JW Community Podcast

In this podcast we hear from Lara and Rita, who attended The National Apology given by the Australian Government to all child abuse survivors in Australia.

In this episode I interview Ruben Ortiz, the founder of one of the biggest ex JW support groups on Facebook. Ruben talks about his life as a Jehovahs Witness, and the two words that woke him. He also discusses the joys and trials of running a support group of over 12000 members.

In this episode, Lara and I interview the most interesting Norweigan Goat Farmer you have ever met. Listen to Jonas talk about how he was counselled for doing too much field service, how he supported his wife through a terrible illness, while the elders counselled his wife to leave him and how he woke up due, in part, to the fact that some mountains are flat. Jonas is now part of a group organising a protest on the 25th March 2019 outside a court in Stockholm, because the Watchtower videos have been rated as unsuitable for children in Sweden, and any elder showing them in a Kingdom Hall could receive 2 years in prison. If you are at all able, please join Jonas in his peaceful protest outside the courthouse trying an edler for showing unsuitable material to children inside a Kingdom Hall. Jonas can be contacted via Facebook, Plat Jonas, or via his Youtube channel, Goatlike Personality: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP0Skh44p2zLjnVeB6rcTkQ/videos The video giving information about the protest can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfmUB-XRdrg

The final podcast of season 6 gives the last word to Andrew Mogford, an ex Jehovah's Witness diagnosed with terminal mouth and throat cancer, and having only days to live from the recording of this podcast on 13th February 2019. Andrew bravely spoke out against the practice of shunning despite not being disfellowshipped or shunned himself. Because of his cancer, the recording is sometimes difficult to listen to, but please have the patience to afford Andrew the respect he deserves for remaining so positive in the face of his own terminal cancer.

In this eposide I interview two lawyers experienced in bringing civil cases against organisations who are vicariously liable for sexual abuse suffered by children. One of only three law firms in the country who have worked on behalf of victims of Jehovahs Witness child sexual abusers, Hugh James is a law firm with offices in London and Cardiff. Alan Collins and Samuel Barker have thoroughly researched the issues of Watchtower Society and understand the unique factors that make it hard for former members of Jehovah's Witnesses to disclose their abuse. They explain how Watchtower can be held liable in court for the child sexual abuse, and why bringing a civil case against the organisation is just as important as bringing a criminal case against the abuser. If you wish to talk to Alan or Samuel about a possible case they will travel to you, or meet you wherever you feel most able to talk comfortably.

This fascinating podcast interviews David Fitzgerald, public speaker, historical researcher, founder of the world’s first Atheist Film Festival and Evolutionpalooza!, San Francisco’s oldest annual Darwin Day celebration, and author of 'Jesus: Mything in Action', 'NAILED: Ten Christian Myths that Show Jesus Never Existed at All', 'The Complete Heretic’s Guide to Western Religion', david talks to JW Community Podcast about his fascination with religion and about the evidence that suggests Jesus never existed at all.

An interview with two fascinating woman about how they navigated the cult, and two very different experiences of discovering they were gay. Listen to life stories of Raika and Suzi, what their lives were like in the cult, how they woke up, how they came out, and how they have managed their lives outside the cult.

An interview with the other fascinating and formidable activist you have never heard of. Lara and I speak to the creator of the website Avoid JW, which Watchtower Society haspent considerable time, effort and money on trying to eradicate from the internet.

Listen to the heartbreaking interview with Alvin who talks about his wife, who lost her life just after childbirth due to her adherence to the no blood doctrine. Alvin also explains how his doubts years later led him to getting a copy of the transcript from the Coroners Inquest, which revealed what the Watchtower really thinks of the blood substitute that they recommend to Jehovah's Witnesses to take as a safe and effective alternative to blood.

Lara and Louise interview the most effective activist you have never heard of.

An interview with a very special guest who was there when 1975 didn't happen and can explain how Watchtower Society did in fact ramp up the expectation among the rank and file Jehovah's Witnesses, despite them now denying this fact. He also discusses what happened in 1976 and how witnesses managed to continue in the face of this blatantly false prophecy.

Commentary live from the protest from Neil Gardner, Jessica Moon, Chris and Mrs H, a normal person! If you like what you hear, there is still time to decide to attend the second protest on 18th and 19th August 2018. PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT US. And if you can't come, PLEASE SHARE.

A fascinating interview with Angus Stewart SC, and Counsel Assisting to the Australian Royal Commission, speaking on his own behalf, and not on behalf of the ARC or the Commissioners. Angus discusses his own emotional responses to the case studies on Jehovah's Witnesses, what shocked him, what upset him, and who embarrased him (spoilers: it was Lara).

In a strange flip, my guest takes the reins and interviews me about the film that has been reviewed by The Guardian as the 'best British Independent film of the year', 'Apostasy'. We also discuss the handbook that has been written to help lawyers understand the Jehovahs Witnesses when bringing child abuse cases; and we discuss Watchtower Victims Memorial Day, which is on July 26th 2018.

Nick and I interview Mark Fox, who posts his return visits to Kingdom Halls as Witness Nomore. A truly fascinating interview and an insight into why Mark is so passionate about his activism.

Lara and Louise interview Manon Boyer, the aunty of Eloise Dupuis, who died after refusing a blood transfusion when giving birth to her first baby.

Listen to Leesa Johnson talk about her professional involvement with Jehovah's Witnesses, and how her profession can help ex Jehovah's Witnesses recover from the damage caused by exiting a cult.

