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Artwork for Welcome to the World

Welcome to the World

Ryan Lee
Jehovah's Witnesses
Religious Trauma
Therapy
Jehovah's Witness
Emotional Healing
Ayahuasca
Mental Health
Death
People Pleasing
Narcissism
Family Dynamics
Depression
Self-Talk
Psychedelics
Self-Care
Boundaries
Questioning Faith
Relationships
Personal Growth
Personal Development

This podcast is dedicated to all things related to the process of waking up, walking out and moving on from life in a Christian cult or high control religion. Its host, Dr Ryan Lee, is a former Jehovah's Witness with a doctorate in clinical psychology and a practicing therapist, specializing in helping former JWs and other cult survivors move through the recovery and rebuilding process Dr Lee cove... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes58Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityScienceSocial Sciences

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Artwork for Welcome to the World

Latest Episodes

I've mentioned before on the program how unusually high the rate of personality disorders is among Jehovah's Witnesses, which always begs the question:

Why?

Well today's guest, in addition to being an ex-JW, also happens to be a counselor with a ... more

YouTube

Another straight up banger of a guest! (no hype) Michaela is not only charismatic and deeply fascinating, but after hearing the 9 levels of hell she crawled through to break free, you'll be left with the same question I had: How the hell did she turn... more

YouTube

After working with over a thousand ex-cult members, I thought I'd heard it all.

I was wrong...

On today's episode, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to "Manon"—a ferocious, badass mother (literally & figuratively) and the owner of the best... more

YouTube

If you're reading this, chances are you're already fairly certain that the cult you escaped from was a flaming pile of fecal matter. Well... fairly certain Because knowing the failed prophecies, the abuse scandals, and the sheer absurdity of the stor... more

YouTube

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Host

Dr. Ryan Lee
Host of the podcast, a former Jehovah's Witness with a doctorate in clinical psychology, specializing in helping those who have left cults and high-control groups.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 153 ratings
  • Essential listening for anyone cult adjacent or even still in (or exiting) a cult.

    Amazing. Love this podcast, so happy Ryan is back with new episodes. Just keeps getting better and better. Highly recommend!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Traveleroflife
    United States24 days ago
  • Essential for any ExJW

    This is high-quality content from a real, competent, therapist who understands completely the JW environment. I laughed, I cried, I walked away a better man.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Your Density
    United States6 months ago
  • Thank you so much

    I am so glad I found your podcast. I left 2 years ago at the age of 51. I’m a 3rd generation witness. And I just couldn’t take it anymore also I am gay so I wanted to live my life OUT both of the chains of this religion and live my true authentic life as a queer woman. So thank thank you so much for this podcast it has saved my mental health.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shammah72
    United Statesa year ago
  • The kingdom song!

    I haven’t heard a kingdom song in 9 years. I think I just had a panic attack.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nikcab
    United States2 years ago
  • So helpful

    I am so grateful for all of this. I left 6 years ago and this podcast would have been so helpful to me then. It is still helpful now. The validation and continual processing that has come from this is amazing.

    Curious if you have come across a lot of suicide stories? I’ve lost so many friends to suicide that were JW’s. Would love to have a podcast on that.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HidesnMT
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners express deep gratitude for the support and validation they find in the discussions, emphasizing how the insights have positively affected their mental health and recovery process.
Many reviews note the blend of humor and candidness in discussions about serious topics, making the podcast engaging and, at times, fun, while still addressing trauma and recovery.
The host's approach is described as warm and relatable, making complex psychological concepts accessible and relevant to those navigating life after a cult.

Top Religion & Spirituality Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Cult of Personality...Disorders
Q: Does it make sense to think of the Jehovah's Witnesses as an entity that functions in a narcissistic way?
Jean agrees, describing the organization as focused on its image over individual care. She says members and elders may have good intentions but can be constrained by the organization's norms and expectations.
Cult of Personality...Disorders
Q: Do cults create narcissism, or do they attract narcissists?
Ryan says the evidence does not resolve the question, though he sees a compelling case that narcissistic individuals may be attracted to organizations that reinforce their needs. Jean agrees that like can attract like and says familiar dysfunction and the rewards of belonging can keep people in the cycle.
#47 No Victims Here
Q: Once the stalking died down, how was your integration into the world?
Michaela says she made supportive friends, had enjoyable experiences, focused on hobbies and business, and felt happier. She also describes continuing to work on feeling comfortable being herself and worrying less about former Witnesses' judgments.
#47 No Victims Here
Q: What did you think would happen if your old friends saw what you posted?
Michaela worried they would judge her as worldly, conclude that Satan had influenced her, and put her in a box that did not reflect who she was. Ryan helped her consider that they had already formed their opinions, regardless of what she posted.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Welcome to the World

What is Welcome to the World about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series provides support and guidance for individuals who have left the Jehovah's Witnesses, focusing on healing and adapting to life outside a high-control religious environment. The host, a clinical psychologist and former member of the Jehovah's Witness community, addresses the challenges faced during this transition, discussing themes such as trauma recovery, identity issues, and the complexities of building new relationships while redefining personal values. Unique to the series is its blend of psychological insight and personal anecdotes that resonate deeply with its audience, making it a compassionate and practical resource for navigating post-cult life.

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Which podcasts are similar to Welcome to the World?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Welcome to the World:

1. Surviving Paradise
2. The Telepathy Tapes
3. The School of Greatness
4. Asking For a Friend
5. Life After MLM

How many episodes of Welcome to the World are there?

Welcome to the World launched 2 years ago and published 58 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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