Alissa's Awake

In this episode of Ex Jehovah's Witness Women Speak Out, Darlenne shares her journey of becoming a Jehovah's Witnesses at a young age, bringing her own family into the religion, and eventually realizing she could no longer ignore the contradictions she saw.From being baptized at just 14 years old to secretly leaving home in the middle of the night with nothing but a packed car and a note, Darlene opens up about the toll of growing up in a high-control religion.In this conversation we discuss:• Growing up as one of Jehovah's Witnesses• Why critical thinking is discouraged in high-control groups• Misogyny and the treatment of women in the organization• Spiritual abuse and narcissism• The pressure to pioneer and appear "spiritual"• The UN controversy and other doctrinal questions• Why she secretly planned her escape for weeks• Religious trauma, healing, and rebuilding life after leavingWhether you're an ex-Jehovah's Witness, questioning your beliefs, or simply interested in understanding how high-control religions operate, Darlenne's story is honest, insightful, and deeply relatable.

In this anonymous letter, a former Jehovah's Witness shares the heartbreaking story of growing up in an abusive household, surviving childhood trauma, navigating medical pressure over the blood doctrine, battling addiction, discovering the truth about how child sexual abuse is handled within the organization, and ultimately making the decision to secretly record one of her judicial committee.What she heard after the elders asked her to leave the room confirmed her worst fears.This powerful story explores:▫️Growing up as one of Jehovah's Witnesses▫️Domestic violence and religious trauma▫️The blood transfusion doctrine▫️Judicial committees▫️Elder confidentiality▫️Child sexual abuse policies▫️Shunning and disfellowshipping▫️Mental health and healing after leaving a high-control religionIf you've ever questioned the Jehovah's Witness organization or are recovering from religious trauma, I hope this story reminds you that you are not alone.❤️ If this video resonates with you, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing. Your engagement helps these stories reach others who need to hear them.

