A conversation with Mark O'Donnell (exJW writer, researcher, activist)

[@regardingbitcoin]

"These are nice people. They're just misled, deluded, like we all were... I can't direct that anger against anyone but the leadership because these people are just like me." Well said Mark. I was there too. A true believer all the way, until I wasn't.

[@5star64]

They are not nice people. Anyone who would cut off there own family because the crazy eights in Warwick NY told them too is not nice. And there pretty dumb and stupid too.

[@Hun_Uinaq]

So true. Right there with you. This is the second time I’ve left. I don’t think I’m going back either. Not this time.

[@janicehussock7735]

I had doubts even in preschool. But I tried so hard. There was a ahort period of intense belief. It was convenient to be loved. I could not understand why I could not convince classmatea. Was I so unusual to doubt it? We were in a small apt The family went to museums or Manhattan walks.

[@5star64]

They are not nice people. I was in for 30 years. I simply refused to shun the disfellowshipped. Because I am a nice person. The elders would warn me about speaking with disfellowshipped people. I couldn’t do that to anyone.

[@LoveJoyPeace4612]

@@5star64 same

[@mardi63]

You’re a good man Mark O’Donnell . It was very emotional for me when you were talking about sending those documents to Angus Stewart and how it changed the dynamics of the trial . Thank you so much for your activism . I hope one day to meet you and Kimmy !!

[@darthfaydehr2200]

An inspirational, high calibre guy. Reasonableness and humility are hard to fake, and I'm sure this interview will be watched by many who will relate to this story. Thank you, both of you!

[@MrLuisplatt]

Thank you to both of you for living the activism life. My wife woke up because she saw Geoffrey Jackson in the ARC so Thank you so much Mark.

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Thank you for the kind words, and I am happy to hear another person woke up as a result of the Jackson testimony. It's a reminder that each one of us can have a positive impact on the lives of others. This keeps us going in our work :-)

[@SusanGaskin]

Thank you both so much for this excellent interview! Mark is another example of JW org throwing away a genuinely amazing and humble person, yet keeping the arrogant, power hungry Pharisee like elders. Not to say that all the elders lack humility, but the organization is rotten from the top down. Honest hearted people like Mark and his wonderful wife Kimmy tried to make it work and gave their all, but this organization is cruel, and like a parasite, will take and take from you until you die and then move on to the next "overlapping" generation. It's so great that Mark is able to do activism, because he will continue to help A LOT of people.

[@SamSam-ft3to]

You guys don't know how much you're helping us worldwide. You're all authentic and honest hearted.

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

That really means a lot coming from you Susan, as you are an inspiration to me and so many others. I wish we could clone you!!

[@GoatlikePersonality]

I think Susan is right. Its rotten from top down. Most rank and file witnesses are really nice people. They would deserve a better cult.

[@rodywithers3536]

Susan Well said! 👏👏

[@greygranny5163]

Thank you both for all that you do.

[@seeingpatterns7234]

Awesome interview. Seeing Jackson being questioned at the Royal Commission and seeing his dishonest responses was one of the primary reasons that I continued looking into the organization. Thank you for submitting that information to the Royal Commission. It helped a lot of people.

[@williamj2244]

Hearing you repeat that phrase, knowing that someone else felt the same thing and thought those EXACT words...simply "I'm done"...means so much to me. Thank you for sharing!!!!!

[@marie-clairedelongchamp1330]

William J I uttered those same words to my husband 6 months ago! All the bitterness was making my heart wicked. I didn’t recognize myself anymore! I finally realized, time to go! (.Org) I’m done! I’m now hoping like Mark that my husband will wake up. I found his advice very helpful, for 1 year later his wife joined him. There’s hope!

[@rudyolmos5282]

Excellent interview! I greatly appreciate the work that you both have done which has resulted in my ex-wife and I waking up over the past four years and we are now living our lives authentically. Thank you very much for all you do!

[@patrickirby9825]

Watchtower messed with the wrong hombres when they lied to the two of you.

