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I was a Teenage Fundamentalist

126 - Sexuality, Shame, and Identity with Cara Flame EPISODE 126

Troy and Brian engage in a deep conversation with Cara Flame, an Australian experiential and creative arts therapist, about her journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to becoming an advocate for those recovering from religious trauma. Cara tells of her experiences in the Esther Foundation, a Christian Fundamentalist organisation, and how it shaped her views on sexuality, shame, and identity. Cara shares her ongoing struggles with the remnants of purity culture and emphasises the importance of listening to one's body and desires. The conversation also touches on the significance of activism in the deconstruction space and Cara's aspirations for the future, including her writing and performance endeavours. Links: Cara Flame's website Takeaways: Cara Flame shares her journey from fundamentalism to therapy. The Esther Foundation was a cult-like experience for Cara. Cara emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and desires. Shame from purity culture continues to affect many individuals. Deconstructing beliefs is a lifelong process. Cara's book aims to help others navigate their own journeys. The impact of fundamentalism on identity is profound and lasting. Cara's experiences highlight the need for open discussions about sexuality. Activism in the deconstruction space is crucial for change. Cara encourages others to embrace their true selves and passions. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

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All Episodes

2025 Trailer: I was a Teenage Fundamentalist

2025 Trailer: I was a Teenage Fundamentalist

Brian & Troy used to be loyal megachurch leaders. Theyre not anymore. This podcast explores life in and after Christian Fundamentalism. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

000 - Welcome to the podcast

We recorded this way back in Season 1. So, if you plan to work your way through our back catalogue then this is a good place to start. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Trailer: I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical Podcast.

Brian and Troy used to be loyal Christian megachurch leaders. Theyre not anymore. This honest and often hilarious podcast peeks behind the curtain at the weird, the worrying, and sometimes traumatic world of Evangelicals & Pentecostals. Shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Podcast Awards. Find out more at iwasateenagefundamentalist.com/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Trailer: I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. Season 5

Brian and Troy used to be loyal Christian megachurch leaders. They?re not anymore. Thispodcast explores life after Fundamentalism. Shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Podcast Awards. Find out more at iwasateenagefundamentalist.com/ and? https://linktr.ee/iwatf --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Bonus: Sexvangelicals - The Sex Ed We Wish We Had: Consent, Part 1 of 2,

Bonus: Sexvangelicals - The Sex Ed We Wish We Had: Consent, Part 1 of 2,

We recently stumbled upon a podcast we thought you'd love. Sexvangelicals is a sexual health podcast and education platform with the mission to support relationships in reclaiming sexuality following adverse religious experiences. This is one of their episodes, The Sex Ed We Wish We Had: Consent, Part 1 of 2. We hope you enjoy it. If you want to connect with Sexvangelicals then find them here: Sexvangelicals (website) Sexvangelicals (podcast) --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

001 - Brians Christian Conversion Story (Our Stories Part 1)

"No bibles, no preaching, no god-bothering!" These were the conditions B put upon his two brothers, who had recently converted to Pentecostal Christianity, if he were to visit them while on holidays. What happened next would change the course of his life and still continues to impact who he is today. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

002 - Troys Christian Conversion Story (Our Stories Part 2)

T talks a little about his pre-conversion home life and his experience of two Christian camps. It was at the second camp where he found himself speaking in tongues and started to wear the label, 'born-again'. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

003 - Its the End of the World as We Know It (Our Stories Part 3)

Since the very beginnings of Christianity, believers thought they were in the very last days and a cataclysm was imminent. It was no different for B & T when they were teenage fundamentalists. In this episode they reminisce about how the end-times message was presented to them. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

004 - Sex and Church (Sex Part 1; Our Stories Part 4)

B&T talk about sex and religion. There seems to be little doubt that fundamentalism warped their views and early sexual experiences. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

005 - The Power of Christ Compels You (The Devil & Demons Part 1; Our Stories Part 5)

B & T talk about their experiences with the devil, demons, exorcisms and deliverance. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

006 - Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music? (Music Part 1)

This episode, we talk about the church's relationship to, and use of, music, for both good and evil. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

007 - Church Leaders & Leadership (Leadership Part 1; Our Stories Part 6)

B&T reflect on what it meant to be a leader in both the Revival Centres and the AOG/ACC. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

008 - Community in the Church Fold (Our Stories Part 7)

B&T remember how it felt to be a part of the AOG/ACC fold. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

009 - Troy Leaves the Revival Centres (Our Stories Part 8; Leaving Part 1)

T tells his story of being excommunicated from God's one true Church at 17 and how this impacted him both then and now. If this episode has raised issues for you and you require support and counselling around cults in Australia, please contact: https://cultconsulting.org/ If you would like to explore the research and counter-Revival Centre work, see the links below: http://revivalprophecy.blogspot.com/ https://revivalcentresblog.wordpress.com/ http://revival.aimoo.com/ -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

010 - Lets go to Bible College! (Our Stories Part 9)

B&T go to fundamentalist Bible College and would like to bring you along. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

011 - What About Gay Pentecostals? - Anthony Venn-Brown OAM (Part 1)

In part one of this special three-part episode, we interview former AOG evangelist/pastor and now #GayAmbassador, Anthony Venn-Brown. TRIGGER WARNING:If you find that some of the material in this episode disturbing, we encourage you to talk with a close friend who will understand or contact your local help/crisis/support telephone line. Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ LGBT https://qlife.org.au/ A Life of Unlearning a preachers struggle with his homosexuality is available at all online booksellers. Reviews, endorsements, readers comments here: www.ALifeOfUnlearning.com Resources and further information about Anthony and his organisation Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International are here: www.abbi.org.au https://www.facebook.com/abbi.org.au , https://www.facebook.com/anthonyvennbrown Twitter: @gayambassador Instagram: @gayambassador -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

012 - What About Gay Pentecostals? - Anthony Venn-Brown OAM (Part 2)

