An Expert Explains Cult Recovery (Part Two) with Janja Lalich PhD

In part two of this series, I revisit the topic of cult recovery with Dr Janja Lalich, one of the most well-respected cult experts, to discuss how cults exert influence and what can be done to break free from their vice-like grip.
Timestamps:
00:01:51 - How do people get involved in cults?
00:23:03 - How do people recover from a cult experience?
00:34:08 - Is it possible to extract someone from a cult?
00:44:03 - What do you think the long-term solution is?
Check out Dr Lalich's website: cultresearch.org/
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Check out Part One of this series with Alexandra Stein PhD: • An Expert Explains Cul...
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[@SunnySecular]

She hit the nail on the head when she said "when born-in get out on their own they have no clue how the world really works!" Imagine being 18, kicked out for not "believing" and trying to figure out EVERYTHING from how to pay bills, to how to drive a car, to how to open a checking account! They do it on purpose to FORCE you to run back crying. I would not give them that pleasure, I was self-taught on everything and regret my childhood basically being STOLEN from me.😞

[@anotherhealingjourneybegins]

Yes!! I was born in and disowned by my family when I was 19. I was given NO skills. Taught NOTHING useful. When I got kicked out of the family, it was like being born for the first time. I had no license and was 22 I believe when I got it. You're taught not to pursue higher education so you don't know a damn thing. And what's worse is the way the rest of the world made me feel. Like a total worthless loser. 'What do you MEAN you don't know how to drive?' or 'how do you not know how to fill out a resume?'. Things like that. And yes, our childhood was stolen completely.

[@alpaphoenix3252]

Jehovahs Witnesses reminds me of Mt 23:15 - “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are” Unfortunately, most JWs would be only too happy to self-righteously apply this to any religion except their own.

[@valerieatkins9994]

What kind of religion shun their kids. What a religion ? A kind loving god would not allow such cruelty

[@shellfino3462]

I was sought out by the JW's in my very small town, when i was 17. i had been in a tragic car accident, and was the only survivor. This was big news in that little town. Everybody knew. I had that natural vulnerability that comes after death and trauma: I wanted answers. Two days after that incident, there came the knock at the door. It was a witness who lived near by. The rest unfurled from there, and at 61 years old, i am 2 months out of this cult and finding my sea legs. Thank you Lloyd and Dr Jania, for this interview. I appreciate the information.

[@janjalalich4080]

Thank you!

[@apostababelindajames7461]

I absolutely love Dr. Janja Lalich and what she has contributed in educating myself and so many other's through our own cult recovery. Thank you Janja

[@janjalalich4080]

Thanks!

[@apostababelindajames7461]

@@janjalalich4080 😊

Society still not prepared to deal with cults victims. When I bring my experience to a conversation many people think is not a big deal because all religions are kind of a cult.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

I have a friend who just doesn’t get it. She’s like I had strict parents who wouldn’t let me date, etc. said ok but what about your birthday/Xmas memories. I have none!💁🏻‍♀️

@@maryannlockwood7806 exactly. They don’t understand how it is to live in fear and not be able to enjoy many things in life because if you do you will be destroyed.

[@leicafox4403]

This is so damn common, and it really upsets me. I'd say the majority of people I've spoken to about having been a JW, who haven't experienced a cult, look at me like I'm some kind of weak minded fool when I tell them, and then the first question out of their mouths is, "yeah, but aren't all religions cults?" with a scoff.

[@janedoe3648]

They need to get educated by actual cult researchers. Mainstream religions are not cults/cultic, generally.

[@charliedemison9767]

I'm not a JW nor have done bible study but I was friends with one so I was able to attend JW meetings here and there, even went to the bethel in our country for a tour.. but for some reason, I have never felt real love when I am surrounded by jdubs. Like it's superficial, just all in the surface. I'm not a JW but your videos, Lloyd, have helped me a lot as I do my best to disassociate from my friend who took me to all the meetings, memorials, and conventions. I miss my friend but definitely dont miss the feeling of not being good enough.

[@ResearchThis]

I was born in and I had that feeling all the time too.

[@charliedemison9767]

@@ResearchThis so sorry to hear that! I hope that you feel free now!

[@NIL0S]

You do you, ofc, but you don't have to shun your friend because of his religion. If he makes you feel insufficient, that's another matter. Maybe set some healthy boundary?

[@charliedemison9767]

@@NIL0S hi! you have a point. I'm not really shunning her, i mean she can always come to me and talk to me and i will be happy to talk to her but i am trying not to reach out to her first, because most times she just invites me to meetings and talk to me about doing a bible study. Like its a pre requisite for our friendship. One min she says that she understands my choices but the other min, she says my dreams make her sad because it doesnt involve spiritual activities. She used to send me nwt verses and eversince i stopped reading them, she stopped reaching out too. So i feel like to move on, id have to disassociate completely.

