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shunned

shunned
Jehovah's Witnesses
Mental Health
Shunning
Cult Recovery
Child Abuse
Covid-19
Trauma
Family Dynamics
Religious Trauma
Identity Crisis
Coming Out
LGBTQ+ Issues
Cult Dynamics
Psychological Abuse
Holocaust
Depression
Social Isolation
Narcissism
Trauma Recovery
Substance Abuse

Religious and cult ideologies often use the practice of shunning to silence their critics and to control their members through fear. This podcast sheds light on shunning through real life stories as told by the people that have lived through it. Learn what their lives were like and where they have ended up in life after being shunned. Featuring stories from Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, Amish,... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes225Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & CultureDocumentary

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Artwork for shunned

Latest Episodes

This episode features the story of Darby, a 32-year-old former Jehovah's Witness, detailing a life shaped by generational indoctrination, intense familial and organizational control, and the profound personal and emotional consequences of leaving the... more

YouTube

This episode is the personal testimony of Micah, a 42-year-old former Jehovah's Witness, detailing his life within the organization, his subsequent departure, and his journey toward recovery and self-redefinition. Born into the religion to parents wi... more

YouTube

I was very fortunate to be able to travel and record an episode of Jubilee along with other ExJWs and Ex-Scientologists as we discussed our lives and the groups we came from. Their YouTube channel was kind enough to give us a platform on which to sha... more

YouTube

In this episode, Ezzi details the intense familial and organizational pressure that led to her baptism at age 15, despite her not feeling ready or understanding the doctrine. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the abuse and dysfuncti... more

YouTube

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Host

Mike Shunwell
Mike is a former Jehovah's Witness and a professional cult recovery coach. He shares personal stories and insights about life after cults, providing a compassionate space for storytelling and healing.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 593 ratings
  • Micah

    This is my favorite interview so far. Micah is well spoken and intelligent. He said out loud what we all wanted to when Elders abused him.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    teerob 1977
    United Statesa month ago
  • Huge Fan since Day 1

    I love this podcast. I especially love seeing how the podcast host has grown himself over the years.

    He is thoughtful and truly cares about the people suffering from this awful practice of shunning. I know he has changed lives.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ktdidnt8
    United Statesa year ago
  • Exactly what I needed

    I love the in-depth stories. This is exactly what I need to not feel like the only one loving life post JW. I regret wasting a decade of my life feeling small & unworthy as a JW. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, life is GREAT away from this destructive cult.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jilly in Indy
    United States2 years ago
  • Just what I needed!

    I can’t even begin to say how much this podcast has helped me. I’m an ex JW and the relatability I have found here has been amazing! I hope to tell my story on the podcast one day!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nursennylehc
    United States2 years ago
  • Personal truth

    Often tragic, and heart breaking- but more often encouraging. The host does an excellent job bringing out the damage that Jehovah’s Witness shunning policy has on innocent members. The host is compassionate while he allows the guests to freely share their truths some times for the first time.

    Highly recommended to all in hopes to heal, help, or maybe change the minds of those whom participate in the deadly and as practiced today the unscriptural practice of disfellowshipping

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    br hunt
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the emotional depth and personal healing narratives shared in each episode.
Many express gratitude for the validation they receive from the stories, showcasing a sense of community among those affected by similar experiences.
Feedback often highlights the host's empathy and insight, making complex issues relatable and understandable.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

207 – How One Bullsh*t Comment Freed A Young Man From A Cult & The Extreme Response From Family
Q: How did you come to accept your identity as a gay man?
Jake came to realize and accept his sexuality over a period of time and acknowledged that being gay would have significant consequences in his religious environment.
207 – How One Bullsh*t Comment Freed A Young Man From A Cult & The Extreme Response From Family
Q: What was it like being in such a strict and controlling environment growing up?
Jake describes his upbringing among Jehovah's Witnesses as limited and marked by a sense of self-superiority, which later turned into inner conflict as he grew older.
195 – Seventh Day Adventists & Jehovah's Witnesses – Looking In The Mirror With Cass, A Former SDA
Q: What happened to turn that around?
Cass describes how her mother pulled her out of the Seventh Day Adventist school to a public school, which became a pivotal moment of change for her.
195 – Seventh Day Adventists & Jehovah's Witnesses – Looking In The Mirror With Cass, A Former SDA
Q: Did you have any good times? Did your mom able to show up for you? Did you go to therapy?
Cass explains that she and her sister agreed not to burden their mother with their feelings, but when she found Cass crying, her mother took action to change her schooling situation.
Episode 157 - CSA, Trauma and Jehovah's Witnesses - Caressa's Story
Q: What do you enjoy about post-JW life?
Just being able to live my life and be my own person and not get judged for absolutely every single thing about me is just beautiful.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About shunned

What is shunned about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the psychological and emotional impacts of religious and cult ideologies, this series features compelling narratives from individuals who experienced shunning after leaving high-control groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Scientology. Each episode brings to light personal stories of trauma, recovery, and resilience, allowing listeners to understand the complex dynamics of coercive control and the effects of exclusion from once-cherished communities. The host, who has firsthand experience as a former member, offers insights into the struggles of adapting to life post-shunning, while emphasizing the importance of healing and self-acceptance amidst adversity. The podcast presents not only painful accounts but also a celebration ... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with shunned:

1. Surviving Paradise
2. Cults to Consciousness
3. A Little Bit Culty
4. True Crime Obsessed
5. Allison after NXIVM from Uncover

How many episodes of shunned are there?

shunned launched 8 years ago and published 225 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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