Your story describes this high control religion accurately. I feel overwhelmingly validated by your story. Thank you for your courage in sharing.

Thank you Michael for telling your story. It helped me understand my jw ex boyfriend and why we couldn’t be together. I really enjoyed your easy listening voice on each episode and applaud you for your bravery and genuine concern of helping others. I hope the guy I used to know will one day allow himself to listen to something like this.

Loved listening to Michael tell his story. His honesty and vulnerability is moving and inspiring. There are thousands of stories like his that deserve to be heard. Thank you for creating space for others to feel seen and heard and hopefully gain the courage to tell their stories too.

I am a psychiatric NP who practices in a town with a JW community. This podcast has been INCREDIBLY helpful in understanding how to better work with people who are both still in, or now out of, the church. Also, he’s a great natural storyteller and the audio quality is pretty good. It’s not just informational, it’s also a fun listen.

I can’t tell you how much I relate. I appreciate the validation thank you!!!

Wow, Mike. I am so thankful to you for unpacking your experience publicly. I’m so sorry you experienced this and can 100% relate. My experience was so very similar to yours. You have done an excellent job of describing all the things involved with this awful organization and cult. Sending you peace, comfort, and many many thanks for all your work. 💝

Just discovered this series. It is spot on.

I could not have told my exact story like you did. I am soo blessed I am out and have been since 19 ( now 55), but, wow. When talking to my mom just the other day ( she is 74 and has been in since 16), I hung up and had a panic attack. It’s a horrible cult that is not god driven for helping those in needs, charity, guidness and support for those who seek direction and just need a friend to listen without judgement and running to the ELDERS. My mother is the best example of the worst, toxic, liar and will not even have a conversation. It is a CULT that is driven by control, lies, anger, hypocrisy, and the worst judgement of others. My story is horrible and as a sexual, physical abuse victim, not even my mother would help. But boy when another family member was molested by a mormon, wow, was there horrible words and vengeance to be had. Now like you, I am trying to really seek less anger, frustration and how to balance this horrible chapter in my life. Of the 3 out of my 4 siblings that are sooo out and have such horrible struggles and no support we really struggle with letting all this go. Its a tough road but good support has helped. The sister that is the oldest and has never been active except for a few yrs around age 30 and is now 58 and until 4 yrs ago, she was the worst sibling with horrific drug, poverty, mental and physical abuse. Now she won’t talk to any of us even though we have always been her only financially support. I mean she would be homeless and living under a bridge. But since again I paid her back to a stable life, she the would seek out the “ truth” and then cut off all contact except with mom who is a horrible witness. What a horrible life for all of us kids. I sure wish this cult crumbles before I pass. It would be a wonderful ending to this horrible part of my life. PODON! You are helping us all know we are not alone in the exact life experiences. Kym

