Cult Escape Artists

WitnessUnderground.com

We've launched the Kickstarter campaign of our dreams! Support the film and the community. 
32 donated albums, 9 E-Books, HD Documentary with Extras, Soundtrack and more. Everything we could think of!

Elle Reno Pledged to become an Associate Producer to support Witness Underground getting onto streaming platforms in our general release. 

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http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
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Reach out directly: 
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-Scott

Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/7TILtTd4lIY

The Bloody Tuesdays, David Quesada, has been an excellent collaborative partner since the day we met. After we met and recorded our episodes together, I had another opportunity to edit our feature documentary, Witness Underground, which we discussed in this episode, and I cut into the intro, a moment from one of his songs, Jehovah Never Knows, from his sophomore album, Hymns of a Millenials Dawn. I'm excited for you to hear it and I'm so proud to be able to feature this track in our official Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Listen and Buy his Exit Trilogy here:
https://thebloodytuesdays.bandcamp.com

Our Season One episode with him for the Witness Underground Podcast is still my favorite episode (Pt 1 & Pt 2). I have since emulated this format in the second season as much as possible. I feel like I found my creative voice with The Bloody Tuesdays in showing off great music and story telling. Check out those episodes here:

Part 1: https://youtu.be/o7eIsAEnhZ4
Part 2: https://youtu.be/7n90UH6qksM

Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses.  🚀

We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground thanks to your support and shares, and the hard work of David Quesada and artists like him, who are on the official soundtrack, and continue to put out incredible music. 

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
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Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

🎵 Join us in this impactful interview highlighting Valentine's three-album set: Go Die, Your Old Bones, and I Am Tyrant. These albums intricately weave together his escape from a repressive faith group and his triumphant emergence into newfound liberation. Our conversation is soundtracked by all three albums and all of his b-sides and singles! 🎵

🔔 Stay Engaged 🔔
Follow Blueskys:
Spotify - Blue Skys  Three albums
B-Sides: SoundClick
Instagram - @Valejio

Watch XJW Coming Out series episodes and video podcast  YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground
SUPPORT AND WATCH: https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
Feature and Podcast: https://WitnessUnderground.com
Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/BananaIsland

🎶 Blue Skys Three Album Trilogy Unveiled 🎶

• Go Die: Kicking off the trilogy, this album captures the essence of Valentine's awakening within the confines of his faith. It's a testament to the power of music as a means of expression, allowing him to navigate the restrictive environment he found himself in.
• Your Old Bones: The second chapter of the trilogy, this album delves into Valentine's journey of self-discovery following his departure from the Jehovah's Witness cult. It's an exploration of rebirth and healing, beautifully reflected through his music.
• I Am Tyrant: Concluding the trilogy with triumphant notes, this album celebrates Valentine's newfound freedom and empowerment. It showcases his artistic evolution and his embrace of individuality and identity.

💥 Defining Moment: 'Jealousy' and Witness Underground 💥
Valentine's narrative gained broader recognition when his early composition 'Jealousy' was featured in the documentary Witness Underground, which sheds light on Nuclear Gopher, a music community born within the confines of a cult.

🌟 A Journey Beyond Borders 🌟
The religion's fervent drive in the 80s and 90s to spread its doomsday message took him to Ecuador as a teenager where he attended high school and participated in missionary activities, where the impending apocalyptic genocide by Jesus was preached with a sense of urgency.

Follow Failure To Thriving Podcast:
Instagram: @FailureToThriving @kidelle
Twitter: @FailureToThriving @kidelle

YOUTUBE GROWTH: Tubebuddy
PRODUCTION:   Riverside
GUESTING:   PodMatch

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Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
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Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

Join Jonam Ross, a renowned hypnotherapist and host of the Religion Rehab podcast, as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Scott Homan, the documentary director behind Witness Underground. Both Scott and Jonam share their personal experiences as ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, shedding light on the dystopian reality of the cult and their journey toward freedom and recovery and now serving the ex-cult community with assistance in recovery.

Witness Underground, an eye-opening cult documentary, unravels the hidden world of the DIY artist community that blossomed within the confines of the high-control Jehovah's Witness religion in Minneapolis. This film defies the oppressive restrictions placed on music, fame, and success, which are deemed forbidden by the religion's dogma of "beware of independent thinking." Scott's compelling storytelling captures the struggles faced by these artists as their faith is tested in deeply personal ways.

Venturing beyond the surface, Jonam and Scott delve into the harsh realities ex-Jehovah's Witnesses encounter when leaving the cult. The repercussions are severe, with individuals facing the heart-wrenching choice of being shunned by their entire family and social circle for life. Despite these challenges, these resilient artists rally together and establish the independent record label Nuclear Gopher, producing over 30 albums of heartfelt music that speaks to their experiences and aspirations. Both Jonam and Scott are avid guitars drawn to metal and punk respectively which continues to influence their work in assisting those with religious trauma syndrome (RTS) and related PTSD. 