[@dawnatsea4076]

Mark, my husband said the same thing to me right after finishing his talk & getting off the stage. He was a visiting speaker, we didn’t stay for hospitality & all the way home he talked about “all this being a farce” & “we’ve all have been given a WT Armageddon dangling carrot”. I understood what he was saying & how he felt. After 30 years in & my husband being an elder for 26 years we left & never returned. It’s been 4 years ...getting shunned specially by our son & being lied to by that cult has not been easy but the freedom we are enjoying is enormously gratifying !!!

[@davidwicklin9943]

YES!! So glad to finally hear aka "John Redwood", Mark O'Donnell's story! Having recently woken up in the Spring of 2017 in which I still did "Cart Work" through May 2017, I find Mark's insight, wisdom, voice of reason, kindness, and passion to help others extremely valuable in gaining and dispensing awareness of the inner workings of watchtower. I was further impressed when a few months ago I saw Mark doing a peaceful public activism protest with Chessa Manion among other ex-JW's & faded JW's in front of the Jehovah's Witness convention in Reading, PA I believe it was recently. I also essentially quit college aspirations after turning age 20 in 1992 after I started what I now see as my indoctrination "study" with JW's. Glad to hear Mark's story Lloyd to further my own wake up from this high-control organization we were a part of with continuing education via Mark's experience! Thank you both! Dave in central Wisconsin via Chicago

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Wow, Dave, that's a very nice thing to say. Congrats on waking up so recently and sharing your thoughts. It never ceases to amaze me how many people come forward and tell us how much they appreciate hearing from normal people who left the organization- and not "angry apostates." I'm not angry, nor do I hate these people, because that's who I was. The only difference between me and a Jehovah's Witness is FACTS. So I feel an obligation to speak my truth and do what I can to help others.

[@RenLuuk]

Lovely to hear from you, John/Mark. I am one of the people that was the receipient of an email from you. What you and Lloyd do is so important to help so many people live the life they were always supposed to x

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Thank you Karen- that means a lot to us

[@sisteray3539]

Great interview. Mark is such a lovely, genuine guy. Was awesome to hear his life story and journey to freedom. Lots of love to you both x

[@chrystianrodriquez]

Awesome! Thank you for interviewing him. It has given me another perspective on how to approach my pimi inlaws. You guys have helped me fix a mentality of attacking rather than teaching. Once again, thank you guys.

[@minusdagroove]

You two are my heroes. Thank you for your hard work and honesty.

[@victorhygge7418]

I've wanted to know Mark's story for a while, because I feel like the way he thinks closely matches mine. Turns out the reasons for leaving and the build up to it are remarkably similar. Just don't belong here anymore. A thinker can only handle so much nonsense, especially if not continually distracted by duties and responsibilities or social dependency and the fear of losing that. And the courage to leave the latter is still remarkable. Fascinating story and great work. Loved this.

[@michaelandrew3397]

Thanks both of you , 10 mins of Geoffrey Jackson woke my wife up after 60 years , I took a bit longer but J W survey started our journey

[@the22ndday]

This made me cry. What a wonderful interview and story. Mark O’Donnell you are a wonderful, warm, intelligent person. I wish you nothing about love and sunlight from here on. Thank you for all you do.

[@BobDowns]

This was one of if not the best interviews and JW-related videos I've seen. The story about getting the email to the Royal Commission lawyer in the nic of time was THRILLING! More importantly, Mark John Red'o'donnell-wood's (🤪) expression of care and concern for us ex-JW's was heartwarming and very much appreciated. Thank you both - John-Lloyd and John-Mark - for sharing this video.

[@thinkngal]

Thank you Mark for what you did to help get Geoffrey Jackson questioned by Angus Stewart in the ARC. Just brilliant!

[@murrarich1]

As a former JW, pioneer and Bethelite I just want to thank you and Mark and others for trying to help people who have doubts but don't know how to deal with leaving the JW organization. I left the organization silently back in the 1980's. My parents, family and JW friends just at some point considered me inactive. I'd go to some meetings, but never out in door to door work. But I just couldn't handle it anymore. Then my father who was a total believer was watching a cable show called The John Ankerburg Show when he had Ray Franz on. My father ordered the book Crisis of Conscience and had it shipped to me because he feared my mother would see it. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. And then, because I wanted to be sure that I wasn't being deceived I read it again. I had actually met some of the people discussed in the book and of course my experience of having worked at Bethel had seen the issues there. I called my father and when he asked me what I thought of the book, I told him he SHOULD read it, but afterwards he might be sorry that he did. He did and he was. I think he passed away saddened that he had raised his children in the JW organization. Again, thank you for the work you folks are doing.