In part two of this special three-part episode, we interview former AOG evangelist/pastor and now #GayAmbassador, Anthony Venn-Brown. TRIGGER WARNING:If you find that some of the material in this episode disturbing, we encourage you to talk with a close friend who will understand or contact your local help/crisis/support telephone line. Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ LGBT https://qlife.org.au/ A Life of Unlearning a preachers struggle with his homosexuality is available at all online booksellers. Reviews, endorsements, readers comments here: www.ALifeOfUnlearning.com Resources and further information about Anthony and his organisation Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International are here: www.abbi.org.au https://www.facebook.com/abbi.org.au , https://www.facebook.com/anthonyvennbrown Twitter: @gayambassador Instagram: @gayambassador -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

013 - What About Gay Pentecostals? - Anthony Venn-Brown OAM (Part 3)

In part three of this special three-part episode, we interview former AOG evangelist/pastor and now #GayAmbassador, Anthony Venn-Brown. TRIGGER WARNING:If you find that some of the material in this episode disturbing, we encourage you to talk with a close friend who will understand or contact your local help/crisis/support telephone line. Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ LGBT https://qlife.org.au/ A Life of Unlearning a preachers struggle with his homosexuality is available at all online booksellers. Reviews, endorsements, readers comments here: www.ALifeOfUnlearning.com Resources and further information about Anthony and his organisation Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International are here: www.abbi.org.au https://www.facebook.com/abbi.org.au , https://www.facebook.com/anthonyvennbrown Twitter: @gayambassador Instagram: @gayambassador -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

014 - The Faith Movement/Prosperity Gospel (Our Stories Part 9.1)

B&T remember their time believing the unique claims of the Faith Movement/ prosperity gospel ( Spoiler Alert: it didnt deliver and it messed them up a bit). -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

015 - Evangelism & Mission (Our Stories Part 10)

It isn't enough to be a Teenage Fundamentalist yourself, Pentecostals are expected to bring others into the fold. In this episode, B&T remember their times as evangelists and short-term missionaries. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

016 - Speaking in Tongues (Spiritual Gifts Part 1; Our Stories Part 11)

"Take your partner by the hand, speak in tongues and understand." - Debbie Harry --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

017 - Personal Prophecy (Spiritual Gifts Part 2; Our Stories Part 12)

B&T have a word for you as they share their stories around the use of prophecy in their time as Pentecostals. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

018 - How did you see God as a Pentecostal? (God Part 1)

Ultimately, fundamentalist Christianity really centres around God. In this episode, B&T look back on how they saw God as good Pentecostals. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

019 - How did you see Jesus as a Pentecostal? (God Part 2)

B&T talk about how they saw the supposed Son of God as Pentecostals, and their 'relationship' with this first-century Jew. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

020 - Season 1 Q&A

B&T take questions from podcast listeners and reflect on Season 1. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

021 - Christian Contemporary Music (Music Part 2)

We kick-off Season 2 by remembering our favourite CCM artists and a few songs. We invite you to clap along at home. The links to the songs mentioned in this episode are: Living in Laodicea - https://youtu.be/g_8Pas8qoWc Asleep in the Light - https://youtu.be/7XeEL0mRBHo Creed - https://youtu.be/jy4JA5uStB0 Maranooka - https://youtu.be/7f-JdFPazMo -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

022 - Toronto Blessing & Heaven Bent with Tara Jean Stevens

Tara Jean Stevens, the host of the amazing Heaven Bent podcast shares her own history as a teenage fundamentalist and some of the backstories behind her two podcast seasons on the Toronto Blessing and Bethel Church. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

023 - Narcissists & Psychopaths in Church (Leadership Part 2; Our Stories Part 13)

B&T discuss the prevalence of narcissists and psychopaths in Pentecostalism and their experiences with these kinds of people. They also ask why the church attracts these people and if Pentecostalism helps to create them. Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning psychological abuse. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. The articles mentioned in this episode: Narcissistic Personality Disorder 7 Characteristics of the Modern Psychopath -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

024 - Did You Ever See a Real Healing or Miracle? (Spiritual Gifts Part 3; Our Stories Part 14)

Did B&T ever see a real and verifiable miracle while in the Pentecostal scene? Listen in to find out. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

025 - Leaving Christian Fundamentalism with Dr Josie McSkimming (Leaving Part 2)

Dr Josie McSkimming, author of Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity, shares her own story as a teenage fundamentalist within Sydney Anglicanism and her ongoing clinical work with those leaving Fundamentalist Christianity. To contact Josie, please visit her website: https://mcskimming.com.au/ -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

026 - God Told Me to Marry You (Sex Part 2; Our Stories Part 15)

As you might have guessed, dating and marriage within Fundamentalism weren't often egalitarian and were usually controlled by the pastors and leaders. Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning rape and domestic violence. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to Rape and Domestic Violence Services via: https://www.rape-dvservices.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

027 - Sexual Predators in Megachurches (Sex Part 3; Our Stories Part 16)

As Pentecostals, both B&T crossed paths with sexual predators in church. This episode recalls those meetings and also some of the scandals that plagued Pentecostalism in recent years. The articles mentioned in this episode are: Findings released into Australian Christian Churches and affiliated Pentecostal churches Royal Commission sex abuse inquiry censures Hillsong head Brian Houston Assemblies of God leaders alleged to have abused children Hillsong leader Brian Houston was charged over the concealment of alleged child sex offences Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning rape, sexual abuse and the sexual abuse of minors. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

028 - Keep Hillsong Out of Our Schools with Fiona Newton

Fiona Newton, former Teenage Fundamentalist and co-author of the petition to stop Hillsong evangelising in public schools, joins B&T to tell about her own fundy past and why she thinks that Hillsong deserves no place in the public education system. You can sign Fiona's Change.org petition here: https://www.change.org/p/federal-minister-for-education-hillsong-church-is-trying-to-proselytise-their-religion-in-australian-schools-we-say-no and connect to her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/keephillsongoutofourschools/ -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

029 - The Church Exploitation of Volunteers & Money (Leadership Part 3; Our Stories Part 17)

