I love this podcast. I especially love seeing how the podcast host has grown himself over the years. He is thoughtful and truly cares about the people suffering from this awful practice of shunning. I know he has changed lives.

I love the in-depth stories. This is exactly what I need to not feel like the only one loving life post JW. I regret wasting a decade of my life feeling small & unworthy as a JW. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, life is GREAT away from this destructive cult.

I can’t even begin to say how much this podcast has helped me. I’m an ex JW and the relatability I have found here has been amazing! I hope to tell my story on the podcast one day!

Often tragic, and heart breaking- but more often encouraging. The host does an excellent job bringing out the damage that Jehovah’s Witness shunning policy has on innocent members. The host is compassionate while he allows the guests to freely share their truths some times for the first time. Highly recommended to all in hopes to heal, help, or maybe change the minds of those whom participate in the deadly and as practiced today the unscriptural practice of disfellowshipping

What a wonderful way to give voices to the voiceless and resources for those still in. I’ve been binging since I found you!

I am 19 living in Missouri. (currently pimo but moving in with my “worldly” girlfriend September 1st) I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything. It helps so much hearing stories of other people going through such relatable things! I really appreciated the comment you made in one of your episodes, wherein you said something along the lines of. We have our own culture of ex witnesses specifically and ex cultists in general who are able to build each other up. That is so true. I know this won’t be easy and I have a lot of loss in store, but knowing I’m not alone in this makes it so much more bearable. Anyways thank you again for all of your hard work, and the hard work of everyone you interview.

I’ve recently “woken up” here in the past couple months. Needless to say I’ve had a lot of feelings to process, and your podcast has been one of the things that has helped me keep sane.

Mike tells his story of escape from the Jehovah’s Witness cult with humility and grace. This series of podcasts gives an outsider a true insight into the closed world of, and twisted beliefs held by JWs. For a practicing JW, Mike’s personal story and un-controversial retelling of his escape, will provide a good foundation for reevaluation of the society and its mendacious history.

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.

Wonderful podcast! Amazing stories of how joy can triumph over trauma.

As an ex JW, the stories on Shunned are so relatable, validating abs therapeutic to listen to. It has helped me to better articulate my own upbringing to others, including my husband. I’m so grateful I found this podcast!

Separation is new for me but worth it. I needed this episodes. They are helping tremendously. Thanks!

Listening to these stories is so healing. Thank you so much for helping people grieve and heal!

The host is a wonderful and empathic interviewer. Brave and important stories to hear and to peer behind the veil of religious delusion.

Amazing podcast! Inspirational stories of those who survived traumatic events in their life. As a cult survivor it resonates with me and I enjoy knowing I’m not alone in dealing with the residual effects from cult indoctrination and trauma. Thanks for bringing these stories to the wider public and bringing awareness to these heavy issues.

Wow Mike, this is by far my favorite podcast. My wife was raised as a JW. You and your wonderful guests have made me understand what she has gone through. We have been married for almost 15 years and I feel like I’m closer to her than I ever have been. She has an amazing story and I would love to convince her to do a show. A lot of her family is still in so I’m not sure she would be willing. That being said I know she would have a lot to offer your guests. She is and was too much of a free spirit to stay in the chains of this spirituality abusive group. You truly feel like a dear friend Mike and you deserve 8 million listeners/viewers. Enjoy life and do no harm! E

You’ve come a long way in 4 years, This JW Life and 100 interviews. Congratulations on desiring and designing the life you deserve. It’s time to make our stories everyone’s. Thank you.

Great interviews! They are helping all of us to keep moving forward!

Thank you for your courage to tell your stories!

In his ability to draw out insight and meaning while really connecting with the brave storytellers on this podcast.

all the episodes are rolling into each other, the same basic plot, the same basic outcomes. The hosts and guests need to take these interviews more seriously. Host, dig deeper. If you take the interview seriously so was your guest. The giggling and laughter during interviews by both host & guests sounds like people babbling over coffee instead of discussing the serious damage that can be done by cults.

Damnit man... the TRUTH of these peoples stories hit so close to home!!! With trying to be obedient and acceptable to knowing this is not the TRUTH... these people are telling my story and I love that they are!!! I wish that every JW (including my family) would listen to this so that they can hear the “other side” because I can’t do it....

Not a witness but enjoy learning about people and their experiences in life, the struggles and the joy they experience in their new life . Also never new how the JW’s were expected to do ? Keep up the good work .

I notice if the guest doesn’t believe in GOD then he goes in and starts disrespecting God more. I just think that as a believer it makes it hard to listen; that’s my only problem. Otherwise, I appreciate the stories.

Such a great podcast. As I exited the Jehovah’s Witness religion, this podcast has helped me feel not so alone. There is a lot of comfort in that. Keep making more! Love hearing everyone’s stories.

Love this podcast !!!! ❤️❤️❤️The stories are so relatable and the length is perfect for on the go listening:)

This will help you think clearly and help comfort you that you’re not crazy and you’re not the only one if you’ve been seeing issues in the organization.

