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shunned

shunned

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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 t ...
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Hello, my name is Mitch. I am an ex-Jehovah’s Witness. I broke free because of the hypocrisy and lies being told to its members. It is a very controlling religious cult, that shuns members no longer in that organization. The largest reason for me breaking away from the Jehovah’s Witness organization is because they hide and protect accused sexual assault perpetrators. I'll talk about it ALL on my podcast. Welcome!
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The Critical Thought encourages you to think critically about the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. As former members and teachers in this group, we have inside knowledge to help raise public awareness. We understand the psychological tactics the organization uses to attract new members. Our goal isn't to attack the religion, but to share what we've learned about how the group operates. We want to expose the false teachings they use to control their followers. Many members carry a heavy burd ...
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Becoming part of this growing community provides the perfect opportunity to learn valuable life lessons without experiencing the drama. This is a motivational podcast exploring real life issues. After escaping from a high control group, I am sharing my experiences about what it is like living in a world without the mental boundaries that kept me from exploring my dreams, goals and realities. This platform will deliver experiences that help others to overcome personal struggles and showing yo ...
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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 …
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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…
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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 Podcas…
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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 environm…
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send us an email to [email protected] Growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, higher education wasn’t an option—it was discouraged, shamed, and treated as a waste of time. Like many others, I was told I might not even graduate high school because Armageddon was “just around the corner.” Jehovah’s Witnesses told me college was not an opt…
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Send me a text I had a great time interviewing my friend Chris. We shared very similar upbringings in the Jehovah's Witness organization. Born and raised in it, an all-in mentality, moved up the ranks, and had numerous "privileges" (duties) while in. Gradually things made him rethink his life in that organization, specifically a very huge bombshell…
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Send me a text This is a very special episode for me. I have mentioned in various videos the Jehovah's Witness involvement and treatment of CSA victims. In this episode my very special guest, Jared sheds light on this sensitive subject. Like me, Jared was born and raised in the religion. After baptism Jared moved through the ranks, and eventually b…
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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 man…
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Send us a text What happens when a religion tells millions of people that higher education is “dangerous”? For decades, Jehovah’s Witnesses were discouraged from going to college. It wasn’t a written ban, but elders, conventions, and Watchtower publications reinforced the message until it became a cultural rule. Careers, scholarships, and futures w…
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Send us a text When the former Prime Minister of Japan was assassinated in 2022, the investigation uncovered deep ties between the attacker and a high-control religious group known as the Moonies. That tragedy set off a chain reaction in Japan—one that now has the spotlight turning toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this video, JT breaks down: Why the …
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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 net…
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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 f…
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**TRIGGER WARNING!!** What's a great episode without stirring the pot to get EXJW Smurf Girl's blood boiling! It began like any other episode, Rose bashing the Jehovah's Witness cult about their September 2025 broadcast (complete trash). And then, I ask Rose to explain who Smurf Girl is and why she is so angry........a legitimate question from newe…
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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…
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send us an email to [email protected] In her first interview on our sister channel EXJW Critical Thinker, Gail shared the heartbreaking story of her father’s deathbed confession after serving as a Jehovah’s Witness elder for decades. In this Hidden Struggles follow-up, Gail returns to reveal what happened next — how her mother cut her off…
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Send us a text Laura X Timber YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lauraxtimber Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Laura-X-Timber/61566000317102/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraxtimber Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauraxtimber/ In this heartfelt conversation, Lady Cee and JT sit down with Laura X Timber, a powerful content cre…
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Send us a text May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this powerful episode, we revisit the story of Tony — a former elder and third-generation Jehovah’s Witness — as he opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in the organization. Tony shares how guilt, fear, and pressure to “perform spiritually” affected his menta…