[@amircoolboy100]

@@charliedemison9767 juat tell her if you wanna hang out it's cool but please wihhout qny religieon stuff.. she may be pushed back but if ahe was likr me who had more "worldly friends" than JW friends (which was 0) she maybe will agree. If you don't really care of taking the risk to losing her ypu can use that

[@leicafox4403]

I have so much respect for Dr. Janja Lalich. Thank you for helping us all make sense of what has happened to us!

[@maryannlockwood7806]

Yes. She’s someone who had walked in our shoes as it were. She gets it. 💁🏻‍♀️📚

[@valerieatkins9994]

👍👍👍

[@janjalalich4080]

Thank you, Leica.

[@thejordanangeles]

YAYYYYY SOOOO CLOSE TO 100K LETS GOOO!!! you inspired me to expose the elders on my channel & finally wake up once & for all!! i can't thank you enoughhhhh!!!!!!!

[@Letts_prey]

99.9K subscribers!!! 👍 Onwards and upwards. “The truth will out!”

[@maryannlockwood7806]

@@Letts_prey it’s happened!🥳

[@Letts_prey]

@@maryannlockwood7806 🍾 🥂

[@Letts_prey]

Expertly insightful and on point. Lloyd really does bring us the most relevant and valid interviewees, and then brings the very best out of those interviews for us. Gratitude sent again.

[@valerieatkins9994]

Lloyd has helped me to get over this cult and whilst l am not a JW thank goodness my last experience of having albeit a few studies but very long drawn out overwhelming studies lasting 3 hours at a time twice weekly snd then on Sunday’s and the fear and anxiety l was experiencing without realising it and being coerced eventually pushed me over the edge. Clearly l was being brainwashed and left with the fear of what would happen if l did not continue. I am now on anti depressants but Lloyds videos are a healing process and l have learned a lot to enable me to protect myself. I shall also be buying the take back your life book after listening to the lovely person speaking with Lloyd today. Thank you 🙏

[@ariapryor5996]

As one who was born into this nightmare, I must say that I have adapted fairly well. I am not unscathed from leaving, it wasn’t a clean break. I definitely have traumas that I’m still working through. I definitely got lucky finding my fiancé and his family adopting me and treating me as one of their own since the beginning. I have an amazing support group. And being able to adjust to normal life has been a smoother transition because of my new family. I will say to anyone who is born into the JW cult or any cult. That if you have a strong mind, you will be able to live life free of the cult. It’s possible. And don’t let family try to intimidate you or play upon your emotions to try keeping you in. Sometimes hanging on to the thing we love (family) is the most detrimental, and it’s better for you to just let it go.

[@marthabatson5894]

Extremely well said.

[@4june9140]

One of the best interviewers I've ever seen, gives the guest time to speak and doesn't interupt, What you do is invaluable Lloyd but I'm suprised no one from the media has tried to recruit you. You are as articulate if not more, than most.

[@7eyeswideopen177]

I can't imagine the Govering Body on hearing this interview with an expert who is helping us to flee and it's a woman. After all we know women are never permitted to have they optiin only men are allowed that role. We are listening to these woman and Lloyd, we are learning how to flee with everyone's help thank you.

[@outtadarkness1970]

Thank you, Lloyd, for doing this series of interviews. The information is fascinating! Not overly surprising, mind you, but fascinating all the same. Thank you for all your hard work! 👍👍❤️

[@SanSan-di3jt]

cheers to 100k subs Lloyd!🎉🇵🇭

[@charliedemison9767]

Kabayan!

[@amyfnsuezq8710]

I disassociated myself in 2001 after a severe depressive episode, so severe that it completely broke down my belief systems. Born and raised jw, elder dad, i regular pioneered (the sole one in my congregation) so i had tons of kudos. I just wanted to share because unlike some who leave because of losing faith in the org, I wholeheartedly had to stop going. Even if 100% of what jw's believe is true, i would never go back. The god they believe in is one I want nothing to do with. They can have their panda in the new system. As a parent, I know that no truly loving parent would behave as God does with his "children" I made tons of mistakes as a newly free woman and mother. But NEVER have I regretted leaving. Thanks for your videos.