[@janicehussock7735]

My mom and I ordered a single copy once we heard about it on Regis Philbin NYC show. We dropped all other activity to read it. Soon we were reading aloud to each other. If only we had two copies. We were both becoming impatient with the other's reading pace. Neither one of us would wait until the other completed the book. I fled at sixteen my JW father died. My mom knew many of the people Ray mentioned. Witnesses are viewed as so insignificant by the media. We were thrilled to have any uncensored account. My mom was so traumatized. She was expelled from school, attend trials for the draft during WWII when the govt was so serious. Ray was amazing. It struck me that he had no bitterness. I do. A lot of anger, too. appropriate rage and anger at the leaders. Not so much the people.

[@lionprodder8932]

I really enjoyed listening to Mark in this interview. Mark has always come across as somebody who researches the facts thoroughly before speaking about anything, and someone who is very careful not to sensationalise things for effect. It was humbling to learn of the sacrifices he has made in order to undertake the work he has. I have great respect for this humble man.

[@abeward1265]

Wow! Absolutely one of my favorite interviews so far! Like Mark, I also woke up fairly later in life. I'm now 39 years old and still haven't officially "come out" except to a few close friends and family. To hear how deeply Mark was involved in the organization and his conviction, yet still chose to come out at that point in his life is so interesting and relatable for me. Thank you both so much and please don't stop what you are doing because it is changing lives. I was always put off by the angry and bitter "apostates". It's so encouraging to hear you guys speak about the good times as a JW and that neither of you have hostility towards any individual believer. That's what really touches honest hearted ones who truly have honest questions. Thanks so much to you both!

[@darcisw]

Mark looks a lot younger than his age, but I’m guessing such things don’t matter much to him. I admire him for his integrity and hard work in exposing abuses in the JW organization. Thanks to Mark for his dedication. Great interview, Lloyd!

[@belladonna70]

what an intelligent genuine guy

[@belladonna70]

thanks lloyd x

[@annah5592]

Funny how the first thought for marks wife was "I'm going to loose my friends" not "my husband will die". It's so much about the social thing. But rightly so...we are social animals and that is why shunning is such a cruel, controlling behaviour which stems from two narcissistic leaders...Rutherford and Knorr.

[@davidwicklin9943]

And Freaky Freddy Franz "overlapped" them all the way to 1992 so well that David Splane esplaned to us the integral part of their "overlap" doctrine involved creepy Freddy.

[@alyssawoodman]

Powerful comment!

[@RiaCottingham]

Absolutely fantastic interview. Mark is a wonderful man, and although doesn’t want to take credit for getting Jackson subpoenaed at the ARC, I think I speak for many when I say, how proud we all are of him. You’re both fantastic guys, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank u for all u do for our community ❤️

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Thank you Maria- those words mean so much to me, and make our work worth the sacrifices we make. Hugs

[@RiaCottingham]

Hugs to u too 🤗

[@faerynsember3805]

Absolutely my favorite interview thus far. Thank you both for all you have done, and continue to do.

[@bobwilly3220]

Outstanding! Really enjoy listening to Mark and appreciate his close attention to detail and accuracy. Thanks for this Lloyd!

[@ancyt6]

wow Mark what a wonderful human being you are.

[@davidevans0]

Thanks Mark. You are such a decent stand up guy. Its wonderful to have someone like you doing what you do.

[@amandathomas3924]

Thanks for this. I've been out 20 years and this brings back so many memories. My dad was an elder and a single parent raising me and my brother. He got so much shit from the other elders, even though he worked his but off. Eventually he had the elder tag taken away, apparently so he could look after us. But they were still making him do loads of work. I can remember being so pissed off.

[@charleslomanto]

Wow to leaving at 46 years of age...and I've been feeling unlucky for leaving at 21, always wishing I had left earlier but couldn't for obvious reasons. Fascinating story and great Interview. Thank you guys.

