エピソード

  • Decult, a safe space for former cult members, government officials, cult experts, human rights activists, LGBTQ+, mental health care works, skeptics, therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, medical doctors, lawyers, film directors, satire artists, & trafficking advocates. Decult Cult Awareness Conference exposed how religious cults today are a growing problem.

    Recap of the groundbreaking Decult Cult Awareness Conference, the first of its kind in the world to address pervasive harm.

    Support & Learn:
    Complete Decult conference video package:
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    I highlight key moments from the conference, including insights from renowned speakers such as Janja Lalich PhD who developed a concept called Bounded Choice describing how coercive control works on intelligent people.

    Bounded Choice:
    https://www.lalichcenter.org/what-is-bounded-choice

    Take back your life:
    https://www.lalichcenter.org/take-back-your-life

    Witness Underground Rockumentary had its' international premiere at Decult, a powerful documentary exploring the experiences of former Jehovah's Witnesses who deprogrammed themselves through self-education and the power of self-expression and music to allow themselves to do free thinking sufficient to get out.

    Links to watch:
    Https://WitnessUnderground.com

    I was invited to speak on a panel called "Rock the Watchtower" hosted by Radio New Zealand investigative reporter Anusha Bradley along with activists Lara Kaput and Shayne Mechen.

    The Decult conference, organized by journalist and author of Cult Trip, Anke Richter, aimed to create a unique opportunity to better understand and prevent cultic harm in the future. It laid the groundwork for improved support systems and awareness.

    Consider supporting the initiative by purchasing access to all 20 of the full Decult key-notes and panel discussions. This comprehensive package will allow you to explore topics such as kids in cults, online radicalization, and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in cult/high-control groups.

    As a decult speaker and former cult member, I was excited to share my unique perspective and our documentary. The conference provided a safe space for former cult members to share their experiences and find support and for professionals to upskill.

    Attendees heard powerful stories from those who successfully navigated mind control and gained insights into the process of religious indoctrination methods and personal deconstruction. The conference also addressed critical issues surrounding human rights, offering valuable perspectives for those struggling to break free from indoctrination.

    #Decult2024 #DecultConference #CultAwareness #FormerCultMembers #ReligiousCultsToday #CultSurvivors #HighControlGroups #BoundedChoice #JanjaLalich #WitnessUnderground #ReligiousDeconstruction #HumanRightsAndReligion #CultDocumentary2024 #LeavingReligion #CultSpeakingPanel #FreedomFromCult #ReligiousTrauma #ExJW #CultEducation #Menta

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • In this special episode Scott Homan sits down with Austrian cult expert and professional skeptic Ulrike Schiesser as part of our Decult Takeover series, in support of the upcoming Decult Cult Awareness Conference. Ulrike, a psychologist and psychotherapist working at the Federal Office for Cult Affaires (Bundesstelle für Sektenfragen) in Austria, has dedicated her career to understanding and dismantling the psychological manipulation tactics used by high-control groups, cults, and conspiracy-driven communities.

    Throughout this conversation, Ulrike shares her vast expertise on how to recognize the subtle yet dangerous signs of cult influence and offers practical advice on how to communicate with loved ones trapped in these environments. She also previews what she'll discuss in more detail at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she'll be a featured speaker.

    Highlights of this episode include:

    Ulrike Schiesser's role at the Austrian state-run Federal Office for Cult Affaires and her mission to support cult survivors and their families.Practical advice on cult recovery and how to approach conversations with those still inside cults or authoritarian groups.Insights into the psychological and sociological aspects of coercive control and how to navigate the complex emotions involved in leaving a cult.Ulrike’s experience counseling families dealing with loved ones caught up in conspiracy theories, esotericism, and authoritarian group structures.

    As a prominent voice in cult activism across Europe, Ulrike’s work has been celebrated by skeptics and professionals in mental health, making her an essential part of the conversation about cult recovery at the Decult event. Her knowledge provides invaluable tools for individuals struggling to help friends or family members who are under the influence of manipulative, high-control groups.

    Whether you’re a mental health professional, a survivor of cult influence, or someone with a loved one in a cult, this conversation will offer key strategies for understanding and approaching these challenging situations.

    Decult Cult Awareness Conference: Join Ulrike Schiesser, and other leading experts in cult awareness at the Decult Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, happening on October 19th & 20th!