This gripping episode covers a wide range of topics, including the psychological impact of leaving a high-control relationship, the process of recovering from religious indoctrination, and the unique challenges faced by cult survivors. As atheism takes center stage, Scott shares his journey toward becoming an atheist and the role it played in his healing process. The discussion also touches on the vital work of Religion Rehab, providing resources and support for individuals grappling with the problems associated with organized religions and dangerous cults.

If you're searching for an illuminating documentary that explores the chilling reality of cults, Witness Underground is a must-watch. Follow Scott Homan's Witness Underground Podcast and Jonam Ross's Religion Rehab channel for further insights into this gripping ex-Jehovah's Witness story. This collaboration will captivate ex-JWs, atheists, and those intrigued by cult survivor stories, as well as individuals seeking inspiration to move on from religious oppression and reclaim their lives.

Prepare to be moved and empowered by this enthralling conversation, as Jonam Ross, a respected hypnotherapist, and Scott Homan, a talented documentary director, delve into the depths of the Orwellian cult that is the Jehovah's Witnesses, offering hope and support to those on a journey of faith recovery and personal liberation.

The conversation is both enlightening and empowering, offering valuable insights and resources for survivors of religious abuse and spiritual tyranny, offering support in deprogramming from religious indoctrination, protecting oneself from manipulation, rebuilding self-esteem, and developing social skills. 

If you're seeking support on your journey to recover and rebuild your future after leaving a religiously oppressive environment, this episode is a must-listen. Email your questions or suggested topics to [email protected]

Join Jonam Ross and Scott Homan as they shed light on the path to healing and reclaiming one's life on the Religion Rehab Podcast with this special collaboration with the Witness Underground Podcast and here on the Witness Underground Channel on Youtube.

Don't miss this transformative conversation that will inspire and empower individuals seeking to bre

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

Links discussed and posted in the discussion:

The Witness Underground Documentary Project:
https://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support these ExJW artists:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground

Listen to the music:
http://WitnessUnderground.com/Art
http://Vaureenband.com

We're back again with another excellent Q&A featuring the artists highlighted in the feature documentary Witness Underground. One of our guests highlights the power of music and self expression to transform and even save lives.

From March through May we hosted live, private Virtual Cinema events, with a Film Festival style Q&A after each screening. The panel this time includes musicians: Annie of the band Vaureen (never-JW), Chad Rhiger of Daytrip, Ghost Army, HighTV, Ryan Sutter of The Lavone, Trumpet Marine and others. He's also the co-founder the Nuclear Gopher music production studio that the film discusses, and of course the film's director and this podcast's host, Scott Homan.

We had excellent guests in the audience as well that contributed a lot.

Join us for this engaging Q&A as we reflect on our past, present, and future as former Jehovah's Witnesses and musicians.

00:00 Introduction
05:44  Annie of Vaureen - Power of music to heal and save lives
08:26 Ryan's Sutter's JW music origin
13:38  Audience question - How did we decide to frame our documentary around the Jehovah's Witness indie music scene in Minneapolis?
15:26 Godfather & Speculatio - Chad's nicknames for Ryan & Scott
16:51 Audience question Has the cult become more lenient over time?
17:25 Ryan Relates last personal interaction with cult family members.
21:30 Song Errands by Ryan Sutter - inspired by interactions with cult member father.
22:30 Guest Trinity discussion what "Just Announced" means in cult terms.
28:37 "Control and fear is the enemy of love" discussion
29:26 The Apostle Paul McCartney & Pop Riveter on love
33:40 The Akai Pretty Songs About Ugly Things - Eric Elvendahl's production Opus excellent art!
35:14 Hira Hira - Ryan's blog that changed many lives and inspired this film - search instructions to download present version
36:44 Trinity guest - Their unraveling moment after leaving
40:05 Advice - Check the references and quotes
40:46 Advice - http://RecoveringFromReligion.org
42:28 Fuck I'm an atheist moment - also a great fresh start - label becomes powerless over time
47:10 Outro

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
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Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

After watching the thought-provoking documentary "Witness Underground," Three artists: an actor, a writer, and a musician, engage in a profound conversation about their personal experiences with shunning and how they navigate through it. Join us as we explore the transformative power of art, music, therapy, movement, and meditation in coping while inside and healing after leaving a cult. Together, we'll embark on a remarkable exploration of consciousness and creativity.

https://witnessunderground.com

Description:
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Gina Brown, Christopher of the band Scifidelic and a writer, in discussion with Scott Homan, Director of the award winning and eye-opening documentary "Witness Underground," which sheds light on artists who escaped a cult.

