Witness Underground Podcast

Ryan DuVal, software engineer and old friend from Colorado, was the only person I asked to help produce Witness Underground. He flew up from Asheville North Carolina as our producer in Minneapolis and was the guiding light for multiple editing revisions.

He brought a fresh perspective to the project that became essential in telling this deep nuanced story.

This episode was recorded at the Auxbus podcast studio in Asheville, a start-up where he pioneered the audio software we recorded this on. He interviews me and my personal back story for the first time.  (Auxbus was later bought by Libsyn and his software is their trademark audio editing software for their podcast  distribution company).

This was recorded on the heals of our production together, and after story-lock in our documentary post-production phase. He had a huge hand in the production influencing the story, and pulling out many valuable moments across our interviews. He also ran sound, wrote interview questions, and asked the interview questions, co-directing the storytelling.  He also ran second camera for interviews, live performance music videos, and also some of the side stories that made it into the film, among many additional roles that we shared. 

He was essential in the creation of this film.  Enjoy this episode as he digs into my back story and the creation of this film, the XJW Coming Out series, and this podcast.

Thanks Ryan!

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MXHELuzxVbY

Siân Walmsley Krubeck did the heavy lifting of story editing and color for our feature documentary Witness Underground.

In this episode we dive into the process, challenges, clashes, pressures, frustrations, and successes of working together in our first discussion after creating the film. She has since worked on several other films and also written her first novel.

All of Siân's links:
https://linktr.ee/sjkrubeck

Read The Devil Drinks Mocha:
https://a.co/d/19S3x2z

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/i8zV6W-lKiE
Subscribe if you like this content.

Former Elder in Jehovah's Witnesses, Gary Alt, was even a long-time "Bethelite," a worker at their world headquarters called Watchtower (a book publishing company masquerading as a religion). One of his contributions while there was cultural. He was asked to host a monthly music entertainment night at Bethel.

Check out his songs:

"Here are a handful of songs you might be interested in. The "still IN" songs variously have something to do with my exiting the JWs.

[still IN]
Falling Down vocal by Jayway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl__9Y2BJq8

Bleed For You vocal by Jayway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USzsewK8WZs

Spin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8poJf5pTzxE

Whatever (I knew this wasn't a good song when I did it, but I needed one more for my album Not For Sale To Minors and wanted it to be raw-sounding - deliberately done with the angst and minimalist values of John Lennon's early solo recordings)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjOZPqdskaA

[OUT]
Never Ending Always vocal by Lori Klein (written for my novel, Force of Will which used the pseudonym Tan Swiftwater - there's an interesting story to the song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbRK0HbqMiM

This Holy Day vocal by post-JW Gayann from NY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OMPcoB9vL0

Wake Up vocal by post-JW Emma-Jade Mechen, daughter of Shane, from New Zealand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LAjNwRe6Gw

Anything else you might be interested in may be found on Spotify by searching for "Gary Alt" and the following album names, all done when I was JW:

-Tribute
-(Not) For Sale To Minors
-Beef Wellington and the Mad Cows - Masticated Bovine (joint project with JW friend Jayway when I was in)
-Gift of Projection (EP that predicted Art of Survival but has only 2 songs in common with it)
-Art of Survival (my best IMO)

And a couple of relatively recent extra songs that are not on any album:
-Shine a Light
-The Moon is Broken Tonight
-Western Lady - vocal by Rick Barth (YouTube only, not actually released)
-Color Wind (demo only)

Back in the Free World - vocal by Larry Hayden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g0Ch6YYMeg "
- Written FOR the JWs back when I was in. I now reinterpret the words to mean something else.

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kyhAPbxw9Rs
Subscribe there if you like this content.

Our Co-Producer, Anthony Mathenia, meets up with Scott Homan and Ryan Sutter in an engaging conversation highlighting his film work with Outlaw films, and the four books he wrote.

From Outlaw Films

Free to watch with ads on Tubi:
Dope Men: America's First Drug Cartel
https://tubitv.com/movies/100008549/dope-men-america-s-first-drug-cartel

Night Life
https://tubitv.com/movies/100009015/night-life
New release for download or rent on Amazon:

Psychedelic Revolution
https://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Revolution-Secret-History-Trade/dp/B0CKLYM2YX

From Gorilla Convict
Lucky Graphic Novel — Read for free with Kindle Unlimited
https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Gangster-Graphic-Novel-Luciano-ebook/dp/B0CFBV714N

Gorilla Convict
www.gorillaconvict.com

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch this special episode on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/cYA8AmHud-4

Rewrite your subconscious with Jonam's self-authorship hypnotherapy program!

We jump into how it works and the process you'll experience when you start.
Courteously made available to backers, Jonam Ross's course can help with recovery from trauma and much more.

You will learn how to become your own hypnotherapist and build a high degree of competence in working with your unconscious mind and leveraging unconscious resources towards conscious intentions.

You will master tried and tested methods that enable you to live your life feeling that your mind is truly your best asset, working with you and for you.

You will lay deep foundations that will augment and support you in any other personal development or therapeutic work you choose to take part in.

You will re-train your brain so that your desired results come as a natural byproduct of who you are, rather than having to feel like you’re “faking it to make it.”

If you supported at any level during our film release on Kickstarter in November, the introductory course was made available to you. Here's the link to try it out. https://www.religionrehab.co.uk/hypnotherapy


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 Jonam Ross and our global collaborative team.