B&T remember all the hours they gave to the church as volunteers and how some in the Church didn't always handle donations of time and money in the most ethical manner. Warning: This episode briefly touches on rape and sexual abuse. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

029 - The Megachurch Exploitation of Volunteers & Money (Leadership Part 3; Our Stories Part 17)

B&T remember all the hours they gave to the church as volunteers and how some in the Church didn't always handle donations of time and money in the most ethical manner. Warning: This episode briefly touches on rape and sexual abuse. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

030 - The [Pentecostal] Good Place (The Afterlife Part 1)

Heaven was the ultimate reward that B&T looked forward to as teenage fundamentalists. In this episode, they look back and remember what they believed about this final destination. And just like Heaven, you won't want to miss this episode. The two books recommended in this episode are: Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife : Ehrman, Bart D. Beyond: How Humankind Thinks About Heaven eBook : Wolff, Catherine -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

031 - Missionary, Not Just a Position with Anji Barker (Progressive Christians Part 1)

Anji Barker has 30 years experience in neighbourhood based community work in poor urban communities in Australia, Thailand and the UK. In this episode, she shares her own story of leaving fundamentalism and why she's happy to still call herself a 'follower of Jesus'. You can connect with Anj at https://newbigintrust.uk/ and find her book, Missionary Not Just A Position on Amazon. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

031 - Missionary, Not Just a Position with Anj Barker (Progressive Christians Part 1)

Anji Barker has 30 years experience in neighbourhood based community work in poor urban communities in Australia, Thailand and the UK. In this episode, she shares her own story of leaving fundamentalism and why she's happy to still call herself a 'follower of Jesus'. You can connect with Anj at https://newbigintrust.uk/ and find her book, Missionary Not Just A Position on Amazon. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ We'll be back with new episodes later in 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

032 - Rejected! (Our Stories Part 18)

In this episode, T goes deeper into a story he told in Episode 26 and shares how he was rejected by a very high profile family at Great Big AOG because he didn't have enough faith to be 'comfortable'. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

033 - Leaving My Fathers Faith with Bart Campolo 1 (Leaving Part 3)

Bart Campolo is a secular community builder, counsellor and writer who serves as the Humanist Chaplain at the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Evangelical celebrity preacher and author, Tony Campolo, with whom he made a movie about leaving Evangelical Christianity. You can connect with Bart at bartcampolo.org/ and find his podcast, Humanize Me on all good platforms. You can stream Leaving My Father's Faith here: https://campolofilm.com/ -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

034 - Leaving My Fathers Faith with Bart Campolo 2 (Leaving Part 4)

This is the second half of our time with Bart Campolo, a secular community builder, counsellor and writer who serves as the Humanist Chaplain at the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Evangelical celebrity preacher and author, Tony Campolo, with whom he made a movie about leaving Evangelical Christianity. You can connect with Bart at bartcampolo.org/ and find his podcast, Humanize Me on all good platforms. You can stream Leaving My Father's Faith here: https://campolofilm.com/ -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

035 - F**ked Over at Country Town AOG (Our Stories Part 19)

In this episode, T recounts his time in formal ministry as the youth pastor of Country Town AOG. Spoiler alert: it didn't go too well. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

036 - I Left Christian City Church aka c3 (Leaving Part 5)

C was in full-time paid ministry at Christian City Church (now known as c3) in the mid to late-90s. In this episode she shares how she joined, the culture of the organisation, and why she eventually walked away. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

037 - F**ked Again at Great Big AOG (Our Stories Part 20)

T comes back from Country Town AOG and B has risen in the ranks of the Great Big AOG youth group. T doesn't like what he sees and B is not so sure about T. Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email us: [email protected] --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

038 - Goodbye Great Big AOG! (Our Stories Part 21)

The time has come...at last! Tune in to hear B&T trigger like MOFOs and tell how they finally left Great Big AOG. This episode makes reference to "The Toronto Blessing" which was discussed in Episode 22: https://iwasateenagefundamentalist.podbean.com/e/episode-022-heaven-bent-with-tara-jean-stevens/ -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

039 - Geoff Bullock Leaves Hillsong (Leaving Part 6)

B&T talk with Geoff Bullock, one of the founding pastors of Hills Christian Life Centre, which later became Hillsong. He talks frankly about how and why he left Hillsong in 1995, and his journey since then. Geoff Bullock was appointed as the church's worship pastor and was the convenor of the annual Hillsong conference from 1987 to 1995. He was also a creative and driving force behind Hillsong's first hit albums and helped to change the face of Christian worship music globally. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

040 - What Should I Think About..? They were teenage fundamentalists

In this crossover episode, B&T are interviewed by the co-hosts of the podcast, What Should I Think About..? They are asked, "What is Evangelicalism? Is it a cult? What do Pentecostals believe? Why do they speak in tongues?" They also discussed the rise of megachurches and in particular Hillsong, its history, beliefs and methods of recruitment. You can access the very interesting WSITA..? podcast here: https://pod.link/1540824671 -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

041 - Season 2 Finale: Question & Response

In this final episode for Season 2, B&T take questions from podcast listeners and reflect on the podcast so far. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

042 - Christian Books and Bookstores (Our Stories Part 22)

This first episode for Season 3 comes out swinging as Brian and Troy discuss the Hillsong news that Brian Houston has stepped down as its Global Senior Pastor. They then go for a walk down memory lane, discussing Christian bookstores and what they sell. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

043 - Frank Schaeffer is an Atheist Who Believes in God Part 1

In this first of two episodes, we talk with Frank Schaeffer, author and son of the late theologian and Evangelical author, Francis Schaeffer. While Frank was once a teenage fundamentalist, he now describes himself as an atheist who believes in God. Frank tells his back story and how he went from a founding member of the Religious Right to one of its harshest critics. You can access Frank's website here: https://www.frankschaeffer.com/ and his podcast here: https://pod.link/1570357787 --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

