on ones with Father Anderson. Father Anderson was a very man. -laughs nervously; He uh, he definitely made it scary and made you question yourself. Religion wise, you had to fully be devoted to God. It was not even an option. Uhm, you were almost set up with a potential "mate" I guess you could say -rubs his neck some, making sure that was a good word; Um, basically your whole life was ran by this cult. You were given a time to when you could meet with Father Anderson. There was one ritual which was the baptism. -bites at the inside of his lip some; You were not allowed to be in the cult, if you weren't baptized. The baptisms were nearly an ongoing thing. Every weekend there was some sort of baptism. Many who had already been baptized, they were done again. You got arrested? You were baptized, you missed church? you were baptized. No one truly understood why this was such an importance but it was. It was a full on ritual with this church, this cult.

AW: -inhales; Maybe because getting baptized has to do with cleansing your body of all your sins and you’re brand new. So if you do something sinful, like get arrested, you’d get baptized. Though I don’t see how missing church is a sin, but then again, cults are more extreme than the normal every day church.

OT: That's what I thought but David, who basically was "God" to everyone, he thought everything that happened, was what had to happen if things were "bad" or you did something against the church. -shakes his head; There's a lot of things with Cults that many see as crazy, so I still think everything that happened was crazy -laughs some;

AW: That’s intense. -breathes out a laughs; I’m sure it was bad for your mental health, I’d say.

OT: Oh yeah, it really was. I still had PTSD from a lot of things that I've gone through just through some stuff with my mom and what not. It didn't just stay within the Church walls, it was brought home by my mother too. -takes another drink of water; Insane stuff.

AW: Are you doing any kind of therapy or coping mechanisms to deal with what you went through and your ptsd?

OT: -shakes his head; No, sadly. I tried when I was first adopted by my mom, Adel, but no therapist was able to handle or understand, really what I was going through.

AW: -nods her head; I’m sure there’s a therapist out there who does understand, and I promise that I will look around to try to find you one. -smiles;

OT: Well thank you, you don't have to do that but that means a lot -nods and continues to smile;

AW: On another note, how was it being adopted by an actress like Adel? How did that come about? I already know the story, but maybe the listeners don’t.

OT: Well, my mom, or Adel Kennedy as many people know her as, she came to an adoption event in New York. I know, it sounds funny because it sounds like a pet adoption but in New York, they usually hold events and stuff as such to get kids out of their homes or where ever they may be. It's sort of a chance to show how us kids can be when we're not being almost like pushed to meet parents or just be picked out of the "litter" -puts air quotes up; so to speak and then expected to be okay with our parents that adopted us. My mom, I guess she saw me when I was alone because at the time, the trial for my mom and the church slash cult was still happening and I was scared, ya know? My brother wasn't around anymore, my family on my dad's side couldn't adopt me, my family on my birth mom's side, they literally had nothing to do with me, so I was alone. I didn't think that things would work out and such. We got to talking because she was actually interested in what I was doing and one thing basically led to another. She was there for me through the trial, she was there for me through just about everything. One thing led to another and she surprised me one day and told me she was actually adopting me, that the adoption process was finalized and I was officially her son. I didn't get adopted officially until I was nearly 16 but I tend to say I was 15 because she instantly became my mom. She didn't push, she didn't expect me to love her right away. And I know she may not realize that but it did help me. She let me love her and call her mom and stuff on my own terms. I didn't even have to call her mom but really, she was more of my mom than my birth mom, so. It was a crazy time but I love her, ya know? She became my rock and she still is my rock. -smiles; I may be 18 but she'll forever be my mom.

AW: -smiles; I bet you have a new found respect for her and love her now that she is your mom. Did you know who she was before she adopted you? And what’s it like having an actress as a mother?

OT: -smiles; Oh yeah, I've got loads of respect for her. She's the best thing to happen to me. -nods; I knew of her, like I've heard of her name and seen the show here and there but didn't know too much. Like, I was a fan but not super crazed, ya know? -chuckles; It's honestly pretty cool having an actress as a mom because I get to see her play these other roles that are different than I see her. I get to see people react differently when she's around and to know she's this person that people love and respect, it's really cool and inspiring. She's the one who has helped push me to continue my film making, despite everything that's happened, and it's amazing.