Elated that you got out of the cult, however, for what? Life without God is meaningless. He is why we were created. If you want proof, you keep talking about it! You repeatedly use the word humanity. What does that mean? Just because we are human and we exist, we should behave a particular way? If there is no God, there is no accountability for anything. If that be true there is no such thing as humanity. We can and should do what we want, and no one has the right to tell us not to live as we please. The fact that you see the horrible things that the cult of JW’s does and recognize them to be wrong screams that there is a God. The fact the you yourself are not ready to deny that possibility screams of his print on your heart. If you want to know the truth, all you need to do is to earnestly seek the truth, and then God himself will open your eyes to the things you say that you cannot see. Not a man and not a cult, but God himself will speak to your heart. Not audibly, but in a way that you cannot deny that it is him. Yes, we must have faith. But faith is only one element of belief in God. If you want answers to your questions about the Bible there are many books on the subject of the inerrancy of it. The fact that you bring up questions about it that don’t make sense to you does not mean that there are not answers to them. None of your questions that you list are proof that the Bible is fiction. To take just one, you say that the Samaritans also had a book with similar stories as the Bible. Perhaps they did…., or didn’t. But for the sake of argument, let’s say they did. If you wrote a story about what happened when we went to school together yesterday but you told it from your point of view, and then I wrote a story from my point of view about the same thing, how does one story negate the other simply because it was written second or with a slightly different point of view? Of course, it doesn’t. In a court of law when two witnesses are questioned, if they give the same exact story it is likely to be thrown out because of the principle of corroborative evidence. If two people give the exact same story they most likely talked about how the story should be told beforehand. The fact that the stories are slightly different just shows the things that that particular person noticed and therefore remembered. So, what you are saying is evidence of fiction is only evidence or possibility that someone else told the story also. However, God dose not condemn a man for wanting to know for sure. One of the apostles stated that he would not believe in the resurrection of Christ until he put his hands in the holes of Jesus’s hands. Well, he got what he wished for. Jesus shows up and says put your hands in my hand and you hand in my side and believe. And again, Paul says that the Bereans were counted as being more noble because the did not just believe his words but they compared what he said with other scripture and proved it to be true. God is not asking for us to have blind faith but just faith. As for science and the universe and it’s fine tuning, science is in agreement with the Biblical account the more we learn every day. The fact that you don’t understand how part of a Biblical account is possible, well you said so yourself, that you cannot believe in something just because you don’t know the answers. And the fact that there are scientist that want to disagree with the Biblical account doesn’t mean they are correct. There were many people not too long ago that thought the world was flat and thought they had evidence of such but were in Gods time shown to be wrong. Not to mention the thousands of scientist who are believers and do not get the notoriety that the atheist do because they believe in a transcendent God that cannot be seen. It’s not wrong to have questions. What makes it wrong is what do you do when shown the truth. Real science always tests the truth to confirm it. Keep seeking God earnestly, and you will find him. If you stop now you will only be enslaved by another cult of humanity. The story isn’t over. Seek the real truth and then tell the rest of your story!!! Then your journey will have meaning.

As a 4th generation JW who has finally made the complete and official and public step to pull the plug, I appreciate you sharing your story, it is very well worded and put together. My life is the most peaceful and fulfilling that it ever has been. I wish more would “think for themselves” and shed what is truly causing problems in their lives. I wish I should share this with those my family who truly need to hear it. Maybe one day. Thank you.

Excellent content! I’m the author of the new release graphic novel CULT GIRLS (on Amazon & Barnes) by Natalie Grand. It’s a light hearted comedy, based on a true story of 4 women born, raised in the Jehovah’s Witness cult. If you are looking for an anti-cult activist special guest my Twitter is Natalie Grand.

I tuned in to learn more about the JW life . I appreciate your honesty, frankness and humanity!

So grateful for your willingness to share your story! I am a Psychotherapist and was asked to listen to your story by a patient who is a former JW! I had no idea how impactful it would be to understand how the Cult affected her, but also the experiences of my mother who was also raised JW! Many thanks for your sincerity. Hoping all good things find you on the rest of your journey!

My deceased husband was raised strict JW. His father was an Elder despite child molestation accusations and the fact that he was having an extra marital affair with another cult member for greater than 15 years (which everyone in the family knew about, but weren’t allowed to acknowledge). How awful for my husband to have been punished for every small transgression while witnessing his father committing such worse acts, as an Elder. Appearance over everything and hypocrisy is rampant. I’ve listened to this podcast over and over and am amazed how much I can identify. Thank you for putting this out in the universe, it has helped me to understand so much better what my husband was up against. I am now able to have compassion and empathy for his struggles.

If people and cults fascinate you, a must listen.

This series is an awesome source of info on JW for those curious and cathartic for those that managed to escape.

Not only is this a necessary account and excellent memoir, the narrator did indeed learn to speak well. Imagine if even more of his intellectual gifts had been fostered instead of selfishly cut off by this evil. Consider the "garden variety" Christians who are sad he's atheist now and ask yourself why? They're still subject to some degree of the same controls, if they're doing it right. What do the Abrahamic religions command? Nothing less than consenting to burning your child as an offering to god. This guy is damned good and deserves all the happiness he can get. I hope all his siblings get out of there too.