044 - Frank Schaeffer is an Atheist Who Believes in God Part 2

In this second of two episodes, we continue our chat with Frank Schaeffer, author and son of the late theologian and Evangelical author, Francis Schaeffer. While Frank was once a teenage fundamentalist, he now describes himself as an atheist who believes in God. Frank talks about his new book, Fall in Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy , a well-researched and entertaining bridge to living happier lives and to a better future. You can access Frank's website here: https://www.frankschaeffer.com/ and his podcast here: https://pod.link/1570357787 --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

045 - Brian Becomes a Bapticostal (Our Stories Part 23)

Brian journeys away from Pentecostalism and fundamentalism to a more moderate Baptist space. He remembers being pulled back into Pentecostalism and even trying it back on for size, only to find it no longer fit. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

046 - Elle Hardy and the Pentecostals Who Want to Take Over the World

Elle Hardy is an accomplished Australian journalist who wrote Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity is taking over the world. Brian and Troy chat with Elle about how and why she undertook this project and what she discovered about the global Pentecostal phenomenon. You can find her book at all the usual places online and access Elle's website here: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/beyond-belief/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

047 - Houstons, we have a Hillsong problem (Leadership Part 4)

In this special episode, Brian & Troy discuss the recent moral allegations brought against Brian Houston of Hillsong, by the online publication Crikey. The Crikey article we quote is here: https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/03/18/brian-houston-revelations-hillsong/ Warning: This episode touches on issues concerning sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

048 - Jobs for the Boys! Nepotism in Megachurches (Leadership Part 5)

If there's one thing that characterises megachurches in Australia and around the world, it's nepotism. Brian & Troy cite some tangible examples of nepotism in the Australian Christian Churches and Hillsong and discuss why this needs to change and what members can do about it. Note: It is this New York Post article that reported Michael Guglielmucci, 'and his spouse, or Team Gug, should resign their roles at his father Dannys church, Edge Church International, and sell their home and relocate to Port Adelaide.' --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

049 - Philip Yancey was a Teenage Fundamentalist

Brian & Troy talk with best-selling Evangelical author, Philip Yancey about his memoir, ' Where the Light Fell', that chronicles his time growing up fundamentalist. They also talk with Philip about how his books impacted them as they journeyed out of fundamentalism into more moderate versions of Christianity in the late-90s. You can find Philip's new book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Where-Light-Fell-Philip-Yancey/dp/0593238508/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

050 - Reflections on our Philip Yancey Interview (Progressive Christians Part 2)

In Episode 49, Brian & Troy spoke with best-selling Evangelical author, Philip Yancey. In this episode, they reflect on that conversation and what it brought up for them. What do Exvangelicals do about Evangelicals who are really good people? You may not agree with the conclusions the hosts reach, but hopefully you resonate with their honesty. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

051 - Troy Becomes a Bapticostal Too (Our Stories Part 24)

As Brian did in Episode 45, Troy recounts his short-lived time in the Baptist Union. It was here that he started a homegroup made up of a few Pentecostal refugees and reengaged the pop culture around him. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

052 - Recovering from Religion with Dr Darrel Ray (Leaving Part 7)

Dr Ray is an atheist psychologist and author who specialises in the secular treatment of religion-induced trauma. He founded the non-profit organisations Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project. He is also a regular speaker at the Conference on Religious Trauma. Most importantly, he is the current High Priest of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

053 - The Cairns Christ. A Brian Story (Our Stories Part 25)

In this episode, Brian continues to recount his post-Pentecostal journey. He remembers the joys and pains at the start of his deconstruction process while living in Cairns in Australia's far north. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

054 - Deconstruction with Phil Drysdale (Leaving Part 8)

Brian and Troy chat with Phil Drysdale about Deconstruction , which he defines as the process of questioning ones core foundational beliefs and upon finding these are flawed, discarding them. Phil asserts that deconstruction most often comes from a place of passionate faith where religious questions go unanswered and where people are forced to explore new beliefs. You can connect with Phil at PhilDrysdale.com and on Instagram @PhilDrysdale. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

055 - IndoctriNation with Rachel Bernstein (Leaving Part 9)

Brian and Troy talk with Rachel Bernstein, a licensed therapist who specialises in cult intervention and re-acclimation. She is the host and producer of the podcast IndoctriNation which explores cults, manipulators, and protecting yourself from systems of control. This episode is the second of a crossover we did with Rachel. You can hear her interviewing us on her podcast here: https://www.podpage.com/indoctrination/ You can also connect with Rachel here: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

056 - Tom Tilley Doesnt Speak in Tongues Anymore (Leaving Part 10)

Well-known Australian journalist Tom Tilley has interviewed some of the most influential people in the world. What was not so well-known until recently was that Tom grew up as the oldest son of a Pentecostal pastor. In this episode, Troy and Brian chat with Tom about his memoir, Speaking in Tongues , and how his Pentecostal upbringing shapes who he is now. You can find Tom's book here: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780733341021/speaking-in-tongues/ If you would like to explore the research and counter-Revival Centre work, see the links below: http://revival.aimoo.com/ https://revivalcentresblog.wordpress.com/ http://revivalprophecy.blogspot.com/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

057 - Troy Busts a Cult (Revival Centres & Revival Fellowship) (Our Stories Part 26)

Troy recounts how his desire to find out about the history of the Revival Centres/ Revival Fellowship and the evolution of their beliefs turned into an obsession that not only took him to university, but also helped bring the truth about the cult to others damaged by them. If you would like to explore the research and counter-Revival Centre work, see the links below: http://revivalprophecy.blogspot.com/ https://revivalcentresblog.wordpress.com/ http://revival.aimoo.com/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

058 - Do I Stay Christian? with Brian McLaren (Progressive Christians Part 3; Leaving Part 11)

Brian McLaren was a Charismatic Evangelical pastor for twenty-four years. Now he's an author, activist, public theologian, and arguably the poster boy for Progressive Christians everywhere. In this episode, Troy and Brian chat with Brian McLaren about his new book, Do I Stay Christian? which gives reasons why people should stay but also why people should leave. You'll really enjoy this interview regardless of how you now define your spirituality (or lack thereof). You can find Brian's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798 --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