[@dizzygoat8379]

I really hope some day I am able to heal from this trauma. I have nightmares every single night about Armageddon or being trapped in a Kingdom Hall and unable to escape the all the judgement. I have been away from the organization for 5 years and I almost feel the trauma is effecting me now more than ever. I feel so trapped. So institutionalized

[@anotherhealingjourneybegins]

I totally get this. There was a really weird storm that came through last year and it gave the sky an odd hue for a bit. At first I was amazed, then I started to think I was seeing the shape of angels in the sky carrying trumpets. I very slowly started to have probably the worst panic attack of my life. I went to my husband and told him that I loved him and that I was sorry for everything I'd ever done that hurt him. Totally thought it was the end. Took me days to let the feeling pass. But the only way I conquered the fear was accepting it. I told myself that IF the world came to an end in someway somehow, then it would be unfortunate but it is what it is. Live your life and enjoy it, love and be loved. One possible moment of death (which we all will one day) shouldn't make you not live your life. Hugs to you and I hope with more time, your fear fades and becomes less severe.

[@dizzygoat8379]

You are 100% right. I’m working to figure out who I am and what I want in life. It’s so weird though I feel selfish anytime I do it but I know that’s wrong

[@valerieatkins9994]

I know exactly what you mean. I too have experienced nightmares and have felt constantly in a melancholy mindset. You have done right thing getting out so that you can begin to recover and get some pleasure out if living in the hear and now. 😘

[@jamesmcginn8874]

Does Brainwashed ring a Bell ???

[@bruderk4257]

Man, it is hard to keep up with your content. I am still in the november broadcasting. And i wait for the annual meeting. So much to learn and so little time.

[@vinimarshall7301]

The number of subs means jihoova is blessing this channel

[@catmeow333]

Thank you both for a wonderful clarification of an often unrecognized social problem in need of exposure. Gratefully, love from USA 🧡

[@maryannlockwood7806]

This is so fascinating to me. My daughter wants to specialize in cult defectors. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@janjalalich4080]

Thanks!

[@motorway2roswell]

Even listening to the snippets of "Take Back Your Life" that Lloyd was reading during the Coronavirus/Last Days Livestream last year was a big help to me, thank you Dr Lalich!

[@maryannlockwood7806]

I read it & can say I’m looking forward to her next one. ☺️📚

[@janjalalich4080]

Thank you!

[@janinehazzard6294]

I finally left the cult called the Black Church signed a black woman in GA….thx u for this channel it has helped me see the Black Church for what it is also thx u Janna the insight you continue to give me is eye opening and much needed on my journey of healing

[@bionicwoman9884]

Which church is this? Baptist, Pentecostal?

[@lancerchoate3342]

Great interview and loved the way Janja spoke about using the right terms to define things.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

🙋🏻‍♀️

[@lancerchoate3342]

@@maryannlockwood7806 🙋🏽‍♂️

[@janjalalich4080]

Thank you, Lancer.

[@lancerchoate3342]

@@janjalalich4080 You're welcome Dr. Lalich.

[@susanheidemann790]

Loyd, this is one of your best shows ever… It just keeps getting better! Well done👌

[@janjalalich4080]

Thanks.

[@JillyC5]

Fantastic interview, after being out 16 years it's somewhat reassuring to understand some of the damage I'm still living with. I understand the advice to try and continue contact with family but for myself, I need to protect myself from their vitriol.

[@woolieweenie]

Well done Lloyd. Another fine production. Fine interviewing technique. I'm a fellow Brit. Born into to the JW religion like you. And 42 years too. However i rejected the faith when i was still just a teenager. Keep up your good work. I would love to buy you a pint one day ;)

[@jillmcmillin7288]

This was excellent! So much good insight!

[@janjalalich4080]

Thanks!

[@lindamca10]

Lovely lady, mature and understanding. I'll be buying her book. I could do with some counselling grim her!! Thanks again Lloyd

[@KYRA_FX]

Love the content ! It’s so liberating to be a part of this community. Please will you touch on RTS (Religious Trauma Syndrome) ? I would love to see this get talked about more often. I think you’re the guy for it !

[@theyoutubeanalyst3731]

He did an interview with Daniel Ray about the subject! Or maybe do you mean you want him to talk more about it?

[@boboak9168]

Great interview! It was a very interesting thought about the peril of getting in to activism too soon after getting out. Some self reflection is called for.

[@thomassmart2790]

LLoyd thank you for this. Born and raised since 1972. It's tough man. I defininately need help, I am still at the shellshocked stage. Total kerfuffled man

[@vicroy5603]

This discussion is superbly educative. Great thanks Lloyd. Great thanks Dr. Lalich.

[@amyleonard3820]

Thank you for this video. I'm working on my trauma and digging deeper into it. I've done a ton of therapy but wasn't ready to go this deep but after 10 years out I need to. It's still effecting my life, and my relationships. This video is very validating. Thank you again Lloyd.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

26:19 - Sadly, I've witnessed this behavior in many Ex-JDub Groups. The falling back to their cult mindset, and bullying each other, is something that made me block several fellow Ex-JDubs. It's incredible to watch how some get out of one cult just to hop into another.