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

It's never too late to leave (for the most part) and I am not bitter about leaving so late. I still lived a good life, had a successful business, and traveled around the world, which gave me a great perspective on people and life. In short, I made the best of a potentially very bad situation. I think this is because I choose to be an optimist- mainly because this is mentally a healthier and happier way to live. In many ways, being in for so long gave me the knowledge and tools I needed to help people more effectively now that I am out of the publishing company. I can't look back- I can only look forward. Except for my great memories traveling and photographing the world- I will always look back with happiness on those days

[@hikingviking859]

Great interview. I was born in too. You can tell John/Mark was a Witness by the way he talks. I’ve been told the same thing. I’d like to have you interview me one day, Lloyd. 😺🤖✍🏻

[@gaillarsen7863]

6

[@shepherdstanford2556]

I really appreciate the work that you all are doing to help others it does make a difference. Thanks unbehalf of the little people who will be and whose voices are not heard.

[@maryannlockwood3961]

My parents got sucked in about the same time. They were married in 1967 I was born the following year. They were baptized in 1971. mark and I were both baptized the same year. I only did that to get my parents off my back. No college for me either. I left in 1986. Best thing I ever did!

[@guillermovilla9517]

The Angus Stewart story is inspirational.

[@wendysealy909]

Great exposure. We are now experiencing a great awakening. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@WistfulCreative]

I thank you Mark, the ARC testimony was the final wake up call for me!

[@davidmeyers8785]

Mark, you're a rockstar!!!! Lloyd, you as well!!! I never miss a video. One of these days I will tell my short-lived JW experience.

[@planb939]

Wow I’m absolutely floored by this interview!!! So many things I relate to from mr John Redwood! Did the same thing, started reading my Bible at meetings, didn’t politic for position, got removed. Wow. Thank you for doing this!

[@logicalreasoning4019]

Thank you both for putting together this interview! I had been wondering about Marks story after watching many of your segments with him included, since his logic and demeanor resonates very consistently with my own. I continue to watch your videos and find myself nodding YEP a lot! As well as with many things Mark stated in this one. I was born and raised a JW and have always struggled with many aspects of being a devout member. I could write a novel and may well one day sit down and write my story, but until then I continue to spend my Sundays now un-indoctrinating myself while my friends and family attend meetings (I still have regular contact with most of them). My husband and I have been inactive for 2 years and the past 6-8 months I have been regularly watching KZbin content. I truly appreciate your time and efforts in all that you do, they are not wasted for sure! It resonates more with me than some others because of the honest, level headed, logical, well researched and genuine delivery you provide. I have a long history of apostates in my family who were/are the angry, aggressive kind who never made me interested to listen to anything they had to say because of their demeanor and attacking nature. But I now have had the opportunity to take in the information without that defensive wall up and am very thankful for your part in providing that to me! I am more at ease in my life than I ever have been and I know that will only continue. Looking forward to seeing what you come out with next!

[@greatdayn4651]

A long over-due, informative, entertaining (that's a bad word, but I don't know what other to use) and relatable interview. "Thank you" to you both.

[@YallAintRight]

Great Dayn Maybe “fascinating”?

[@greatdayn4651]

@@YallAintRight Good. 👍

[@valeriavagapova]

May I ask why "entertaining" is a bad word? I'm not a native speaker and always used it positively, so now I'm a bit worried about having used it inappropriately for years... Would really appreciate an explanation from anybody who knows!

[@timterrell8678]

Just think about how that single email Mark sent off that’s solely responsible for over 10,000 people waking up. I bet the number is that high. An entire district convention leaving because of it. Mark you are so humble. I greatly respect what you and Lloyd have accomplished. Superb interview!

[@suelragusa9380]

Mark, I am so thankful that you sent that email off. Thank you so much for getting involved and being totally committed. I would like to share with you my story. I’m certain it will be worth the time.

[@kendrabond7647]

Thank you Mark and Lloyd, it was such an interesting interview. Mark seems a genuinely lovely person and very modest too. It if was not for Mark, then Jeffrey Jackson would not have been pulled up in front of the Australian Royal Comission. Well done both of you!!

