Growing Up As A JW: Interview With Former Pioneer (Subtítulos en español)

[@naterobinson5141]

Good to see you back doing videos again, this is a great interview

[@mulanrouge89]

Hi Fifth, I missed your face! As always great video, great interview. Keep them coming

[@Crystallinegoddess57]

Thank you for sharing your story. The more of us that share our experiences of the real deal will awaken many still in and more importantly alerting others! Everything that you've said, I concur 100%!

[@ajwirth8291]

thanks Love!

[@hektorlinko]

I just discovered your channel as well as lloyd evans, JT and Lady Cee, and many others so listening to all your channels has helped me in so many ways. I left when I was 17 in the 90's and never looked back and never spoke to another jw again but in 2022 I accidentally came across a ex jw channel and it opened my eyes and didn't realize that I had closure with a ton of bullshit I dealt with back in the day and never finished or flushed down the toilet then after watching I started understanding things I never understood and it finally made sense and I realize I felt jipped in life and now I wish I could go back and fix it and never be apart of it but that ship sailed to listening to all these stories and experiences has some how calmed me down and educated me with all of you guys and your great channels. Thank You. Trust me...listening to all of these stories really helps. It really does even for me 30 years later with backed up feelings that I can now diffuse and feel good mentally only because I never understood certain ways of the watchtower. Thanks. A++++

[@beanm9948]

What an articulate intelligent person. Can relate to her life.

[@saffronhammer7714]

Living one's life based on the Bible with its very definite and terrifying Apocalyptic message is a very unhealthy and traumatizing way to raise a child, leaving lasting negative effects. So glad to have left that all behind and have been able to heal and find healing and true peace.

[@ajwirth8291]

thank you :)

[@kareemjoseph7596]

Great interview, I admire your courage and clarity. It’s clear from the comments that your story resinates with many, but that’s why sharing is so important, it builds up, encourages and brings awareness. I know you’ve done a lot of work on yourself to get to this place, so I encourage everyone to dig deeper too, and not just focus on the pain of your past, but on the fruitfulness of you future. Advice I will take myself, but if only to possess the courage you have. You are a great speaker and I know you can sing too (beautiful voice), I’m sure your proud of yourself as we all are of you too!

[@ajwirth8291]

Thank you for that hun

[@Former2freeExjw]

I shouldn’t have listened to this while driving it was making me angry. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate that you told the story just the crap you went through and hearing these stories makes me feel better about leaving myself and how I’m not gonna be a puppet of the organization anymore.

[@Simone69214]

“You don’t go for outside teachings, you just pray, stay faithful, and just live in suffering” 🤐. Great interview Fifth 👍🏽

[@gataheart]

Excellent interview 5th. Appreciate how you allow it to 'be about them' and not interrupting. New on the scene.

[@exjwfifth9838]

gataheart welcome! And thank you

[@triuvm]

I have been on Effexor XR for depression when dealing with mental gymnastic and seeing the truth overtime was not adding up trying to convenience myself to stay in when I really wanted out 5 years ago and Cambia for constant debilitating migraines at least 3 times a week for most of my life. I left the cult 2 months ago and I'm off the medication a 8 months now and magically my migraines have disappeared for 2 months straight and counting only after leaving the cult??. What Alisha said about your body breaking down is absolutely true. How many people in the world probably don't realize the negativity we take on and accept is really causing our mind and bodies to break down.

[@ajwirth8291]

Absolutely! Sorry to hear but happy you've left. If people truly understood the Science, Neuroscience, and mind & body connection behind their sickness, they'd be shocked. SOOOOO many young sisters were on antidepressants, and through pregnancies, and overweight from depression, creating yet another vicious cycle of health problems. Every emotional response has a physical result.

[@triuvm]

@@ajwirth8291 Thanks, beautiful voice btw. Subscribed.

[@triuvm]

P.s. check out thewonders.com or their free podcasts and videos on youtube I think you will connect deeply with it. I did.

[@ajwirth8291]

thank you :) @@triuvm

[@groovy9125]

Great interview. She grew up in a small town in Canada, and I grew up in New York City. And even though it sounds like our experiences would be a lot different, she and I grew up with mostly the same way of life in this so called “organization”. Since there’s so much control within this cult, I think it’s very much of a cookie cutter experience with regard to the stress and the mind manipulation inflicted upon its members. Congratulations on fleeing this destructive cult!

[@ajwirth8291]

yeppers lol Thanks

[@saraabraham5486]

How they brainwashed us to think that pioneering is a privilege. I never felt that it was; it was hard, arduous work. Yet, watchtower brainwashed to think that it was a privilege.

[@groovy9125]

They use the word “privilege” very loosely. Giving talks, commenting at meetings, cleaning the KH, shoveling the snow, cutting the grass, etc. are all “privileges” to them. Oh yeah, and I’m sure donating money to help pay for the child molestation lawsuits is a “privilege”. Oh wait, I guess that’s really money for the World-Wide work. Yeah right! 😂

[@jessicanerpio-cauldwell4987]

@@groovy9125 So True ..like the saying goes so long the Left Hand ( JW Members ) Don't know what the Right Hand (GB) is doing !!! 🤣

[@exjwconfessions]

Fifth, I really like the fact you give the guests lots of room to talk, ask a good range of questions, and take the whole thing very seriously.

