Michael Shemwell

Michael Shemwell, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses until his eventual shunning at the age of 38, started his career working to help people recover from life in the group by first telling his own story as the podcast series This JW Life. Following that foray into activism his listeners wanted him to help them tell their stories as well, so he started the Shunned Podcast and associated YouTube channel. Through over 200 long form stories featuring not just former Jehovah’s Witnesses but also former members of the Amish, Mennonites, FLDS, Scientology, the Moonies, and more, he has helped people find catharsis and community through shared story. Michael has also been able to share his experiences and hard won knowledge in a psychology class at the University of Louisville, at the inaugural “When Rights and Religions Collide” conference in New York City, as a speaker at the International Cultic Studies Association conference, through other YouTube channels and podcasts as a guest, as well as print media.

This JW Life is now translated into Esta Vida Como Testigo De Jehova to help the Spanish speaking community. This JW Life has also been published as the online book Becoming Jehovah. His work can be found on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook. At one point he ran a support group of over 2000 former cult members on Facebook under the name Shunned Podcast, and today a page is maintained by the same name. You can find more of his work at one of his websites such as www.ExJwHelp.com.

Today Michael not only hosts the Shunned Podcast, but he works daily as a cult recovery coach, helping former Jehovah’s Witnesses, among others, to gain greater understanding of where they came from while helping them figure out where they want to go. Since 2019 he has helped hundreds to work toward a better and more authentic life. Although he loves the varied activism and educational opportunities that he’s been able to participate in, it is this coaching practice and seeing people move forward into happy lives where everything comes together in a fulfilling way. Connecting to and helping others has always been the goal.