shunned

Since the mid 1900s Jehovah's Witnesses have had a ban on blood transfusions. They would take biblical commands to "abstain from blood" literally even though the commands were about how to handle blood from something that was dead, not about using blood to save something that was alive. And when they needed a potentially live saving blood transfusion they would deny it. We all carried around "No Blood" cards in our wallets and purses, little legal documents to speak for us if we were unable to do so. No Blood meant NO BLOOD. People died for their stance. Elders (leading men) in congregations were appointed to Hospital Liaison Committees to come in as enforcers when you were in the hospital to make sure that you did what you were told under the penalty of social death (shunning) if you didn't do as you were commanded. In the year 2000 Jehovah's Witnesses were given permission by their leaders, a small group of men in New York known as the Governing Body, to take minor blood fractions derived from four major blood components. So they were told that if other people gave blood, something that Jehovah's Witnesses would never do to help anyone else, they could take those fractions derived from the generous donations of outsiders. I was 23 years old then and I didn't understand where it ever said in the bible that blood fractions were allowed, but I wanted to live like anyone else would want to, so I gladly checked boxes on my little No Blood but kinda blood if it's fractional card so that I would indeed receive more help. I knew it wasn't biblical because if we were fundamentally going to apply what was written in such a literal way, then I could no more have blood fractions than I could have fornication fractions or adultery fractions or commit some murder fractions, but hey, I wanted to live. It's now 26 years later. Today in a historic moment that was published in a 16 minute video that focused on other things, the last 5 minutes had an announcement. Right before their annual "Special Talk" that is to be held this Sunday, and just two weeks or so before their annual "Memorial" celebration that is the biggest event on the JW calendar, they snuck in an announcement that autologous blood transfusions, or transfusions of your own stored blood, would now be allowed. Now, they never said the word transfusion because they're manipulative cunts in a death cult, but they gave their members permission to use their own minds to decide how they used their own blood. No, they still can't take blood from anyone else. So if a JW is in a car wreck and needs blood, they still can't take a blood transfusion from someone else if needed. But if they have some sort of odd preplanned event, they could potentially store some of their own blood, likely at great financial cost, to be used in their own care. Of course, they'd never donate to help anyone else. Help is for me, not for thee. It took 26 years for them to STILL NOT MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. They are telling members now that they can take a transfusion, of their own blood. So whereas it was previously stated that transfusions were like "eating blood" by ingesting it intravenously and therefore the transfusing itself was wrong, they are now allowed to essentially eat their own blood, just not someone else's. Yeah, that's a gross way of thinking about it, but that's Jehovah's Witnesses theology. They can now take fractions from outsiders and whole blood from themselves. I'm sure that they're trying to wait out the old timers and create change over generations to eventually get rid of this policy. They know it's evil. They know that countless people have died. Mom's after or during childbirth. People that need heart surgery. People with cancer that need surgery. Those that are in bad car accidents or other emergent situations. The Governing Body would therefore be bloodguilty for the lives lost at the hand of their evil policies and their refusal to do the right thing. Instead of making the change that we all know they're going to eventually make, to just allow transfusions, they will drag this out for more decades to put the older folks in a position where due to sunk cost they feel they cannot leave and to throw a bone to younger folks to keep them from leaving due to their insane policies. But HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE????? And where was the apology in the announcement for getting it wrong and costing more lives? "We are not embarrassed about 'adjustments' that are made; nor is an apology needed for not getting it 'exactly right' previously. We understand: this is how Jehovah operates." -Jeffrey Winder, annual meeting October 2023 Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified

This episode documents the life of Hannah, a young woman who escaped the controlling environment of the Jehovah's Witnesses and the shadow of an abusive stepfather. The narrative explores her "origin story," detailing a childhood defined by social isolation within the faith and a domestic life spent walking on eggshells to avoid her stepfather's volatile temper. A significant turning point occurs when Hannah finds intellectual liberation through science fiction, using themes from Star Trek to recognize the systemic manipulation and "ruse" of her own religious community. Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to personal resilience, tracing Hannah's journey from a state of "survival mode" and mental health struggles to a new life built on self-education, authentic relationships, and the simple, radical pursuit of kindness. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

In this episode Bernie, a 44-year-old former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, provides a poignant account of growing up within a restrictive religious organization that demanded total performance-based loyalty. The narrative traces her journey from an anxious childhood defined by social isolation and harsh discipline to her eventual shunning at age sixteen for normal adolescent behavior. Central to the story is the theme of conditional love, where communal and familial acceptance is strictly predicated on adherence to church doctrine and "spiritual" productivity. Ultimately, Bernie's story serves as a powerful testament to resilience and self-actualization, documenting how she escaped a culture of fear to find genuine peace and authentic connection outside the faith. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

