Jexit 2020
By Martin Riley
In 2020, I woke up to the fact that the Jehovah's Witnesses are not "the one true religion" as I was raised to believe. In fact, the religion is a high-control group, which causes a lot of harm to current and former members.
In this podcast, I share my experiences being raised as a Jehovah's Witness, discuss JW doctrine, and interview former members.
Get in touch: mailto:jexit_2020@outlook.com
Support my work: www.patreon.com/Jexit_2020
Podcast artwork: www.seangregorymiller.com
Jexit 2020May 02, 2021
ExJW Interview: "Jane Dogwood"
In this episode, my anonymous guest, "Jane Dogwood", is a former Jehovah's Witness who disassociated from the organisation in the early 90s.
Jane's waking up happened gradually over a period of years but she had an epiphany after visiting the London Bethel and realising that the religion was really just a publishing company.
This is her story.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: David Lyndon Moult
In this episode, my guest, David Lyndon Moult, is a former Jehovah's Witness who was disfellowshipped from the organisation in absentia, several years ago.
David is now being shunned at work by his JW employees, including his own mother!
This is his story.
Follow David on TikTok How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Book Review: "A Voice From The Inside" by "Geoffrey Wallis"
Please Join me for a live discussion of the ExJW book "A Voice From The Inside" with the author, "Geoffrey Wallis".
Synopsis"What is it like to suffer Religious Trauma Syndrome while still inside a High Demand Religious Organization? What causes Religious Trauma Syndrome and what are the risks that come with continuing participation? A Voice From Inside presents the rare voice of a critical insider of the Watch Tower Society, offering an account of the experience, how people are struggling, and what can be done to survive and move forward."
Related Links How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Dane & Tiffany Nielsen
In this episode, my guests, Dane and Tiffany Nielsen, are former Jehovah's Witnesses who disassociated from the Jehovah's Witness organisation only a few months ago.
During lockdown, they realised how tired and stressed they were with the exhausting Witness schedule and also discovered other former Witnesses on TikTok.
This is their story.
Follow The Nielsens on TikTok How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Steven Shuster
In this episode, my guest, Steven Shuster, is a former Jehovah's Witness who struggled to conform to the overly restrictive Witness lifestyle for many years and witnessed a lot of corruption and hypocrisy in the organisation.
After being disfellowshipped, Steven decided that the peace he found as a non-witness was worth the high price of leaving the organisation.
This is his story.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: "John Birch"
In this episode, my anonymous guest, "John Birch", is a former Jehovah's Witness who started waking up from his indoctrination on the day of his baptism!
After a few years of having doubts, John eventually faded from the "religion" because he couldn't agree with the Witness teaching of all "Worldly" people being destroyed at Armageddon.
This is his story.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Kathy
In this episode, my guest, Kathy, is a former Jehovah's Witness who had many doubts about the "religion" throughout her late teens and early twenties but pushed them to the back of her mind and became a very zealous Witness.
However, after getting married and starting a family, the overly demanding Witness lifestyle caused her doubts to resurface and lead to her researching the religion for the first time.
This is her story.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Roundtable: Watchtower's Most Ridiculous Doctrines
Please join me for this roundtable discussion with a panel of mystery guests! We'll be discussing Watchtower's most ridiculous doctrines, both past and present.
Nate confronted the elders about his doubts but found little in the way of explanations.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Nate Cole
In this episode, my guest, Nate, is a former Jehovah's Witness who started doubting "the truth" when he saw cliques and an elitist attitude developing in his congregation. He later realised that many JW teachings were actually man-made.
Nate confronted the elders about his doubts but found little in the way of explanations.
This is his story.
Connect With Nate How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Jane Citrus
In this episode, my anonymous guest, "Jane Citrus", is a former Jehovah's Witness who left the "religion" after marrying a non-witness.
As a young Witness, Jane was repeatedly singled out for counsel by elders over her dress and grooming, which lead to her feeling victimised and depressed.
This is her story.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Christine "Apostagran" Scott
In this episode, my guest, Christine, is a former Jehovah's Witness who started waking up from her indoctrination in 2018 after having doubts for several years.
Christine eventually discovered the Australian Royal Commission and then left the "religion" in February of 2019.
This is her story.
Mark Anthony Joyce How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Mark Anthony Joyce
In this episode, my guest, Mark, is a former Jehovah's Witness who left the "religion" after realising that some fundamental claims of the doctrine were untrue.
Mark went on to fully deconstruct the religious dogma of Witness doctrine and has written a book that covers his research in detail. He also has a YouTube channel where he makes short videos covering the topics in his book.