AW: You know, it’s funny because if you would have told me how she was this time last year, I would have not believed it. -laughs; I’m glad Adel and I are over that hating each other stage and we’re the best of friends now. -smiles;

OT: I remember some of that -chuckles; But she really is an amazing woman and so thankful to have her as my mom. I know a lot of people, especially the media, likes to make it seem she's this monster or some ditzy girl but she's not. -smiles;

AW: She really is, and I’m mad that I didn’t see it sooner. I guess it was because we were both so young and got thrown into the crazy world of acting and since our characters hated each other, we kind of fed off that that into our real lives. -laughs;

OT: -smiles and nods; I mean, I get a feud, I've had that happen in my life before I left Englewood. But, I know you make my mom happy and i Know she's happy to have you in her life. -smiles bigger and chuckles;

AW: How’s your film making coming along? Anything in the works?

OT: It's coming, I haven't fully done a lot with it lately. I've done some small things here and there but I have been working on a script that's almost an autobiography. Hoping to show that you can come through when you get thrown into situations that you have no control over.

AW: Well, I do hope you finish that script so I can read it. -winks playfully before laughing;

OT: I'll definitely keep you updated. No doubt it'll be done by summer.

AW: -grins; Well, Oliver, thank you so much for stopping by and opening up to not only me, but to the listeners as well. Is there anything you’d like to add before we go?

OT: Thank you for having me, it means a lot -smiles; uh, just thank you for listening. I know it wasn't the most exciting but I hope it gave people a look into what I went through as a kid -smiles; And thank you for listening and bringing me on the show, means a lot.

AW: Aw, it was exciting. -chuckles; You have an interesting story and it deserved to be heard. You’re welcome anytime. Thank you again for coming! -waves goodbye at him; Oh, and before I forget. If you'd like to follow him on social media, his tag is @ollieTK so go follow him!! -laughs; I will be back next week! Byeeee!

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01/17/2020 01:06 PM

bare it all - episode four.

Aria: Hey, listeners! Welcome back to Bare It All! I have a special guest with me today. Y’all might know our history. -laughs; We absolutely hated each other for the past decade until several months ago when we were like, “Okay, enough is enough. We’re exhausted. Let’s join forces.” And that’s exactly what we did. She, who was once my number one enemy, is now my very best friend. Adel Kennedy, thank you for joining me today! I’m so excited for this one.

Adel: Hi! It's good to be here! You said it best, enemies to besties. We're a movie scene. -laughs; Thank you for asking me on to hang out with you. I'm a big fan!

AW: You better be a big fan of me, bitch! -laughs loudly;

AK: The mouth on this chick is a unreal!

AW: No but really, I’m so excited to do this episode because this is something we talked about since I first had the idea of a podcast. So for y’all that are listening, Adel will be asking me all of the burning questions she wants to ask. Nothing is off the table. I’m, as you can say, baring it all. -laughs again; Also, I might be a little buzzed.

AK: Yeah, I think I'm the perfect person to get you to spill your guts...and your wine. -rubs hands together; To everyone out there...I've had two gin and tonics so far, so here we go! -swirls glass;

AW: I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who could ask me all the burning questions and I wouldn’t get mad.

AK: First question. I'll go easy. How many v-cards have you taken?

AW: How many v-cards have I taken? Ummm, I think...two? -pauses as she thinks; Yes, two. As far as I know.

AK: Two? I'll take it. I'm right there with you. Was it as awkward for you as it was for me? Sh*t was awful. -preps another drink and pours wine for Aria;

AW: -laughs; Yes, it was awful! One of them, though, did know what they were doing. But they were so nervous that it just didn’t blend well. -shakes her head before lifting her glass and takes a sip;

AK: Next..do you believe in prenups? If so, how do you bring that up? I know a wedding is in your future, so lay it on me.