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Youtube Version of this episode:
https://youtube.com/live/4zuAoAVoX2E

Scott Ariza, Hyouhen in the gaming world, joined Witness Underground for our film release launch on Kickstarter. Scott and I are both connected to great people in the film world in Los Angeles through Filmocracy Film Festival. That group has become a really important community and film festival for Witness Underground. Scott and I met through the Filmocracy Discord. https://filmocracy.com

Paul and Philip Jun are brothers and co-founders of the company. Paul Jun worked for years distributing and selling films at Cannes Film Festival and now they have created a platform with indie filmmakers in mind. Filmocracy has become a serious player in the distribution and festival area, disrupting giants.

Check out Scott Ariza's Photography Portfolio:
https://sharkostudios.com/landscape

Bookings - Sharko Studios
https://sharko.pixieset.com/booking

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 and consistency of Scott Ariza and the rest of our Core Team.

-Scott

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Youtube Version of this episode:
https://youtube.com/live/9_cib9UF8C8

Klaas De Loose with Monster Match Studios joined Witness Underground to bring it to the professional level that you see today.

Let’s dive into his music and illustrations!

Check out his work at
https://mnstrmtch.com

From Klaas:

"As a Jehovah's Witness, I used to be a people pleaser and that also reflected my work as a graphic designer. I arrived at a certain place in my life and I want to be completely myself when it comes to my art and music, that means becoming more confident. In my professional life that means that I try to accept only assignments that I personally like so that I can develop my personal style - which I do. In my spare and free time, I try to focus on becoming more of a performing musician with a high focus on ambience and visual style.

This of course was out of the question being a JW."

The band featured is Korinthians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVNPRtJxBqs

Klaas's website:
https://www.ruzd.world

Klaas's Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/ruzd81

Klaas's YT channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@RuZd

2046 Music Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrKp_R9hIf8

Break Me Down Music Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-liGjDuxo

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/ruzd

Thanx Amigo - This was great!

Btw: this is my linktree:
https://linktr.ee/ruzd

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 the artists behind the scenes like Klaas who elevated the quality of the film. His work helped us to get into 11 film festivals and to win Best Feature Documentary at GenreBlast Film Festival

Reach out directly XJWdoc@gmail.com
-Scott

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/ZkyWnvYqe7w

Denise Braitsch wrote Rising From the Ashes of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Available now https://a.co/d/0tgc9e7

Listen to her music, subscribe to her newsletter for The Past Life Detective, and more here:
https://linktr.ee/isisiallthings


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 Denise and the rest of our Core Team.

-Scott

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch on YouTube now:
https://youtube.com/live/Zpl13FTgfWo

We're joined in this special episode by Augustus Watkins, drummer in the band Ghost Army, featured in Witness Underground the documentary and Motion Picture Soundtrack. Augustus is prolific in his creation of music and next level in promotion. Dive into his work here:

Get Ghost Army's Album Sleepywood Dojo. https://ghostarmympls.bandcamp.com/album/sleepywood-dojo

If you're a musician, consider signing with GIVE/TAKE - a boutique record label based in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, specializing in auteur-driven, experimental projects with an electronic approach. https://givetake.life

Augustus Watkins - augustuswatkins.com

Bijou Noir - altpop/singer-songwriter - https://bijounoir.co

New Bijou Noir single “Cuckoo Bird" drops 12/1 via GIVE/TAKE 

Single release show in Los Angeles at Love Song Bar 12/2 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/only-in-dreams-linuss-bijou-noir-bryce-lamar-tickets-750106297127

Tulip Tiger - insouciant big beat - http://tuliptiger.com/

DEATHDANCE - future goth - http://officialdeathdance.com/

Cocaine Opera - LA Media C*nts - http://cocaineopera.com/

Tied to the Tracks - a podcast about great albums from side 1 track 1 to the final chord, cohosted with The Current’s Barb Abney: https://ttttpod.com/

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 plus the efforts of our extended team such as Augustus Watkins via his media PR firm promotions via Cocaine Opera. He was a huge support right from the beginning.

-Scott

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch this episode on YouTube now:
https://youtube.com/live/76y2DjgtKbQ

Get Micah Allen Losh's Apostasy Trilogy as physical copies.
Info: https://www.micahallenlosh.com/theapostasytrilogy

Store - Special Discount on the Apostate Trilogy:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

The Apostasy Trilogy is the most interesting and exciting book series in the ExJW world to date. Be sure to get copies now. 

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 Micah A. Losh and the rest of our Core Team.

-Scott 

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

Watch on YouTube now:
https://youtu.be/c9Q5U4afGxE

Danielle Martain is connected to every person featured in the Witness Underground documentary. Check out her podcast, Failure to Thriving! instagram.com/failuretothriving

Listen to their albums:
https://puffpuff.bandcamp.com/album/echo

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, the hard work of Danielle Martain for having me on as a guest just before our launch, and our global collaborative team. 

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

http://www.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!

Matthew Smiley, a long-time supporter on Patreon, pledged to become an Associate Producer, to support Witness Underground to help us get onto streaming platforms in our general release in November/December 

Become an Associate Producer. and join film history as well as get the NUCLEAR GOPHER SUPER PACKAGE and THE MERCH TABLE - Everything we could think that you would actually fall in love with.

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott

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. 

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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. 

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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:   

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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 on

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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 Writer Brie Yarbrough 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 Brie'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.

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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!

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-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.

Watch now:
http://WitnessUnderground.com

Watch & Support:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground
https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Store:
https://witness-underground-cult-documentary-release.pledgebox.com/preorder

Reach out directly:
XJWdoc@gmail.com

-Scott