[@veertje28]

I'm glad to know your real name now Mark. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@lukesmith4440]

WOW! Great episode!!! I am the same age as Mark. I was also born into that organization. Father was an elder and substitute for the circuit overseer when he was sick or on vacation. He did talks at assemblies and several times at the larger conventions. Hated ever second I was a kid...having to do the door-to-door and go to the kingdom Hall ( lemming Hall). I think my sisters and father are still inside. My sisters did a lot of pioneer work. Haven't talked or seen any of them in 20+ years. My life is definitely different from Marks. Ended up in a group home for boys. From there it was college and military for me. Glad to see so many opening there eyes to the baloney the society dishes out. Thanks for your continuing efforts guys. Keep up the good work!!!😺

[@ronwillan3179]

No superlatives can convey the supreme delectation derived from this upload! Many thanks Mark & Lloyd. Regards R.W.

[@dougcasey9842]

I must say Lloyd this was one of your best interviews yet! Why? Because Mark came across as really a very very normal guy and thank you Mark for telling your story. I'm thinking now both you guys need to do a tour like Lloyd you did last year (saw you in Vanvouver). Thank you Mark for sending that email (to ARC)! Not much more to say just keep this up. Cheers

[@douglasphiliphalaczkiewicz1269]

Thanks guys 😊 Nice video this one ... i can see myself in much of what Marks been through I might get into activism at some point just don’t know how to get around it yet ... anyways I’m so greatfull for all the work you do ... you have been an enormous help for me convincing myself that I don’t need to feel guilty about leaving ... I’ve faded and I’m still in contact with my family and the local JW’s all of them knowing that I’m out having my own take on life... I’m trying to get them to reason in a respectful way so they don’t feel cornered in any way ... all the work you do is priceless to me cause I haven’t got time to get through it myself .... thanks again 😁 greetings from sweden ✌️

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

I really like your point about guilt. Guilt is a powerful weapon, and we often use it against ourselves. Our heart may tell us that we need to leave, but the embedded guilt can hold us back, or prevent us from helping other get out of the organization. Some might feel that they can live with getting themselves out, but to influence another person away from this religion may just be too much to handle. Guilt and doubt are powerful

[@dytch7243]

Mark, you are an outstanding and very intelligent person! I enjoyed your interview and story regarding your life as JW! You and Lloyd are the finest leaders for this ExJW movement and community!!! ❤️. The content that both of you have created is not only important but is so much appreciated by all of us!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍

[@upmayo9741]

What a decent man, exudes kindness. It would be lovely to hear more of his story. Incidentally, is there any connection between the arboreal 'nom de plumes' of Cedars and Redwood? 🎂

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Thank you for those kind words. At the time I left the org I did not have a Facebook account. So I joined so that I could connect with a few of the groups out there, and I picked the name John just because it's generic, and as for Redwood- well I probably was having a good chuckle at the name Cedars back then and decided to keep the tree theme going. Funny thing is, several ExJWs have jumped on that bandwagon and taken on tree-themed pseudonyms :-)

[@Apostate_Alexei]

This is incredibly inspiring as a fellow ex jw an as an aspiring activist! Thank you Lloyd and Mark!

[@1chadmon]

Thanks Lloyd for a great interview! Thank you Mark for sharing your story! I admire you both for your tireless efforts.

[@Sittingstraight12]

Just an amazing interview!!!

[@veronicaduncan6455]

9:45 TRIGGERED!!!! LOL Wow what a flashback. Had to bring this to school to explain to my teachers why I couldn't vote for class president and why I couldn't do anything, basically. This is such a great interview. So glad to know you better, Mark! I also left right in the beginning of 2014, and to see all you have both accomplished during that time is just awesome, so much hard work! Thank you!!

[@TheAbiKatt]

What an amazing story! I am so inspired to share my JW story and show support to those who are just going through the tough process of leaving the org. Thank you both for this interview!

[@justinlemon7038]

Very well done gents. The most moving parts of this interview are where Mark has to take the long pause to control his emotions. This is so common when talking to those who have or are waking. This emotion more often than not is anger. Anger at all that has been taken from us. Anger at a childhood stolen, relationships that could never be, and a limitation to our lives in a secular sense. You and Mark have done great work in helping others and I am always encouraging others to view your channel. The mix of humor and fact is incredibly refreshing. Please continue the good work, you “good and faithful slave”. :)

[@susans3996]

I was robbed of the joy of celebrating my high school graduation ceremony. I had double honors but I chose not to go to my graduation because I didn't want to be the only one still sitting in my class when they played the national anthem.

