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- Yesterday1h 26m
220 – Jehovah Is Slow To Protect Children – How JW Policies Protect Predators And Punish Victims
In this episode, we sit down with Sara, a 40-year-old third-generation former Jehovah's Witness who shares a raw and revealing look at the cost of high-control religious living. Sara describes an upbringing defined by the heavy influence of her grandfather, a prominent elder who provided a sense of "structure" and "safety" until his death when Sara was a young teenager. Following his passing, Sara witnessed her family's transition from "hero" status to "villains" in the eyes of the congregation after an uncle was jailed for child abuse, exposing the fickle nature of the "brotherhood" and the organization's priority of appearance over the well-being of its members. The conversation delves into the devastating trauma of institutional shunning and the systemic failures regarding child protection within the Watchtower. Sara recounts the harrowing experience of seeing a convicted predator reinstated while in jail to the applause of the congregation, while she was castigated for seeking her own identity. Now 17 years removed from the organization, Sara discusses her "miraculous" journey of reclaiming her life, earning a bachelor's degree at age 40, and utilizing professional therapy to heal from PTSD. This episode is a powerful testament to "changing the family tree" and finding unconditional love outside of a closed system. Key Takeaways The Utility of Members: Sara reflects on how her family was only valued as a "good example" as long as her grandfather was alive and serving the congregation's needs; once he died, the family felt "invisible" and abandoned. Paranoia and Control: The episode explores the extreme demonization of secular culture, including childhood phobias regarding "spirit-possessed" toys like troll dolls and posters of unicorns. Performance vs. Reality: Sara highlights the "double life" many Witnesses lead, noting that the persona required by the organization is often the "farce," while the "rebellious" actions are often a person's first attempts at authentic self-discovery. The Injustice of the Judicial System: A central theme is the disparity in discipline; Sara was disfellowshipped for normal human development (sex before marriage), while her abuser remained in good standing and in another case an abuser was quickly reinstated despite criminal convictions. Reclaiming Higher Education: Despite being told growing up that college was not important or "wicked," Sara emphasizes that secular education and professional mental health tools were the keys to her successful recovery. Direct Quotes "They care about their appearance… more than any of the group". "We're so damn hungry that we'll accept a crumb and make a meal out of it". "I changed the family tree in a way". Resources Mentioned ExJwHelp.com (Cult recovery coaching and resources). jehovahs-witness.net (Online forum for former members). shunnedpodcast.com (Merchandise and story submission). This JW Life (The host's original podcast). becomingjehovah.com (Free online book by the host). patreon.com/shunned (Bonus content and guest connections). Guest Bio Sara is a 40-year-old medical professional and a third-generation former Jehovah's Witness who successfully left the organization 17 years ago. A dedicated mother of two, she recently achieved a lifelong goal by earning her bachelor's degree in psychology and communications, and she now works to support others in their mental health journeys. 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</a
- 2 weeks ago1h 56m
219 – Shunned While Active – Treated Like A Leper For Reporting Elder Misconduct & Sexual Harassment
In this heart-wrenching episode, we hear from Carolyn, a 49-year-old former Jehovah's Witness who survived a lifetime of systemic trauma, from foster care and childhood molestation to a high-control religious environment that "eats its members alive". Carolyn shares the chilling reality of being "shunned while active," a state where she remained an exemplary member but was treated like a "leper" by her own community after reporting elder misconduct and sexual harassment. Her story exposes the dark underbelly of a congregation where elders protect abusers and engage in "fake gross" behavior, including stalking and rehoming a member's pet under false pretenses. The narrative reaches a critical turning point when the organization's cruelty extends to Carolyn's autistic son, who was bullied by elders and physically assaulted by a member over a bag of candy. Carolyn details her "miraculous" health recovery upon leaving the constant stress of the organization and her eventual choice to choose self-identity and "organic" living over a toxic, performance-based membership. This is a powerful testament to the strength required to stand up to a "hate machine" and the beauty of finding a life defined by genuine love rather than control. Key Takeaways The "Darvo" Defense: Carolyn explains how reporting elder misconduct, such as an elder rolling in the sand drunk with another man's wife, resulted in the elders forming a judicial committee against her for "slander" rather than addressing the behavior. Targeting the Vulnerable: The sources highlight the heartbreaking systemic bullying of Carolyn's autistic son, whom elders mocked as "Eeyore the donkey" and attempted to bribe with money to "smile" for them. The Myth of "Wait on Jehovah": When Carolyn sought justice through a 25-page letter to the