Finding Paradise

Hey folks. It's been a hot minute since we've shared any new stories here, but we're gonna remedy that right meow. We're so happy to be back, and for this episode we welcome our friend Ocho to the podcast. This is our first story that isn't related to growing up in the JWs. We had a great time talking about his life and what his idea of paradise entails. We talk about Catholicism, mental health counseling, infinite universes, live music, and whether Meatloaf (RIP) was a top or a bottom. It was a great time, and we hope you enjoy Ocho's story as much as we enjoyed recording it. To find Ocho's podcast and more of his content: Podcast: I Don't Do That www.ochotunes.com Twitter Facebook YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

In a LLLLOOOOONNNGGGGG overdue catsup, we sit down and talk about what 2022 has looked like so far. We discuss some nature, some court stuff, and live music. Come sit down and hang out for awhile. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Welcome to our inaugural episode. We're so glad to have you with us. With this podcast, we hope to share some of our stories with you, and give others a platform to share their own experiences. Along the way, often we find that paradise isn't a location, but sometimes just a state of being. In our first episode, we introduce ourselves a bit, as we talk about Tyler and his journey. EDIT: I failed to give credit to the producer of our intro music. Thank you to BROCKBEATS for allowing the use of your sound. If you like the intro music, and would like to hear more of their work, go to https://brockbeats.bandcamp.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingparadise/support --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Welcome to episode three! We've known Cheryl for some time. For myself (Tyler), she was one of the first friends that I was able to make after leaving the JWs. So I'm especially grateful to her for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. We hear her experience with leaving an ex still in the religion, and the impact it has had on the lives of her and her children. And while things have seemed to come around well, it's never without its challenges. Join us as Cheryl tells her story. Mentioned: Cheryl's daughter Liv is an INCREDIBLY talented hairstylist. Check out her work at the link below! https://www.instagram.com/vividlyliv/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

So about a year ago, we did a thing. Ethan and I (Tyler) shared our stories of leaving the Jehovah's Witness religion with the world. We talked about all the good, bad and ugly that comes with that choice. Some people have listened to it, and some have been brave enough to share their stories as well. Over the past 375 days, we've laughed, cried, drank some beers, told some (mostly dirty) jokes, said some (ok, a lot of) curses, and just generally supported each other through all of it. And we've all learned a little more about what it means to find paradise. To everyone that's joined us along the way, we can't thank you enough. Especially Amanda, for continuing to subject herself to the antics of a couple fuckin' clownshoes in a dark smoky basement. So… We're having a reunion. We've been planning this for a while, and we're happy to finally get nearly everyone that's honored our silly little show with their presence back together in one episode. And you're all family now, so we'll see you same time next year. And hopefully we'll have some new faces with us. Thank you for checking us out. And if you want to share your story, please reach out to us. - the management --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