AW: Prenups? Hell yeah, I believe in prenups. I think it’s necessary, especially being in the industry. You never know if the person you’re with are with you for the right reasons so even though you’re married, what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine. But you gotta have that backup just in case things go sour. -sighs;I do whole heartedly believe Rowan loves me with everything in her. As do I. She’s not with me because I’m famous or have a lot of money. She’s famous, too. I just think it’s necessary and the smart thing to do, just in case. We haven’t talked about it yet, but I’m sure we will whenever the time comes.

AK: I respect that, and I agree with you. I feel like it's such a taboo thing that makes people uncomfortable, but it's honestly smart. It's business. I'd like to think the idea of it meaning you don't love someone or trust someone, is a bit dated, or it means that you think they're a gold digger or something. There's nothing wrong with having your own, and then what you share with your partner. I'm all about equals, but I do still believe people out there are shady, so look up for them! -laughs a little;

AW: -nods her head; I’m so glad someone agrees with me! Prenups are not a bad thing - it’s just business. It’s a way to protect yourself because you never know if the person you will leave you, cheat on you, or much worse. But next topic! -chuckles;

AK: Next. I know I joke a lot about your past and where you came from, but what was it like growing up in a trailer? Have you ever gone back to it with where your life is now to just...take it all in, or is that chapter just dead to you now? -takes another long sip, getting comfortable;

AW: -takes a sip of her wine before rolling her eyes; Growing up was horrible. I hated living in a trailer park, constantly being surrounded by creeps and addicts and criminals. I hated it! My dad was amazing though. He was so hardworking. He worked three jobs just to provide for me and Jolene. We were close. Jolene, on the other hand, was horrible. She didn’t love my father, Bo, and she didn’t love me. She treated him horribly so when he committed suicide.. -voice shakes; I just lost a part of me and became the worst version of myself. -takes a breath; So when I’m in Nashville, I avoid it like the plague. There’s no one there that I’d like to see. -shrugs;

AK: -nods; That's a lot to go through, and I'm glad you got out. You made a good life for you and that little garden girl. You're a pain in my ass sometimes still, but I'm glad you're where you are.

AW: Thank you, Adel. I knew that it wasn’t the life I wanted to live and I was so much better than that trailer park, so I got the hell out of there as fast as I could.

AK: Wait. Do people even know that we're neighbors? -gets excited; That's my next question. How much twisted joy did you get buying the house across the street from me back in Hidden Hills. I wanted to strangle you that day you had the balls to knock on my door with cookies! -takes a long sip; I'll never forget that. Also...to any crazies out there, it's gated, so don't get any ideas!

AW: -gasps then laughs loudly; Oh my god! I remember that so much! -laughs; I was such a bitch, coming over all neighborly with cookies and I had to give Eden cookies first to let you know that I didn’t poison them. -laughs again; Oh man, you were about to sh*t your pants.

AK: I was so pissed off, and I think I just rolled out of bed, so I was even more pissed that you woke me up. I know your ass brought Eden on purpose so I wouldn't lose it on you completely! Good times.

AW: Oh, I totally brought her because I knew you’d keep it in check. -laughs;

AK: -takes another sip; So, what's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done for a friend?

AW: Oh, wow. That’s a tough question because I’ve done a lot of embarrassing things for friends. But I guess one was....you know that scene in Grey’s Anatomy where Meredith Grey lost her panties and it was hung up on the bulletin board and Callie came in and claimed that they were hers? -pauses; Something like that. A friend of mine was seeing someone secretly and she didn’t want people to know so the girlfriend found a pair of panties in her boyfriends car and she was going at her, so I stepped in and said they were mine. And she punched me in the face so there’s that. -laughs;

AK: You're insane! I could totally see you doing that. You're a one of a kind ride of die. I like it. -laughs again; Time to kick this up. We all know who Eden's father is - the man's President. So, what are your politics? Republican, Democrat, Independent? A mix? Do you agree with some of his policies, do you not? Bare it all, girl, bare it all!