In this episode, Danny shares his harrowing journey of growing up in a high-control group known as "The Move." From being "autoshunned" alongside his mother to living on a remote 300-acre commune in the Ozarks, Danny exposes the inner workings of this secretive organization. He details the transition from a traditional life in Mexico to a life of isolation, "love bombing," and extreme religious radicalization in the United States. You can find more information on the group at the following Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Move_(Sam_Fife) Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

In this episode, Ashley shares her harrowing journey as a fifth-generation Jehovah's Witness and exposes the systemic lack of protection for children within the organization. From "grizzly" bedtime stories to the betrayal of elders during active child abuse investigations, this story highlights the high cost of religious loyalty over child safety. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The song that Ashley chose to represent her story is Gives You Hell by The All-American Rejects You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

When I got the chance to cast for the eventual October release of a video on Jubilee featuring former Jehovah's Witnesses and former Scientologists I was very excited. Jubilee is a huge channel on YouTube that hosts a wide variety of conversations. So as an ExJW myself, as an activist, as a cult recovery coach helping people to work through that former life as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and the way that it manifests today, this was in my wheelhouse. I immediately applied, went through casting, and was chosen to participate. While the experience was amazing, there were also things left unsaid. Whether it was because they had to edit hours and hours of studio time into a one hour episode or because there simply could never be enough time, the prompts brought up topics that we couldn't even come close to fleshing out. In this episode I flesh those things out. I take the time that we didn't have, and the opportunity that in one prompt I never had because I wasn't given a chance to speak up. I want to help you to understand what it was like to be there and to participate with some behind the scenes experience. And I want to address comments and concerns that I've seen regarding the things expressed in studio. I also take a little time to bring up some points not mentioned during the studio interviews that hit me afterward regarding our two groups of cult survivors. So I hope that you may find this episode entertaining, educational, or at least thought provoking in some way. Here's a link to the original episode of Jubilee: https://youtu.be/592sOIePWpc?si=Ju8-XiQ6ebMh3T7x Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

This episode features the story of Darby, a 32-year-old former Jehovah's Witness, detailing a life shaped by generational indoctrination, intense familial and organizational control, and the profound personal and emotional consequences of leaving the faith. Born into a multi-generational Witness family, Darby's entire worldview was dictated by the organization's teachings. The narrative traces a path from a childhood marked by performance-based spirituality and corporal punishment to a young adulthood of pioneering under parental pressure. Key catalysts for Darby's departure include a fundamental inability to reconcile the doctrine of mass destruction at Armageddon with empathy for non-Witness peers, the realization of widespread hypocrisy within the congregation, and the immense conflict between the organization's homophobic stance and Darby's own sexual identity. A traumatic experience involving the cold, detached reaction of the congregation to a close friend's death served as a final breaking point. At age 21, Darby executed a planned escape, leaving home abruptly to avoid parental interference. This led to being disfellowshipped and subsequently shunned for a decade. The testimony concludes with an overview of Darby's current life, which includes marriage, homeownership, the exploration of personal identity through gender transition, and reconnection with another shunned family member, illustrating a journey toward authenticity and freedom despite the lasting trauma of the experience. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The songs that Darby chose to represent their story are Bullet With Butterfly Wings by The Smashing Pumpkins and Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

This episode is the personal testimony of Micah, a 42-year-old former Jehovah's Witness, detailing his life within the organization, his subsequent departure, and his journey toward recovery and self-redefinition. Born into the religion to parents with significant personal trauma, Micah's childhood was defined by a "constant white knuckle paralytic terror" of Armageddon. His life was marked by a series of compounding traumas, including the death of his father at age 13, a profound lack of emotional support from his family and congregation, and severe mental health struggles leading to multiple suicide attempts. Micah's narrative illustrates a cyclical pattern of rejection, self-destructive behavior, and attempts to conform to the group's expectations, resulting in two instances of being disfellowshipped. He describes feeling like a "non-entity," with his authentic self—expressed through writing, art, and comedy—consistently suppressed. The breaking point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, coupled with escalating substance abuse and a final confrontation with an elder, led to his arrest, incarceration, and subsequent homelessness. His recovery began in a halfway house where he identified the recovery program, Alcoholics Anonymous, as another high-control group with cult-like tactics. This realization prompted a period of intense deconstruction, where he researched cult dynamics and logical fallacies, leading to the definitive conclusion that he was raised in a cult. By reclaiming his identity through his lifelong passion for writing, Micah published a series of books, starting with his memoir Mentally Diseased. This creative process was the catalyst for rebuilding his life, paying off debt, establishing a new community, and finding a sense of empowerment. His story is a powerful account of the damaging effects of high-control groups and the potential for profound personal transformation through authentic self-expression. Find Micah's books and more at his website https://www.micahallenlosh.com/ Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