This is his story.
Mark Anthony Joyce How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Jared Olsever
In this episode, my guest, Jared, is a former Jehovah's Witness who left the "religion" after a long battle with depression and coming out as gay.
Jared is now shunned by his former friends and family, who were more concerned about him coming out and living authentically than they were about his suicide attempt.
This is his story.
How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Alison Ruth Schmidt
My guest, Alison, is a former Jehovah's Witness who left the "religion" when she was 19 years old before the internet made it easy to research the truth about "The Truth".
Alison spent the next 25 years suffering from the effects of being raised in a high-control group but not really knowing why she was finding life so difficult.
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Book Review: "Nine Pills" by Jonny Halfhead
Please Join me for a live discussion of the ExJW book "Nine Pills" with the author, Jonny Halfhead.
We'll be discussing how to debunk JW doctrine without using apostate sources of information.
Synopsis"A young man, alone and shunned by his friends and family for not following his strict religious upbringing, finds himself at a crossroads and has to make the greatest decision of his life. Emotionally beaten into a lonely and miserable existence, he reflects on the steps that have brought him to that place and time."
Related Links How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Roundtable: Debunking JW Doctrine With Non-Apostate Sources
Please join me for this roundtable discussion where I'll be joined by fellow ExJW activists, Wally Burnett (JW Thoughts), Matt Tino (The Falling Tower), and Mark Joyce (Is It Really So?).
We'll be discussing how to debunk JW doctrine without using apostate sources of information.
Please Subscribe To These YouTube Channels How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, ContactDebunking JW.ORG: The FAQ Page
In this episode, I'm joined by fellow ExJW activist, "I Don't Drink Koolaid". Together, we will debunk the FAQ page of the JW.ORG website and expose its evasions and deceptions.
I Don't Drink Koolaid- Subscribe to the channel
- Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Lying To You - FAQ Page Debunked How To Support My Work Follow, Connect, Contact
ExJW Book Review: "The 1975 Apocalypse" by Jonny Halfhead
In this episode, I discuss "The 1975 Apocalypse" with the author, Jonny Halfhead.
Synopsis"Anna and Steven Mcphearson are coping with being a newly married couple and spending their time as Jehovah’s Witnesses preparing themselves for the oncoming apocalypse in which they hope to survive the mass slaughter of four billion human beings. History asks civilisations repeatedly, how far do we need to go before we see the real truth around us? Anna has to take that journey to its extreme end before she can see 'the Truth'."
Related Links Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: "Jane Beech"
In this episode, my anonymous guest, "Jane Beech", is a former Jehovah's Witness who started "fading" from the organisation 3 years ago but recently took the very brave step to formally disassociate.
Jane put a huge amount of effort into being the best Jehovah' Witness she could but this lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout.
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Jordan Robertson
In this episode, my guest, Jordan Robertson, is a former Jehovah's Witness who recently became an ExJW Activist on YouTube.
Jordan shares his experience of being marital breakdown, waking up from his indoctrination, and being shunned by his family.
This is his story.
Connect With Jordan Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Rosie Speranza
In this episode, my guest, Rosie Speranza, is a former Jehovah's Witness who disassociated from the "religion" after being disfellowshipped and reinstated three times.
Rosie was born as a Jehovah's Witness but always felt that the lifestyle was too demanding and impossible to live up to.
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Rachel Solani
In this episode, my guest, Rachel Solani, is a former Jehovah's Witness who recently faded from the "religion".
Rachel woke up from her indoctrination after realising that the organisation was negatively affecting her mental, emotional, and physical health as well as stifling her creativity as an artist.
This is her story.
Connect With Rachel Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Roundtable: Mental Health & Jehovah's Witnesses (Mental Health Awareness Week 2021)
It's Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK (May 10th - 16th 2021) and I thought it would be a great time to speak about the mental health struggles of both current and former Jehovah's Witnesses and I've invited two guests onto the channel to help me do this.
Jared HallI'm joined by Jared Hall, a former Jehovah's Witness and a counselling and psychotherapy University student.
Jared has recently become involved with the SAPUK organisation, which allows people to talk about their experiences with suicide. Jared is very passionate about good mental health and love for people.
One thing Jared feels is so important is to speak to yourself internally as you would speak to someone you love, that is the start to self-love.
Debbie EdwardsI'm also joined by Debbie Edwards, a former Jehovah's Witness and CP/CAB Certified Counsellor who recently joined the Samaritans to lend counselling support in this peri-post pandemic world.