[@kellyyork3898]

I grew up with an extremely controlling, religious mother with Obsessive compulsive personality disorder…not OCD, but the personality disorder. She also had a sadistic streak. No one, and I mean no one, is going to control me. Any job, any person, any friend, any spouse, any religious leader, any doctrine….absolutely no one.

[@Amalgam86]

Ooooh, just today I watched dr. Janja's Wired interview! So informative and clear! Awesome to see her on your channel, Lloyd!

[@pinkefuchs]

Great interview, thank you so much!

[@marshathake2349]

Excellent interview! 👍🏻👍🏻🌟Thank you so much Lloyd and Janja! 👏🏻👏🏻Very important to know this information!! 👏🏻👏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️

[@GoodnessGraciousify]

"It's primarily your sense of self that the cult attacks because they want to tear you apart and create a new you." I experienced spiritual abuse in my marriage, rather than an organization, but this is so accurate.

[@SteamAllchill]

Thank you Loyd for presenting this very helpful information

[@justyourlocalrat_]

Thank you SO much for both of you for creating such a phenomenal resource for this stuff, I cannot even begin to express how helpful this has been for me. THANK YOU

[@hugogouveia.89]

Congratulations for the 100k subs Lloyd! Cheers from Portugal!

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

I was raised up since 62 and my siblings and I have had nightmares.

[@annemariefrank]

Brilliant interview, thank you so much, Dr. Lalich and Lloyd!! Just to share an interesting thought I read once, on the issue of "doing activism too soon": in german, someone that helps another person to recover/cure a disease is a "Heiler", a "curer", if you will. But "heiler" also means "more sane/cured than..." as an adjective in german. Therefore, to really help someone you have to be MORE healthy than the other person, and I think this matters here. If you start as an activist still bleeding from your wounds in a cult, you're not going to be of any help. Help yourself first, and then others. Hoping for a part 3!! Stay safe and thank you!!

[@battlehymnoftheempath3610]

Such an interesting discussion and the guest speaker is extremely eloquent.

[@christianmarx3249]

my biggest problem is i cant stop thinking about my friends and family members i lost now, because they shunn me.....

[@marshajanulis6092]

lloyd, thank you for one of your best interviews, your advocacy is very important

[@1414141x]

Great interview with Dr Lalich. Some of her comments have certainly challenged my own views on how people should cope with their mindset having just left a cult. She advised not to get involved in activism striaght away, but give themselves time to deal with their own issues before that. Many do seem to want to get involved possibly because they feel angry at having been 'duped' by their cult and see activism as a way of taking some form of revenge. Don't know, but it would seem to make sense.

[@moemapelissari6842]

i've just finished watching the first talk and now i'll watch this one! thank you, Lloyd! ever since the beginning of this month - when i've found your channel - my unconscious/subconscious mind started to free up my memories to come back to my conscious mind and i've got so many things to take to therapy! i left a comment on the first talk that i'll bring to this because it took me 15 years to realize the pattern: "so many points to take to therapy... i became a pro in cutting people off and away from my life after being disfellowshiped... i'm constantly reliving the disfellowshiping over and over... always waiting for the night in wich the'll turn on me like the congregation did, so i'll go and "disfellowship" people for reasons that my head can't even comprehend..." EDIT: sorry for my english.

[@starrycrown]

The matching brain-circuitry about “criminality, violence, and confabulation” describes a sex predator exactly. JW, Catholic, Mormon cultist tragedies are rife with evidence of all three.

[@alexa_3775]

Thanks, Lloyd. I was in a cult (not JW), but find your content (this video included) very reassuring.

[@willyb933]

This is an outstanding source of information and can really give people a map to follow and move forward from indoctrination. Thanks, Lloyd and Janja Lalich for this interview.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I was recruited with the 1914 false prophecy. The "Generation that Will Not Pass" got me in, the "Overcrappying Generbullshit" got me out.

[@Coach_Ren]

She's based as hell. Thanks to you and her for the interview, Lloyd

[@madamecurious]

I would like to know if the Freemasons are a cult. The danger to go from one cult to the next is great. How can that problem be avoided?

[@leicafox4403]

Buttloads of research and self reflection, even then, I'm not sure there's a 100% foolproof method that fits everyone, but research is the enemy of cults. Try comparing the Freemasons against Steven Hassan's BITE model, that might help you make your own conclusion.