059 - Spiritual Warfare (The Devil & Demons Part 2)

Brian & Troy do a deeper dive into the ideas of Spiritual Warfare. This is the Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian belief that society and the broader world is controlled by Satan and his demon hordes and that these can be defeated by prayer. The News.com.au article mentioned in this episode is found here: https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/gold-coast-mayor-tom-tates-spiritual-adviser-says-the-home-of-the-arts-had-a-demonic-stronghold/news-story/021bd0254312bf15d1ee15ab1d4b69a3 We invite you to support the podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/IWATF --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

060 -Theological Jenga Part 1 with Clint Heacock (Leaving Part 12)

This is a special crossover episode with Dr Clint Heacock of the Mindshift Podcast. Clint was a teenage fundamentalist, pastor, Bible College teacher, and completed a PhD on the Book of Ezekiel and preaching. We ask him how he came to jettison his Christian faith after being so dedicated for so many decades. For part 2 of this episode, please check out Clint's podcast here: https://mindshiftpodcast.co.uk/?p=3315 --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

061 - I was a Female Fundamentalist with Bree (Leaving Part 13)

Bree was born into Pentecostalism. She claims to have filled her Christian Bingo card by doing most things a good Christian girl should do, including marrying a pastor's son and being a superstar on the overhead projector. She remembers what it was like as a girl in a culty Word of Faith church and then later as a woman in Great Big CCC (aka c3). Bree's blog is found here: http://breemorel.com/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

062 - Gay at Great Big AOG with Andrew (Leaving Part 14)

In this episode, Brian & Troy catch up with Andrew, a fellow traveller from their time at Great Big AOG. Andrew recounts his struggles being deep in the closet at church and how he later came to accept his sexuality and then live openly as a gay man. Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and suicide. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. ABBI serves individuals, churches, denominations, leaders and religious organizations in a respectful and non-confrontational way along their journey to understand LGBTI people, their community, and relationships. Their website is here: www.abbi.org.au --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

063 - Troy Story: I was an Urban Missionary (Our Stories Part 27)

In this episode, Troy continues to recount his journey away from Pentecostalism. He remembers packing up his church-plant and joining a self-proclaimed post-modern inner-city Church of Christ. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

064 - Troy Story II: Leaving My Marriage...and Church (Our Stories Part 28)

Following on from our previous episode, Troy Story , Troy recounts leaving his Christian marriage and his final exit from Church and Evangelicalism. It's a really heavy episode, so be warned. Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and suicide. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

065 - Heaven Bent Season 3 with Tara Jean Stevens

Tara Jean is thecreator and host of one of Troy and Brian's favourite podcasts, Heaven Bent. She has just released Season 3 which is a mix of religious history and true crime. She gives a behind the scenes look at the new season and a sneak peek into Season 4. She chatted here back on Episode 22 where she talked about the Toronto Blessing. Find Heaven Bent here: https://frequencypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/heaven-bent/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

066 - Protesting Christian Hierarchies with Dave Andrews (Progressive Christians Part 4)

When journeying through the Progressive Christian scene, Brian was deeply impacted and influenced by Chrisitan Anarchist, Dave Andrews. Dave is particularly interested in radical spirituality, incarnational community and the dynamics of personal and social transformation. He is also the author of many books and articles. In this chat, Dave shares how he was excommunicated from YWAM in the ealry-1970s and about the interfaith work he did with Muslims in Asia. Trigger warning: This episode contains a lot of Christian phrases and lingo that may trouble some listeners. This episode also touches on issues concerning depression and self-harm. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can connect with Dave Andrews via his website: http://daveandrews.com.au/ --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

067 - Cheers to Leaving with Molly & Rachael (Leaving Part 15)

This is a special crossover episode with Molly & Rachael of the Cheers to Leaving Podcast. They are both children of the house church movement, purity culture survivors, ex-Jesus Freaks and now Exvangelical podcast hosts. Join us as we swap stories and compare scars. Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and self-harm. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. For part 2 of this episode, please check out their podcast here: https://pod.link/1568302029 All their links are here: https://linktr.ee/cheerstoleaving --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

068 - The Graceful Atheist (Leaving Part 16)

David Ames is an American secular humanist who hosts a podcast promoting the idea of 'secular grace' after deconstruction and deconversion. An Assemblies of God Bible College graduate and a former AOG youth leader, David now gives a platform to others to tell their stories of transition from a life-altering faith to doubt to deconstruction to deconversion. David's Graceful Atheist Podcast is available here: https://pod.link/1456800368 and find his episode with us here: https://pod.link/1456800368/episode/c24f38abd34de28363b8ac477c6dfbc8 --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

069 - Season 3 Q&R Finale

This is it, the end of Season 3! Troy & Brian reflect on 2022 and some of the milestone episodes they released. They also field listener questions from social media and reveal what they have planned for Season 4 in 2023. In this episode, Brian suggested the following from one of his favourite podcasts, Oh No, Ross and Carrie. How the Ross Stole Christmas: Jesus Birth Narrative Edition : https://pod.link/425328515/episode/6eef1d266ef352aba825b9db256e4f72 --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

070 - Falling Out with a Teenage Fundamentalist

070 - Falling Out with a Teenage Fundamentalist

Elgen Strait is the host of Falling Out , a podcast about and for people who grew-up in, and later left, abusive cults. Elgen was born and raised in the Unification Church, a.k.a. the Moonies. Elgen invited Troy & Brian on to his special Christmas episode, where they swapped stories and examined the similarities and differences between the Pentes and the Moonies. They also talked about how both groups celebrate Christmas and some of the wackier beliefs. You can find Elgen's podcast here: https://pod.link/1550448436 --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Email: [email protected] Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

071 - Fear of Hell (The Afterlife Part 2)