[@EXJWBIKER]

My man Cliff! Chipping away! Good work homie. Exdub love to you both.

[@exjwfifth9838]

EXJW BIKER hey thanks man! Nice to hear from you Micah

[@ajwirth8291]

Thanks Love xo

[@slovenkas7733]

It's funny how they say that all witnesses are taught the same thing, but the differences between what is acceptable in one place versus another is crazy to me. I was raised in a city and we could go to concerts or other activities whereas friends from smaller towns would be counseled if they did that. I've never heard of people getting counseled for going to therapy. I went myself, and lots of other witnesses I knew went as well. We weren't advised to DO it of course, but certainly weren't advised NOT to.

[@blainemh]

Hi Fifth and Alicia : Just finished watching this interview . We live in Ont also , I remember hearing about what you talked about , as I was an elder at the time . Your area was known in Southern Ontario because of the youth . I was an elder for 20 yrs , we just got DF'd three weeks ago for apostasy . They won't let you just walk away . We hadn't been at a meeting for six yrs .Just saw too much that went against the Bible . My family was also well know in the org. here . My Grandfather actually had Russel visit their home early on . A long history as a JW. But don't miss the lies and Hippocrates that are there . Thanks for sharing , we find it interesting hearing others experiences .

[@ajwirth8291]

Your name sounds familiar. They df'ed you now?? 6 years later?? You know what's weird...I disassociated and my father in law in Congregation and I hand delivered to Georgetown Bethal and they STILL DIDN'T ANNOUNCE IT! I post so much expression on social media-perhaps they worry of me suing? They have reprimanded sisters in my hall as they "saw" they had liked my posts and told them to stop following me or it wouldn't affect their marriage and husbands privileges. I only writing empowering, inspiring posts - I don't play victim card, they want that!

[@blainemh]

@@ajwirth8291 Hi I have a cousin that lives in Wasaga .I read other posts and saw that's where your from . There's Hershey's in Barrie also . What was you maiden name .? We're in our 60s my parents where friends with bethel higher ups . We had a daughter-in-law in one of the dramas last summer to our shock . Let's keep in touch. If you want

[@ajwirth8291]

Maiden Name Hutchings. Grandparents Tom & Gertie Andros. Aunt & Uncle in Bethal over 40 years till they got asked to leave- Pat & Tammy Novak@@blainemh

[@blainemh]

@@ajwirth8291 I know them all . I likely know you mom also

[@eyeswideopen8046]

@@ajwirth8291 I am just interested to know why after 6 years they df'd you? I faded about 4 years ago, was 3'rd generation. Milton Henschel used to visit my grandparents in the South. I am still afraid of getting Df'd even though I don't do anything worthy of destruction that I know of. lol I have family that are still in, and are very curious about me leaving. I just don't talk about it.

[@Michael19585]

I can remember in the mid-eighties a circuit overseer (I do not dignify them with a capital letter) stressing, as they always do, the urgency of the ministry by saying "Everyone in this area who is not in this kingdom hall is going to die very shortly at Armagedon." Not only do you believe you are saving people, you are emotionally blackmailed by the implication that their eternal life depends on how active and successful your ministry is.

[@exjwconfessions]

Hey, that’s my trick of no capital letters, LOL!

[@Michael19585]

Rock on! @@exjwconfessions

[@carolinegraystone9308]

co =circus oversneer and the wife is a cow just a thought

[@ajwirth8291]

totally @@Michael19585

[@postculthygge]

Thank you Alisha, you've helped me to confirm that there's alot of sexual harassment within the organization because women are 2nd class citizens. Those who are ministerial servants, elders and coordinators are the worst perpetrators. For years I've had what anyone in "the world" would call sexual harassment but whenever I mentioned it to anyone in the JW organization I was either accused of over analyzing things or of instigating the situation. Even a coordinator did actually sexually harassed me inside the kingdom hall but I'm a nobody and he is the coordinator. Enough said.

[@4flyguyeli]

Awesome video! Mind blowing! Thankyou! I found this very healing.

[@lovelive2216]

Wow!! Amazing story and just confirms how it’s all about image!! This organization is about how they look and don’t care how they make you feel. Thank you for sharing ❤️💪

[@ajwirth8291]

exactly!

[@skippy1012]

Very true. They always so protect the organization at all cost. Not the people, not the elderly, but protect the business.

[@hollywright6414]

I LOVE your channel... Thank you x

[@rodywithers3536]

Fifth and Alisha - wow! Thank you so very, very much for this inspiring interview. Alisha, thank you in particular for the courage to speak up in such a powerful way about the impact of JW teachings and policies on women. You describe many harrowing situations in such a clear-minded way - and what comes through is your quest for “the truth” beyond patriarchal rules and damaging attitudes. Your story reflects an individual who has been through so very much of a traumatic nature - yet you’ve emerged a strong, resilient woman who is an inspiration. You’re right: the literature warns about how badly people will do when they leave the organization but you are a powerful - and absolutely necessary - example of someone who has triumphed over trauma. Thank you again Fifth for your sensitive handling of very complex and traumatic accounts that are threaded through with a definite recovery focus. I am truly moved and I know so many others will be too! Warmly, Rody Withers, New Zealand.