Are Jehovah's Witnesses a cult? It's one of the most common questions asked about the organization and in this video, we're taking an honest, evidence based look at the answer. Instead of relying on stereotypes or opinions, I compare Jehovah's Witnesses to the BITE Model, a framework developed by ‪@drstevenhassan‬ to identify characteristics of high-control groups and undue influence. We'll examine Behavior Control, Information Control, Thought Control, and Emotional Control while looking at official Jehovah's Witness beliefs, policies, and practices. Topics include shunning, the blood doctrine, higher education, preaching requirements, the Governing Body, information control, fear of Armageddon, and why many former Jehovah's Witnesses believe the organization functions as a high-control religion. Whether you're an active Jehovah's Witness, an ex-Jehovah's Witness, questioning your faith, researching cults, or simply curious about the BITE Model, I encourage you to examine the evidence and draw your own conclusions. My goal is not to attack individual Jehovah's Witnesses, but to encourage honest investigation, critical thinking, and support for those navigating religious deconstruction and healing from religious trauma.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Eva who shares her incredible journey from being recruited into Jehovah's Witnesses in post-Soviet Latvia to eventually escaping after more than 20 years inside the organization. She was only 15 years old when she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. What followed was years of judgment, conditional love, and being permanently labeled for choices she made as a teenager.Ieva's story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible. Whether you're questioning your beliefs, navigating life after leaving a high-control religion, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, validation, and encouragement.If this video resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear this story. Every voice matters, and every story helps someone else feel less alone.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Gina as she shares one of the most heartbreaking stories.Gina devoted her life to her faith and raising her twin daughters. But after being disfellowshipped, everything changed. What followed was years of fear, manipulation, false accusations, CPS investigations, family betrayal, and a custody battle that ultimately separated her from her children.Despite losing her children, her community, and her family, Gina never gave up hope. This conversation is ultimately a story of survival, resilience, and a mother's unwavering love.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Chelsey as she courageously shares her personal journey. Born and raised in the Jehovah's Witnesses she questioned her faith at a young age, and ultimately walked away before adulthood.From being treated as "bad association" by her own family, to being scrutinized by elders, pressured into harmful relationships, and blamed for speaking up about abuse, Chelsey's story sheds light on the pressure many young people face inside high control religious environments.At just 13 years old, she told her father she was an atheist. By 17, she made the difficult decision to leave the organization behind. In this conversation, Chelsey opens up about the emotional toll of growing up under constant judgment, the culture of silence surrounding abuse, and how she found the strength to build a life on her own terms.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Hannah and Alexis, two best friends whose lives were deeply impacted by their time in the organization. They experienced significant trauma, including abuse and assault, and witnessed firsthand how harmful behavior can be hidden within the religion.Everything changed when Hannah was disfellowshipped, leaving Alexis with the painful expectation of shunning her closest friend. Instead of ignoring her instincts, Alexis chose to trust her conscience. She made the difficult decision to step away from the organization and reconnect with Hannah, who had already been out for more than a year.Today, they are rebuilding their lives, healing from their experiences, and strengthening the friendship that once seemed lost. In this interview, they share their journey and encourage others to trust their instincts, question what doesn't feel right, and discover the beauty, freedom, and genuine connections that exist beyond the organization.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Denise as she courageously shares her personal journey. I interviewed her daughter Audrey and now she's ready to share her side of the story. Denise shares how she found Jehovah’s Witnesses later in life while searching for the truth. She, her husband, and their young daughters fully embraced the religion and built their lives around it.Everything changed when her husband became seriously ill and the Jehovah’s Witness blood doctrine suddenly became deeply personal. Denise opens up about the fear, heartbreak, and confusion of desperately searching for answers while receiving mixed messages within the organization during one of the most devastating times of her life.After losing her husband, Denise began to recognize major flaws within the organization that she could no longer ignore. Today, she continues her spiritual journey outside of organized religion and gives some truly great advice to others.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Zaiga as she courageously shares her personal journey.She opens up about how she found the Jehovah's Witnesses in Latvia as a teenager and while her life as one wasn't long, she had years of dealing with the impact those teachings had on her. Despite being disfellowshipped for over 10 years, it took an ex-elder meeting up with her to help her see this was a cult! Now she is sharing her story to hopefully help others who may be in the place she was, before she saw the organization for what it really is.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Ashley as she courageously shares her personal journey.She opens up about how life as one of Jehovah's Witnesses left her feeling deeply depressed, emotionally hollow, and struggling to find herself. She also witnessed firsthand the devastating way the organization handled CSA allegations and tragically lost a childhood friend as a result.Now, Ashley has chosen to speak out in hopes of helping others who still feel silenced, unheard, or unable to share their own experiences.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Desiree as she shares her personal journey.She shares what it was like feeling like she didn’t belong from a very young age, yet continuing to play a role to keep family and friends happy. After one Google search, everything changed. The beliefs she had always questioned came crashing down when she discovered information about Raymond Franz and his books.She continued going through the motions until the birth of her second child, when she realized she didn’t want her children to grow up living a lie. She and her husband quietly faded.Now, 11 years later, she is finally telling her story to help others see that those who leave are not bad people. They are simply people who allowed themselves to question what never felt right.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Bobbie as she shares her deeply personal journey.She discusses what it was like being a child during 1975, including the fear that was deeply engrained in her. To her experience with injustices within the congregation, from being reproved for her own SA to the mishandling of CSA. She discusses how ignoring her intuition kept her trapped in the organization for far too long. This story highlights systemic issues and the importance of questioning and seeking truth.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Jasmin as she shares her deeply personal journey.Born and raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jasmin experienced the pain of losing her father to shunning after he left the organization and tried to gently challenge her beliefs. She devoted her life to the religion, pioneering and eventually serving as a need greater, which led her to Cambodia, leaving behind everything familiar, including her family in Australia.While there, she began to notice shifts within the organization during COVID, sparking deeper questions and a more critical look at what she had always believed.Jasmin opens up about her awakening, navigating a faith crisis, and ultimately finding freedom beyond Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In this powerful episode, Roxanne ‪shares her raw and deeply personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the lasting impact it had on her life.Born into the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roxanne opens up about childhood trauma, abuse she endured, and the pressure to suppress her identity from a young age. After leaving the organization, she found herself navigating a world she was never prepared for, turning to the adult entertainment industry, alcohol, tattoos and food as a way to cope and numb the pain.She vulnerably shares how being raised to seek external validation shaped her choices, how shunning from her family affected her sense of self, and the difficult journey of recognizing and healing from deep-rooted trauma.This is not just a story about leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses, it's about survival, self-discovery, and the long road to healing

In this powerful episode, Beata shares her journey as a Jehovah’s Witness, from her upbringing in Poland to her eventual move to Australia. She opens up about her early spiritual experiences, deep commitment to the organization, and the doubts that slowly began to surface.Beata reflects on both the positive and difficult aspects of life inside the Jehovah’s Witness community, including the challenges of relocating to a new country and integrating into a different congregation. Despite her resilience and strong spirit from childhood, she faced significant hardships, including lack of support, cultural isolation, and painful experiences within the organization.Her story also explores her pursuit of independence, education, and survival through complex personal struggles, including a marriage of convenience, alcoholism, and declining mental health. As she began to question the lack of love and compassion within the Jehovah’s Witness community, her disillusionment grew.This episode highlights Beata’s strength in adversity, her journey to reclaim her voice, reconnect with family, and find healing outside of a high-control religion. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience it takes to walk away and rebuild.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Carolina as she shares her story of how she was indoctrinated from a baby without her own parents ever being Jehovah's Witnesses. Though she was never baptized she discusses the manipulation, control, and indoctrination she experienced from a young age, the long-term effects on her mental health, and the importance of setting boundaries. She wanted to share her story to warn parents about the dangers of allowing your children around Jehovah's Witnesses, even when you believe you have clear boundaries in place.