In this first episode of Season 4, Brian & Troy unpack some of the most problematic and ridiculous aspects of the doctrine of eternal torment, aka Hell. They also give some suggestions on how to overcome your fear of Hell. The resources suggested in this episode are: Christian That All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation : Hart, David Bentley Grace Saves All: Christianity and Universal Salvation Podcast Love Wins: At the Heart of Lifes Big Questions : Bell, Rob Post-Christian Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife : Ehrman, Bart D Bart Ehrman on the Humanize Me Podcast Am I Going to Hell? : Bart Ehrman -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

072 - Was Keith Green a Cult Leader? (Keith Green Part 1)

Keith Green was one of CCMs most revered and loved music superstars of the 1970s and 80s. Spoiler alert! Tracey Phalen thinks he was a cult leader! She was a member of Keith and Melody Green's Last Days Ministries in the 1980s. She joined as a teenage fundamentalist and left after five years of living and serving on the Texas ranch. In this episode, Tracey shares her story and helps Brian and Troy deconstruct Keith Green and Last Days Ministries. You can find their podcast here: Feet of ClayConfessions of the Cult Sisters and follow Tracey & Sharon on Instagram. Melody Green's biography of Keith Green and memoir of life at Last Days Ministry, No Compromise is available here. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

073 - I was a Pentecostal Theologian with Shane Clifton (Progressive Christians Part 5)

Shane Clifton taught Theology and Ethics at one of Australia's leading Pentecostal Bible Colleges from 1999 to 2018. During this time Shane had an accident that left him with a C5 spinal cord injury (quadriplegia) which radically altered his life and his faith. After a lengthy and traumatic fight over academic freedom and his support for LGBTQI+ inclusion in the church, he left the college and his Pentecostal denomination. Shane is today an honorary associate at the Centre for Research Development and Policy at the University of Sydney and Director, Policy with the Australian Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation against People with Disability. You can connect with Shane via his blog: Shane Clifton Riding the current. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

074 - Armageddon Isn't Coming with Bart Ehrman

No one had as profound an impact on Troy's deconstruction as Dr Bart D. Ehrman, the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An expert on the New Testament and the history of Early Christianity, he has written or edited thirty books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews. Six of his books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list. Brian and Troy talk to Bart about his own teenage fundamentalism and his upcoming book, Armageddon: What the Bible really says about the end. In this conversation, Bart delves into the most misunderstood?and possibly the most dangerous?book of the Bible, Revelation.? You can connect with Bart via his blog: The Bart Ehrman Blog , his website: Bart D. Ehrman , and his podcast: Misquoting Jesus.? --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf ? Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ ? --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

074 - Armageddon Isnt Coming with Bart Ehrman

No one had as profound an impact on Troy's deconstruction as Dr Bart D. Ehrman, the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An expert on the New Testament and the history of Early Christianity, he has written or edited thirty books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews. Six of his books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list. Brian and Troy talk to Bart about his own teenage fundamentalism and his upcoming book, Armageddon: What the Bible really says about the end. In this conversation, Bart delves into the most misunderstoodand possibly the most dangerousbook of the Bible, Revelation. You can connect with Bart via his blog: The Bart Ehrman Blog , his website: Bart D. Ehrman , and his podcast: Misquoting Jesus. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

075 - Brian Walks Away from his Marriage...and Jesus (Our Stories Part 29)

Following on from Episode 53 - The Cairns Christ , Brian recounts the breakdown of his marriage and the end of his faith in Jesus. Ladies and gentlemen, Brian has left the building. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

076 - Keith Green Arranged My Teenage Marriage (Keith Green Part 2)

Following on from Episode 072 Was Keith Green a Cult Leader?, we interview Sharon Madere. She was 'led to the Lord' by Keith and experienced the 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' experience with Keith in the 1970s. She lived at the Last Days Ministries commune in California and later in Texas in the 1980s. In this episode, Sharon tells her stories and claims Keith Green arranged her teenage marriage to Martin Bennett, one of the three elders of LDM. Correction: In this episode, Sharon says she remained with LDM until 1985. She wishes to correct this and state she stayed with LDM until early-1987. You can find their podcast here: Feet of ClayConfessions of the Cult Sisters and follow Tracey & Sharon on Instagram. Melody Green's biography of Keith Green and memoir of life at Last Days Ministry, No Compromise is available here. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

077 - I Blew the Whistle on my Dads Church with Kit Kennedy (Leaving Part 17)

Clare Heath-McIvor is an exvangelical blogger and podcaster who has been operating under the pseudonym 'Kit Kennedy' since a dramatic and shunning-esque exit from her pastor father's church in 2016. In 2022, she and her ex-husband (a gay conversion therapy survivor) became whistleblowers for a 60 Minutes Australia political and religious expose on her father's City Builders Church and its tactics in Australian conservative politics. Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and suicide. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can connect with Clare at www.unchurchablepodcast.com. If you want to explore her whistleblowing story, then see the links below: 60 Minutes Australia - Praying For Power: Caring church or crazy cult The Age Newspaper #1 - Liberal Party Candidate Agent for Ultra-Conservative Church, Family Says #2 - Speaking in Tongues, Exorcisms and Control: Life in City Builders #3 - Inside City Builders, the Pentecostal Sect with Lofty Political Goals #4 - Ultra-Conservative Candidate wont sit in the party room if elected #5 - Shame on you: Liberal Party figure caught using fake 007 pics and fake identity for dirty tricks --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

078 - Oh No, Ross & Carrie Were Teenage Fundamentalists

Ross Blocher and Carrie Poppy have a hugely popular podcast where they join religions, undergo alternative medical treatments, and hunt for ghost, goblins, demons, and deities...so you don't have to! If it has an extraordinary claim attached to it, they'll check it out and report on it. In this episode, Brian and Troy talk with them about their teenage fundamentalism and what they have discovered about some of the wild claims of Christianity and other religions. You can connect with Ross and Carrie through their website: ohnopodcast.com and their podcast: Oh No, Ross and Carrie. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

079 - Troy Deals with His Religious Trauma in Korea (Our Stories Part 30)