[@ajwirth8291]

Thanks Love. I BARELY scratched the surface about women! My girlfriend and I will be doing a video together and it will be HILARIOUS .... IT'S much needed!!

[@LivingNow]

Very, very good point what Alisha said about those JW kids ending up attracting a life of extreme lows because that's what they believe, because of the brainwashing of the watchtower. Because of my coaching background not only do I agree with that, but I know this to be a fact.

[@Theoriginalgreenring]

LivingNow yes, that self destruct button they install on people in order to fulfill their own prophesies. Sickening how twisted it is!

[@ajwirth8291]

Absolutely - we become what we think-scientific facts

[@luvn.j.4263]

IM EX WATCHTOWER MEMBER . I FINALLY WOKE UP 2 WEEKS AGO ... I WATCH YOUR VIDEOS AND BEROEAN PICKETS VIDEOS AND DID MY OWN RESEARCH ... 😱.......I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MY STORY .

[@ElischebaTV]

She is a wonderful person - thank you so much for the interview 😘😘😘❣️

[@ajwirth8291]

xoxo

[@exjwwatchingthewatchtower2806]

Thank you both for your interview. Great work. Keep it coming. You are helping many to wake up and decode, including myself. x

[@ajwirth8291]

xo

[@marvelprince9893]

Another excellent interview, thank you for sharing!

[@pauletteforman]

Excellent video! She hit it on the nail about the WT's harsh control and rigid disciplines. They smother your potentials and discourage any and all self awareness. The panic and fear the WT stokes as well as their sadistic expectations for youth is inhumane and unscriptural. So glad she's free!

[@dantoinettetaylor1663]

Wow, Wow!It's been a while ... seemingly Fifth! Happy New Year! Thanks for the new video. Thank you too Alisha for sharing how hard it is to be a Witness, especially a pioneer and exposing how much we had to put on a front to appear that we were in step with the Organisation

[@exjwfifth9838]

wannabe freespirit hey thanks! Nice to be back. Happy new year to you as well!

[@ajwirth8291]

Thank you! Keep smiling

[@sophiamartinez8352]

Cliff I missed your videos ... glad to see you’re doing well

[@adab9959]

So glad you are Free and doing what you love! Thank you for sharing. All the best to you!!!!

[@rachelbritton3498]

Another great interview cliff. Thanks for doing them, the def help to not feel so alone.

[@rafaelcolin1121]

Oh caramba, cuánta gente saliendo de allí. Nunca se había visto en la historia tanta deserción.

[@ExJWKid]

Hey Fifth! So I've checked out your channel after my subscribers mentioning that you were at the top of their lists of EXJW community channels. After watching I see why! I wish I would've viewed before I made my top channel videos, I would have liked to included yours. When I do another one I will surely be adding you to the list! Great job on the Leah Remini special also. Take care!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Ex JW Kid hey bro thanks a lot I’ve seen some of your work as well I appreciate what you do!

[@ExJWKid]

@@exjwfifth9838 You have? Wow that's great thank you very much! I look forward to you future videos!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Ex JW Kid yeah man Jay the Comedian mentioned you and I’m a big fan of him, so I checked you out. I like the recap you did of the Leah Remini episode. Keep it up!

[@lesliefranssen3045]

Hope the best for you. You have made me remember. They have distorted many family’s lives. So sad

[@Lovealwayswins1]

Yup same kind of stories thank you for speaking out. God bless you!

[@brotherhype-maninchristjes2766]

+ExJW Fifth Praise the LORD thank you for your ministry, brother Cliff. i was never a jw, but i am learning so much from your KZbin videos. God bless. Agape love

[@impalapanasco6176]

You're really collected and well spoken, congratulations on your progress in life, your growth and the clarity you have found. When I see both of you, side by side, by heart shines with pride!

[@eriqglyptis8816]

I remember when I was younger they would tell us stories that everyone who leaves the organization hits a terrible rock bottom. They all had a horrible life after leaving. I would sit and contemplate what would be my rock bottom? Would I have at least a few years of happiness before I had to come crawling back from the gutter? Not only did I never hit rock bottom, but my life got better and I found out what true happiness is.

[@ajwirth8291]

LOLOL Right!! .....Those Watchtower pics of ppl homeless, drug addicted, prostituting lmaoooo terrible

[@BrentRF]

I can't even describe the feeling I had when I officially left. I was born into the cult and the feeling had to be very similar to someone that gets out of prison after serving 20 years. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and never regretted it once. Freedom is not a strong enough word to describe it.