    Get your livestream tickets here:
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    #WitnessUnderground #DecultConference #CultAwareness #UlrikeSchiesser #ScottHoman #CultRecovery #MentalHealth #CultExpert #FederalOfficeForCultAffaires #Skeptic #EuropeanSkeptic #CultActivism #FormerCultMembers #ChristchurchActivists #CultConference #ICSA #NewZealandEvent #CultSurvivors #FormerCultMemberSpeaksOut #FormerCultMemberInterview

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • エピソードを見逃しましたか?

    フィードを更新するにはここをクリックしてください。

  • Anusha Bradley, a renowned investigative journalist at Radio New Zealand, discusses her in-depth reporting on Jehovah’s Witness shunning—a practice that has caused widespread emotional abuse among those who leave the faith or are disfellowshipped, officially kicked out. Anusha Bradley will also be leading a panel at the upcoming Decult Cult Awareness Conference, where she will engage with former Jehovah’s Witnesses, including myself, to explore this harsh form of religious abuse that has affected countless lives globally.

    This conversation covers Anusha’s deep involvement in the New Zealand investigation into abuse in care within the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a groundbreaking case the organization attempted to stop it with a lawsuit. Their resistance to scrutiny has only intensified the importance of this investigation, which could soon reveal critical findings about the abuse in care within this high-control religious group.

    We explore the emotional toll that Jehovah’s Witness shunning takes on individuals and families, and why this practice should be seen as a violation of human rights and religion. Anusha also talks about the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful organizations accountable for their actions, and how the Jehovah's Witnesses lawsuit has highlighted the need for further scrutiny.

    This interview is part of the Decult Cult Awareness Conference takeover, introducing viewers to the leading voices and experts in cult awareness and cult recovery. Anusha Bradley’s panel will provide unique insights into the practices and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other high-control groups, including the government investigation’s expected revelations.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Anusha Bradley and other experts at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand! Get your live stream ticket to the conference happening on October 19th & 20th

    Get your Livestream tickets here:
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    The Witness Underground documentary will have its international premiere at Decult. As a survivor and filmmaker, I am excited to share my own experiences with shunning and cult trauma recovery at Decult to highlight high-control groups like Jehovah's Witnesses .

    #Decult2024 #JehovahsWitnessShunning #ExJW #ExJehovahsWitness #RadioNewZealand #AnushaBradley #InvestigativeJournalism #JehovahsWitnesses #ReligiousAbuse #AbuseInCare #Shunning #HumanRightsAndReligion #WitnessUndergroundDocumentary #CultConference #DecultConference #NewZealandEvent #TrueCrimeNewZealand #JehovahsWitnessLawsuit #EmotionalAbuse #Accountability #NZInvestigation

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • In this special episode of the Decult Takeover Series, I’m joined by Liz Gregory, the founder of the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust, who plays a crucial role in helping survivors of the notorious Gloriavale Christian Community in New Zealand. Liz and her work are featured in the new film Escaping Utopia, and in this interview, she delves deep into the challenges faced by those who manage to escape this multi-generational cult compound located on New Zealand's South Island. Gloriavale has been cloaked in secrecy and coercive control for decades, with a strong grip on its members' lives. Liz Gregory’s support network offers vital assistance to these individuals as they transition from an oppressive, closed community to life in the outside world.

    Liz discusses the spiritual abuse that occurs when faith is weaponized against people, the psychological impacts of cult control, and the urgent need to upskill mental health professionals, including psychologists and therapists, to better support cult survivors. Her mission to assist Gloriavale leavers and other survivors of high-control groups is crucial to their recovery and well-being.

    Liz will be speaking at the upcoming Decult Cult Awareness Conference in Christchurch on October 19th & 20th, where she will address the unique needs of former cult members and the role that mental health care workers can play in helping them heal. Her organization, the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust, continues to raise awareness about the Gloriavale cult and provide resources to those in need, making her a pivotal figure in cult recovery efforts in New Zealand.

    This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in cult survivors' stories, abusive relationships, and spiritual awakening. It’s also an essential resource for professionals in psychology, therapy, and social work who want to learn more about the tools needed to effectively support people recovering from cult dynamics.

    If you’re interested in learning more about Liz Gregory’s incredible work and hearing her presentation live, get your tickets for the Decult Cult Awareness Conference now!

