About Daniel Torridon

My journey out of Jehovah's Witnesses

At 55 years young, I've walked a path shaped by deep personal transformation—including waking up from Jehovah’s Witnesses and leaving behind the high-control religion that once defined my identity. My journey out of the Watch Tower organisation was both painful and liberating, leading me into years of spiritual exploration, healing, and self-discovery.

Like many former JWs, I’ve faced the aftermath—rebuilding my worldview, confronting the loss of family, community, and personal identity, and untangling the mental programming left behind. Alongside this, I’ve confronted the shadows of childhood trauma, including sexual abuse, and fought through depression, two mental breakdowns, several suicide attempts, and the physical challenges of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (c-PTSD).

With four grown children who have disowned me, and hard-won insight from a difficult divorce involving emotional and mental abuse, I understand the complexity of relationships, boundaries, and personal growth. My own journey from depression to peace has deeply informed the way I now support others—especially those recovering from the emotional and psychological toll of life inside, and after, a high-control group like Jehovah's Witnesses.

My Achievements

I stand as a testament to the power of transformation in the face of adversity. I am a serial entrepreneur with a diverse skill set including web development, first aid training, and wedding photography. I also present the OnionUnlimited radio show and podcast where I interview guests from a wide range of spiritual, metaphysical, scientific, and philosophical backgrounds. These conversations have shaped my empathy, cultural sensitivity, and holistic approach to coaching—especially when supporting those healing from religious trauma.

To further support those leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses, I have written Believing a Lie: A Story of Cognitive Dissonance, a 600-page book that explores the psychological grip of cult indoctrination and how to escape it. I’ve also produced a free video course called Flaxenwick, designed to guide exJWs through the early stages of deprogramming, identity rebuilding, and finding peace on the outside.

I also work closely with Stop Mandated Shunning, both as a technical consultant and as a YouTube channel host. Stop Mandated Shunning works to expose, challenge, and criminalise the coercive practice of mandated shunning by high-control groups like Jehovah's Witnesses. Through research, legal advocacy, and with survivor support, our team fights to protect human rights, ensure justice, and empower individuals to leave these groups without fear of isolation or harm.

The Personal Touch

Beyond the professional realm, my passions include street photography, painting, and writing poetry. I am a published author with several books to my name, and a songwriter. When I'm not being creative, I find joy in the simple pleasures of rain, peaceful sleep, and the enchanting landscapes of Scotland.

Having now emigrated from the UK to Queensland, Australia, I bring a global perspective to my coaching, drawing from the richness of diverse cultures and lived experience as a former Jehovah’s Witness.

I help exJWs not just survive, but thrive!

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