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Funny you mention that Susan - I did not go to my graduation. Instead, my friend John and me drove by the outdoor graduation for a few minutes and saw it from a distance. To this day he is still a circuit overseer, and now I am out. It's sad to lose our friends this way, but it teaches us all a lesson about conditional friendships

[@asielmilian38]

John Redwood Can you do a history of Jehova Witness in the 1940s?

[@maryannlockwood3961]

I attended mine minus my family. They went to the 4 day convention at Yankee stadium. My 2 best friends and my then boyfriend attended.

[@susans3996]

John Redwood Let's hope your childhood friend John wakes up one day. It is happening to many jws who have been in for decades.

[@susans3996]

Maryann Lockwood wow. Incredible how the organization comes before a daughter's graduation. Glad you got to go and had some people there for you even though they weren't family.

[@mariacristinafranchini7166]

I remember 1986 I was a child and I thougt the end is comming soon, because of the year of peace and security.

[@dolphin069]

Yep.

[@lindas5274]

Again and again, another excellent video.

[@DavidTaylor-ki2ir]

Mark, wow what a story. Thanks for sharing!

[@dytch7243]

Two of the finest and outstanding leaders of the Ex JW community in one video! WOW!!! What an outstanding and very well done video!!! Both of you should be congratulated for your excellent work for all of us involved with the Jehovahs Witness organization! We all appreciate all your hard work Lloyd and Mark! 👍❤️

[@michel3468]

Hi , I am French and I really wanted to thank you for all the courage you have. When I started to doubt everything about the JW I searched on the internet thing that I had never done before because banned by the old ones. I discovered and finally opened my eyes. I was entitled to the advice of 3 elders Faced with me I was finally treated as apostate. I lost all my family is the "friends" But I found a lot of comfort in your video about Apostates and I went ahead. We all have our stories that are very difficult. At 30 years lost and alone in life what do you do ??? Thank you to this chain to exist its going to help a lot of ex JW

[@WistfulCreative]

Thank you both, for all that you are doing to help others become free.

[@DeesTravelAdventures]

Thank You Mark & Lloyd, THANK YOU!

[@budaskins7342]

Fascinating conversation...I have never been a JW & will likely NOT become one thanks to your efforts Lloyd.

[@lisajane4330]

Great interview. I have so much respect for you both, thanks for everything you do to help other's!

[@orpheusuk8762]

Really enjoyed the interview with Mark (J.R.). Truth, facts, transparency, and evidence. Thanks to Mark, Lloyd and the team for consistently revealing truth based on facts and evidence. Good job!

[@clarity2478]

Lovely interview ..thank you both. It is a long walk to freedom but every step forward is priceless!

[@cwoodswalker4646]

Lloyd and Mark, thank you both for all that you do to help people like me find their way out of this cult. You are appreciated more than you can imagine!!

[@CalifPrincess]

Wow, that was such a powerful video! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these videos. I'm drawn you guys because you're not bitter and angry and you're so logical, calm and loving. I made the decision a year ago to leave the organization and consciously start to reprogram my brain even after all that time I stayed away from watching or reading any negative things about the organization. Friday (2 days ago) I happened upon a video of Geoffrey Jackson testifying in front of the Australian Royal Commission but I wouldn't watch it then. Yesterday I came back and watched the whole thing. I was speechless and felt like I was being stabbed in the heart when I saw him evading questions and then ultimately lying. I didn't know what to think. I was shocked and sickened. This whole year, while I was angry at the organization, I surely would never, ever believe they would lie. Perhaps a stray elder here and there, but a member of the GB? So I came across your videos today and started watching. I'm still trying to process the information. On one hand I feel vindicated that I'm not an overly emotional, rebellious woman and I do have valid feelings and thoughts, but on the other hand, I'm so disillusioned and afraid for the other 8 million good-hearted, devout, honest, true believers in the organization. I wouldn't wish having your whole belief system crumble before your eyes on anyone. It changes every aspect of your life, even losing all family and friends. You do feel like an island drifting around in this scary, BIG new world. I left because I just couldn't stomach the misogyny any longer but my eyes are being opened to a whole bunch of other issues. :(

[@clairelangdon5740]

I was also born in...and stayed till I was 40! Don't know why I put up with it for so long and even when I left I still had that "guilty feeling". Thank goodness for you two in helping me wake up. Have never felt so free.