    Get your live stream tickets here:
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    Don’t miss out on this important conversation with Liz Gregory, as well as other vital voices in the fight for cult awareness and recovery. This Christchurch event is not just a conference but a call to action for all those interested in life after a cult and the recovery process.

    #DecultConference #LizGregory #Gloriavale #GloriavaleLeavers #GloriavaleCult #GloriavaleNZ #EscapingUtopia #CultAwareness #GloriavaleChristianCommunity #CultRecovery #LifeAfterACult #SpiritualAbuse #MentalHealthCare #SupportSurvivors #ChristchurchEvent2024 #NZCults #AbusiveRelationships #SpiritualityAwakening #ExJW

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • Join us for an illuminating episode of our Decult Takeover series in support of the Decult Cult Awareness Conference! We’re honored to have Doctor Caroline Ansley, a Christchurch, New Zealand-based medical doctor and co-host of the Cult Chat Podcast, as our special guest. Dr. Ansley is the visionary founder of the Centrepoint Restoration Project and a child survivor of the infamous Centrepoint cult. She has dedicated her life to supporting former cult members and their families through her work, community, and website.

    Get your Decult Livestream ticket here:
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    In this powerful interview, we dive into Dr. Ansley’s personal journey, exploring how her childhood experiences within a cult led her to become a leading figure in cult recovery and advocacy. As a speaker at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference, she brings a unique medical perspective on the trauma faced by cult survivors and why it’s crucial to provide specialized care and understanding in their recovery.

    Key discussion points include:

    - Dr. Ansley's Background and Activism: Discover how her survival story shaped her life and inspired the creation of the Centrepoint Restoration Project, a community offering support to former cult members in New Zealand.

    - Medical Perspective on Cult Recovery: Learn how Dr. Ansley uses her medical expertise to shed light on the mental and physical health challenges faced by those leaving high-control groups.

    - Decult Cult Awareness Conference: Her involvement in Decult, a critical Christchurch conference for raising awareness about cult-related issues in New Zealand and globally.

    - Cult Chat Podcast: As host of this engaging cult podcast, Dr. Ansley collaborates with other activists to provide a platform for discussing global cult dynamics, particularly in New Zealand, including groups like Gloriavale and Centrepoint.

    - New Zealand plays a pivotal role in cult awareness, despite its geographic isolation, and the importance of changing societal perceptions about former cult members.

    - Support and Resources for Survivors: Dr. Ansley highlights the need for improved therapy, social justice, and community involvement for cult survivors, along with her work to create a network of support through the Centrepoint Restoration Project.

    Check out Doctor Ansley’s Centrepoint Restoration Project:
    https://www.centrepointrestorationproject.com

    Decult Cult Awareness Conference:
    https://decult.net


    #DoctorCarolineAnsley #CentrepointRestorationProject #CultChatPodcast #CultSurvivor #DecultConference #ChristchurchNewZealand #FormerCultMembers #CultAwareness #CentrepointDocumentary #CultRecovery #CultSurvivorSupport #CultActivismNewZealand #DecultSpeaker

    #LiveStreamEvent #cultsurvivor #ReligiousFreedom #ExJW #cultawareness #ReligiousInvestigations #excult #excultmember #supportsurvivors #ōtautahi #newzealand #aotearoa #christchurch #savethedate #CultAwareness #cult #decult2024 #EmotionalAbuse #Shunning

    #De

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • In this special episode, I sit down with Craig Hoyle, an LGBT+ author, journalist, and religious refugee from Auckland, who will be speaking at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference in Christchurch. Craig's powerful personal story, as told in his book Excommunicated: A Multigenerational Story of Leaving the Exclusive Brethren, sheds light on the traumatic consequences of ex-communication and the multigenerational impact of leaving a high-control religious group like the Exclusive Brethren New Zealand.

    After coming out as gay, Craig was excommunicated from the church, forced to say goodbye to his family forever, and thrust into a world he had never experienced. His book not only tells his coming out story, but also uncovers his family's deeply rooted history with the Exclusive Brethren, spanning over two centuries. We discuss what it was like leaving the Exclusive Brethren and how the emotional toll of ex-communication fueled his advocacy for human rights and religion, with a focus on religion, human rights, and social justice.

    Craig will be one of the featured speakers at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference, a vital cult conference addressing the hidden world of cults and coercive control. His talk will dive deep into the intersection of cult trauma recovery and human rights, sharing insights on what it means to be an ex-Exclusive Brethren member and a religious refugee, while also advocating for LGBT+ rights. His work exemplifies how journalists can play a key role in supporting human rights, and in this conversation, Craig shares his experiences with Journalists for Human Rights and the importance of covering stories about cult survivors.