[@madamecurious]

@@leicafox4403 , thank you Leica (pretty name :) for your reply and good advice!! I just wanted to hear other’s opinions , because a good friend of mine is a Freemason. So I am curious …

[@pattymc4726]

My BIL is a Mason. He was the Grand Poobah (don’t know the actual title) for quite a while. He has been involved for years. I don’t know much about the Masons but do know that he enjoys it because they help people in the community (without expectations of anything in return). They don’t broadcast the good they do. It think they consider it unseemly. He also likes the feeling of brother-ship he gets there. He isn’t weird or under any spells. I’ve been to their fundraisers and don’t find the people involved odd or different at all. He is in quite a small town so perhaps that makes a difference; I don’t know. If they are all like my BIL’s group I would say they aren’t a cult. I think it’s because they have all those silly rituals that people think they are Satan worshippers or something. My BIL is just a really nice guy and wouldn’t be involved in anything like that.

[@janedoe3648]

Cults are a traumatic experience, definitely something that needs to be healed from with time and pacing yourself processing it, healing supportive corrective relationships, becoming self-empowered etc.

[@lev390]

Omg this video explains so much about what am i going through in my ways of thinking. I was 5 when my mom met JW, she went to her first group meeting and then me my dad and my older sister joined her. when i was 15 I left. At that time my sister served at the local bethel my dad became elder, All of my family members are still in there! And im kinda lost and lonely, because its nice to have a friends, but i miss my family.. What am i trying to say is that Im so glad that i found this video. Thank you for doing that! it is so important for some!

[@MFKAKTUS]

Here for the last day of loyd under 100k

[@raccoons_stole_my_account]

Thanks for this scientific take on the subject. A lot to think about.

[@charmainemarino4151]

Loved this interview--- but sure wish she wouldn't have opened up the Pandora's box of political opinions. Rational, and critical thinking is so vital for todays scene. Her info on cult recovery is spot on, but wish she wouldn't have mixed and matched. Politics here in the states are insane right now-- you will lose the audience so quickly if you inject your personal opinion on right or left camps. Best to talk from neutral space and stay on topic. ((Don't misinterpret, I love her work))

[@LloydEvans]

Yes, it will be awkward viewing for right-wingers, but you need to hear it no matter the cognitive dissonance.

[@mylife-23]

I mean, if i talked politics n lost an audience that audience wasn't worth my time then.

[@mailill]

@@LloydEvans I am left wing (socialist/social democrat), and I was not very impressed by - or interested in - her political thinking, either. Except for that, kudos!

[@LloydEvans]

@@mailill So you want people to censor themselves when they express a political view that is relevant to the topic of hand? That's nice.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

@@LloydEvans I have to agree with Dr. L. I’m a moderate myself & I’ve seen cult like behavior on all sides. Will never blindly follow anyone again. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@gquailey]

What an amazing interview thank you I have left my cult 18 months now .just feel like I am winging it at time.x

[@maryannlockwood7806]

Her books are wonderful. ☺️📚

[@reneessurf]

That was very helpful. I am going to check out her books. Great conversation!

[@mjcjjcc7]

I think those of us who are seeking the truth and healing from cult abuse are raising consciousness all over the world about these cults.

[@Sharron-ut2ym]

Got and read your book thankyou for all that you do your book is awesome

[@MichaelYoder1961]

Never a JW, but briefly involved in a Large group training cult, until my critical thinking kicked in and Janja is right. That was over 10 years ago for me and I still have anger about feeling betrayed.

[@tonalyn]

Lloyd , You are the final step of my recovery from the jehovah’s witness cult . I have never been a Jehovah’s witness, but every other member of my immediate family have been for the past 40 years. They all were kind and welcoming to me except my brother, who has shunned me...Its a long story and not that simple of coarse.

[@kashesan]

This woman is fabulous.

[@pepelopez6930]

The polarization began before Trump. I have a friend who is a research scientist, and he and other two scientists have published together a paper that proves just that. They have analyzed certain terminology that started to appear in millions of articles and pieces on main media outlets. The statics correlations imply some kind of coordinated agenda behind all of that is happening now. This is worldwide (China and Russia apart) the same phenomena can be traced to my country. Sound conspiratorial, but in this case, is not an organic process, is deliberated and centralized. The Trump phenomena was a reaction to something that was already happening before.

[@outtadarkness1970]

Yes, Trump basically exacerbated an existing problem.

[@bootedbuilds]

Got links to those resources? I'm doubtful its deliberately coordinated, but there's no denying current developments are problematic, so the more people know about it, in a scienticic fashion, the better.