AW: -inhales; Oh, wow, you’re really bringing all the questions in! -laughs; Oh, hold on! -chugs then rest of her wine before setting it down with a clink; Okay! -exhales; Um. On paper, it says I’m an Independent. Only because I don’t really like to stick in one box. But I do lean more towards the Democratic side. I know Theo is a proud Republican and some people didn’t take a liking to that when the news broke that he and I did have a relationship that resulted in our daughter. Especially since I’m engaged to a woman. He has his beliefs and I have mine. He knows how I am, and I’m not afraid to get on to him on some of his policies. Like for instance, I’m pro-choice. I believe women should be able to do whatever they want to their bodies. He listens to what I say because I come to him in a respectful manner. So, we’re respectful about our political differences. We agree to disagree.

AK: Amen, sister! -chugs her own drink before prepping another round; I think that's cool, and it doesn't surprise me. You have no issue speaking your mind, no matter who you're engaged to or who's in the Oval. -hands Aria more wine; It's weird how much we have in common. I'm an Independent, too, but I am a bit more liberal when it comes to things. I also think both sides have things to offer. All about that respect. -clinks glass; I'm getting drunk. -laughs;

AW: Yes, I agree. Both parties have their pros and cons, but I’m more of a liberal for sure. -laughs and pours herself another glass; Guys, if I start slurring my words, I so sorry. -giggles then takes a sip;

AK: Okay...if you could name your own sex toy, what would it be called? What color would it be? And...where would it go? -bursts out laughing;

AW: Oh my god, I love these questions. Okay! -claps her hands; Own sex toy. -pauses as she thinks; This sounds really stupid but it’s the only thing that I can think of at the moment. It’d be called the Va-Jane. It would be a dildo and vibrator. It was be a very colorful product, but I’d start out with it being a sparkly pink. Maybe even glow in the dark.

AK: -bursts out laughing harder; The Va-Jane! I LOVE IT. For people who don't know, her middle name is Jane. She's clever. I'd for sure buy it. -composes herself;

AW: -laughs loudly; That was honestly the first thing that came into mind because nothing good can come out of Aria or Winters. -chuckles and takes a sip of her wine;

AK: If you had to go to college, what would you study?

AW: I would probably study something in the entertainment industry. Maybe journalism because I’m always a nosy person and wanting that tea!

AK: You are really nosy, but not in the annoying way...well, sometimes. -giggles a little as she takes another sip;Um...okay. What is something you'd lie about? Do you think white lies are necessary? Have you lied about something that still lingers with you?

AW: I’ve lied about a lot of things! -chuckles; Most recently, who Eden’s father was. I lied to everyone in my life about it and my relationship with Theo. But in my defense, I was protecting all three of us. Actually, six of us; me, Eden, Theo, Penelope, and their twin daughters. I know things would’ve been differently if I would have been honest from the start, but I...I genuinely thought I was doing the right thing. -shrugs; I used to always lie about my age when I was younger. Saying I was older than I was. -laughs; But do I think a white lie is necessary? Yeah, within reason. Like for instance, if you bought an outfit that you loved and you were so excited to wear it and you asked if it looked good and in my mind, I’m like “it’s not flattering,” but I know you love it so I don’t want to hurt your feelings so I say it is. -laughs;

AK: -brings hand up; Reverse! If I wore something and I looked like straight sh*t, you'd tell me! You're always trying to get me in color. Annnywaay. -laughs;

AW: -laughs; I would! I’m tired of you wearing black all the time. It’s depressing. Add some color! -laughs again and takes a sip;

AK: I've been getting better! I wore jeans to a few events as of late. I'm saying 'yes' to as many things as I can in 2020. -laughs; What's the first thing you would do if you woke up as a man tomorrow?

AW: If I woke up as a man...oh god, I don’t know what I’d do. Probably walk around the house naked to see how weird it feel to have something hanging in between your legs. Then I’d probably play with it. -shrugs and stifles a laugh; What about you?

