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

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 !!

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.

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!

"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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!!!!!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

The Angus Stewart story is inspirational.

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.

what an intelligent genuine guy

wow Mark what a wonderful human being you are.

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.

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!

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 !!!

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. 😺🤖✍🏻

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 ❤️

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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!!

Just an amazing interview!!!

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

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

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.

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!

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

Again and again, another excellent video.

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

Mark, wow what a story. Thanks for sharing!

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!

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

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

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!

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 ✌️

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

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

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

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

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

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? 🎂

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 RU-vid 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!

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

Thank You Mark & Lloyd, THANK YOU!

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!

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

I cannot wait for the documentary.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

Nice to hear more of your story and history Mark. great attitude to life and other people :)

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

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

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!!

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

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!!!😺

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.

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.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BOTH .

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...

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”. :)

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.

Glad to see Mark getting interviewed finally!

I swooned over your cat twice John Redwood! What a beauty! That aside, thank you for this riveting interview. I definitely remember that brochure School & Jehovah's Witnesses. BTW,, Cedar(s) & Redwood ... both noble trees, Thanks for doing all you do!

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!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍

Great interview Mark and Lloyd. Thanks to you both.

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

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

You guys are great! Love your work Lloyd and will now add Mark! Keep going guys!

My two favourite John's! Amazing detail about the arc. Thanks for sharing your story Mark.

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!

Thank you guys!...plain and simple..the advice and tools you provide to help people like me and countless others!

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.

Wow! What a kind and genuine man. Great interview.

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. :(

Thank you Lloyd and Mark for this amazing interview and for helping people including me to see the truth about the truth. Your work is definitely appreciated ❤️❤️

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!

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!!

Thank you both so much for this interview. Mark's stories are intensely interesting so I hope he talks about his JW memories a lot more. Also thank you for including the ARC evidence story! I got chills learning what happened - and definitely you should print out Angus' letters! I appreciate you both♥♥

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!