[@GigiRocks1969]

Just an observation, and it's unclear as to what kind of cult group the doctor on this program came out of, but her opinion about right wing hate groups should’ve been balanced with left wing hate groups. They are found in both extremes. I do however agree that some sort of critical thinking education is very important. Thank you for the video addressing cults, it has been very helpful.

[@Blondie-hi3vq]

I agree 100% with that. She loses credibility in my eyes by not acknowledging both sides are guilty of this.

[@glynnewport8178]

A fantastic and helpful interview! The point you raised about Armageddon bingo struck a note with me as well, the thought has pinged in my mind briefly in the last year or so.....have you discussed that topic in any of your content? I know a few ex jw's who have left more recently and they may find it a useful topic. As always, great work Lloyd.

[@xoxococo120]

100K 🚀🚀🚀🚀🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jokich6379]

Most damaging was this dependence and reliance on Jehovah. Putting him first because he will pour out a blessing. I accept things as is because we are in his hands. Also I do not know how to cultivate relationships- feel like an alien from Mars. I was very shy and introverted in the first place along with depression issues. An the loss of purpose and place in society.

[@carolsimpson4422]

If it makes you feel better- I've never been religious of any kind, and I have no friends either. It's a cold hard world out there. Which is why so many people get in cults. Cause most people need people more then they need to think freely. I prefer my intellectual independence to having company. Hopefully it's enough for you too. Maybe there is no purpose in life, maybe no one has any answers. Maybe that's OK.

[@karenulvang5375]

There are so many volunteer opportunities. I look forward to retiring next year, where I might find more purpose

[@jokich6379]

@@carolsimpson4422 Thanks.Just am working at feeling healthy and at least good enough. Treading the waters of life hoping it is warm enough with a little bit of beauty.

[@NIL0S]

I'm also an introvert, I also have very few friends, if any. I live alone, I study alone (distance learning cause of the pandemic), I cook and I eat alone, I do my chores alone, etc. I have found the pursuit of intellectual goals rewarding. I read a lot, listen to music and podcasts, I like to think. It's not a bad life, albeit lonely 🙂

[@carolsimpson4422]

@@jokich6379 I always thought that the most exciting thing about leaving a cult/strict upbringing- would be indulging in all the books and movies that were either seen as bad or a waste of time. And books/movies/music/ art has a way of reminding us that we re all connected, even when we feel isolated 🙂

[@juliefreeman4993]

She will know that if you only want her friendship and not her religion she will have to cut contact with you, so ordered by the governing body. All must obey them, it’s a cult I escaped from after serving faithfully for 39 years of my precious life. There are some evil things going on behind the scenes so I disassociated and got out. I’ve lost all I knew but at least I’m now free. Praise God you’ve had a luck escape. I’m so happy for you, all the best xx

[@esmeraldapooner751]

Similar to why people join a gang. Some were born into it, some were recruited. Others are seventh day, scientology, Jews for Jesus, Black Israelites, and others. When I quit at age 11 years old because my mom faded, each time I saw the JW magazines in the laundry mats of at the doctor's clinic I would still pick them up and read it from the ages of 12 to 30. Now, I am in my mid-50's and I don't even glance at them anymore.

[@MrDMC11889]

When is your rebuttal to the rest of the annual meeting coming ? Also don't forget about the latest JW update.

[@daralst]

Great video Lloyd.

[@jokich6379]

I was an inactive witness- still believed, when Obama became president but I felt such pride and happiness for him and about him.

[@mailill]

And were you disappointed when he (the handsome and eloquent Nobel Peace Prize winner) started to bomb 7 countries? Or when he took away away the habeas corpus right of US citizens. Or when he was bailing out the banks and not the people who lost their homes (to the banks)?

[@maryannlockwood7806]

I did too. But didn’t agree with everything he did. I never do with politicians whether I voted for that person or not. 💁🏻‍♀️🗳

[@jokich6379]

@@maryannlockwood7806 Governing has to be difficult. Diverse people with their own point of view. Issues are complicated. I do think people sometimes only think about how they are affected. We have to have a long range vision and understanding. I am primarily interested in environmental issues and how people are affected. Think people are under stress, have issues from past, too much poverty, and need good educational programs that tap into abilities, strengths, understand weaknesses, and how to navigate their own growth experiences and stresses.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

@@jokich6379 I too am concerned about the environment. I just feel that there’s so many things that people want to fix that it’s very hard for one person to make a difference but I know if we all worked together it would come together quicker. Unfortunately it does seem that a lot of people don’t want to work together they just want the glory for themselves. Maybe one day before it’s too late we’ll get our acts together.💁🏻‍♀️

[@jokich6379]

@@maryannlockwood7806 🙃

[@jokich6379]

I think we strive for acceptance. That makes us more compliant, "yes" people, do the smiles (love bombing or simply appropriate protocol in social situations}. I guess we need to also learn to say no or voice an opposing view or even just a different slant. There does seem to be some more absolutes or consensus in our lives that lead to a more sane society (i.e. polluting our environment and waters, preserving natural finite resources, better diets to avoid overweight, cancer, diabetes]. I did have the feelings about Armageddon with Trump, racism coming to a head, disinformation, far religions deifying Trump, Qanon, weird politicians and their ideologies, as well as the extreme wealth gap and their influence. Governments turning on religion, then God taking down governments, and the commercial system as they weep over the destruction of "Babylon". Covid did not bring up anything- plagues have always existed.

