Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast
Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast

JT & Lady Cee

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Episodes

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The Critical Thought encourages you to think critically about the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. As former members and teachers in this group, we have inside knowledge to help raise public awareness. We understand the psychological tactics the organization uses to attract new members.Our goal isn't to attack the religion, but to share what we've learned about how the group operates. We want to expose the false teachings they use to control their followers. Many members carry a heavy burden of shame, fear, and guilt, struggling to keep up with the group's expectations. Some want to leave but stay out of fear of losing family and friends, pretending to be committed when they're not.Through our platform, we hope to help anyone feeling trapped by the group's impossible standards or prevent others from joining. We aim to support educators, mend broken family relationships, and motivate people to pursue their education. If we can help even one person, we consider that a success.

Recent Episodes

Jehovah's Witness Leaders Tricked Us Out of College
SEP 25, 2025
Jehovah's Witness Leaders Tricked Us Out of College
Send us a text What happens when a religion tells millions of people that higher education is “dangerous”? For decades, Jehovah’s Witnesses were discouraged from going to college. It wasn’t a written ban, but elders, conventions, and Watchtower publications reinforced the message until it became a cultural rule. Careers, scholarships, and futures were lost. In this panel discussion, JT and Lady Cee sit down with fellow former Jehovah’s Witnesses to share how this teaching shaped their lives. Together we’ll cover: • The talks, articles, and letters used to discourage education. • How elders enforced it in local congregations. • Real stories from EXJWs who lost opportunities, scholarships, or careers. • The sudden shift: why the Watchtower now calls it a “matter of conscience.” • The lasting impact on finances, self-worth, and family life. 🎓 Whether you grew up as a Witness, left recently, or are just curious how doctrine controls life choices, this panel pulls back the curtain on how one religion controlled education for generations.   👉 Subscribe and join the conversation in the comments — your story matters too. Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4781897218785280 00:00 Introduction 03:35 Wes' Story 10:58 Ra'Shuna & Terrance 19:13 Fran & Joe 32:48 Daria 45:44 Collin 57:57 Efrain 01:15:02 Jack 01:29:31 Koco & Totally Awake 01:36:51 Closing Comments Support the show
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109 MIN
Japan's Crack Down - Jehovah's Witness Governing Body Struggling to Survive
SEP 25, 2025
Japan's Crack Down - Jehovah's Witness Governing Body Struggling to Survive
Send us a text When the former Prime Minister of Japan was assassinated in 2022, the investigation uncovered deep ties between the attacker and a high-control religious group known as the Moonies. That tragedy set off a chain reaction in Japan—one that now has the spotlight turning toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this video, JT breaks down: Why the Governing Body suddenly shifted on higher education How Japan’s new laws are classifying forced religious acts as child abuse The “second generation” issue and why it hits home for ex-JWs The role of money, lawsuits, and government scrutiny in Watchtower’s recent changes We’ll also unpack Watchtower’s so-called “independent study” in Japan—and why it may not be as independent as they claim. 👇🏼 Download the Japan study here: https://culteducation.com/group/1277-unification-church/38412-second-gen-of-unification-church-members-in-japan-sue-for-320-million-yen-in-damages.html https://jwj-qs.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/JWJ-QS-Study-Report-sec1-2-v1.0.pdf https://jw-japan.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses-in-japan-a-quantitative-study Blue Envelope    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35ok3hNgNLk https://apnews.com/article/japan-unification-church-dissolution-d5e1fdf3cb671d6ffeb45d75620ef8b2 👉 Watch our livestream on JW education here: https://youtube.com/live/ZAnTAEw-9ig?feature=share As always, we encourage critical thinking, honest discussion, and remembering that you’re not alone if you’re rebuilding after leaving a high-control group. Join us behind the scenes on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/exjwcriticalthinker Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses https://youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4 https://youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE   Visit us on the Web at http://www.exjwcriticalthinker.com    SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube http://bit.ly/2p9RTSC    Subscribe to Our Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-jehovahs-witnesses-critical-thinkers-critical-thought/id967813520   Follow us on:      Twitter https://twitter.com/ExJWsThink      Instagram https://www.instagram.com/exjwcriticalthinker/      Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Ex-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Critical-Thinkers-529293183758131/    Check out our t-shirt designs: https://exjwcriticalthinker.myspreadshop.com/all    How to Contact Us We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:   ✰✰ EMAIL:  [email protected] Support the show