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Deanna for ‪@CultToFreedom‬ she shares of how she lost everything but has since completely rebuilt her life. Raised as a fifth-generation Jehovah’s Witness, Deanna was deeply involved in the organization from a young age. From helping build the Mexico Bethel facility, to being a need greater in Dominican Republic, she was heavily involved and fully believed. Everything changed when she was falsely labeled an apostate. She opens up about the devastating consequences that followed, including losing her reputation, her support system, and even custody of her children during a custody battle where religion became a major issue. Despite remaining faithful at the time, she was treated as an enemy and pushed out of the very community she had dedicated her life to.Deanna also shares how she eventually rebuilt her life after leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses. From losing everything in her late 30s to creating a completely new life, her story is one of resilience, healing, and rediscovering identity outside of a high-control religion.Contact Deanna: [email protected]

Today I had the privilege of sitting down with Audrey as she shares her powerful and deeply personal story about growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the journey that eventually led her to question the organization she was raised to trust.Audrey’s family was first introduced to the religion after a simple knock on the door from Jehovah’s Witnesses, a moment that would ultimately shape the course of her childhood and family life. In this conversation, she reflects on what it was like growing up inside a high-control religious environment, including the loss of birthdays and holidays, the expectations placed on young members, and the constant pressure to conform.Audrey also shares the heartbreaking loss of her father as a result of the organization’s blood transfusion policy, a tragedy that profoundly impacted her life and became a pivotal moment in her journey. Facing that loss forced her to begin asking difficult questions about doctrine, authority, and the cost of unquestioned loyalty.Through honesty and reflection, Audrey discusses the gradual process of questioning, researching, and ultimately finding the courage to think critically about the beliefs she once accepted without question.Her story sheds light on the emotional and personal realities many experience when leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses, and it serves as an important reminder that questioning and seeking truth are powerful steps toward healing and freedom.If you’ve ever struggled with faith, religious control, or rebuilding your life after leaving a high-control religion, Audrey’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

Today, I had the honor of sitting down with Ardys to share her powerful and deeply personal story.Introduced to the organization at a young age, Ardys always had a sincere love for God. As a teenager, she faced an unplanned pregnancy that led to a marriage she wasn’t ready for, setting the stage for years of emotional and spiritual struggles.For a long time, she found herself going in and out of the organization, wrestling with the need for family validation and the belief that her life was falling apart because she had stepped away. But everything changed when she discovered a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus, one that didn’t depend on performance, approval, or religious expectations.Ardys’s journey is a powerful reminder that doubt doesn’t disqualify you. Healing is possible, faith can be rebuilt, and a real relationship with God can make you whole.Keep an eye out for her upcoming ebook and podcast! ✨Ebook: After the Watchtower & Awakened to the Real Word of God: A Practical Guide for Ex–Jehovah’s Witnesses Rebuilding Faith, Identity, Healing, and Life in Christ✨Podcast: Awakened and Anchored with ARDYS

Today, I had the honor of sitting down with Sherry to hear her powerful story. From a traumatic childhood to joining the Jehovah’s Witnesses at just 14 years old. She endured unimaginable trauma and witnessed firsthand how abuse victims were handled within the organization.But her story doesn’t end there.After walking away, Sherry made the brave decision to stop living from a place of victimhood and start reclaiming her life. What followed has been a journey of healing, growth, and incredible accomplishments. Today, she lives with purpose, freedom, and genuine joy.In this conversation, Sherry shares hope for anyone who has experienced trauma: your story is not over. What happened to you does not define you. Healing is possible and victory is still within reach.Sherry’s website: http://www.sweetfreedomlife.com/

Today I spoke with Eva, who has been out for 22 years. She shared how her 16-year-old son’s disfellowshipping became the turning point that pushed her to seriously question everything. When an elder told her she was asking too many questions, she walked out of the Kingdom Hall and never returned.She explained that her doubts began as early as 8 years old. As a teenager, she watched 1975 come and go, and often found herself on the fringes of the congregation, making choices that left her carrying a heavy sense of guilt.Eva's story shows the pain that comes when you leave, when your entire family shuns you but she it also shows the beauty that comes with surrounding yourself with those who truly love you, unconditionally.