Together, we delve deep into their unique perspectives on shunning, drawing from their diverse experiences. We explore the profound impact of music, art, therapy, movement, and meditation as coping mechanisms during their time in the cult and as tools for healing after leaving.

Prepare to be inspired as we explore their creative endeavors, from dance and acting to crafting a new Streaming Series pitch and building on a successful TikTok channel. We'll also uncover the intriguing story behind their decades-long music project called Scifidelic, featuring a band member known as Caustic, who was once a high-ranking member at the world headquarters of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Discover how their music directly addresses the themes of faith and exiting from it.

Our guest, Gina, shares details about her exciting project—a series about the complexities of love, where an unlikely couple comes together amidst their vastly different worlds. Having experienced trauma within the Jehovah's Witness community, Gina incorporates her personal journey into the script, exploring the challenges of same-sex relationships and the harmful influence of the faith. We'll also touch upon the harrowing experiences of her sister-in-law, who faced life-threatening complications during childbirth due to the cult's ban on blood transfusions.

Additionally, we discuss the writer's upcoming book, which inspired her escape from the cult and provided solace and courage during her challenging journey. 

Together, we explore strategies for overcoming triggers, dealing with attachment, and addressing past baggage. Moreover, we delve into the diverse interpretations of the cult's teachings regarding the end of the world and the impact it had on our guests' lives.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that unveils the power of art, resilience, and self-discovery. Get ready to expand your consciousness and embark on a journey of inspiration and empowerment.

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Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
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Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
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Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

WitnessUnderground.com

Ver el documental aca:
Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground

Bienvenidos a Witness Underground, el podcast donde hablamos con personas que han dejado la secta peligrosa de los Testigos de Jehová. En este episodio, entrevistamos a una mujer, Leidy, de Panamá que comparte su historia de cómo dejó el secta y cómo ha mejorado su vida desde entonces.

Nuestra invitada nos habla sobre su relación en evolución con su madre y sus hermanos que aún están dentro de la secta, y el abuso emocional que experimentó al ser shuneada. También nos cuenta su vida dentro de la secta, cómo funciona el proceso de "reheyendo" y la cruel manera en que se expulsan a los miembros y los cortan de sus familias.

Hablamos sobre cómo nuestras familias pueden ser atrapadas en este secta y las razones reales detrás del control que ejercen sobre sus miembros. También discutimos cómo usan el miedo para controlar la vida de las personas y separar a los miembros de sus familias.

Nuestra invitada comparte cómo puede tener una relación respetuosa con su familia a pesar de que todavía están atrapados en la secta, y cómo ella misma fue convencida de que las enseñanzas eran verdaderas.

También hablamos sobre cómo se usan falacias lógicas de autoridad para convencer a los miembros de la validez de las enseñanzas de la secta, y las soluciones que existen para quienes desean dejar la secta.

Abordamos cómo funciona el negocio de este secta y las complicaciones que pueden surgir si alguien decide bautizarse en esta religión. Nuestra invitada comparte que es muy difícil salir con dignidad y cómo es mucho más fácil dedicar tiempo a buscar respuestas y soluciones por sí mismo.

Finalmente, discutimos las soluciones que existen, incluyendo la búsqueda de ayuda profesional y salir a otro lugar para conocerte mejor.

Este ha sido nuestro episodio sobre cómo mejorar tu vida después de dejar la secta de los Testigos de Jehová. Esperamos que les haya gustado y les invitamos a compartir este episodio con amigos y familiares que puedan estar interesados. ¡Gracias por escuchar a Witness Underground!

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
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Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

The Witness Underground Documentary Project:
https://WitnessUnderground.com
/Press & /Art pages are highlighted

Support these ExJW artists:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground


Links discussed and posted in the discussion:

Directors first documentary, "Hanoi Mixtape":
https://HanoiMixtape.com

ADD Chronicles - Oh The Crib!
The Directors album on Bandcamp:
https://add-chronicles.bandcamp.com/album/oh-the-crib

Dear Ike - Lost Letters to a Teen Idol Documentary:
https://pbs.org/show/dear-ike-lost-letters-teen-idol

This I Believe Essay:
https://thisibelieve.org/essay/34
"As half of the magic act Penn and Teller, Penn Jillette enjoys challenging his audiences with the unconventional. In stating his personal credo, Jillette finds liberation in believing there is no God."