    As part of this Christchurch event, we also explore Craig's broader mission to raise awareness about cult dynamics, the importance of addressing cult awareness issues globally, and the fight for the rights of those impacted by religious and social oppression.

    Don’t miss the chance to join this important discussion at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference!
    Get your live stream tickets for October 19th & 20th here:
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Craig Hoyle’s presentation and participate in meaningful conversations on cult trauma recovery, religious justice, and the global fight against coercive control.

    #DecultCultAwarenessConference #CraigHoyle #ExCommunicated #ExclusiveBrethren #ExExclusiveBrethren #CultAwareness #Excommunication #CultTraumaRecovery #CultConference #WitnessUnderground #MyComingOutStory2024 #LGBTWriter #HumanRightsAndReligion #ReligionHumanRightsAndSocialJustice #ChristchurchEvent #JournalistsForHumanRights

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • We’re excited to announce that Lindy Jacomb will be one of the speakers at Decult Cult Awareness Conference 2024! Lindy co-hosts the Cult Chat Podcast and runs the Olive Leaf Network, an organization dedicated to providing aid and advocacy for former members of high-demand religious groups. Lindy herself is a religious refugee, having been kicked out of her religion—the Exclusive Brethren (Plymouth Brethren)—at just 20 years old. She faced the extreme social punishment of ostracization, being completely cut off from her family and community, a reality that many cult survivors experience when they leave these controlling environments.

    Get your Livestream ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    In this episode, Lindy delves into her personal journey of leaving the Exclusive Brethren and the challenges of life after a cult. She discusses how shunning, a form of emotional abuse and isolation, is used to punish dissenters, with families being coerced into severing ties to maintain their own salvation. Now, Lindy offers crucial support through the Olive Leaf Network to others who have escaped abusive relationships within high-control religious groups.

    As a key speaker at the Decult Cult Awareness Conference, Lindy will share her insights and the powerful stories of other cult survivors. This New Zealand event in Christchurch will feature discussions on cult recovery, religious refugee experiences, and the emotional abuse faced by those leaving such groups.

    Join us for this compelling conversation as part of the Decult Cult Awareness Conference channel takeover. Don’t miss out—grab your live stream ticket today to hear these important stories!

    Lindy co-hosts the Cult Chat Podcast and runs the Olive Leave Network that provides aid and advocacy for former members of high-demand religious groups.

    This episode is part of the Decult Cult Awareness Conference channel take over where we introduce you to a number of the leading speakers at Decult. The new Witness Underground documentary will also have it's international premiere at Decult.
    #Decult #WitnessUnderground #highcontrolgroups

    Don't miss this opportunity to hear these important discussions by grabbing your live stream ticket today! Make sure to support the conversation, help spread awareness, and secure your ticket to the live stream of the Decult Conference!
    https://events.humanitix.com/decult-cult-awareness-conference-tickets

    #LiveStreamEvent #cultsurvivor #ReligiousFreedom #ExJW #cultawareness #ReligiousInvestigations #excult #excultmember #supportsurvivors #ōtautahi #newzealand #aotearoa #christchurch #savethedate #CultAwareness #cult #decult2024 #EmotionalAbuse #Shunning

    #Decult #CultChatPodcast #OliveLeafNetwork #ChristchurchEvent2024 #ReligiousRefugee #CultRecovery #EscapingCultPodcast #PlymouthBrethrenChurch #NewZealandEvent #LifeAfterACult #SupportSurvivors #CultSurvivorsStories

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • This woman was interrogated by cult leaders. Female Hollywood writer, actor, director, Bonnie Root, explores the system of manipulation, abuse, and control in the Jehovah Witnesses and the film industry. We dive into her experience with a cult Judicial Committee, sexual interrogations, her award-winning film, "Sissy" about grooming of teens, The Movie, a physchological thriller, and her new ExJW film coming out, Diary of Heather Keating, a narrative exposing the Judicial Committee for the abuse common in the Jehovah's Witness system of punishment.

    Share your experience with the community in the comments!