In our second episode, we welcome our first guest. Thank you so much to Tiffy for sharing her story with us. She talks about her experience growing up in a "divided household" as a child. Throughout she shares her advice for others as they navigate their exit from the JWs when there's children involved. We appreciate her courage to sit down and talk with us and we hope you enjoy it too! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Finding Paradise Episode 008: Michael Part 2 *Trigger warning: mentions suicide* We have a friend join us in Carol Town to tell us his story of finding his own paradise. He tells of the hypocrisy he saw and his struggle to toe the line and find self worth, which is relatable to many of us. Hear Michael's story in his own words and welcome him to the Finding Paradise family. And stick around for a special announcement at the end! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Finding Paradise Episode 008: Michael Part 1 *Trigger warning: mentions suicide* We have a friend join us in Carol Town to tell us his story of finding his own paradise. He tells of the hypocrisy he saw and his struggle to toe the line and find self worth, which is relatable to many of us. Hear Michael's story in his own words and welcome him to the Finding Paradise family. And stick around for a special announcement at the end! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Episode 008, Part 2: It's afternoon on Sunday morning. Anyone interested in going out in service this afternoon, please make your way to the front of the Hall. We start out with some educational material that we think the householders, and our brothers and sisters will also enjoy....a few self help books to help you heal and meditate on how much better this new life can be. We added to our book recommendations list, of which most can be found on Audible or other audio book platforms. They are: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson. **READ/LISTEN TO THIS** Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine Pittman and Elizabeth Karle This Is Your Brain On Anxiety by Faith Harper What Happened To You by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry Raising Resilient Children by Margalis Fjelstad and Jean McBride How can you wake someone up? One suggestion is by watching documentaries or TV series of "sister religions". These can help deprogram someone that is questioning JW teachings or doctrines. Here are some recommendations: Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (Let us know if you also have a recommendation). For the rest of the episode, we covered: Tyler's surprise birthday party, relationship with parents, school, court and legal stuff. Let's play the game of "who is the ex reeling in"? Amanda tries out the Squid Hat. Then the latest in legal stuff, shenanigans from the ex, and newest court orders. One child's progress in "the wonder years", a "rite of passage", "coming of age", you get the idea... Wire hangers, freezing of video and 'swaying' to see if it's unfrozen. Compared 2020 vs 2021 annual report, push for volunteers to help with construction, and the super secret auditions for members to be apart of 'East Coast Hollywood', and Lloyd Evans taking a well deserved break. Looks like we make up one car group, and picking up one more brother after lunch before we head out into the ministry. We'll encourage each other and have up building conversations by discussing the latest recommendations in our car group. Stay tuned as we continue our Sunday by having another 'brother' join our Finding Paradise alumi. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Episode 008, Part 1: It's Sunday morning meeting, our own way -- catching up and drinking our left over beers from the last time we recorded...over two months ago. Yeesh. Subjects covered: Thomas Rhett and hats. Wisdom teeth, vasectomies, cancer results, gauged ears, ya know, health stuff. Tyler's residency, time with family, beer expo and 10th anniversary of Mankato Brewery. "The Elder Clap", dick butts, aquaponics, chatting with cops. Death of Ethan's grandfather and interaction with family. Homage to Betty White. Meet ups and the after activities. Announced a one year reunion episode for Finding Paradise that is planned for next month. Next up, part 2 of Lil Catsups episode 008. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

In this episode we kicked the guys out of Carrol Town (basement we record in) and Amanda talked with the partners of past Finding Paradise participants. Mariah (Dylan's girlfriend), Shannon (Nick's fiancee), and bPann -- it's not a typo (Ethan's fiancee). All three have never been JW, but their partners were either raised in it or mostly raised in it. We discussed what shocked them the most, their first impressions, interactions they've had with JW's in general and with JW 'in-laws', what they're grateful for and advice they have for partners of ex JW's and how to support them. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Welcome to Lil Catsups 007. As usual, we start out cracking a couple beers. We try "Deep Space Brine" and "Nut Goodie Porter" from Tin Whiskers Brewing, "Mangoschino" from Modist Brewing, and "Pumpkinhead" from Shipyard Brewing. Spoiler alert: the Tin Whiskers offerings were less than great this time around. We talk about concerts, huntin', critters and hides, cold weather camping, court hearings, "stuff and stuff," lefse (and other MN phrases). Other topics include Amanda's kids adventures with Covid and international travel, as well as their stepmom's adventures impersonating a medical doctor. That story gets cut short due to technical issues, and when we come back we're talking about tattoos. We finish with a little discussion of holidays and birthday stuff. Join us as we talk about stuff, and do other stuff. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Part two! After Ethan's bladder let us know it was time for a break, as it generally does, we're back to catsup on the latest from Tyler and Ethan. We start with Tyler, and his legal battles, talk about kids a bit, as well as his new career change. Then we wrap up our normal catsup with Ethan and his emancipation letter to his parents. And we debuted our new segment, Learnin' With Ethan. He'll teach us something useless, but interesting nonetheless. You ever wanted to know more about wasps? Stick around and Ethan will tell you more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

We're back! Where to start? Well, we generally like to start with a beer, so we'll crack a couple of those and see where this goes. Hey, that rhymes! Also, we guarantee at least a couple times, that we go completely off the rails. And we had so much to catsup on, that we have another two-parter for ya. In this first part, we catsup with Amanda and what's been going on in her life since we last spoke. From kids to contempt of court, we go all over the place. Grab a cold beverage and join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