[@sun_burstsclouds_break6346]

What a selfless and brave person you’ve featured in this video, Lloyd. Something about this one really resonated with me, also being a born-in raised in the Philadelphia area. The example of Tracy was reassuring to hear. Sometimes I feel guilty that I don’t do more to speak out, partly out of fear of the backlash, but also bc I can only imagine the dedication and commitment and time and money involved. But for those of us who don’t speak out, living our life out loud is also a very powerful form of activism among this very judgmental organization from which there is no graceful exit. I’m only starting to see this now as my exit is becoming more known and causing heartache and division in my family. I want people to see me and my beautiful family living our beautiful life - highs and lows together - the way Mark saw Tracy. That gives me the push needed to live my life unashamedly. Can’t wait for more. Thanks again and happy new year to you and yours, Lloyd, along with everyone at JW survey!

[@victoriasweeney8396]

I like all your interviews, Lloyd, but this one has been my favorite. Maybe it meant more because I watch all your videos and see John (now we know his name is Mark!) so often, it felt so much more personable. Plus I relate to people who were so "faithful" while in, because that's the type of person I had been, too. This interview seemed more like two friends chatting, and it was extremely enjoyable. Mark comes across as extremely genuine, and even before this interview he seemed like a huge asset behind the scenes. Now we have some tangible examples of how he has contributed, and his contributions are really amazing. Thanks!

[@shonaford9032]

Thankyou Mark I especially appreciate your truthful and sensitive reporting on the molestation cases and now more so knowing you chose this course over building your business back. Good advise about kindness and patience. Thankyou Lloyd and covert - the three amigos of truth

[@kitkatrn]

GREAT program.... Thank you . I was blown away by the fact Mark sent information to get Jeffrey Jackson on the stand.... God's hand was definitely working in that!! Praise God! Thank you both John and Mark for your work...

[@DoctorZaeus]

Thank you Mark, you're an amazing guy and a fine example.

[@candiceyoung8244]

Hi guys,thanks for the interview,very interesting and informative 😀

[@gisselleayala8092]

This was such a good video! Thank you so much, Mark O'Donnell and Lloyd, such a good video!

[@ooklathemok7322]

Late!!! But just wanted to Thank Mark and Lloyd. Mark, I believe your story is one that thousands of us raised in the watchtowers crazy 70s armageddon web can finally have some peace of mind. The Blue school brochure written by some out of touch with reality guys in New York, took most of the joy of being a kid from me. I am glad I wasn't alone in feeling this way! Thank you! The watchtower took full advantage of young inexperienced parents in the years leading up to 1975. They instilled the fear of armaggedon and the loss of their and their childrens lives. This made these new converts easy prey to all of this organizations twisted teachings. I asked my Mother 2 years ago why her and my Dad (who passed a while back) made such decisions when raising their children? Her answer was straightforward, "1975 was the end, that's what was said by everyone we knew and trusted". The year 2018 is 45 years down the road all expectations and promises are long passed, however the pain, shattered dreams, and mental anguish of those of us who lived thru this tumultuous period are still very real. You can tell people to " move on get a life" but for many that's not easy. Mark and Lloyd THANK YOU for helping many with this presentation of Mark's story.

[@be4355be]

As I always say when the friends ask me why I've stopped......Do Your Research

[@oscarc5391]

whoever the people are that gave a thumbs down on this video must have to be totally cynical and numb to the humanity and feelings others

[@jewell92]

Mark, the things you were forced to give up were a part of the reason I had to get out. I graduated high school in '67. What a fascinating story.

[@alexanderj2573]

Lloyd John and Mark John 🙂. Your overall style and approach is respectful and the way your group presents tactful information and facts gives people hope for Family and Friends who are still active. Thank you for that. Is Covert Fade ever going to do a video, offer his story and who he is?

