For much of their lives, Micki, Esther, Nicola and Colin were devoted members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Nigerian Deeper Life Bible Church and Mormonism, respectively. Each recounts the moments when certainty began to unravel.

In raw and honest detail, their stories explore the difficult line between deep religious devotion and unhealthy control. Along the way, for each of them, the balance tipped. Eventually, the effort of holding on became harder than letting go.

With thanks to Faith to Faithless, a Humanists UK service guided by people with lived experience of leaving controlling religious environments.
Original music by Steve Urquhart.
(Photograph: Nicola Brophy)
Produced by May Robson
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4