Picking up where he left off in Episode 64 - Troy Story II, Troy left the Church & his Christian marriage and headed off to live & work in South Korea. In this episode, he recounts his largely unsuccessful attempts to deal with his religious trauma by parking his religious issues and indulging in the maladaptive coping strategies of casual sex and alcohol abuse. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

080 - Marc Fennell Wasnt a Very Good Teenage Fundamentalist (Leaving Part 18)

Marc Fennell is an award-winning Australian journalist and documentary maker who was once a teenage fundamentalist...but he claims he was not a very good one. He has just released a documentary about Australian Pentecostalism called The Kingdom where he confronts his own past spent in church. Brian & Troy talk with Marc about why he left and why hes remained largely silent about his religious past until now. You can learn all about Marc here: marcfennell.com The Kingdom is available to stream in Australia here and will be available to international audiences soon. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

081 - I was a Published Christian Author with D.L. and Krispin Mayfield

Krispin and D.L. Mayfield are a husband-and-wife team and hosts of the Prophetic Imagination Station. Both were missionaries and published Christian writers who have recently been very public about their deconversion from Christianity. Brian and Troy talk with them about their deconversion journey and its impact on their careers and marriage. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

082 - Cult Hacking with Stephen Mather

After Troy and Brian appeared on Stephen's podcast, Cult Hackers back in 2021, Stephen now brings his expertise to talk about cults from an organisational psychology perspective. He shares how organisational models help us understand cult leadership, coercive control dynamics and why people join and stay. You can find Stephen's podcast here: Cult Hackers and his websitehere: culthackers.com --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

083 - Troy Deals with his Religious Trauma in Singapore (Our Stories Part 31)

Picking up where he left off in Episode 79 - Troy Deals With His Religious Trauma in Korea , Troy journeys to Singapore in search of his next adventure. In this episode, he continues to unsuccessfully park his religious trauma and finds himself in a very glamourous scene in Singapore. He falls hard for a Chinese woman and they return to Australia to start a new life, but Troy is soon confronted by his religious baggage. --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

084 - God is a Narcissist with Catherine Quiring

Catherine Quiring describes herself as a reformed people-pleaser, Exvangelical and an aspiring advocate for anti-oppressive spirituality. She is a licensed Mental Health Counsellor, and Self-Trust Coach. Catherine tells Brian and Troy why she believes the Evangelical god is a narcissist and that the symptoms experienced by those who have experienced covert narcissistic abuse are extremely similar to those experienced in high-control religious settings. You can connect with Catherine via: Her website: www.cqcounseling.com Instagram: @catherinequiring Facebook: @cqcounseling The book she referenced in this episode was Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment : Heimlich, Janet --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

086 - I was a Teenage Preacher But Now I'm an Atheist with Dan Barker

Dan Barker served as an evangelical Christian preacher and composer for 19 years before leaving Christianity in 1984. He and his wife Annie Laurie Gaylor are the current co-presidents of the Freedom from Religion Foundation , and he is co-founder of The Clergy Project. In this fascinating chat, he shares his journey out of faith and why he identifies as an Atheist today.? You can connect with Dan and his work at: Freethought Radio Podcast Freedom From Religion Foundation - Freedom From Religion Foundation The Clergy Project Dan Barker: Books --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf ? Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ ? --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

086 - I was a Teenage Preacher But Now Im an Atheist with Dan Barker

Dan Barker served as an evangelical Christian preacher and composer for 19 years before leaving Christianity in 1984. He and his wife Annie Laurie Gaylor are the current co-presidents of the Freedom from Religion Foundation , and he is co-founder of The Clergy Project. In this fascinating chat, he shares his journey out of faith and why he identifies as an Atheist today. You can connect with Dan and his work at: Freethought Radio Podcast Freedom From Religion Foundation - Freedom From Religion Foundation The Clergy Project Dan Barker: Books --- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

087 - God Hates Divorce

Brian & Troy take a look at how divorce is presented in the New Testament and how the Church has handled it over the last 2000 years. Our hosts also reflect on their own experience and ask, do Jesus and the Bible really offer adequate guidance for the 21st century. Spoiler alert, no. The resources suggested in this episode are: Christian views on divorce - Wikipedia A Theology of Divorce Religion Online Ep #69 - Troy Story II: Leaving My Marriage...and Church Ep #75 - Brian Walks Away from his Marriage -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

088 - I was a Teenage Christian Nationalist with April Ajoy

We talk with April Ajoy, a well-known viral TikToker, YouTuber and podcaster. She describes herself as a recovering conservative, humorously detoxing religion. Raised as a pastor's kid, April was deep in Evangelicalism to the point of working for The 700 Club and singing her original song, America Say Jesus on The Jim Bakker Show. While deconstructing from fundamentalism, she walked away from her Christian nationalist beliefs and began to make irreverent and funny videos lampooning modern Evangelical culture and church life. You can connect with April on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/aprilajoyr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilajoy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilajoy -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

089 - Divorcing Religion with Janice Selbie

We talk with Janice Selbie, a former fundamentalist Evangelical Christian of over 40 years and now a counsellor and specialist in the area of religious trauma. Janice shares her own story and the work she does with others in helping heal the pain caused by religious trauma. This is the first of a two-part episode we did with Janice. You can find part two on Janice's The Divorcing Religion Podcast. In this episode, Janice referenced Steven Hassan's BITE Model of Authoritarian Control. You can connect with Janice via these links: Religious Trauma Syndrome Therapy | DivorcingReligion The Divorcing Religion Podcast Conference on Religious Trauma (CORT) Janice on YouTube Janice on Instagram -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

090 - Qanon and On with Van Badham

Van Badham is an Australian playwright, novelist, journalist and activist who writes regularly for the Guardian. In this episode we speak with Van about her 2021 book QAnon and On: A Short and Shocking History of Internet Conspiracy Cults in which she investigates who is behind the internet cult and how it often intertwines with the world of Evangelical/Fundamentalist Christianity. She also tells about her year 'undercover' at Hillsong in Sydney. Van's links: Van Badham - Wikipedia QAnon and On QAnon | The Guardian The prosperity doctrine and neoliberal Jesusing | The Guardian -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