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9 MIN
An Ex Elder’s Mental Health Struggle THE TRUTH Behind the Smile
AUG 13, 2025
An Ex Elder’s Mental Health Struggle THE TRUTH Behind the Smile
Send us a text May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this powerful episode, we revisit the story of Tony — a former elder and third-generation Jehovah’s Witness — as he opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in the organization. Tony shares how guilt, fear, and pressure to “perform spiritually” affected his mental health over time — and why so many others may be suffering in silence today. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or like your struggles were dismissed as “spiritual weakness,” this conversation is for you. 👇 If you're struggling or know someone who is: 📞 Call or text 988 (U.S.) 🌐 Global resources:  🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and resources for those leaving high-control religions. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — your story matters. Join us behind the scenes on Patreon Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses https://youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4 https://youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE Visit us on the Web SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube Subscribe to Our Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-jehovahs-witnesses-critical-thinkers-critical-thought/id967813520 Follow us on:      X      Instagram      Facebook Check out our t-shirt designs:     How to Contact Us We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:   ✰✰ EMAIL:  [email protected] Support the show Support the show
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45 MIN
1-800-Heavenn (Access Denied) - Jehovah's Witnesses Version of Salvation
AUG 13, 2025
1-800-Heavenn (Access Denied) - Jehovah's Witnesses Version of Salvation
Send us a text Episode uploaded from April 18, 2025 This week, millions of Christians reflect on Jesus — especially during the Easter season. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses, that relationship is framed in a very different way. In this episode of The Critical Thought, we illustrate how that belief system actually works — through a unique skit, a real-life experience from a former elder, and some critical questions every Jehovah’s Witness should be asking. 🎭 Featuring our skit: "1-800-HEAVENN™ — Where Some Calls Get Through™ 📌 Want to go deeper? Watch our earlier videos on this topic: ► Jesus Is Not Your Mediator – Part 1 ► Jesus Is Not Your Mediator – Part 2 ❓ 8 Questions to Ask Any Jehovah’s Witness: 1) If Jesus isn’t your mediator… who is? 2) Why do you pray in his name? 3) How are your sins forgiven if his sacrifice doesn’t apply to you? 4) Why does the Bible say he intercedes for all who come to God through him? 5) Are you in the new covenant — or just observing it from the outside? 6) Why does the Insight book define a mediator as a go-between, yet deny you that access? 7) How did you miss this doctrine if you’ve studied the Bible for years? 8) What else haven’t they told you? Join us behind the scenes on Patreon Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses https://youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4 https://youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE Visit us on the Web SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube Subscribe to Our Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-jehovahs-witnesses-critical-thinkers-critical-thought/id967813520 Follow us on:      X      Instagram      Facebook Check out our t-shirt designs:     How to Contact Us We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:   ✰✰ EMAIL:  [email protected] Support the show Support the show
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10 MIN
EXJW: Healing Out Loud with Laura Timber - Religious Trauma
AUG 13, 2025
EXJW: Healing Out Loud with Laura Timber - Religious Trauma
Send us a text Laura X Timber  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lauraxtimber Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Laura-X-Timber/61566000317102/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraxtimber Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauraxtimber/ In this heartfelt conversation, Lady Cee and JT sit down with Laura X Timber, a powerful content creator who offers her platform as a soft place to land for those unpacking life after high-control religion. This isn't just an interview — it's a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing. Sometimes, it starts with a safe space and an honest conversation. 🎙️ Featuring: Lady Cee & JT | EXJW Critical Thinker 🎥 Guest Host: Laura X Timber Topics we explore: • Sharing your truth without fear • Creating safe space after spiritual harm • Why stories like ours still matter Join us behind the scenes on Patreon Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses https://youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4 https://youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE Visit us on the Web SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube Subscribe to Our Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-jehovahs-witnesses-critical-thinkers-critical-thought/id967813520 Follow us on:      X      Instagram      Facebook Check out our t-shirt designs:     How to Contact Us We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:   ✰✰ EMAIL:  [email protected] Support the show Support the show
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40 MIN