I was very fortunate to be able to travel and record an episode of Jubilee along with other ExJWs and Ex-Scientologists as we discussed our lives and the groups we came from. Their YouTube channel was kind enough to give us a platform on which to share. I took not just my own experiences, but all of the stories I've heard through the Shunned Podcast here, and everyone that I've been fortunate to work with in my cult recovery coaching practice. There's so much to talk about, so much to share, so much that we can learn from one another. I'm grateful for the opportunity and encouraging you to go participate by watching and liking and commenting on their channel for this episode. You can find the episode of Jubilee here: https://youtu.be/592sOIePWpc?si=kyAEteMN4kd4itm2 Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Struggling with perfectionism, building a social network, codependency, or feeling like you're not enough? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a Cult Recovery Coach. I work with many ex-JWs, along with ex-other groups, and your average person that has never been in a cult that wants better things in their life. Find out more here: https://storyworkscoaching.com I also have an ExJW specific site here: https://exjwhelp.com Please consider supporting the show's Patreon if you appreciate the time that goes into producing these stories, and get yourself some exclusive bonuses, at: https://www.patreon.com/shunned Show notes and information on how to be a guest or find other resources for the podcast can be found here: https://shunnedpodcast.com/episodes/ Read my free online book, based on my original podcast This JW Life (still available on podcast apps), called Becoming Jehovah (in English and Spanish) at: https://becomingjehovah.com/ An ExJW podcast and an ExJW YouTube channel #exjw #jehovahswitnesses #cult

In this episode, Ezzi details the intense familial and organizational pressure that led to her baptism at age 15, despite her not feeling ready or understanding the doctrine. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics she endured, including physical abuse from her mother and the coercive environment within the organization that affected both her mother and herself. We closely examine the traumatic process of being disfellowshipped (shunned) and the detrimental effects this had on Ezzi's relationships and mental health, highlighting the narcissistic and controlling nature often present in JW culture and relationships. Ultimately, Ezzi discusses her deconstruction journey and the increased freedom, happiness, and healthy relationships she has found after leaving the faith. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The songs chosen by Ezzi to represent her journey are Pushing Daisies by Belmont, Fighting Myself by Linkin Park, and Heroes Get Remembered by Four Year Strong. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

In this episode we meet Lori, a 68-year-old woman who spent her formative years as a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Her family was converted when she was five, immediately thrusting her into a high-control environment that abruptly ended a normal childhood. From the outset, Lori harbored an innate skepticism towards the group's doctrines, which manifested as a lifelong, escalating resistance to its demands. Her narrative details significant psychological and emotional abuse, including a cold and detached home life, constant threats of divine annihilation (Armageddon), and severe punishments for non-compliance. Faced with an ultimatum at age 18, Lori strategically executed a pre-planned departure, an event she describes as a profound liberation. The subsequent decades involved a difficult but ultimately successful journey of recovery, overcoming relationship challenges, severe health crises, and periods of deep despair to build a life defined by freedom, authentic connection, and the breaking of a multi-generational cycle of family trauma. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

Rather than a new episode this week of the Shunned Podcast, you can find me being interviewed by the one and only Chris Shelton over on the Speaking Of Cults podcast/channel at the link below: https://youtu.be/LqN4lP1e7Ms?si=Q3TrlOkcUpzMspf1 Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Struggling with perfectionism, building a social network, codependency, or feeling like you're not enough? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a Cult Recovery Coach. I work with many ex-JWs, along with ex-other groups, and your average person that has never been in a cult that wants better things in their life. Find out more here: https://storyworkscoaching.com I also have an ExJW specific site here: https://exjwhelp.com Please consider supporting the show's Patreon if you appreciate the time that goes into producing these stories, and get yourself some exclusive bonuses, at: https://www.patreon.com/shunned Show notes and information on how to be a guest or find other resources for the podcast can be found here: https://shunnedpodcast.com/episodes/ Read my free online book, based on my original podcast This JW Life (still available on podcast apps), called Becoming Jehovah (in English and Spanish) at: https://becomingjehovah.com/ An ExJW podcast and an ExJW YouTube channel #exjw #jehovahswitnesses #cult

Today we meet Jake, a 26-year-old former Jehovah's Witness. Jake discusses his upbringing in the religion, being a fourth-generation member on his mother's side and third-generation on his father's side, and the pressure to conform. He shares his experiences with a limited worldview, internal conflict about "worldly" people, and the impact of his father's alcoholism and abuse on his family life, leading to his own depression. The conversation covers his eventual "waking up" to the organization's flaws, the realization and acceptance of his identity as a gay man, and the subsequent shunning by his family and the organization. Finally, Jake talks about his journey of healing, self-discovery, and pursuit of education and future political aspirations after leaving the cult of Jehovah's Witnesses. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