Endless Forms Most Beautiful by Sean Carrol
https://a.co/d/iUcnu1L

The Big Picture by Sean Carrol
https://a.co/d/dYAN6l9

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we dive into the personal stories and experiences of the former Jehovah's Witness musicians featured in the film "Witness Underground". Our guests include Chad Rhiger, Eric Elvendahl, Ryan Sutter, and the film's director Scott Homan.

In this episode, we discuss why the artists in the film left the religion, and the exit path they recommend for others who may be in a similar situation. We also explore the Director's background with film and how it feels to release such a personal project to the public. Ryan shares how it feels to have his heavy series of stories captured in a movie.

The panel shares what they are all doing with music now, and where you can find their available music collections on WitnessUnderground.com. We also discuss how long it takes to shed the ExJW label and identity, and how each person has moved on from the former Jehovah's Witness identity that we were all suddenly swept into when we moved away from identifying as Witnesses. Birthdays still affect them in unexpected ways.

We explore what they believe now about life, after many years outside of the faith group the film is about, with a focus on poetic naturalism referencing Sean Carrol and Penn Jillette. The conversation is honest, thought-provoking, and filled with personal insights.

Join us for this engaging episode as we reflect on our past, present, and future as former Jehovah's Witnesses and musicians.

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

Two excellent journalistic approaches to the topic of the Jehovah's Witneses and moving on in a healthy way, just interviewed me! 

• Cult Hackers out of England, by the psychologist Stephen Mather. 
  • Polished, organized, concise
• Bad ASSociations Podcast by Chev Clark out of New York.  
  • Deep dive, personal

Both are excellent! I highly recommend them! 

• Check out Cult Hackers Podcast and support them on Patreon for a lot more!
  •   1. https://www.patreon.com/culthackers
• Check out Bad ASSociations Podcast
  • 2. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/badassociationspod 

This update highlights those two shows a bit. I hope you take a moment and give them a listen. 

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/debutanteshortfilm

Support Kamila Dydyna and her impressive film by watching it on Vimeo OnDemand today!

Irish Film & TV Academy Award-nominated, multi-award-winning drama offering a closer look at one of the most devastating policies of Jehovah's Witnesses.

A devoted Jehovah's Witness is forced to reconsider her beliefs during a judicial committee hearing led by three congregation elders.

Written, directed and produced by Kamila Dydyna.

Awards & Nominations:

Irish Film & TV Academy Award (IFTA) Nominee: Best Short Film (Live Action) 2022
Winner: Best Irish Fiction Short, Kerry International Film Festival 2021
Winner: Best National/ International Film, @ Richard Harris International Film Festival, 2021
Winner: Audience Award @ Chicago Irish Film Festival, 2022
Winner: Best Short Film @ Achill Island Film Festival, 2022
Nominee: Best Irish Short, Dublin International Short Film & Music Festival 2022
Nominee: Best Writing (Kamila Dydyna) & Best Actress (Úna O'Brien) @ Richard Harris International Film Festival, 2021
Nominee: Best Sound Design (Killian Fitzgerald / Avatar Audio Post Production) @ Fastnet Film Festival 2022
Official Selection/ World Premiere: 33rd Galway Film Festival, 2021

Reviews: "One of the most powerful short films I have seen in some time, Debutante is a moving tribute to the vision and dedication of writer, director, and producer, Kamila Dydyna. With heartrending and touchingly believable performances from both lead roles, Meg (Úna O'Brien) and Sam (Richard Neville), it tells the story of a young couple balancing personal happiness when their feelings are set in opposition to their religious beliefs." FILM IRELAND

Audience feedback:
"It’s incredibly skilfully written and made. It takes just 18 minutes to break your heart and make you incandescent with rage."

"Absolutely true to life (...) and devastatingly honest in the portrayal of the damage of the judicial system and the shunning policy."

"So simple and efficient in its storytelling (all killer, no filler, atmospheric and not a moment wasted), but really arresting, such strong performances."

Starring:
Úna O'Brien
Arthur Riordan
Richard Neville
Sam McGovern
Gary Mullan
Noelle Brown
Anthony O’Boyle

Director of Photography: Barry Doyle
Editor: Eoin McDonagh
Original Score by Natalia Tsupryk & Ray Harman
Audio Post-Production: Killian Fitzgerald

Executive Producers:
Pierre Montigny
Kosmos
Daniel Fitzgibbon
Chris Stuckmann
Scott Homan
Beniamin Enea

Associate Producers:
Kimberly Springer Payea
Andre Jackson
Jack Grey
Matthew Kirwan
Piotr Michalski

Official Partners: Atheist Ireland

The story behind the making of Debutante: linkedin.com/pulse/making-film-against-all-odds-kamila-dydyna

Support the show

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com
https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

Support:
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Reach out directly: 
[email protected]

-Scott