[@LloydEvans]

I've already interviewed Covert. If you look for his name in the search bar, you should find the interview fairly easily! :)

[@robynbass9636]

Really enjoyed your interview & thank you both for all the work you do. Respect to you both. Wow Mark your quick thinking in getting that info. to Angus Stewart about the branch manual was a game changer. I stumbling upon the ARC after 30 odd years of being faded , I was so shocked & disgusted I decided to ask my parents about it all, after being called a liar & possessed by satan & the wall of silence went up with all the family, extended jw family & all the jw's I still kept in touch with out there in Australia, I was forced to research for the very first time in my life & soon discovered I was born into a CULT & a very dangerous one at that & everything became clear. In fact the John Cedars channel was the first I came across. I'm now an activist in my own small way here n the uk.

[@parksmush]

Superb episode gentlemen. I always enjoy listening to John Redwood when he is on your channel, what a gentleman. You guys are a formidable team and the heavyweights of JW activism. Thank you both.

[@shilonel2284]

Thanks Mark for sharing your story with us, and like so many said, thank you so much for all the work you do to help others. How wonderful to know your part in the Geoffrey Jackson testimony! That testimony played a big part in my awakening. Thank you so much!

[@fastrunner1213]

Wonderful interview! Thank you so much for sharing your story Mark.

[@alanross2790]

Fascinating listen. The truth is, there are many good people involved in any cult. They are the real victims in all of this , my hat is off to both of you and other people like you who put the real victims at the very top of their list of priorities. Your honesty and kindness is obvious for all to see.

[@hurdygurdy3815]

Thank you both, appreciate having long timers sharing their story with us. I too can relate to so much of your story having been a born in over 50 years ago and an elder for the last 10 . Out a year and partly due to your fine work . Now rebuilding slowly and happy to have new choices available even though a little late.

[@angrykoolaidman]

This video inspired me to finally subscribe to your channel, comment, and quit searching for ex JW vids in Incognito mode.

[@unplugged2842]

Absolutely brilliant! The ex JW community is lucky to have such an articulate researcher. So many of our stories are similar. Thank you to both of you.

[@blitzblutz]

Glad to see Mark getting interviewed finally!

[@estherday2239]

I cannot wait for the documentary.

[@jamieangel3766]

Thanks so much for this experience. Nice to 'meet' you Mark! Lloyd you are on a roll. I found the comment about the elders having to 'be in agreement' very interesting and very unfair. In another experience, when a child was abused all the elders except 1 wanted to 'leave it in Jehovah's hands', why can't it work this way around? Its a false, contrived unanimity based on what the strongest personalities choose as dictated by the company rules IE the GB, rather than on common sense or common decency.

[@sara-dx3ix]

John thank you. Your experiences are valuable & reassuring you are helping many 🌺

[@Scott_From_Maine]

Thanks, Mark. I was a born-in (family was in back to the 1920's) and I left in 1991. I also slowly came around that the truth wasn't there and left without a lot of bitterness. Your peaceable attitude is so refreshing. I'm amazed they haven't come after you.

[@JohnRedwoodChannel]

Thank you Scott. They will come for me when they've finally had enough, and they feel that I am affecting the local congregation (and beyond). But they should have tried to do that 3 or 4 years ago, because attempting to come after me now will result in a real firestorm for them, given how connected I am with so many attorneys and journalists and others who are behind me 100%. The reality is that they got me when I was just a baby, and I grew up under extreme indoctrination, then was baptized at 16 years of age. So they should never be permitted to "go after" me for a decision I made when I was 16 years old. Every human should be permitted to change their beliefs at any age, with no penalty from a religious publishing company. If they truly believe God will kill me at Armageddon- let them go on believing that fairy tale. But they simply can't cause other humans to shun me as their method of "punishment." No one should be subjected to this, least of all children who were indoctrinated at a young age, who then grew up to be a free-thinking adult. It's just a method of control, and we will do everything in our power to put an end to it. It has destroyed one too many families.

[@douglasjoyce4994]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BOTH .

[@andreadiamond7115]

Thank you Lloyd and Mark. It’s going to take many of us awhile to not think John Redwood when we see you in future In Focus episodes Mark. Wonder if Covert will be next. Best wishes gentlemen.

[@SamSam-ft3to]

Truly gentlemen 👍

[@Sera-Marie]

Great interview. Thanks for all your hard work up to now. That goes to both of you x

[@bobz1736]

Just finished watching this episode and what a joy. Thank you so much both of you. A real inspiration for us ex's ...