AK: Get out of my head! I was gonna say that I'd swing it around, piss standing up and then I'd go out into the world and see how different people treated me in our industry as opposed to us girls. You know, all that equality stuff. -pours Aria another glass;

AW: -gasps; Oh, that’s a good one! Go out into the world and see the difference, yes! -laughs and takes a sip;

AK: Gonna bring this back to Creatures: Who would Caroline f***, marry, or kill?

AW: Are you meaning out of the show? Or are you going to give me some options?

AK: -laughs; Oh duh. Yeah, in Caroline's point of view. Since this is bare it all, I wont give you the three options - come up with them on your own. F***. Marry. Kill.. Now...go!

AW: Okay, okay. Um, marry Rebekah. Obviously. Rest in peace, baby girl. -laughs; F*** Dean, and kill Kai.

AK: Damn. The Hayley in me wants to murder you right now for that.

AW: -head falls back with laughter; I’m sorry, I had to, but you wanted honesty!!

AK: Next question! Uhm...if you were stuck on an island with only me with an endless amount of wine and fruit from the island, how do you think that'd work out? Would we fight? Would we die? Would we survive? -laughs; Anything goes.

AW: Oh, I think we’d fight for sure! -laughs; Eventually, you and I would get tired of each other and with the endless wine, one of us would manage to piss the other off, which would result in some words and maybe a fist fight. -laughs again; But would be die? Depends, but I’m hopeful we’d both make it out alive. How about you?

AK: -bursts out laughing; Uh...I think once we got sick of each other, we'd put ourselves in time out on either sides of the island, but then we'd get bored of that within a day or two, and we'd go back and repeat every few days! -grins; Speaking of the island, would you rather eat a snake, or slugs for proteins? Who would be the one to make a fire first?

AW: -takes a sip of her wine and almost spits it out from laughing; You know, you’re probably right but I like my version better. -sticks her tongue out then gags;Neither, I’d starve. -laughs; But maybe a snake. -shivers at the thought; I’m terrified of them, I hate you. -laughs;
AK: I couldn't let you starve, because if you died, I'd be bored. I'd shove food down your throat. -laughs;

AW: That’s kinky. -laughs;

AK: Too kinky. -takes a breath; Alright, this is my million dollar question. We've kept this secret for months now. How does it feel that we're not only starring, but producing on our new show that we've begun filming? -laughs a little; That's right - A SHOW! -claps; Me personally, I've never been happier, and I'm even more pumped we have something else brewing. We're a power duo.

AW: -takes a breath and gasps; Oh my gosh, yes!! Y’all, we have a new SHOW coming out!! I really don’t know how much we can say about it, but that it is happening and y’all will not be disappointed! So far, it’s been so much fun. It’s in a new environment and it’s just... -gushes; I’m honestly so thankful!

AK: I'm in the same place. I'm so happy, thankful and even though and it's not because I'm drunk right now, but I love you! 2020 is gonna be our bitch. -raises glass to cheers;

AW: I love you! 2020 will definitely be our year, I feel it! -raises her glass and clinks it against hers; Cheers to the best year of our lives! I also have a question to ask you if you don’t have anymore.

AK: Yes! Give me the questions.

AW: Okay, so it’s a repeat of a question you asked me but out of all the Creatures characters, who would you f***, marry, and kill?

AK: I'd kill Katherine, marry Dean, and f*** Derek. -grins;

AW: I knew the marry part. -chuckles;Well, Adel, thank you so much for coming over and recording this with me while we’re drunk. I’m sure the listeners are laughing along with us, or at least I hope they are. -laughs;

AK: I hope the listeners enjoyed this episode and laughed along with us! This has been so much fun. I'm so glad you asked me to do this, Aria.

AW: -laughs; Of course! This was fun, and I'm excited for you to come back so we can play a drunken game of Never Have I Ever.

AK: Oh, god. -laughs;

AW: -laughs loudly; That's it for this episode! Stay tuned for a new one next week! Bye!

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