[@mrswonderful4880]

Such a familiar story ...glad she is free now

[@ajwirth8291]

xoxo

[@starkochmodig5815]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@ItsanAmberthing]

👋👋 me too! grew up in an alcoholic home and delt with violence with the brother's and within my home. I have done a short video on this as well. Bravo thank you for sharing.

[@yahsarelremnant9688]

MY EXPERIENCE I love when more former Witnesses come together united adding to the new family. I know your outcry, pain, mental disparity, etc. I been baptized since June 3rd, 2012 and studying little before that. I progress fast through the " Bible teach book" publication when it was in yellow lol then progress quickly through the " Remain in God's Love" publication both within a month in a half cause I studied with my Bible teacher daily for hours. Soon qualified for my baptism at a " Special Day Assembly." I gave many public talks, I held the microphones in the congregation meetings, I participated in the cleaning of the Kingdom Halls, I was getting more hours than what's required for regular pioneers in field service ministry . I made many friends and even brought in some I knew from " the world." I grew an enormous love for the supposed " truth " and for Jah . I traveled to New York driving the entire way with a group that invited me and saw all 3 "Bethel facilities ." There I saw the headquarters of the Governing Body and my connections help me see rooms and more than what they actually are to give in these tours. I have many pictures of this experience. Traveling all throughout the country for this religion doing everything u can imagine. Yet.... I started getting extremely depressed cause the more I elevated myself...the more I was exposed to seeing which was so disturbing even heart breaking in many respects. I notice how so many in the religion idolize man . How? Ever notice that when " Special Guest" appear now suddenly everyone comes to the Kingdom Hall Meeting and all now dress up in expensive suits with bow ties to go out in field service? All cause maybe the " Traveling Overseer " is there which was so fake to me. They call it " hospitality...yet it was idolizing cause everyone competing to get his attention. To knock on doors with him, to go out to eat with him, to talk to him first after his talks, and everyone is acting like extra than usual. Once he leaves its back to the opposite. I also noticed that ones that come out the " world " get treated a little differently than the ones who grew up in the religion. Like in meetings...they're hands get picked first over yours. They get invited everywhere more than u. Many didnt work with me just my teacher most times daily. Times where my hand was literally ignored while sitting up front like wow! Elders always get called the most over all and their wives then kids. It's like levels to this of favoritism. Being related to special men can get u greater protection too from wrongdoing than average ones. Steady observing...I saw how much godly devotion, praise , and worship didnt go to " Jehovah God." It all went to the " Governing Body." The supposed "annointed" men who are the Elites over the entire faith of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide. They are the men elevated to God like status. Can't question them or you'll be in big trouble. So I researched more , prayed, read Bible, and the more I began to look outside of our bias websites JW.org, or the JW broadcast, the Watchtower society's literature, etc I saw the truth about " the truth." Examples are as follows: The over 5 thousand child sex abuse cases aired live on the news where the Governing Body had to speak in front of the Australian government cause their system based off misinterpretation of scripture paved the easy way of molesting children. * The unexpected affair the Society had with the United Nations whom we call the Beast in Revelation that replaced the " death stroked " one . Once confronted and exposed they ended the partnership to save face quickly doing damage control sending many letters and magazines to the members smh they bought it of course. *How we quickly ban anything pagan as unacceptable to Jehovah God like Holidays, birthdays. Etc. Yet I research roots to weddings and saw that wedding " rings" are pagan customs with ritualistic beliefs to why u wear them..also the " wedding cake" and wind chimes are tied to pagan symbolism. Etc. Yet we're allowed to imitate them. I thought if its pagan stay away...yet the Governing Body can do anything even contradict themselves and the masses in the religion blindly follows and defends. * All the false prophecies which the Bible strongly condemns yet our Organization gave more dates of the end of the world....than just 1914. Every prophecy failed of course cause God isn't with them. So once it dont happen they tweak their words and update it to make excuses. The blind brainwashed followers excuse it and say " No they wasn't wrong, The Light was just dim not its getting Brighter. " lol Sadd The Organization back in the day actually practiced discrimination toward African Americans especially seen evident when " Rutherford " was the man in charge. Read all his letters. * The supposed founder of Jehovah's Witnesses Charles Taze Russel was actually a "Freemason ." That's why the earliest additions of the Watchtower magazines had the satanic symbol called " the Knights Templar " symbol seen in Satanic churches to praise the Devil. The " Knights Templar symbol " can also be found in honor of him after his death. Look up his burial grave site..you'll see a giant monument idol of a Masonic pyramid with the same satanic logo the Knights Templar symbol on it. Pyramids, all seeing eye of Horus, Knights Templar symbol, saturn rings worship...all used to praise not God but Satan the Devil. How disappointing yet many excuse or dont even believe it cause they are brainwashed by the cult dominated by man not Jah. *The Governing Body had stocks in companies that made cigarettes and war planes like Lockey Martin , Boeing etc. *Disfellowshiping! This is over exaggerated and misinterpreted from the Scriptures. God never supported flat out shunning cause it wasn't an effective tool to bringing sheep back. They use Paul words about removing a man or not eating with him etc. Or Prodigal Son. Both examples contradict shunning I'll soon make video of. This practice is user by cults when u question their leaders not really God. It's used as a fear tactic after you're baptized. Listen to whatever we say or lose your family, friends, mates, everything u know . Shunning is evil , ungodly, founded by cults, and even Satanist do the same thing . Their exist over 30 scriptures contradicting the practice of shunning. Read your Bible . *Beards? If u have a beard you're not doing anything in relation to Jehovah's Witnesses. No scripture forbids it yet they use " you look like a hippie" as their sole basis.lol All in Biblical times had beards even Christ yet we cant preach if beard is present etc. * Field Service report card. This is your hours, minutes , books, magazine placements, video showings, return visits, etc. when knocking on doors. Turn in every month. You're graded by men and must participate or you will lose privileges and be seen as non spiritual. They grade u observing u closely . Jesus exposes this practice in Matthew 6. Read it entirely. This religion isnt the truth . It's dominated by brainwashing methods and complete worship goes to the Governing Body yet they keep telling themselves no it's for " Jehovah. " I'm speaking out after 8years. Jehovah God isn't the issue...nor the brainwashed Witnesses...its the Governing Body more so who replaced Jah and Jesus ....and put the system in place that made all these sheeple into brainwash zombies. Ex witnesses arent evil apostates or bad people. They woke up and still love all their love ones trapped in the cult. Ex JWs not lost , they're better off. Wake up and stop judging . Love and truth always win not cults founded by Satan.

