Joseph’s story starts at the beginning, no not his beginning, all the way back at the beginning of the organization now known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. We start discussing some history of the Bible Students that I then researched later myself personally and found fascinating. But this story is much more than a throwback, this story features much of the modern issues within the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Joseph got caught up in a bad situation with an elder and his wife, ending up married to that elder’s wife. Just like he got caught up as an adult with a cult, he was caught up in another bad relationship. He also saw other abuse while in the organization and knew that he wanted out of all of it.
The song that Joseph chose to represent his journey is El Ultimo Renglon by Estopa.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app or on YouTube. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah’s Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment.
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Music by Fair Voyeur entitled “No Hell Yet”.
Hi Joseph, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. I’ve listened to most of the Shunned Podcast episodes and I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever said “No way!” so many times throughout one. Your story had many unusual events and circumstances that presented. But mostly what I wanted to say is that your closing remarks really touched me about why you wanted to share and your hope that it could help someone see that life can get better, even if it feels like everything is horrible and life is just shit. I was listening to your story while working in my yard this weekend and when the last 5 minutes was playing I just had to stop and tears streamed down my face. I lost someone very dear to me who couldn’t see that and didn’t reach out for help. Hearing this from a male perspective is very important for our society today. Wishing you all the best as you continue your journey!
First of all your hilarious! Do not lose your sense of humor . Laughter can help get you thru a lot . I will always refer to the elders room as the ruin someone’s life room. Your so brave to be honest and authentic as most people are not. Wishing you nothing but the best.
Joseph, thank you for sharing this. I’ve never been so nervous throughout one of these episodes, and I was so happy to hear how hopeful you were at the end.
One thing you said really stood out to me. In regards to the elders you met with near the end of this story, you mentioned that you believing in treating people with respect when they treat you with respect. This is a very good policy, but the thing is, those elders did NOT treat you with respect. They were polite, yes. But they dismissed you, refused to engage with you, purposely misinterpreted what you told them, and all around, were condescending to you. They were not respectful to you in the slightest because they didn’t think you deserved their time or attention, or even that you were capable of choosing to leave the religion. Please, do not mistake their behavior as respectful. They couldn’t have more disdain for you if they tried.
You seem like such a caring, pure-hearted person and you’re too good for everybody in this story. Please believe that you deserve so much better. It doesn’t sound like anybody has ever really treated you with kindness and love, but you really really deserve it. I’m wishing you all of the luck in the future.
Wow…Joseph! Thank you for sharing your story – honestly. You seem like such a sensitive soul, who wanted nothing more than to be loved and cared about (genuinely) and not the fake JW version of love. I myself am a domestic violence survivor, and meeting me no one would ever guess that…6ft, athletic, snarky mouth and all – yet a JW Witness brother attempted to beat me down (mentally, emotionally, and physically). After my ordeal, I promised to help others ‘and have. I volunteer at a local domestic violence coalition, and you would be surprised how many MEN need help, but are sadly ashamed to even share their stories. YOU did, and that is freaking awesome!!!!!!!!
You are not alone out in this big world. And thank you for sharing your story. I loved listening 😁☺️