DANNY DE HEK Entrepreneur Decision Maker Connector Podcaster EducatorWelcome to “The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger” YouTube channel! I’m Danny de Hek, aka The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger, and I’m known for exposing and shaming scammers and Ponzi schemes, creating awareness to protect everyday investors from financial fraud.

Today, I’m taking a different path as part of the DECULT Conference, organized by Anke Richter in Christchurch, New Zealand. This event features international speakers dedicated to exposing the dangers of cult-like organizations. In this special episode, I interview Lara Kaput – Ex-Jehovah’s Witness Whistleblower.

LINKS

In this live stream, I’ll be joined by Lara Kaput, a brave ex-Jehovah’s Witness activist from Australia. Lara has dedicated her life to exposing the dark side of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and has become an international advocate for protecting children from the harmful practices of this cult. Since 2016, she’s provided crucial information to law enforcement, government bodies, and the media. She’s also been a pivotal figure in the victim advocacy group Say Sorry, fighting to bring justice to survivors.

This live interview will also serve as a preview of the upcoming DECULT Cult Awareness Conference, where Lara and I will be among the speakers. We’ll discuss our personal experiences within Jehovah’s Witnesses, the broader dangers of cults, and how we’re raising awareness to help others break free from similar harmful organizations.

Who is Danny de Hek?

I’m based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and while I’m best known for exposing Ponzi schemes and scams on my YouTube channel, my personal story has deep roots in the Jehovah’s Witnesses. My family was torn apart by this organization—my stepfather and sister both died by suicide due to the impossible standards imposed by the religion. I was disfellowshipped at 23, and the shunning I experienced left me isolated and struggling with suicidal thoughts. However, I turned my pain into purpose, becoming a vocal critic of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and exposing their harmful practices on my blog, YouTube channel, and podcast.

About Lara Kaput

Lara Kaput is a courageous whistleblower and international activist from Australia, who, like me, grew up in the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Lara has spent years fighting for the protection of children from the cult’s influence. Her activism has made waves globally, from private sessions with commissioners in royal commissions to engaging with media outlets to uncover the Watch Tower Society’s dark secrets. Her dedication to this cause makes her a powerful voice in the fight against cult manipulation and abuse.

DECULT Cult Awareness Conference

Lara and I will both be speaking at the upcoming DECULT Cult Awareness Conference, a groundbreaking event in New Zealand that brings together experts, survivors, and advocates to share their knowledge and personal stories about cults. With 35 speakers and 20+ sessions, this two-day conference is designed to educate professionals and survivors alike, offering insights into cult dynamics, victim advocacy, and more.

Conference Highlights:

  • 35 international speakers
  • 20+ sessions on cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gloriavale, and others
  • Panels on kids in cults, disinformation/AI, Rainbow Rights, and more
  • Special sessions for mental health workers, doctors, educators, and law enforcement
  • Lara and I will focus on Jehovah’s Witnesses, exploring their impact on families and how we can work together to help those still trapped in this high-control group.
  • If you’re interested in learning more about cult awareness, this conference is for you. Whether you’re a mental health worker, a social services professional, or simply someone who wants to understand the dangers of cults, you’ll find valuable insights and a supportive community here.

For more details, visit www.decult.net and check out the full program, ticket options, and additional events like the Friday film premiere of “Witness Underground” by former Jehovah’s Witness Scott Homan.

Don’t Miss This Live Stream!

This interview with Lara Kaput will offer a deep dive into her activism, the ongoing fight against the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the incredible work being done at the DECULT Conference. If you’re an ex-JW, a cult survivor, or someone interested in activism, you won’t want to miss it.

DECULT Conference Tickets: Regular and concession tickets are available. Full-time students and community service cardholders can enjoy discounted rates. There are even opportunities to donate to help someone attend who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

Livestream Tickets: If you can’t attend in person, you can now purchase live-stream tickets, offering access to 10 sessions from the main room and 12 breakout sessions. Re-watch all the sessions at your convenience after the event.

Get ready for an enlightening and empowering conversation with Lara Kaput. Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and join us for the live stream. Together, we can raise awareness and fight against cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

QUESTIONS

  1. After leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses at 19, how did you begin to rediscover yourself and your passions? Was there something new you embraced that you hadn’t before?
  2. You’ve become an international activist working to protect children – what has been the most fulfilling moment in your advocacy work so far?
  3. Australia is such a beautiful place! What part of Australia do you enjoy the most, and do you have any favorite spots where you like to unwind?
  4. Looking back, was there any advice you’d give your younger self when you first stepped away from the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
  5. What has been one of your favorite hobbies or interests that you’ve picked up since leaving?
  6. Since you’ve worked with so many different organizations and governments, is there a particular cause or project that has felt closest to your heart?
  7. You’ve spoken with many people in your advocacy work. Is there a particular story of someone’s resilience or courage that has stayed with you?
  8. Can you tell us about a recent moment of joy or accomplishment in your personal or professional life?
  9. If you could describe your journey from leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses to where you are now in just three words, what would they be?
  10. What do you love most about the work you’re doing now, and what inspires you to keep going?
  11. These questions aim to highlight her journey, resilience, and success while keeping the tone positive and inspiring.
  12. Forming friends and learning how to – Discussing how Lara learned to form friendships after leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
  13. Building friendships with interesting worldly people – Talking about her experiences building meaningful connections outside the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
  14. Prioritizing faith over children – Exploring the belief in putting faith before everything, even one’s children, in Jehovah’s Witnesses, and how she sees it now.
  15. Explaining upbringing to new people – The challenge of meeting new people and explaining her religious background over and over.
  16. Life after leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses – Discussing what her life looks like post-Jehovah’s Witnesses, including new opportunities and growth.

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