[@ajwirth8291]

lmao...sheep into brainwashed zombies!!..simply put! lol

[@charliesmith3777]

Very nice. Very intellectual. Thanks so much. Always happy for someone who breaks away.

[@kipmic1]

I'm happy you have found TTATT, thank you for sharing your story.

[@crowbird213]

They blame the victim no matter who you are. They are looking to put guilt on everyone.

[@sezsyd9477]

crowbird213 especially true for females

[@exjwconfessions]

Not really, everyone.

[@exjwconfessions]

You are absolutely right. Everyone gets blamed. If you’re given (forced into) a role, it will be abused.

[@jokich6379]

Amazing how protective we are over Almighty God- all powerful. We almost take a maternal or protective quality toward God.

[@Golfpill]

@AJ WIRTH, thanks for your time and story! Going to check out your other stuff! Great job!!

[@ajwirth8291]

yay thanks. Most activity on Instagram & LinkedIN As AJ WIRTH

[@amorypeace]

Thank you very much Fifth and Alicia for share your story. For me was very liberating to leave this religion, but my family still there☹️. JW stole my life I was very unhappy. I still have the trauma so many years of my life wasted😢

[@ajwirth8291]

what it did was give you freedom to create new possibilities! Time is now, the present, and that's exciting you have your power back.

[@amorypeace]

AJ WIRTH you are right. Thank you very much😊😘

[@Halomusik9548]

Enjoy your programs. You are a excellent interviewer.

[@ethanfreehawkllamas4346]

good job cliff! i'm ending an e-mail with my own history for you.

[@Ielenacruz12]

thank you fith great video and also thank you Alisha for charing your story whao what a story I'm sure this will help alot of people to realize that this is what it cost to be a jw .

[@ajwirth8291]

thanks Love!

[@elmerfudd1047]

Hi AJ, You said you teach neuroscience. Do you have any professional certifications?

[@ajwirth8291]

See LinkedIn under AJ WIRTH.Send message along with request :)

[@Sportliveonline]

if its life saving message and so important that life depends on getting the message ~~~~##but surely its finally up to God who lives and dies ~~~##there will always be millions of people who don`t receive the Jehovahs Witness interpretation

[@thinkingcapon64]

I always feel sad to hear fellow witnesses having difficulties with JW Org and or other witnesses...I am shocked to hear what stressful things some are dealing with... Most or all of their complaints are warranted...I and my two adult children have not had unpleasant experiences worth speaking of...Wish I could suggest something to help...Some would say rely on Jehovah...I strongly feel we ourselves are mostly responsible to search for solutions to our problems, the scriptures are often helpful as well as a fellow witnesses...Be very careful in choosing who to talk to...

[@janedow9782]

What an amazing story. It takes a lot of mental clarity to see the big picture while living in it, then to have the courage to step out of it, it seems your thinking ability is exceptional. I hope that you have the realization that you are now closer to God than you were before, God is love and freedom. This interview is also a fantastic demonstration of what a good interviewer is and does. You asked the right questions then listened to the answer!, you are a highly skilled interviewer. Thanks for all you do.

[@ajwirth8291]

:)

[@jokich6379]

Disfellowshipping and shunning takes away what the true Christian personality should be. It also wipes out the best of what we think of as Godly traits.

[@rainydays1105]

Enjoyed this interview. Thank you very much. Alicia-thank you for sharing your voice. There has got to be a way for Watchtower to be penalized for treating underage children like this. Too say that it’s mental abuse is far to mild of a term.