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send us an email to [email protected] In this raw and unfiltered interview, Deanna June opens up about life after leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses — including her battle with addiction, bipolar disorder, and the emotional cost of being shunned. 🎙️ If you’re struggling to rebuild after religious trauma, this conversation is for you. 💬 Need …
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send us an email to [email protected] Follow Daria on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daria.l.ross?igsh=MWQ4cHFrN3Z3bzVseg== In this powerful final part of my 3‑part conversation with Daria, we talk about what happens when you stop letting the Governing Body control your choices—and start taking ownership of your health and your life.…
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Send us a text Episode uploaded from April 18, 2025 This week, millions of Christians reflect on Jesus — especially during the Easter season. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses, that relationship is framed in a very different way. In this episode of The Critical Thought, we illustrate how that belief system actually works — through a unique skit, a real-l…
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Send us a text 🔁 Throwback Thursday – Back by RequestA viewer recently commented:“I’m not sure why I’m just now seeing this video in 2025. I really enjoyed it.” ❤️ That reminded us why this conversation with Gary Alt is still one of the most powerful interviews we’ve shared. In this episode, Gary — a former elder, Bethelite, and now a life coach — …
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send us an email to [email protected] Follow Daria on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daria.l.ross?igsh=MWQ4cHFrN3Z3bzVseg== In the first conversation of my three-part series with Daria, we talk about what it was like growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the pressure to conform, and the moment she realized she needed to walk away…
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send us an email to [email protected] Contact Joe & Fran: YouTube channel Joe and Fran every Wednesday, 7 pm est. https://www.youtube.com/@UCVJ8KInz-MesI345Frv_aqw Phone: 315-221-0130 Email [email protected] Fran and Joe left the Jehovah’s Witness organization in their 70s — proving that courage has no age limit. Nearly four years af…
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send us an email to [email protected] Follow Daria on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daria.l.ross?igsh=MWQ4cHFrN3Z3bzVseg== In Part 2 of my conversation with Daria, we talk about what happens when you find your voice in a high-control group — and what it costs to use it. From speaking her mind to challenging silence in the congregati…
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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 …
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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 connectio…
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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 "s…
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This episode provides a powerful and heartbreaking account of growing up within the restrictive and often damaging environment of Jehovah's Witnesses. Carol Anne's story highlights the immense pressure of maintaining a generational heritage, the severe consequences of shunning, and the prevalence of abuse and trauma within families intertwined with…
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Send us a text The Watchtower Society has a long history of using legal loopholes, manipulation, and strategic dishonesty to win court cases — even when they’re in the wrong. In this video, we break down the exact tactics they use inside the courtroom. You’ll learn how they present themselves, twist the facts, and walk away with legal victories. 👉🏾…
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Send us a text The Jehovah’s Witness Memorial is the biggest event of their year — but what is it really all about? In this video, we’re breaking down 7 key things you should know to better understand this event. Whether you’ve attended, heard about it, or are just curious, we explain what makes the Memorial so important inside the organization. Jo…
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Send us a text Paranoia isn’t just a passing fear—it’s a powerful tool used to control people. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how paranoia is woven into the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the lasting psychological impact it has on members. Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to fear the outside world, believe that Satan is lurking behind …
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Send us a text We just got a Memorial invitation at our door — and right after, the Jehovah's Witnesses Special Talk hit this weekend. But what’s really going on behind these messages? In this video, we break down the tactics used in the Special Talk, including the emotional hook, references to "fake news," and their subtle jabs at apostates — all …
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Send us a text This week, millions of Christians reflect on Jesus — especially during the Easter season. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses, that relationship is framed in a very different way. In this episode of The Critical Thought, we illustrate how that belief system actually works — through a unique skit, a real-life experience from a former elder, a…
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Send us a text In this video, JT from EXJW Critical Thinker breaks down the absurdity behind the Jehovah's Witness belief of the 144,000 — a symbolic number that they treat like an actual headcount for heaven. For over a century, the Watchtower has kept followers focused on this limited number, creating pressure, confusion, and division. With the m…
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Send us a text The vibe was definitely off at this year’s Jehovah’s Witness Memorial — and people are talking. In this powerful breakdown from EXJW Critical Thinker, JT walks you through the subtle — and not-so-subtle — shifts that made the 2025 Memorial unlike any we’ve seen before. From the sudden flood of phone calls to disfellowshipped members,…
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