I used to listen to this podcast ALL the time. I know in the beginning there were some episodes featuring people shunned from various religious backgrounds and that’s what I loved about it. I noticed that stopped and now there are only ex JW members, but I wish there was some more variety still!

My heart goes out to these courageous human beings. I am tearing up listening. Host is very compassionate and his responses are so validating to listen to. Keep up the great work.

Just listened to the one you had my little broski Ramo, and told him that actually help me understand him so much more! I laughed, cried, got mad, just smiled amongst other feelings during it..... Keep up the good work brother! I had to walk away from him at the age of 14 and never understood how parents do their own children the way he described it on here. Glad you two linked up for this. Could’ve listened for many more hours. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

I walked away from this religion 20 years ago after being raised in it. Some things are difficult for me to explain to others without the same background, but these podcasts help a lot. Thank you to everyone for sharing.

Love this podcast, I’ve listened to almost all of them. Please ditch the awful song you open with. I understand I can skip it but it’s so cringeworthy, can’t stand it.

Everyone has a story and those of us with a history in high control groups have unique ones. The host of this show has a great way of bringing out the story of each guest he interviews. Each episode makes you realize how connected we are in this human experience. It is cathartic and healing to listen. I highly recommend!

I’m not a Witness and before this podcast I admit to knowing nothing about them. Except for the odd kid out in elementary school who sat in the hall for birthday parties, I never have this religion (cult) much thought. The host is fantastic. He has an incredible ability to connect with his guests. I find him empathetic and very good at getting his guests to open up about their experiences. He is creating a community for these people and I find that so important for those even thinking about leaving. Great podcast. Wonderful host.

Thank you for this podcast. I was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 30 years. I was baptized at 15. When I finally broke free from society, I finally knew what it meant to be free. My children finally knew what the “truth” was. That truth was the ability to think for yourself. The truth was that the world wasn’t an evil place. However, this discovery did not come easy. I had a yo-yo relationship with the religion. I would leave (reproved thrice, disfellowshipped once) and get pulled back in due to my own ignorance and family pressures. So many stories I can tell. Now, having completely cut ties with the organization for the past 14 years, my daughters and I have a real life. A happy, contented life. No fear. No anxieties. The ability to think and learn objectively. We can be our authentic selves and live an authentic life. Thank you to the survivors, of all denominations, for contributing your stories, as painful as they may have been to share. It is wonderful to know that are many others who understand what it is like to grow up in a cult. There need to be more outlets like this. I’m trying to put together a support group for people like us. Thank you again. You are helping so many people.

I stumbled on this podcast. It’s just so good-the host, the guests, the narrative. So real and so moving. I’m a psychotherapist I love hearing these stories about people surviving spiritual abuse and discovering themselves. The host handles these difficult subjects with such love and tenderness, it’s really uplifting, even though the stories are painful and full of traumas. I look forward to hearing more.

Although I’m not from a JW background I find this topic so fascinating. The host is so gentle and profoundly allows his guests to tell their stories in their own way. It’s truly a beautiful podcast and I’m so glad I found it.

Jerry’s story is heartbreaking and so real. I must listen for sure! Thank you jerry for sharing your story.

I was never in the JW world or in any high control religious group. I did grow up with a parent who had borderline personality disorder, and I find I have many experiences in common with the brave folks who tell their stories in Shunned. I love that this podcast lays a loving foundation to gently wake people up and help the shunned masses find comfort and hope. Beautiful job!

This podcast is a MUST listen to for Ex Jehovahs Witnesses and other former members of organizations that are now shunned. Michael is a superb interviewer and shows his heart through this amazing Podcast. It's a wonderful spot for hurt people to come and heal through hearing others stories. Thank you Michael!

These personal stories of love hope and life after being involved in the horrific life of a cult are inspiring. Thank you for bringing these stories out into the open and helping people share their stories.

When one goes through traumatic religious experiences the emotional damage inflicted can be severe. Humans who are shunned have a higher rate of suicide. This podcast allows those silenced to tell their stories and share hope to others in the same situations. You concretely show us we are not alone. Thank you so so much for this unique resource. ❤️

I find these stories very interesting. I too was raised as a JW and can relate on so many levels

I love how the interviews flow easily - each person is allowed to share their personal experience. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing the stories of individuals who are going through similar situations and helping others (like me) know we are not alone!! What you are doing is huge, Mike! :)

This podcast has been such a good healing tool for me! So glad I can relate and hear such heartfelt stories! 💯

The stories are great , yet the interviewer is a little annoying , he likes to throw hate every chance he has . But other than that , great podcast , love the stories .

Very well done and very enlightening. Yolanda is a very strong person to have overcome all of the abuse and pains she suffered. She should be very proud of herself as she is a survivor or seems like a lovely human being.

Have not found another perspective that this podcast takes. Very supportive and unique approach to this topic, serious issues handled delicately, with empathy and sensitivity that none of us are alone in this particular journey.

This podcast has me binge listening. Blown away by the horrible things these people went through and the bravery they’ve shown to escape. I have a JW friend who was shunned and this was the first I’d heard of this practice amongst JWs. Wanted to learn more. It is so much bigger and more corrupt than I ever knew. You guys are heroes.