    We met because my Witness Underground documentary and her film, THE MOVIE, both played at GenreBlast Film Festival. The director, Michael Mandell, approached me after seeing Witness Underground to let me know that Bonnie Root, the star actor in his film, THE MOVIE, was also a former Jehovah's Witness. I invited her to our California film premiere in Los Angeles at the Filmocracy Film Festival. A bunch of ExJW's showed up and we've been in touch ever since.

    I'm so excited to be able to share her amazing work with you!

    In this gripping narrative directed by Bonnie Root, a prominent female director in Hollywood, the harrowing realities of religious oppression and manipulation come to light. Her experience being interrogated and abused by cult leaders has shaped much of her life and empowered her to expose this religion for what it really is, a dangerous manipulative control cult. Her films delve into the depths of cruelty within religious processes, highlighting the systemic violations of women's rights.

    This woman's journey unfolds as she faces offensive religious interrogations and manipulative control tactics by the Jehovah Witnesses' judicial committee. Through Root's lens, we witness the profound impact of the system of manipulation, abuse, and control within this organization.

    "Diary of Heather Keating," scripted by Root, promises a raw exploration of narcissistic abuse within the context of religious communities. Root's previous work on "Sissy" has established her as a formidable force in shedding light on sensitive topics, particularly the destructive form of grooming common in this cult.

    She confronts the reality of women's rights violations and the insidious nature of religious oppression processes. Experience the power of storytelling to expose the truth to ignite global awareness and change.

    🎬 👁️‍🗨 In her gripping psychological thriller, The Movie, Bonnie Root, who once endured the negative experiences of an abusive cult, the Jehovah's Witnesses, takes us on a journey through the real inspiration behind horror. Join us as she shares profound insights into the parallel themes of abuse, drawing from her own life experiences.

    🔍 Bonnie Root's portrayal as a Hollywood actress mirrors the haunting realities of her past. Discover the chilling narrative of a repairman tormenting a washed-up actress in her own home, echoing the psychological trauma she endured within the confines of the abusive Jehovah's

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

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

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

    Thanks Ryan!

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

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

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

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

    Check out his songs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Back in the Free World - vocal by Larry Hayden
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g0Ch6YYMeg "
    -

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

    From Outlaw Films

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

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

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

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

    Gorilla Convict
    www.gorillaconvict.com

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground, thanks to your support and shares and the hard work of Jonam Ross and our global collaborative team.

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

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

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

    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground thanks to your support and shares and the hard work and consistency of Scott Ariza and the rest of our Core Team.

    -Scott

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

    Let’s dive into his music and illustrations!

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

    From Klaas:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Thanx Amigo - This was great!

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

    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground thanks to your support and shares and the hard work of the artists behind the scenes like Klaas who elevated the quality of the film. His work helped us to get into 11 film festivals and to win Best Feature Documentary at GenreBlast Film Festival

    Reach out directly [email protected]
    -Scott

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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


    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground thanks to your support and shares and the hard work of Denise and the rest of our Core Team.

    -Scott

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

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

    Augustus Watkins - augustuswatkins.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground thanks to your support and shares plus the efforts of our extended team such as Augustus Watkins via his media PR firm promotions via Cocaine Opera. He was a huge support right from the beginning.

    -Scott

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

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

    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground thanks to your support and shares and the hard work of Micah A. Losh and the rest of our Core Team.

    -Scott

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

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

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

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

    Witness Underground is the only film to humanize cult life & survival via self-expression.

    Within the confines of an elusive cult, a vibrant alternative music community thrived, deprogramming themselves through art. Poignant live performances punctuate tragic losses to beautifully illuminate shunning by Jehovah's Witnesses. 🚀

    We successfully hit our goal on Kickstarter to release Witness Underground, thanks to your support and shares, the hard work of Danielle Martain for having me on as a guest just before our launch, and our global collaborative team.

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott

  • http://www.WitnessUnderground.com

    We've launched the Kickstarter campaign of our dreams! Support the film and the community.
    32 donated albums, 9 E-Books, HD Documentary with Extras, Soundtrack, and more. Everything we could think of!

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

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

    Support the show

    Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly episodes:
    https://bit.ly/WitnessUnderground

    Watch now:
    http://WitnessUnderground.com
    https://tubitv.com/movies/100018684/witness-underground
    https://vimeo.com/ondemand/witnessunderground

    Support:
    https://Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground
    https://YouTube.com/@WitnessUnderground

    Reach out directly:
    [email protected]

    -Scott