Finding Paradise

Hey folks. It's been a hot minute since we've shared any new stories here, but we're gonna remedy that right meow. We're so happy to be back, and for this episode we welcome our friend Ocho to the podcast. This is our first story that isn't related to growing up in the JWs. We had a great time talking about his life and what his idea of paradise entails. We talk about Catholicism, mental health counseling, infinite universes, live music, and whether Meatloaf (RIP) was a top or a bottom. It was a great time, and we hope you enjoy Ocho's story as much as we enjoyed recording it.

To find Ocho's podcast and more of his content:

Podcast: I Don't Do That

www.ochotunes.com

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In a LLLLOOOOONNNGGGGG overdue catsup, we sit down and talk about what 2022 has looked like so far. We discuss some nature, some court stuff, and live music. Come sit down and hang out for awhile.

Welcome to our inaugural episode.  We're so glad to have you with us.  With this podcast, we hope to share some of our stories with you, and give others a platform to share their own experiences.  Along the way, often we find that paradise isn't a location, but sometimes just a state of being.

In our first episode, we introduce ourselves a bit, as we talk about Tyler and his journey.

EDIT:  I failed to give credit to the producer of our intro music.  Thank you to BROCKBEATS for allowing the use of your sound.  If you like the intro music, and would like to hear more of their work, go to https://brockbeats.bandcamp.com/

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/findingparadise/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingparadise/support

Welcome to episode three!

We've known Cheryl for some time. For myself (Tyler), she was one of the first friends that I was able to make after leaving the JWs. So I'm especially grateful to her for taking the time to sit down and talk with us.

We hear her experience with leaving an ex still in the religion, and the impact it has had on the lives of her and her children. And while things have seemed to come around well, it's never without its challenges. Join us as Cheryl tells her story.

Mentioned: Cheryl's daughter Liv is an INCREDIBLY talented hairstylist. Check out her work at the link below!

https://www.instagram.com/vividlyliv/

So about a year ago, we did a thing. Ethan and I (Tyler) shared our stories of leaving the Jehovah’s Witness religion with the world. We talked about all the good, bad and ugly that comes with that choice. Some people have listened to it, and some have been brave enough to share their stories as well. Over the past 375 days, we’ve laughed, cried, cheers'd some beers, told some (mostly dirty) jokes, said some (ok, a lot of) curses, and just generally supported each other through all of it. And we’ve all learned a little more about what it means to find paradise.
To everyone that’s joined us along the way, we can’t thank you enough for subjecting yourself to the antics of a couple fuckin’ clownshoes in a dark smoky basement.
So… We’re having a reunion. We’ve been planning this for a while, and we’re happy to finally get nearly everyone that’s honored our silly little show with their presence back together in one episode. And you’re all family now, so we’ll see you same time next year. And hopefully we’ll have some new faces with us.
Thank you for checking us out. And if you want to share your story, please reach out to us.
- the management

In our second episode, we welcome our first guest.

Thank you so much to Tiffy for sharing her story with us. She talks about her experience growing up in a "divided household" as a child. Throughout she shares her advice for others as they navigate their exit from the JWs when there's children involved. We appreciate her courage to sit down and talk with us and we hope you enjoy it too!

It's our inaugural episode! 

We cover our format, reasons for doing this, and how we plan to help.

We ask for your feedback and assistance in a few things.  If you know someone that's trying to leave or needs help strategizing, please contact us. We have resources, such as attorneys that also want to help you strategize as you exit.

We want you to come on and tell your story regarding Post Separation Abuse. Whether you're raising children in this environment or you were a child that was raised in this environment.

Join our support group so we can share resources and support each other. And like us on Facebook so we can keep you in the loop!

Finding Paradise Episode 008: Michael Part 2

*Trigger warning: mentions suicide*

We have a friend join us in Carol Town to tell us his story of finding his own paradise. He tells of the hypocrisy he saw and his struggle to toe the line and find self worth, which is relatable to many of us. Hear Michael's story in his own words and welcome him to the Finding Paradise family. And stick around for a special announcement at the end!

Finding Paradise Episode 008: Michael Part 1

*Trigger warning: mentions suicide*

We have a friend join us in Carol Town to tell us his story of finding his own paradise. He tells of the hypocrisy he saw and his struggle to toe the line and find self worth, which is relatable to many of us. Hear Michael's story in his own words and welcome him to the Finding Paradise family. And stick around for a special announcement at the end!

Episode 008, Part 2:

It's afternoon on Sunday morning. Anyone interested in going out in service this afternoon, please make your way to the front of the Hall. We start out with some educational material that we think the householders, and our brothers and sisters  will also enjoy....a few self help books to help you heal and meditate on how much better this new life can be.

We added to our book recommendations list, of which most can be found on Audible or other audio book platforms. They are:

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson. **READ/LISTEN TO THIS**

Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine Pittman and Elizabeth Karle

This Is Your Brain On Anxiety by Faith Harper

What Happened To You by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry

Raising Resilient Children by Margalis Fjelstad and Jean McBride

How can you wake someone up? One suggestion is by watching documentaries or TV series of "sister religions". These can help deprogram someone that is questioning JW teachings or doctrines. Here are some recommendations:

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (Let us know if you also have a recommendation).

For the rest of the episode, we covered:

Tyler's surprise birthday party, relationship with parents, school, court and legal stuff.

Let's play the game of "who is the ex reeling in"?

Amanda tries out the Squid Hat. Then the latest in legal stuff, shenanigans from the ex, and newest court orders.

One child's progress in "the wonder years", a "rite of passage", "coming of age", you get the idea...

Wire hangers, freezing of video and 'swaying' to see if it's unfrozen.

Compared 2020 vs 2021 annual report, push for volunteers to help with construction, and the super secret auditions for members to be apart of 'East Coast Hollywood', and Lloyd Evans taking a well deserved break.

Looks like we make up one car group, and picking up one more brother after lunch before we head out into the ministry. We'll encourage each other and have up building conversations by discussing the latest recommendations in our car group. Stay tuned as we continue our Sunday by having another 'brother' join our Finding Paradise alumi.