We haven't been able to record for a bit, and we're not going to for a couple weeks yet. But, we miss you guys, so we're gonna do a little mini episode to hang out for a bit tonight. Ethan's (most likely) going to be preoccupied, but Amanda and I are going to try to hold down the fort, and he'll join us if he's able. So come along with us as we drink a couple beers, chat with you guys, and put together a little playlist of the things we plan on talking about in a couple weeks. We also address some questions from Amanda's old classmates on FB about their perspective of her as a JW. Consider it a teaser for our next rendezvous. And if you've got something you're itching to ask, or something you'd like us to talk about, comment on the livestream, and let's talk about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Part Two! We keep rolling right along, because we got more to catsup on. We'll talk a little bit about our discovering that two of our kids were getting / got baptized over the last weekend, and how we were both barred from attending or even watching remotely... Crisis of Conscience... Facebook comments... WT furthers reduces their printing activity... and we discuss David Splane's rant about ignoring the man behind the curtain. Strap yourself in folks, because we're halfway there! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

We had a bunch to catsup on, so we done did it! First things first, we send our dearly departed kitty friend Carol off with Ethan moaning (?) "In The Arms of the Angels" as we go through some of her greatest hits. And we talk about turning his mug into upcoming merchandise. Then hang around while we discuss the latest goings-on in our lives. We talk about our recent vacations... some interesting developments after the certified letter I received earlier this month... the latest in fear-mongering propaganda... the latest documentary exposing the Witness leadership... and so much more! So much more, in fact, that we had to split this bad boy in two. Let's get into it! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Today in the mail, I received a certified letter from the coordinator of my old congregation. Tonight, I'll pour myself a scotch and open it up to see what he could possibly want. Have a listen. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Dylan was raised a Witness by a single mom and was able to get himself out as a teenager. Join us in hearing his story about Finding Paradise. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

In this episode, we talk about a menagerie of things, from theories around selling kingdom halls to Ethan's outing himself and the podcast on Facebook. We summarized our missing catsup episode. We also talk about text messages and dynamics with JW family. We discuss whether or not the JWs could ever turn into a 'Jonestown' scenario, and touch on a new format that we plan on following after a quick break to get some Summer vacations in. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Welcome back. Sorry, it's been awhile since we posted anything new. But we're gonna have some fun, and catsup with all the latest news. Settle in, and let's get up to speed. In this episode we talk about relationships of all sorts, JWs writing letters, our parents, Ethan takes a pee, we tell some dirty jokes, and we talk about tattoos and summer plans. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

This episode we're doing something a little different. We've pretty much just told stories on Finding Paradise, and that's something that we love to do... and will definitely be doing more of soon. But... every once in a while, you gotta take a minute to sit down with your buddy and do a little catsup. So we plan on keeping a somewhat separate feed of episodes where we just sit around and talk. Because life happens everyday, and things change. So if we don't keep those that we love (yous guys

Welcome to Episode 004, an episode 20+ years in the making. I reconnected with an old friend, and we got to talk with him on the show. His story is tough to hear, so fair warning, this one gets a little dark in places. Somehow we managed to keep it relatively lighthearted, and we can't thank Nick enough for coming on and telling his story. And THANK YOU for listening! TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the conversation topics might be upsetting to some. Thank you to BROCKBEATS for allowing the use of your sound. If you like the intro music, and would like to hear more of their work, go to https://brockbeats.bandcamp.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Thanks for tuning in, glad to have ya with us. We appreciate all the great feedback on our first two episodes, and now we're gonna hear someone else's story. I've known Maureen for many years, but only recently been in contact. It was amazing to have her with us, and we hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did. TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the conversation topics might be upsetting to some. Thank you to BROCKBEATS for allowing the use of your sound. If you like the intro music, and would like to hear more of their work, go to https://brockbeats.bandcamp.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support

Episode 002 coming atcha! In this episode we talk with Ethan and learn about his journey to paradise. It's not always a smooth ride, but it's a beautiful thing when it all comes together. Thanks for joining us. EDIT: I failed to give credit to the producer of our intro music. Thank you to BROCKBEATS for allowing the use of your sound. If you like the intro music, and would like to hear more of their work, go to https://brockbeats.bandcamp.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findingparadise/support