[@disassociated1731]

I m still in the hope that at least the democracies will forbid the shunning by law, especially in cases of non assisting children or parents, i agree that this is the most disgusting teaching of JW.

[@christianmarx3249]

that change nothing. The word of God (governing body) is always above the word of the government

[@taaadaaa5256]

Watchtower has destroyed so many lives

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

I love her.

[@margaretvalentine5957]

A question about ads. Does Lloyd still get paid if I listen to the ad with no sound? I want to show my support, by letting ads play.

[@outtadarkness1970]

I think so, but KZbin is worse than the org when it comes to transparency.

[@helmutsanger7726]

Geweldig

[@amarisrania1585]

My jdub father is almost dancing on the sidelines enjoying the challenges I am facing going through a divorce. I told him that I would prefer he didn’t call until I’m feeling more settled. He told me he has a ‘right’ to call me. Any advice?

[@maryannlockwood7806]

If I were you I’d have his phone calls go directly to voicemail & only listen to the messages or talk to him when it’s convenient for you to do so.💁🏻‍♀️

[@thedemysticist6730]

The fact that you can get people like this to keep appearing on your channel shows that you're a force to be reckoned with, in a good way. It's quite fascinating how I've seen your channel grow in the past year, Lloyd... and I've maybe heard you mention Patreon maybe once? People are searching for answers, finding you, and you're giving them the real facts. At first I'm going to be honest, I hated you and found ways to use my personal gripes against you as a person to discredit what you were saying. I'm sorry for that as I was still indoctrinated. But as I kept watching, I realized that you leave no stone unturned and never once presented information in a dishonest way, and that helped me to see that I had nothing to lose by being open to all information and using simple logic to discern truth from falsehood. Unfortunately Watchtower has everything to lose from this and I think if they were being guided by the "most powerful force in the universe" aka "holy spirit" they'd have stopped you by now... but nope, carry on! Thanks, and sorry again for hating you a year ago.

[@Farmgirlathart]

Dan 6:10 we humbly look down out of respect.

[@margaretvalentine5957]

52:58 mind control vs coercion

[@mailill]

Trigger alert: Can any of you tell me if my friend is in an abusive cult? My friend's religious leader suddenly won’t let her visit friends or family. He has made her stop all contact with them unless it’s on the phone or computer. His people read and censors her comments on social media. He makes her feel like she's going crazy for thinking he’s controlling, and says that she is being ungrateful and irresponsible if she doesn’t agree. (After all, he’s only doing this because of how much he cares) He doesn’t want her going to the gym anymore, so she doesn’t go. He also doesn’t let her go to work anymore (he told her to only rely on him for income and that he will take care of her). He forces her to wear a visible sign of her submission in public, saying it gives “protection”. She's not really allowed to go out anymore, unless it’s for necessities, and when she does, he makes sure to have people guilt trip her about it and shame her for it. He constantly says he's only doing all of this because he cares... he is just doing it for her own good and the good of the group. He is constantly propagandizing about death, illness and destruction if she doesn't comply. His group even wants her to have this medical procedure done, and tells her that if she does it, they will allow her more freedoms. Oh wait.... did I say religious leader? I mean her government Sorry, My bad.

[@k7450]

Is your friend having to follow these rules, which are also temporary, because there's a pandemic on at the moment? If the answer is yes, then no, your friend isn't in a cult.

[@mailill]

@@k7450 Oh, only two more weeks, right? For an illness where the median age of those who died from or with the virus even before the vaccination was 80+ years (84 in my country). No, not saying it is ok to kill grandma, let by all means grandma have her vaccine

[@k7450]

@@mailill in the country I live in the government never said just two more weeks, never gave any time frame either and everyone just got on with it. Now, the only restriction we have in the whole country is masks when in shops or on public transport. No one here is complaining. Any government that said just two more weeks or messed up the restrictions was moronic, but that's just governments in general. Don't confuse government stupidity and arrogance with some kind of malicious conspiracy which doesn't even make sense.