Listen to myself and Nick French interview Katja and Christian Gutierrez, who explain their lives as Jehovah's Witnesses, how they woke up, and what their hopes and dreams for the future are.

In this episode Chris and I interview Debbie who relates the story of how over 20 Jehovahs Witnesses woke up together in one congregation and left.

With the incredible Episode number 607, in this podcast we interview the Polish activist, Maciej Trebacz who explains all the incredible work that has gone on to make the six protests in Poland such a success.

In this episode we talk to John McKiggan QC, one of the Canadian lawyers working on the $66m class action suit, and also to Tricia Franginha who is bringing her own private case, was one of the women who stood up in the Warwick Protest inside a Kingdom Hall to tell her story, and also appears in the Canadian W5 documentary.

Listen to Antonio and Daniel explain how they got their ex JW story in the biggest national online newspaper in Portugal last week.

Police Sergeant of the Victoria Police Prosecution Sex Crimes unit, and recipient of the Australia Day Police Medal 2018 in recognition of distinguished service, Mark Higginbotham, talks to us about why and how to report sex crimes to the police, and the service you will receive.

Listen to the discussion with a non Jehovah's Witness about his visit to Kingdom Hall, and hear his first impressions and assesment of the material and topics discussed, the people attending and how the meeting might be improved.

Louise Goode and Lara Kaput interview Carmel O’Brien, Counselling Psychologist and domestic violence specialist, and Lily, ex Jehovah's Witness, survivor of familial terrorism and advocate for other domestic violence survivors.

A brand new series where Ruben Ortiz, Betsy Jael and I discuss the exciting new announcements and videos from the Jehovahs Witness 2016 Conventions, in many cases before the Jehovah's Witnesses themselves have seen them!

In which we discuss the most hilarious shunning story ever, the second Great Irish Apostasy, and we welcome Bill Hahn and Neil Gardener as cohosts for this show.

In this episode we talk to Ste Rikhardsson about his journey from the Purple Triangle to the Pink one, his activism, and the best chant at Gay Pride. We also talk to Heather Squad about what it is like being married to an ex Jehovah's Witness.

A look at Jehovahs Witnesses stance on voting.

In this episode we hear from some recent Jehovah's Witnesses who were woken up by listening to the Governing Body member, Geoffrey Jackson giving testimony under oath to the Australian Royal Commission.

In this episode Ste and Heather join me in interviewing Naomi Rowling, who recently raised the issue of shunning on the BBC Radio 2 programme The Jeremy Vine Show.

This episode discusses all aspects of the shunning doctrine.

In this episode we interview Christopher Spry who was the fostered child of a Jehovah's Witness who was later dubbed the most evil woman in Britain by the national press.

In this episode Ruben, Betsy and I discuss all the issues surrounding why cults cause people mental and physical health problems and what you can do to help. An absolutely fascinating discussion with some very moving personal experiences shared by the team.

An interview with John Viney where he talks about his time as a member of the very first Hospital Liaison Committee in Wales. He also discusses his time as Jehovah's Witness and how he finally woke up.

In this episode we interview the spokesman for the Oregon Chapter of the Satanic Temple, examine critical thinking.

An interview with Bill Hahn and Alison Boniface about the Australian Royal Commission and the notorious Barry Congregation in Wales with multiple child sexual abusers still being concealed from the authorities.

Happy Christmas to all our listeners. Thank you so much for being there. Without you, the Podcast is nothing. Love from the whole team: Bill Hahn, Neil Gardener, Betsy Jael, Ruben Ortiz, Heather Squad and Ste Rikhardsson and Louise Goode.

Listen to the absolutely fascinating interview with Howie Rutledge Tran, who served as a Personal Assistant to several members of the Governing Body at Brooklyn Bethel for 11 years.

Listen to Bill, Neil and I discuss the end of year figures from the year book, and find out if the Jehovah's Witnesses are increasing or decreasing.

In this episode listen to John Redwood tell you what happened from right inside the court room in the Fessler v Watchtower Society case.

Listen to the fascinating story of Rachel, the only activist in New Zealand.

Listen to the latest Podcast where Neil and I engage in some witty banter while discussing the class action in Canada, the loving blessing from Jehovah of the simplified version of the Watchtower and what that might look like. We also touch on some exciting activism Neil will be participating in at Warwick.

In this episode we interview a lawyer in Australia who specialises in obtanining justice for abuse victims in religions including Jehovahs Witnesses, and explains the process involved in taking the Watchtower Society to court.

Listen to Eddie Puric discuss all the benefits and support of the Australian ex Jehovahs Witness group

In this podcast we interview Neil Gardner about is experience attending the protest outside the new Jehovah's Witness headquarters in Warwick.

A round up of the 2017 year in ex JW and JW land, and a very happy Christmas to all our listeners.

What can you do when an activist falls into dispute with a child sexual abuse victim? Alexandra Jaymes, Lara Kaput, Marc and Cora and I discuss how to right the wrongs.

Jessica, Chris, Neil Gardner and Louise discuss the UK Protest to be held in August 2018. All the information, planning, aims and objectives are set out. Please join us!

In this podcast we hear from Daniel, who served in the Australian Bethel, on the Hospital Liaison Committee, and around the world on WTS projects after graduating from Ministerial Training School.

Listen to two Child Sexual Abuse survivors, Nick French and Jess, talk about the recent confidential leaked documents from Watchtowers secret files.