[@Anirossa]

Im ex-jw, my gf a muslim, my dad and mom respect my choise of leaving all though my dad can ask me questions and make me want to reconsider studying the bible again. My dad come to term with my gf being a muslim and Im never ever going into any organized religion again. I am keeping my open mind, also looked into the quran as I like researching things like I did with my own religion growing up, find problems there are similar to the ones from stories I hear from other jws, ideology wise. Btw, my dad bipolar, my big brother left the jws, started using drugs and killed himself when I was a child and my sister also left the jws but she was before married to a jw man as she was still a jw. Been a wild ride. 20 now and Im feeling pretty great somehow.

[@ajwirth8291]

wow so sorry to hear. Stay strong and know that even if you choose to live by Bible, there is no Organized religion whatsoever that has a right to control your life. There are so many many amazing opportunities that lay ahead for anyone - regardless of age! Seek to associate with successful driven people with "like" values. Keep smiling

[@Steve-pl8ii]

Word for word we lived the same identical life. How ironic!

[@cynthiacarvajal4486]

Amazing interview!

[@ajwirth8291]

Thank you! Keep Smiling!

[@exjwconfessions]

Very true what she said about expectations and self fulfilling prophecies. A bunch of horrific or disgusting things keep being presented as very viable options for children early on. Having seen healthy families, normal kids don’t have that. They are simply not on the table as options, as they should not be. It’s seen as abusive by normal families.

[@elsenoroscurosauron]

Saludos desde España !! Sigue así, ayudas muchos con estos vídeos. Cada vez somos más !!!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Saludos! Pronto voy a tratar de hacer los subtítulos en español para este video, gracias por su paciencia por mientras :-)

[@exjwfifth9838]

ya terminé los subtítulos!

[@ms.gurrola5232]

Hi, I’m wondering if you ever told your mother and was it reported to the authorities?

[@MinecraftEnderStone1]

My dad wouldn't get me any outside help because once he knew someone who went to a therapist and was told he needed to have sex, so he wouldn't take me to one. That was disappointing. I have gone to a therapist since and it was immensely helpful!

[@owenmccallum6076]

Did you eventually get sex?

[@angelesmeralda7369]

Por fin te miro de nuevo fifth 💙💜💛💚

[@alexjames1648]

Dr. tengo muy claro lo que es juzgar y criticar. pero como parece que no voy a ganar o empatar con usted, voy a hacer parco con esto... dejemos nuestra conversacion en este punto. De todos modos gracias por el info acerca de su conocimiento de la organizacion. me encanto! cuidese mucho y gracias .

[@Anirossa]

Grew up with my JW mom, I stopped being a JW around 12 y/o, my mom was fine with it as she wanted me to be do what I wanted and think myself, she a amazing person but I would not go back to the religion, feel it given me insight into the bible so thats nice I guess, even if Im not religious, feel very strong mentally after what I was going through in my mind though I feel like...

[@grisnios]

Excellent Interview, she is amazing, I love her eloquency and bright mind 👏👏👏

[@ajwirth8291]

Awww thank you! Appreciate that!

[@scottviers6383]

As an ex JW, also 4th generation, I loved how Alicia mentioned the mind control and MKUltra aspect. I loved the story of her journey.

[@merylbarnes2770]

Amazing story. I'm so glad you shared it.

[@ajwirth8291]

thank you xoxo

[@johnmichael2184]

This was great. Thank you both.

[@Pursuepeace0715]

I grew up jw raised by my grandmother but I never got baptized and I can relate to what she us saying. plus the elders, sisters and the circuit overseer discouraged me from going to college. by 21 I moved out and I wasn't interested in following up with the religion. I went to college and 30yrs later no end of the world

[@Gigislaps]

For anyone trying to understand what happened to them in this group, look up narcissistic abuse. You will find so much correlation between the org and this type of abuse. Also, for healing, look up PTSD and recovery for that. ♥️

[@ajwirth8291]

Absolutely! we had cut off the part where I am a Mindset Specialist for Sports & Entertainment and teach Neuroscience, reprogramming the subconscious mind, etc, which yes! excellent for PTSD. So many I find that leave still experience depression and lack of focus on inspiring goals.

[@elmerfudd1047]

Hi AJ, Do you have any professional certifications?

[@jm3067]

GREAT INTERVIEW, THANKS FOR SHARING

[@allanu6416]

Suggestion to the ex-pioneer sister...you still refer to the JW religion as the "truth"...yes, that is the term we used, but now that we have left, and researched the teachings and history, should we still refer to it when talking to others as the "truth"? Ray Franz brought this to my attention, and kindly passing such food for thought to you.. Thank you for sharing your experience...brotherly love, best wishes.

[@ajwirth8291]

Yes, I don't say. Don't allow children to either. Speech is powerful for mind programming and as I teach this, my awareness is high. In this discussion setting I used as some still may be on fence. I refrained from MANY FACTS LOL

[@shadegreen5351]

you guys are playing semantics, just like our jw gb overlords

[@rickireign]

“Should we still refer to it when talking to others as the truth?” The irony is you sound like a condemning watchtower.