[@mailill]

@@k7450 I guess time will show, my friend. How long will you accept restrictions on your constitutional rights before you find it a bit "cultish"? People who seek power in cults are bad, but people who seek power in finance and politics are not automatically better. There is both big profit and a lot of inconsistency and lack of logic in the covid measures. Lockdowns and other measures have lead to a money transfer from the middle class and the poor to the richest corporations. Yet, there is poor evidece for the effect of lockdown on death rates. And the "apartheid" passports would only make at least some logical sense if the vaccinated could not be infected or infect others, which they both can and do, A study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, oct 28. 2021. documents that there is no difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated when it comes to transmission of the delta variant if the person is infected. Singanayagam, A., Hakki, S., Dunning, J., Madon, K. J., Crone, M. A., Koycheva, A., Derqui-Fernandez, N., Barnett, J. L., Whitfield, M. G., Varro, R., Charlett, A., Kundu, R., Fenn, J., Cutajar, J., Quinn, V., Conibear, E., Barclay, W., Freemont, P. S., Taylor, G. P., Ahmad, S., … ATACCC Study Investigators (2021). Community transmission and viral load kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 delta (B.1.617.2) variant in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the UK: a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study. The Lancet. Infectious diseases, S1473-3099(21)00648-4. Advance online publication.

[@Coach_Ren]

Wow this is the dumbest thing I've seen today

[@rlh1689]

Question, how many disfellowshipped JW's or ex JW's have committed suicide? My wife knows of three, all three were disfellowsipped. This is something that should be looked into. It baffles me how JW's believe in Freedom of Religion yet do not allow the same privilege to their members. They will take legal matters all the way to the SCOTUS and win for example on their right to not salute the flag in the US, however their members aren't allowed to leave without punishment/backlash. What is difficult to understand is how these individuals weren't even given funerals. As a sociologist/psychologist I find this sect to be dangerous and divisive.

[@quityourcult943]

Hi, Lloyd or whomever. I love Janja. This says part 2, and I cannot find part 1 anywhere. I would love your help finding it. Thanks. T Brown

[@LloydEvans]

Please check the video description. :)

[@quityourcult943]

Thank you.

[@sbrightpink]

Born in to the Bullsh*t!!!!!!🥵

[@michaelgarcia2024]

Run for your lives, never try to make a point with them, they will come after you so make a clean, quiet and polite get away... 🏃🏻‍♂🏃🏻‍♂💨💨🏃🏻‍♂🏃🏻‍♂💨💨☢☢🔱🔱☣☣

[@taaadaaa5256]

The Tower is Falling

[@shawnmckee1783]

Let us recover from nonsense and prosper doing what is useful! As in production! There are no victims!

[@jocastus]

The original of a word is not relevant to what it's usage is. Those expects I've heard discuss mind control have been generally be quite specific about what mind control entails. Just because this guest uses the term differently does not mean that it's not already being used to great effect by others who are less picky about etymology. FYI, all words come from human minds. None of them come out of nowhere, but all of them are made-up.

[@outtadarkness1970]

Yes, she is technically correct but completely ignored how it is used in the vernacular. Having said that, I do feel her explanation of why she doesn't use it was better than most because she wasn't pompous about it.

[@ceciliadejesus1188]

Armagedon Bingo! Same here... 🥺

[@margaretvalentine5957]

34:20 “Is it possible to extract someone from a cult”

[@rubenchoychoo8551]

40.06 : born gay in paradise I was right blood flows up there. Another event taking place there is that covid19 is rampant .... and the threat is real, plenty of execution is scheduled ahead.

[@obedrosario853]

When she said “remnant” and “workbook” I was triggered. Lol for real but not in a dread because I am one too who learned to live with the indoctrination damage.

[@shawnmckee1783]

I was born in . DFed for loose conduct brazen defiance against gods law which is elders wanted to talk to me I wouldn’t elders came to my gate called answered said hi . I told him I’m good ! So, I got 3 registered letters from the US Postal service letter 3 was we will DF you next week unless you challenge this ! I went to mid week meeting with a crude letter hand written ADHD ! It got worse now 6 elders ! One attorney for them ! I apologized I told them I came here to lie and I can’t ! The 6 ordered outside to the lobby ! Inside fighting went on some fought for me ! Logic prevailed because I said I’ve dated them girlfriend forever to make it quick! The girlfriend actually told me do I need to be a Jehovah’s Witness to marry you? I told her no you are free to believe for yourself! She studied with whom she called an absolute angel ! I had to talk her out of it. We parted after 8 years to hard to deal with me formally being in a cult !

[@taaadaaa5256]

Great interview watchtower is Corrupt