Branch, she was ignored for months and eventually told to simply "pray more, attend more meetings, and give more" instead of receiving an investigation. Physical Toll of Indoctrination: A major revelation in the episode is that Carolyn's chronic liver and health issues, which she suffered from for years, "miraculously improved" almost immediately after she stopped attending meetings and removed herself from the stress. Conditional Forgiveness: Carolyn exposes the hypocrisy of the "Matthew 18" rule, noting that while she was told to forgive her abusers, the organization used the same scripture to form a "lynch mob" against her when she tried to apply it to their behavior. Direct Quotes "My health miraculously improved after leaving". "If I can't be myself, if I can't be organic, I don't want it. I'm putting it down". "What you're doing is hurting me. Can you please stop doing that to me?". Resources Mentioned ExJwHelp.com: Cult recovery coaching and resources. California Penal Code: Specifically regarding harassment and stalking. Ex-Jehovah's Witness Subreddit: Mentioned as a place to find similar survival stories. ShunnedPodcast.com: For merch, guest information, and telling your own story. This JW Life: The host's original podcast detailing his own story. Becoming Jehovah: A book by the host available for free online. Patreon.com/shunned: Bonus content and guest connections. Guest Bio Carolyn is a 49-year-old survivor of high-control religious abuse and a dedicated mother who successfully navigated her way out of the Jehovah's Witnesses to protect her children. After overcoming a lifetime of being silenced, she now advocates for the importance of boundaries, self-identity, and the "Golden Rule" outside of organized control. 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 le
- 4 weeks ago1h 42m
218 – Robbed Of Her Inheritance – The Daughter Who Stayed While Mom Refused To Help Her Own Parents
In this gripping episode, we speak with Samantha Giles, who recounts her journey from a childhood marked by family trauma to her eventual "escape" from the cult of Jehovah's Witnesses. After her mother joined the organization seeking stability at a low point, Samantha's world became "very small," defined by a "significant decline" in quality of life where gymnastics and holidays were replaced by a constant, pervasive fear of demons and Armageddon. Samantha explores the nuances of growing up as a "poor" Witness in a wealthy congregation, leading her to seek validity through baptism at just 15 years old—a decision that would later cost her everything. The heart of the episode details the "horror" of a judicial committee where Samantha was interrogated by three older men about her sexuality in front of her own mother. This violation was only the beginning; after being thrown out of her home at 17 and left to navigate the "real world" without any life skills, she faced a final, shocking betrayal involving a family inheritance. Samantha shares how her mother manipulated a family will to strip her of her grandfather's legacy, referring to her only as "the disfellowshipped one". It is a powerful story of reclaiming agency and building a new identity centered on unconditional love. Key Takeaways The Trap of Seeking Validity: Samantha reflects on how she felt "invalidated" as a fatherless child from a poor background, which pressured her into making a lifelong religious commitment at age 15 just to feel "accepted" within the congregation hierarchy. Obedience vs. Critical Thinking: The organization focuses on teaching children to "obey" rather than "how to think," leaving them vulnerable to whoever is the strongest presence in their life once they leave the sheltered environment. The "Violating" Judicial Process: Samantha describes the invasive and abusive nature of being questioned by elders regarding private sexual details, a process she notes felt like a violation and led her to push back rather than "repent". Shunning as Financial Manipulation: In a disturbing turn, Samantha's mother and brothers used the shunning protocol to justify rewriting a family will, effectively stealing Samantha's inheritance to purchase a home for themselves while she was caring for her dying grandparents. Reclaiming Identity through Motherhood: Now a mother herself, Samantha contrasts the "conditional love" of her past with the deep, protective bond she has with her daughters, vowing to never let a belief system dominate her ability to fight for their best interests. Direct Quotes "Demons were everywhere… we were just teaching children that like demons are walking among you". "What you call love does not resemble like any love I felt for my daughters. That's control". "Agency for me is always the biggest and most important thing. I think it's probably the crux of the ultimate of why I left". Resources Mentioned ExJwHelp.com (Cult recovery coaching and resources). FAFSA Form (Specifically the age requirements for filing without parental info). Patreon.com/shunned (Bonus content and guest connections). Shunnpodcast.com (Merch and podcast information). This JW Life (The host's original podcast story). Becoming Jehovah (Book by the host available at becomingjehovah.com). Guest Bio Samantha Giles is a 39-year-old former Jehovah's Witness and mother who has successfully built a life of independence and education after being cast out of her home as a teenager. She currently works with middle school students, helping them develop the sense of self and personal identity that she was denied during her upbringing in a high-control group. upport the show and get bonuses as well by donating to the cause on our Patreon page, Patreon.com/shunned <img class="wp-image-168" src= "https://shunnedpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/become_a_patron_button.png" alt="" width="217"