[@ghouse2492]

Allan U the “truth”about the lie

[@elviszaquinaula3044]

Buenos vídeos. Sería excelente agregar subtítulos. Saludos

[@exjwfifth9838]

ya terminé los subtítulos

[@ajwirth8291]

Hey everyone! For anyone who would like to follow me on social media, you can find me as AJ WIRTH :) xo

[@robertiannucci1667]

First John 41 test

[@Golfpill]

A new interview! Yay, good to see you fifth!!

[@computergeekabot]

her brother a real one for not giving up the gang like that..."it's between them and Jehovah" ahhhh classic. Never Snitch on the Bros

[@exjwfifth9838]

Frost Fro agreed

[@jaellandrie6877]

I was raised by a single mom. She was baptized when I was 5. My dad never was baptized although he did study occasionally and he wasn't in our lives much because of his alcoholism. Mostly he didn't live with us. So, I didn't see much of the abuse that you experienced. I never noticed a difference between how Jehovah's witnesses acted at home compared to at the meetings. But I suppose it could occur.

[@mtmt4624]

Wow what a powerful interview thank you for sharing

[@aguedaespinoza9431]

Gracias por los subtitulos en español

[@reaturree6769]

I so enjoyed listening to Alisha's story regarding her experience growing up as one of Jehovah's Witness .Unfortunately, this is not an isolated stories. I admire her honesty and straight forwardness to express HER TRUE FEELINGS with what took place in HER young life. One of the things that I picked up about Alisha, there would seem to be no bitterness that comes from her. I don't feel there to be disdain regarding our Creator Jehovah God, as the situation/problem is with "The ORGANIZATION." I have of recent times, become aware of some teachings that are NOT in congruence with SCRIPTURE, "1914" being one regarding ," CHRIST JESUS having already having come into his kingdom, among other teachings that would NOT SEEM TO BE ON POINT. When I really started to look into things, is when information on the "NET" surfaced regarding the way in which The Society, was NOT HANDLING IT'S EPIDEMIC PEDOPHILIA CRISIS that seemed to be going on in a number of countries. When watching the trial of the Australian Commission, with one of the Governing Body Members answering the question, IF He Believed That The Watch Tower Society were only one's To Have The Truth and the only answer he could thing to give is "That would be presumptuous to say, I was done!!! His entire testimony seemed as evasive, as possible TO SAY the least to say that Jehovah's Witnesses HAVE THE TRUTH, IT DID NOT SEEM THAT WAY, THAT DAY, with his testimony, in any way that day. When one answers with TRUTH, there is NO NEED TO BE EVASIVE IN ANYTHING AT ANYTIME. Almighty God's WORD IS TRUTH and THOSE WORSHIPING HIM, MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH. So very shameful indeed. Again, thank you for you straight forwardness, along with the fact there would seem to be no bitterness with what happened to YOU when YOU were young and your family. That is certainly a BLESSING FROM JEHOVAH, most seem to be most bitter.

[@ajwirth8291]

Thank you! I appreciate that observation. The anger and bitterness has left because I"m grateful for every day to be OUT! FREE! and pursuing such incredible goals beyond present circumstances. It helps as I do this for work-The study and speaking of Neuroscience and reprogramming the subconscious mind. The DISGUST on the other hand will never leave and I'll do my part to inspire any into action that I can! XO

[@LavenderFrog]

Wow I love her and her story! Does she have a KZbin channel???

[@ajwirth8291]

Yes ma'am, :) All social media is AJ WIRTH. I am a Recording Artist & Mindset Specialist for the Sports & Entertainment Industry

[@LavenderFrog]

AJ WIRTH I love your story girl! I’m so glad you got out!

[@mackiepimo-jwjones3019]

I married at 22 as a JW. I felt that was too old lol but now waking up from this I felt like I got married way too young.

[@ajwirth8291]

most definitely :)

[@skippy1012]

Married @27. That was too young for me. I was not mature.

[@Hello-ce7jt]

I have seen this first hand! Because of the upbringing that worldly people do crazy things jw kids get messed up and end up doing these things especially when they leave

[@ajwirth8291]

So true!

[@bivens3ify]

All the integration they do to the friends is almost criminal. But when they on the stand in court. They lie and mislead and feel like they dont have to tell the truth. Ain't that a twist.

[@joemotionink4307]

Gorgeous she is.... They wrote a song about it. Everybody plays a fool.....

[@t-streetmusicstudio6749]

Wonderful interview. Well done

[@Multivariable_Calqlus]

This interview resonated with me on many levels. Just like Alisha, I, too, am an empath, and I felt so many chaotic stirrings inside the org growing up (late 80s/early 90s). Her points about mental and emotional abuse hit home, and even though it has been decades, those points took me back to some dark places that I was able to reexamine and find light and answers within. I want to thank you, ExJW Fifth, as well as Mrs. Joseph for such a candid, insightful, peaceful, yet somewhat painful and necessary look into the WTBTS and its teachings; the impact of so much of their teachings and legalism, particularly verbal insinuations, man-made rules and subconscious messages (those pictures in the literature!!), can be devastating for a lifetime. Nevertheless, with brave people like you at the helm, we can all be helped to gradually heal (or at least cope). May you both be richly rewarded for your humanitarian efforts to comfort those in distress.

