Alissa's Awake

New light was leaked early and as of Friday March 20 it was confirmed via a Governing Body update. This one got me fired up! I sincerely hope more people continue to open their eyes and wake up in the cult that is, Jehovah's Witnesses.

Every year around this time, thousands of former Jehovah’s Witnesses receive the same message: “Are you coming to the Memorial this year?”

For many ex-JWs, that invitation isn’t just a simple question, it’s often filled with pressure, guilt, and emotional expectations from family still inside the organization.

On this episode, I talk about why saying “no” to the Jehovah’s Witness Memorial can be one of the most important boundaries you set after leaving.
Many people attend the Memorial just to keep the peace with family. But what message does that actually send? And why does attending often keep the cycle of pressure going year after year?

During this conversation, I sat down with Sandra to share her raw and honest journey. She wasn’t born into the religion, she joined in her twenties, after being raised Catholic. Over the next 20 years, she endured deeply painful and challenging experiences. Her story sheds light not only on the misogyny that is rampant within the organization, but also on how easily a woman can become trapped in an unhealthy marriage.

In this conversation Phey discusses life growing up Jehovah's Witness, how she had doubts creep in around 15 and what her life looked like after she asked to be disfellowshipped to finally break free. She talks a lot about deconstructing and rebuilding her life, and how others can do the same.

Shelise from Cults to Consciousness and I sat down to talk about the parallels and similarities between Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons(LDS).

This conversation talks about how vulnerable people can be taken advantage of, the pressure and isolation that often happens inside the community, and the doubts and expectations that shaped Dominique's life for years.

We also talk about the impact of trauma and depression, how assault was handled inappropriately, and what it’s like to go through loss with very little real support. We talk about how love and acceptance in the organization is conditional, what life looks like after leaving, and some advice for people who are questioning or thinking about getting out.

This conversation dives into Brooke's story; from childhood trauma, unhealthy family dynamics, and the impact of living as a Jehovah's Witness. It explores the experience of shame, rejection, and the consequences of teenage rebellion. We also discuss disfellowshipping, elders' abuse, control, and the silent suffering and stigma associated with seeking help or leaving an abusive relationship within the Jehovah's Witness community.

The conversation delves into Sam's childhood experiences within the Jehovah's Witnesses and the impact of family dynamics on her mental health. It explores the pressure to conform, the struggle for acceptance, and the emotional toll of abusive relationships within the organization. The conversation delves into her surviving trauma within the Jehovah's Witness organization, reporting the assault, and facing reproach and isolation. It then explores Sam's journey of leaving the organization, healing, and speaking out to empower others who have faced similar challenges.

The conversation delves into the impact of the 1975 Armageddon prediction on Patty's life, as well as the challenges of growing up as a Jehovah's Witness. It explores the struggles of childhood and adolescence, family dynamics, marriage, rebellion, and the process of fading and leaving the organization. Patty's journey reflects the disillusionment and doubts that arose from the organization's teachings and the impact of the 1975 prediction on her faith. The conversation delves into the devastating impact of shunning, the challenges of life after disfellowship, the reality of shunning, finding faith and healing, the impact on children and grandchildren, emotional hooks and healing, and life outside the organization. Patty also shares her journey of healing and recovery, offering advice and hope to those in similar situations.

The conversation delves into the mental health impact of shunning and the challenges faced by Jehovah's Witness women. It explores the childhood and family dynamics, struggles as a teenage Jehovah's Witness, experiences of marriage, divorce, and disfellowshipping, the treatment by elders, the impact of misogyny, and the journey towards independence and leaving the organization. The conversation covers the experience of life inside the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, the process of awakening and leaving, the emotional impact of shunning, the journey of building a new life, and the importance of finding community and pursuing personal passions post-organization.