I didn’t even know how much I needed this. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have helped so many people, including myself, by telling it.

Maybe clown face below forgot that the myth he fears is SATAN not Satin, because those my dear make some great sheets to sleep in! You should try it. Their voices are the truth... such a great way to learn and understand and walk the path with folks who have done some mental gymnastics, to stop their spiritual abuse. Applaud the courage and brave voices.

This story is about a man who started as a youth in Jehovah Witness by his parents and later left the truth. It is a story that is relatable to people who grew up in this strict, fundamental, rituals and duty-oriented religion. Kudos to your story and continued efforts leading the path for those who are leaving and/or questioning their faith.

I’m part of Michael’s Facebook group and I’ve been to a lot of his Zoom meetings. I was never a Jehovah’s Witness but I came out of another cult that used similar tactics to the Watchtower. Michael helped me heal from this experience and forgive my former cult leader and his followers while having an accurate understanding of what happened there. He helped me meet other people with similar stories and it helped me heal knowing that other people went through something similar and won’t judge me for anything. It’s easy for us to be too hard on each other and ourselves when shame is deeply hardwired into our brains, especially from childhood. That’s why forgiveness for others and ourselves is the antidote to excessive guilt and shame. However, what a lot of people don’t say is that forgiveness usually isn’t something you do once and that’s it. From my experience it’s been a process that requires effort and a plan. It may take an entire lifetime to learn, especially if shame and negative self-talk are deeply ingrained in your thinking. Whether it’s through meditating, chanting a mantra, writing about a traumatic experience and how you feel, or exercising, find something that helps you heal and forgive yourself and others. You’re a good person who’s still learning and don’t let anyone shame you for learning to be better.

You're not being freed my guy, you're being influenced by Satin's games 😂. You aren't safe anymore :,(

This is such a good personal story of life inside the organization. Having been raised as a witness, every episode is so relatable. The organization paints the cult as full of rainbows and butterflies and love. Well, love is conditional and the hypocrisy runs rampant. Very happy Michael shed light on these hypocrisies!

Michael pulled me thru his story with his real, respectful, and incredibly accurate account of life growing up in a cult. Turned the burn upside down and allowed me to think more logically about the pain of growing up in a very similar situation — and start dealing with the fallout. Thank you, MS!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, you’ve lived through an incredible story and I’m so glad that you are no longer in such a painful situation.

I was raised in the cult and have been out fir a year and listening to this story is a great way to heal and process what I went through. Knowing I’m not alone and what was done to me wasn’t my fault and that I don’t have to let it control my life any longer is great. Keep up the great work Mike!

I was raised a JW and I’m very surprised there aren’t more podcasts taking them on. Thanks for telling your story!

My dad was stolen from us by JW’s. They are a sick and disgusting cult who’s mission is to destroy families and control people through fear. This podcast is awesome!

I wasn’t raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household. However, I was raised in a toxic family with narcissistic, abusive parents and I found a lot of things in this podcasts that I could relate to. Your words really helped me with the pain and anger I still struggle with. Thank you for sharing your story. Your strength and resilience in breaking free from oppression and journey toward self discovery and joy has been truly uplifting and inspirational.

Thank you for providing links to the specific books and talks that led you to the path of self-acceptance. We can all use these as tools to remind of our worth from time to time. Also, thank you for being brave enough to share your story as un-hatefully and as honestly as you did. Best wishes on your journey!!!

I heard Michael interviewed on another podcast and was drawn to listen to his. It did not disappoint. Michael is an amazing story teller, which is probably why he’s been so successful in his spinoff podcasts and helping others tell their stories. If you want to understand what life as a Jehovah’s Witness is like these 9 episodes are a must listen.

