Today we’re going to meet Matthew from Australia. For a lot of Jehovah’s Witnesses they find themselves just riding the wave, doing what they have to do to get by. They may not ever really “reach out” for more and more “privileges” in the congregation but just seek to make it through from one day to the next. Matthew was one such JW, trying to get by, trying to make his very serious JW mom happy as a kid, trying to keep his head down and to not be noticed. One day when he had his own children he realized that he couldn’t make them live that same existence that he had and that things had to change.
The song that Matthew chose to represent his journey is Let Me Be by Xavier Rudd.
Speaking of music, you can listen to the Shunned Podcast Spotify playlist here for all of the songs chosen by guests of the show.
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Music by Fair Voyeur entitled “No Hell Yet”.
Hi Matt,
I’m halfway through your story and enjoying it a lot. But I’m curious – whereabouts in Perth were you? I wonder if we overlapped at all (excuse the pun!). I was in Scarborough 1994-1997 and my husband Sacha was raised in Perth in Beechboro…..
Anyhoo, back to your story…..
Regards,
Sherrie
Hi sister Sherrie! I wasn’t in Perth till 1999 so overlapping wasn’t around then! We were mainly in Fremantle and south of the river, but did have friends in North beach and Marmion so I’m sure you would know a lot of people I refer too. I used to love Scarborough beach and Trigg awesome spot!
G’day Matt,
I listened to your episode at the work the other night and really enjoyed it. I’ve never been religious or apart of a cult or anything like that, but, I’m a regular listener of the podcast. Not sure why, I guess it just fascinates me. It was good to here a familiar accent as I’d always wondered if it were the same here in Aus. Anyway shout out to you and your family from Margaret River!!
Be strong and enjoy your freedom!
Cheers,
Anthony
Hi Matt,
I Enjoyed listening to your story and especially agreed with you in the comment you made when you mentioned when you were thinking about the organization saying, “If it was so important that this life saving information be heard, where was this organization beyond the time of Christ and before Russell/Rutherford ?” I have often wondered about this myself and would ask my parents and/or the Elders about this and no one could give me a straight answer, all they would say is that you have to have faith my brother. So good for you in exercising critical thought. Wish you all the best with your new life without the religion. Trust me, it gets easier with time. I’ve been out 16 years now. Best decision I ever made.
Brigido
Hi Matt. Just listened to your episode and I think we overlap too! I was in Melton from 2010 to 2018. Was also called a Melton boy. Do you recall what Cong you were in? I live in Coburg now Which is near you in plenty valley. If you’re up for it I wouldn’t mind meeting up to chat. Email me if you like
Ahh, Matthew
So refreshing to hear a fellow Aussie’s story and turn of phrase. I know Bargearse and much of the crap of your story. So glad you’re out and doing great work to stop the rot of inter generational indoctrination.
Your telling is refreshing and Frank. Thank you for sharing your story so far.
Best regards
Christopher in South Australia
Hello fellow Aussie…also Melbourne but from the east…. Loved how you described life growing up in the west…. hilarious!! I say that with much love…one of my very best witness family friends are from the west!!… Your story was captivating and extremely relatable…I feel you brother with you struggles of resentment and trying let go and move on!… Thank you for telling your story…. You have inspired me to actually seek some much needed therapy🤗
Really enjoyed your episode! Will have a little giggle every time I meet with my mate Natasha! ha ha