In this episode, Dawn is joined by Ali Millar, author and journalist. Ali and Dawn share a history in common, both being brought up in the Jehovah's Witness cult, just a few miles apart in the beautiful town of Edinburgh, Scotland. The journey Ali took to use her words as a path to healing and freedom was moving and inspiring to witness and we invite you to listen into this emotional and heartwarming conversation.     Ali's first book, The Last Days: a memoir of faith, desire and freedom was released to critical acclaim in 2022 by Penguin Random House. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the incredible damage done to families and individuals who are brought up within high control religious systems, and at the same time a celebration of the human spirit to always find a way to express itself, use its voice & be set free.    Her debut novel, Ava Anna Ada, is forthcoming from White Rabbit in 2024. Half Scottish, half South African, she lives in London.   Buy Ali's book at all good book shops, Amazon or on Audible.     Follow her on instagram @ali_millar_writes   Please leave us a question, comment or view. We'd love to hear how his episode lands with you.    ***   From The Heart is a podcast from Dawn Lister, co-owner of the Dawn Lister Therapy Centre and owner of Anahata Yoga Centre, both in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, UK.   Conversations on From The Heart are with people who are committed to growing, healing, learning and connecting. Dawn Lister is a cranial sacral therapist, yoga and meditation teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and cult survivor.   This podcast series brings together inspiring people to have deep, profound and meaningful conversations about topical and relevant subjects that matter. With a focus on Spirituality, they share their stories, knowledge, experiences and insights with us through light hearted, kind and honest conversations.   Dawn Lister  (she/her) is a Cranial Sacral Therapist, Massage Therapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Hatha Yoga and Mindfulness teacher. A creator of courses and workshops as well as a retreat leader, Dawn has run retreats for 26 years and is renowned for her light touch, humour and grounded approach to spirituality. She has worked in the field of complementary therapies for 28 years.   Dawn is a firm believer in the power of the connection, the need we all have to feel heard and seen. She loves finding new ways to help us connect with mother earth, each other, our voice and our collective connection as a source for love and healing in the world.   Follow Dawn Lister on Instagram at @dawnlisterlos & visit www.dawnlister.com. Catch up on previous episodes via the Anahata Yoga Centre website at www.anahatayogacentre.com/podcast.