Stumbled across this podcast after finding Shunned. Listening to your story put into prospective my own. I thought the crazy things my mom was saying about demons possessing things and my brother and I getting kidnapped at every opportunity was unique to my mom. She suffered from massive anxiety. While I was never baptized and never disfellowshipped, I left when I had a job and could drive at 17. I definitely started looking on my own experiences through a whole new lens after hearing your story and the stories of those on Shunned.

This was so correct! From childhood to being disfellowshiped. Even now with a mother that is still in the congregation, we do not speak. And I am over 50. Support and love to you. Keep being happy!

Thank you so very much for sharing your story! It has been so helpful in my own journey of healing and trying to find my self worth.

Thank you Michael for sharing your story and for helping others to do the same with your other podcast Shunned. You are an amazing person helping so many!

I loved getting to know the narrator, it was a beautifully told story, but a total heartbreak at the end. I felt choked by sadness as he attacked the God who rescued him and offered him grace and freedom

This is interesting and factual, I am a Christian not a JW but this guy’s perspective is a “worldly” one indeed. He speaks of God disrespectfully “Gods pretty insecure like that” he states in one episode. If your interested in the biblical position on understanding how JW differs this is not for you, he speaks from a purely atheist standpoint now. Gods way of living isn’t popular and some that don’t understand it call it culty. Again not part of the JW organization but I am a lover and believer in Jesus.

I listen to this, because my mother and grandmother are jehovah witnesses, and I feel like I am a slave in this religion and family, my heart hurts because I am so tired of living in general.

This is a very moving account of this man’s experience as an ex Jehovah’s Witness. His genuine words and journey to self improvement and self discovery really touched me. He was able, through is own hard work, to make his emotional and financial health better. There is much to be learned from this. Please listen.

Honestly, it moved me to see this is the reality of JW, great podcast... freaked me out, this sounds like a miserable slave life

This wonderfully well organized story of losing faith and finding hope was heartwarming. The narrative is not one of hate or anger, even though both are justified. Rather, they story focuses on the joys of freedom after leaving a dangerous, high control cult. Well done!

This is an incredible podcast. As a "wordly person" I have only ever known one JW, as a business acquaintence. That's not counting the hundreds who have graced my doorstep over the years. He never missed an opportunity to try to convert me, although I told him upfront that it wasn't a possibility. There were so many things I wondered about and this podcast is answering them. I'm only about halfway through my binge listening and I don't want to put my little ipod down--it is that good. I am seeing how very similar the JW cult is to Scientology. The keyword for both seems to be CONTROL.

I Binge listened to this entire series. I was raised in a very, eerily similar environment. I have been away from it for many years but have recently had siblings stepping away from the JWs. It’s rekindled all of the feelings and honestly it’s exciting to feel like I have my sisters back. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this podcast and even found it helpful with some of my personality traits that I had never associated with my roots in the Cult. Highly recommend, now onto Shunned!

I really have enjoyed this podcast. It’s so insightful, so real. I feel like you’re telling my story

This brought back so many memories of being raised JW. This podcast reaffirmed so many thoughts and feelings I had over the years until I finally stopped attending meetings in my teens. I left and I've never looked back!

A great insight into the JW life.

I was raised JW and attended 3 meetings a week from the age of 5 to the age of 13. Thank goodness I was never baptized if I may have been shunned. When I try to talk with JW family about anti-intellectualism, 1975, Rutherford or other crazy JW subjects they engage in revisionism and claim my recollections are faulty. Thanks for confirming my correct recollections.

I honestly thought you were going to be like every other X JW but I judged you wrong, when you said that during a family study someone would en up crying or in a argument and that when you wanted to go out with your friends they would call you to come to the family study. I felt that I lived that. Lol funny how your life was similar as mine only thing my parents did not understand music in English other than curse words so we could listen to all of it with out being questioned.

I'm one who has left over 30 years ago and never looked back. The time I left there was no Podcast, Internet or support groups. I'm still standing and feel a great relief that people like you have the dedication to help ease the complicated and emotional journey out of darkness. Thank You

A great accounting of life in the Jehovah’s Witnesses.