Today I sat down with Summer for a long overdue catch up. I first interviewed her last year, and in this conversation she opens up about where she is now on her healing journey, what’s helped her along the way, and how she’s learning to truly live life out loud.Summer also talks about her recently released book, The Children of Mother Gaia, a cult horror novel inspired by her knowledge of growing up in a high control religion. https://amzn.to/4r3CnH7This was a relaxed, honest conversation meant to highlight that healing after leaving the Jehovah’s Witness organization isn’t linear. It takes time, intention, and a lot of self-work.

This week, I sat down with Paulina who spent years playing the role of the perfect Jehovah's Witness, all while try to plan her escape. Her story sheds light on not only how hard it truly is to leave, but on how outward appearances don't always show what the person is internally going through.

New light was leaked early and as of Friday March 20 it was confirmed via a Governing Body update. This one got me fired up! I sincerely hope more people continue to open their eyes and wake up in the cult that is, Jehovah's Witnesses.

Every year around this time, thousands of former Jehovah’s Witnesses receive the same message: “Are you coming to the Memorial this year?”For many ex-JWs, that invitation isn’t just a simple question, it’s often filled with pressure, guilt, and emotional expectations from family still inside the organization. On this episode, I talk about why saying “no” to the Jehovah’s Witness Memorial can be one of the most important boundaries you set after leaving.Many people attend the Memorial just to keep the peace with family. But what message does that actually send? And why does attending often keep the cycle of pressure going year after year?

During this conversation, I sat down with Sandra to share her raw and honest journey. She wasn’t born into the religion, she joined in her twenties, after being raised Catholic. Over the next 20 years, she endured deeply painful and challenging experiences. Her story sheds light not only on the misogyny that is rampant within the organization, but also on how easily a woman can become trapped in an unhealthy marriage.

In this conversation Phey discusses life growing up Jehovah's Witness, how she had doubts creep in around 15 and what her life looked like after she asked to be disfellowshipped to finally break free. She talks a lot about deconstructing and rebuilding her life, and how others can do the same.

Shelise from Cults to Consciousness and I sat down to talk about the parallels and similarities between Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons(LDS).

This conversation talks about how vulnerable people can be taken advantage of, the pressure and isolation that often happens inside the community, and the doubts and expectations that shaped Dominique's life for years.We also talk about the impact of trauma and depression, how assault was handled inappropriately, and what it’s like to go through loss with very little real support. We talk about how love and acceptance in the organization is conditional, what life looks like after leaving, and some advice for people who are questioning or thinking about getting out.

This conversation dives into Brooke's story; from childhood trauma, unhealthy family dynamics, and the impact of living as a Jehovah's Witness. It explores the experience of shame, rejection, and the consequences of teenage rebellion. We also discuss disfellowshipping, elders' abuse, control, and the silent suffering and stigma associated with seeking help or leaving an abusive relationship within the Jehovah's Witness community.

The conversation delves into Sam's childhood experiences within the Jehovah's Witnesses and the impact of family dynamics on her mental health. It explores the pressure to conform, the struggle for acceptance, and the emotional toll of abusive relationships within the organization. The conversation delves into her surviving trauma within the Jehovah's Witness organization, reporting the assault, and facing reproach and isolation. It then explores Sam's journey of leaving the organization, healing, and speaking out to empower others who have faced similar challenges.

The conversation delves into the impact of the 1975 Armageddon prediction on Patty's life, as well as the challenges of growing up as a Jehovah's Witness. It explores the struggles of childhood and adolescence, family dynamics, marriage, rebellion, and the process of fading and leaving the organization. Patty's journey reflects the disillusionment and doubts that arose from the organization's teachings and the impact of the 1975 prediction on her faith. The conversation delves into the devastating impact of shunning, the challenges of life after disfellowship, the reality of shunning, finding faith and healing, the impact on children and grandchildren, emotional hooks and healing, and life outside the organization. Patty also shares her journey of healing and recovery, offering advice and hope to those in similar situations.

The conversation delves into the mental health impact of shunning and the challenges faced by Jehovah's Witness women. It explores the childhood and family dynamics, struggles as a teenage Jehovah's Witness, experiences of marriage, divorce, and disfellowshipping, the treatment by elders, the impact of misogyny, and the journey towards independence and leaving the organization. The conversation covers the experience of life inside the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, the process of awakening and leaving, the emotional impact of shunning, the journey of building a new life, and the importance of finding community and pursuing personal passions post-organization.

Alissa’s Awake is a podcast centered on the powerful stories of former Jehovah’s Witnesses, especially women who are reclaiming their voices, independence, and personal identity after leaving the organization. Each episode explores the journey of waking up, stepping away from the religion, and navigating the complex path of healing and self discovery. Through honest conversations about topics often considered taboo, including religious trauma and life after a cult, the podcast creates a supportive space rooted in compassion, understanding, and empowerment.