[@miked2500]

Great interview !!!

[@properteaproperty]

Question no.3 at the baptism talk needs to be: "do you understand that you can never leave, if you choose to leave or removed against your will by the elders all of your family will view you as dead?"

[@SpiderDiscord]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing.

[@jessicanerpio-cauldwell4987]

I'm a born in too...the misconception of saving people's lives made me feel Field Service was important but I thought if it was Y did we have to turn in TIME !?! ..... I knew alot of JW'S Families lived Double Standards in Secret... I was confuse n troubled because of what I knew...Yet we're taught to make Excuses for this kind of Bad Bahavior that Jehovah will make it better in the New World...Our World was filled with Guilt n Fear built on Conditional Love... what a way to Grow Up no wonder we have Issues that Never goes away...in Truth all XJW's struggles to Reinvent ourselves once we See the True Light but it's along Road to Recovery...🤗

[@ajwirth8291]

Keep Going xo and watch Joe Despenza videos whenever you can!

[@Matescium]

I got many pieces of information from this interview.

[@jasonno2953]

We all completely understand the two sides to Witnesses thing. Not that I am trying to boast, and believe me, what I am going to tell, did not serve me, or my family much good. At the meetings, I would give these insightful answers from the scriptures, and in real context. Usually from scripture that we as Witnesses, would not use in the meetings or in service. I would prove valid points. At the end of the meetings, I would be complemented on my insightful answers and use of scripture. But, when it came time to say, go out in service, I would love trying to talk about actually scripture in context. Every, single, time, I would be shut down with, "the org this and that. Or, "The society and Watchtower says this or that". I would get the same thing when getting together with "friends" on a personal level. The org, had a strong hold on them, and even me to a degree. How could it not. After all, we are all human, and subject to social reconstruction. Mind control if you will. One thing though, no one would ever reach out to me to hang out. It was always me reaching for them. And the one person that did reach out to me, he always wanted me to do him little favors here and there. I didn't mind so much. But, when it came to talking about scripture, forget it. He would like a robot, say how thankful he was for Jehovah's organization. Not how thankful he was for The Fathers Son. You know, the one who wss tortured, beaten and died for him. Instead, we are all somehow supposed to be thankful for men who take our money, and live real comfortable on it, and pay sexual abuse lawsuits with it. And tell us that if we do not agree with their "uninspired" teachings and predictions, that we are not faithful to God. Somehow, my "brother" and "friend" felt the need to turn me in when I discussed with him the societies dealings and non scriptural teachings. You know? As much as all religions like say, the Catholic Church is guilty for their gross dealings with children, they at least eventually were able to admit their wrong doings. Granted, it took force. And, they admitted that they were wrong on some scriptural teachings. But, the governing body? The org? The society? Nope, it's all hide, attempt to get rid of literature, misdirect people, and tell all that, like rapunzel, the outsiders are all bad and under Satan's control. When in fact, the people on the outside are not all bad. Fact is, some of them are more Christ like in comparison to some of the brothers and sisters. And especially, the .org. I could go on forever. But, I have ranted enough. Thank you for this interview like the others. P.S. I did forget to mention why I believe people did not want to hang with my family and me. I was always truthful about who I was a and who I wanted to be. I never hid from anyone, anything about me. Instead, I would use it as a platform to help others to open up about them selves. So that they also could move forward with their metamorphosis. But, all I would ever get from anyone was, "you are so brave for sharing you with us" And that they wish that they could be more like that. Truthfully? One can never change for the better unless they are willing to open up about who they are and the things they do. If you just hide away the real you behind some facade, you do no favors to your self, or anyone else. It was the only way I was able to grow into who I am now. Am I perfect? Heck No! I am only getting better. Granted, very depressed because I have no human friends any more.

[@elainekristinsdottir9121]

Great, powerful comment! Yes, growth and connection happens when we are brave enough to be authentic.

[@martyjohn007]

Wow...thanks for sharing your story Alicia I went through the same b.s. with my daughter regarding the very intrusive personal questions about her misdeeds which in the end caused me to kick them out...pissed me off. I really appreciate your channel fifth keep up the great work.

[@charleslomanto]

Such a sad childhood story. So glad you made it out. Thank you for sharing & thank you Fifth for your hard work. This cult does take a traumatizing toll on one's childhood and robs you of your self esteem and confidence. With that stripped from you, you pretty much end up at their mercy...all part of their plan, I'm sure. 😞

[@saraabraham5486]

I left the Cult Religion since May 2016. Used to be a pioneer. Before I left; two years before leaving I was having serious doubt, I used to hand in fake field service time. As of January 2019; I feel closer to the Most High God. No need for religion. You can get close to God of heaven and earth without a Religion.

[@BrentRF]

The Gospel of St Thomas was left out of the bible because it emphasized that religion should not be made with bricks and wood but be inside you. Of course the pope and Roman senate did not want that in the bible as the catholic church was gaining world power.

[@gracegarcia3927]

Totally feel the same way🙏🏽