Debbie has been a guest on the channel before where she told her experience of leaving the JW "religion" and subsequently waking up from her indoctrination.
Debbie is very active in the ExJW community and is keen to help use her own experiences and her professional training to help all those who are struggling to overcome their cult experience.
Related Info- Contact Debbie Edwards
- Debbie's Facebook page
- Jared's YouTube channel
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: In the UK call 116 123, in the US call 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-784-2433
ExJW Interview: Mona
Mona has experienced many terrible things at the hands of the organisation and from individual Witnesses. Mona has never publicly spoken out against the Witness faith and faces the threat of shunning as a result.
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactLive Q&A: Surviving Religious Trauma with Christy Lanterman
In this live Q&A I'll be joined by Christy Lanterman to talk about Religious Trauma Syndrome, its causes, effects, and how to overcome it.
About Christy LantermanChristy (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional counsellor in Kansas. She sees couples and adult individuals recovering from religious trauma. Christy focused her graduate studies on learning how religious trauma (RT) occurs, common symptoms of RT, how to identify controlling groups/people, and how folks can recover from RT. She is passionate about supporting her clients in their healing process. Christy does this by helping clients integrate RT trigger memories and interpersonal wounds, identify internal coping skills, cultivating self-compassion and self-worth, and reconnecting with one’s body.
Connect With Christy Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Debbie Edwards
In this episode, my guest, Debbie Edwards, is a former Jehovah's Witness who moved from London to Belgium after marrying a fellow Witness.
Debbie experienced racism, parental alienation, and was also in a loveless marriage, all while waking up to the truth about "The Truth".
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Book Review: "The Offence of Grace" by Jonny Halfhead
In this episode, I discuss "The Offence of Grace" with the author, Jonny Halfhead.
Synopsis"Grace is cold, lonely and alone. She hides behind a new persona to escape her reality and the violent abuse she suffers under a man trusted in the community.
This is the third short story from writer Jonny Halfhead that delves once again into the bizarre world of the Jehovah’s Witnesses."
WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE YOU MAY FIND UPSETTING.
Related Links Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Geoff Law
In this episode, my guest, Geoff Law is a former Jehovah's Witness who served as a missionary in China, where the JW "religion" is banned.
Throughout his Witness life, Geoff struggled with his identity and yearned to live an authentic life.
This is his story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Tracy-Ann Ming
In this episode, my guest, Tracy-Ann Ming, is a former Jehovah's Witness who was born and raised in Jamaica but later moved to the UK.
Tracy-Ann has experienced sexual harassment, stalking, accusations of attempted murder, and extreme shunning in a life and death situation.
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Jessica Valencia & Alyssa Reilly
In this episode, my guests, Jessica Valencia and Alyssa Reilly, are former Jehovah's Witnesses who are childhood friends and grew up in the same congregation.
Both Jessica and Alyssa struggled to keep to the "religion's" archaic principles and ultimately left in their teenage years. As a result, they endure strained relationships with their immediate family members.
This is their story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: "Jane Acer"
In this episode, my anonymous guest, "Jane Acer", is a former Jehovah's Witness who is NOT currently being shunned. If she reveals her identity and openly speaks out about her views on the Jehovah's Witness "religion", her friends and family may eventually shun her.
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Linda Carmel
My guest on this episode is Linda Carmel.
Linda is a former Jehovah's Witness who was raised in the "religion" from the age of six years old. She eventually left the Witnesses in 2019 after fleeing an abusive marriage and reconnected with her childhood sweetheart after 36 years apart!
This is her story.
Follow, Connect, ContactInterview: ExJW Still Fading
My anonymous guest is a Jehovah's Witness who no longer believes in the doctrines of the "religion". About two years ago he woke up to the realisation that Jehovah's Witness do not have the truth and started on a gradual process of "fading" away from the organisation. He now hosts a YouTube channel called ExJW Still Fading where he shares advice on how to leave the organisation in the best way possible.
Here is his story.
ExJW Still Fading's YouTube Channel Follow, Connect, ContactExJW Interview: Sean Miller
Sean Miller is a former Jehovah's Witness. Together with his wife, he recently woke up to the realisation that the Jehovah's Witness "religion" is a destructive and manipulative high control group.
This is Sean's story.
Related Information Follow, Connect, ContactMy "Jexit" (JW Exit) Story
I was a Jehovah's Witness for the first 42 years of my life. This is the story of how it all ended.
Help and Support For Ex Jehovah's Witnesses Follow, Connect, Contact