In this episode, we talk with Cole and Andee about what it means to escape a high-control religious system — and the cost of choosing freedom.

Cole shares his experience growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, breaking away in his late teens and early twenties, and losing nearly everything he had ever known: his community, family, friends, job, and identity. He also opens up about the widespread sexual abuse he witnessed within the church and the institution’s failure to protect its members.

Today, Cole is living as his authentic self and helping others who are trying to leave similar systems behind. This is a conversation about courage, grief, and rebuilding your life from the ground up.