- Apr 6, 20262h 20m
217 – How Jehovah's Witnesses Pushed Me and My Non-JW Husband Away From Their Religion
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth, a 31-year-old former Jehovah's Witness who shares her journey as a fifth-generation member of the organization. Raised in a strict household where her father's history as a "Bethelite" set a high bar for spiritual performance, Elizabeth describes a childhood defined by "The Paradise Binder"—a homemade book of cutout publication pictures designed to program young minds before they could even read. From the pressure to "tally" scriptures at the Kingdom Hall to the harrowing experience of being physically removed from a car at age 12 for wearing mascara, Elizabeth exposes the intense surveillance and performance culture that dictated her early life. The narrative takes a deeply personal turn as Elizabeth recounts her "double life" in high school, her marriage to a non-Witness named Chris, and the traumatic miscarriage she suffered while navigating the stress of being disfellowshipped. She discusses the "death by a thousand cuts" that led to her awakening, sparked by everything from bizarre "bunker" videos at conventions to reading about the similarities between Witnesses and Mormons. Now "soft shunned," Elizabeth reflects on the peace she has found in her own skin, the importance of choice, and the relief of no longer having to view the world through a black-and-white lens. Key Takeaways The "Bethel" Standard: Growing up as the child of a former Bethelite meant Elizabeth's family life was an endless behind-the-scenes tour of spiritual hierarchy, where "spiritual things" always overrode personal milestones, including weddings. Performance-Based Love: Elizabeth's father measured her worth through her participation in meetings; she describes "graduating" from looking at pictures to "tally time," where she was expected to keep a physical count of scriptures and comments to earn parental approval. Institutional Inhospitality: The organization's treatment of Elizabeth's non-Witness husband, Chris, was exceptionally harsh, with elders comparing his presence at the Kingdom Hall to an ancient Bible account of people who were "worthy of death". Logical Deconstruction: Her exit was fueled by a written list of over 20 logical and scriptural questions—ranging from the lack of financial transparency to the hypocrisy of the "prodigal son" vs. modern shunning—that the organization simply could not answer. The Power of Choice: After years of being "voluntold" how to spend every hour, Elizabeth now finds the most beauty in the simple ability to choose her own friends, career, and beliefs based on her authentic self rather than a monthly report slip. Direct Quotes "You're a JW 24/7, a Jehovah is not what you are, it's who you are". "It's about results, right? Type A results to some degree". Resources Mentioned My Book of Bible Stories (Implicitly referenced via cassette stories and binders). Young People Ask—Answers That Work. Insight on the Scriptures. "Keep Yourselves in God's Love" (Remaining in God's Love book). Under the Banner of Heaven (Book by Jon Krakauer). Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (TV Series/JW Special). XJW Reddit. JWfacts.com (Referenced as "XJW facts"). Guest Bio Elizabeth is a 31-year-old medical professional and a fifth-generation former Jehovah's Witness who is currently "soft shunned" by her family. After over a decade of navigating a high-control upbringing and a complex reinstatement process, she now lives authentically with her husband and son, focusing on building a life defined by choice rather than 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. <a href= "https://storyworkscoaching.c
- Mar 21, 202620 min
Jehovah's Witnesses Will Still Die Refusing Blood Transfusions After The Update Allowing Blood
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
- Mar 9, 20261h 12m
216 – How Star Trek Helped Me Leave A Cult – For The World Is Hollow And I Have Touched The Sky
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
- Feb 23, 20261h 54m
215 – All Gas, No Brakes – The Relentless Expectations Forced Upon Young Jehovah's Witnesses
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
- Feb 9, 20262h 5m
214 – A Harrowing Midnight Escape – Danny Checks Out Of The Hotel California – Leaving "The Move"
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
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About shunned
Religious and cult ideologies often use the practice of shunning to silence their critics and to control their members through fear. This podcast sheds light on shunning through real life stories as told by the people that have lived through it. Learn what their lives were like and where they have ended up in life after being shunned. Featuring stories from Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, Amish, Mennonite, FLDS, the Moonies, and more, you will learn about the real lives of former members that have been shut out by their former communities. The host is an exJW himself, a professional cult recovery coach, and provides insight into the psychology of coercive control and the impacts on those subjected to it through these high control groups.
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