In this episode you'll meet Vicki as she shares her deeply personal experiences growing up as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and the profound impact it had on her life. Vicki recounts how her mother's fervent dedication to the faith led to Vicki's childhood being manipulated and controlled, including being hidden from her biological father and enduring physical and sexual abuse within the home, which was covered up by the organization. The narrative highlights the damaging effects of shunning and the difficult journey of deprogramming and finding her own path to healing, eventually leading to a reconciliation with her father and the creation of her own supportive "chosen family." Vicki's story provides a raw and deeply personal account of growing up within the Jehovah's Witness organization, experiencing severe abuse, and the long, difficult path to recovery and self-discovery. Her narrative highlights the profound impact of cult involvement on individuals and families, particularly concerning child custody, abuse cover-ups, and the psychological effects of shunning and indoctrination. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The song that Vicki chose to represent her story is Bad For Me by Meghan Trainor and Teddy Swims You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

In this episode Dennise recounts her upbringing with a strong-willed mother who rigorously enforced cult doctrines, leading to a childhood filled with anxiety, emotional, and physical abuse. She details her early disbelief in the dogma, her forced baptism and pioneering, and the isolating effects of her family's strict adherence. She also explores her disfellowshipping after seeking freedom in another state, a subsequent brain tumor during pregnancy, and her parents' attempt to deny her life-saving blood transfusions due to religious beliefs. Ultimately, Dennise shares her journey to healing and finding happiness after leaving Jehovah's Witnesses and relocating, highlighting the lasting psychological impacts but also the joy of authenticity and forming healthy relationships. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

This episode explores Dianna's life, starting with her family's unconventional path into the faith, with her grandmother and later her mother and siblings becoming baptized, though her parents initially struggled with aspects like smoking. Dianna describes her own baptism at age 15, feeling it was the expected next step rather than a deep connection. She discusses her social life, including friendships within the Kingdom Hall and at public school, and her experience with pioneering. The interview details her marriage to a fellow Witness, his appointment as an elder, and the eventual downfall of their marriage due to his inappropriate relationship with another woman in the congregation, culminating in a tragic event involving the other woman's husband. Finally, Dianna reflects on being disfellowshipped, reinstated, and ultimately drifting away, finding freedom and joy in her life outside the organization, particularly through motherhood and embracing her open-mindedness. Dianna's story is a compelling account of the impact of a high-control religious environment on an individual's life. It highlights the themes of familial and social pressure, the superficiality of relationships within the organization, the detrimental effects of judgmentalism and control, and the challenges and joys of breaking free and finding personal identity and genuine connection in the outside world. Her experiences with shunning, the tragic events surrounding her divorce, and her journey of waking up and embracing a more open-minded and accepting perspective provide valuable insights into the realities of leaving a cult. Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel

This episode is an interview with Alex, formerly one of Jehovah's Witnesses, who shares his deeply personal experience of being raised in the organization and the profound impact it had on his life. He details his family's multi-generational involvement, highlighting the emphasis on being "God's chosen people" and the resulting feelings of being "special" yet also judgmental and isolated from the "worldly" people outside due to the black and white thinking and discouragement of those outside relationships. The core of his story revolves around his struggle to reconcile his inner desires and the forced external appearance of a loyal Witness, ultimately leading to being "shunned" after a seemingly minor infraction, a traumatic event that triggered severe depression, alcoholism, and a long period of self-destructive behavior, before finding a path toward self-discovery, genuine connection, and challenging the destructive beliefs he was raised with. Alex's story provides a powerful and deeply personal account of the profound and lasting impact of growing up in and eventually leaving the Jehovah's Witness organization. It highlights the psychological toll of strict doctrines, manipulative practices, and the trauma of shunning. His journey underscores the difficulty of navigating the outside world without the necessary social and emotional tools and the importance of self-discovery and building authentic connections in the healing process. The inclusion of a song reflecting on his relationship with his father adds a poignant layer to the narrative, emphasizing the enduring pain and complex emotions associated with familial separation due to religious beliefs. Alex's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding happiness and purpose after leaving a high-control religious group. The song featured at the end is "Sometimes Your Best Still Hurts" by Mrs. London's Butler and the song and his channel can be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/iq_RoSyYoig?si=1XDKPNrRT9eIcw9C Support the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned Are you struggling in some area of life? Feeling stuck? Need an accountability partner or some encouragement? Need to talk to someone that understands cult life? Reach out and let's talk. I have affordable programs to help as a certified life coach with a focus on cult recovery. Click HERE for more information. Want more resources? Go to my other website exjwHelp.com Leave us a review on iTunes Find shunned podcast on Youtube, including new VIDcasts here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show. This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah's Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment. Read my FREE online book, based on This JW Life, called Becoming Jehovah, in both English and Spanish by clicking here An ExJW podcast and ExJW YouTube Channel