091 - Sin Bravely with Maggie Rowe

Maggie Rowe is an author, writer, director, & producer. Her memoir, Sin Bravely: A Memoir of Spiritual Disobedience , was named to NPR's Best Books of 2017.In this episode, we speak to Maggie about her childhood where she describes being tormented by the fear of Hell and not being truly saved. At 19 years old she admitted herself to an 'evangelical psychiatric institution' where she found an unlikely ally who encouraged her to break free of the fears that held her back, and to go forth and 'sin bravely'. Maggie's links: Maggie Rowe's website Sin Bravely: A Memoir of Spiritual Disobedience Easy Street: A Story of Redemption from Myself If this episode raised issues or concerns for you or someone near to you, please contact Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

092 - Hitchhiking with Drunken Nuns with Emily John Garces

Emily John Garcs is an artist, poet, ex-missionary with YWAM, all-round creative enthusiast, and author of the memoir, Hitchhiking with Drunken Nuns. In this final episode of Season 4, we speak with Emily about her life as a YWAM missionary in Argentina and the Netherlands, and her unique perspective on the world we share. Despite her fundamentalist past, Emily has a positive view of the world and describes her use of art as a way of 'bridging what cannot be seen with the visible world'. Emily's links: Emily on Facebook Hitchhiking with Drunken Nuns The Quiet Woman -- Transcript of the episode is here. Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

093 -What About Season 5?

We're back for Season 5! In this episode we review the highlights of Season 4, let you know about the changes we've made and where the podcast is heading in 2024. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

094 - What About Certainty? with Bernard Warnick

In this episode, we talk with writer Bernard Warnick about humanity's obsession with certainty and ask, is certainty attainable? Bernard spent nineteen years as a judge of the trial division and later the Appeal Division of the Family Court of Australia before retiring from the bench in 2010. He developed a deep interest in the reasoning process and researched the works of neurobiologists, cognitive scientists, philosophers, linguists and other thinkers for ten years, culminating in his book, Illusions of Certainty | thoughts about thinking. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

095 - What About Progressive Islam? with Ani Zonneveld

We talk with Ani Zonneveld about Progressive Islam and the life she lives as a Progressive Muslim. Ani is a writer, singer/songwriter, and founder & President of Muslims for Progressive Values , an international human rights organization that advocates for social justice and equality for all, a strong supporter of freedom of expression and of conscience, womens rights and as an ally, LGBTQ rights. -- Deconversion Therapy Podcast --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

096 - What About Near-Death Experiences? with Dr Eben Alexander

In this episode, we talk with Dr Eben Alexander, an American neurosurgeon and author. In 2008, he suffered a coma caused by a rare and mysterious bacterial meningo-encephalitis of unknown causes. We talk with him about his own near-death experience and his book, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife. Dr Alexander's links: Eben Alexander Division of Perceptual Studies - University of Virginia School of Medicine Home - Scientific and Medical Network Home - The Galileo Commission Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies Inner Sanctum Center Sacred Acoustics After our recording, we came upon three articles in particular that make some serious allegations against Dr Alexander. One is from Esquire Magazine and another from writer, Sam Harris. These were both quite hostile. The third is from the Harvard Crimson , and while it is certainly not hostile, it does echo many of the allegations made in the Esquire article. Dr. Eben Alexander Proof of Heaven Investigation (esquire.com) This Must be Heaven by Sam Harris To Do No Harm | The Harvard Crimson (thecrimson.com) We contacted Dr Alexander about these articles and the allegations they make, and his assistant replied with the following links: First, Robert Mays, an NDE researcher and longtime leader of IANDS.org, wrote a thorough article criticizing the journalism of Esquire's author: JNDS_ Winter 2016 2PP.indd (unt.edu) A peer-reviewed article published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (flagship journal for physicians in neurology & psychology), by Bruce Greyson et al. It is about Eben's personal case, from the standpoint of a lifelong NDE researcher and colleagues: nmd50598 744..747 (virginia.edu) and more about the professors in the department, so you know their calibre of work and background: Faculty and Staff - Division of Perceptual Studies (virginia.edu) A reply from Eben during another interview, re: Sam Harris' allegations: Eben Alexander answers skeptics' criticisms (iands.org) A valuable set of essays about consciousness, several of which cite Eben's case study in their work: Essay Contest - Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies. Start with the winning entry by Jeff Mishlove and then peruse other topics. -- Deconversion Therapy Podcast --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

097 - What about Progressive Christianity? with Tim Costello

Tim Costello is an Australian social justice advocate, community leader, and a prominent figure in the Christian faith, albeit a progressive form. He is known in Australia for his public commentary on political and ethical matters, often offering a perspective informed by his Christian faith and commitment to social justice. In this episode we talk to Tim about his commitment to his faith, and what that looks like now, having left fundamentalism decades ago. Tim's links: Tim Costello - Wikipedia Tim Costello/ X (twitter.com) --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

098 - What About Progressive Judaism? with Michel Laloum

In this episode, we explore Progressive/Reformed Judaism with Michel Laloum, Cantor at Temple Beth Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia. He was ordained as a Cantor at the Progressive Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion and completed Rabbinic studies at the Academy for Jewish Religion, Jewish Theological Seminary and New York University. Temple Beth Israel Melbourne World Union for Progressive Judaism --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

099 - What about Secular Buddhism? with Ted Meissner

If there's one religious sounding label that Troy is willing to wear, it's ' Buddhist '. In this episode we speak with Ted Meissner, the Executive Director of the Secular Buddhist Association, and the host of The Secular Buddhist Podcast. Ted explains Secular Buddhism and how it contrasts with the more traditional forms of Buddhism. Ted's links: Secular Buddhist Association The Secular Buddhist Podcast The Mindfulness Network Mindfulness-based stress reduction - Wikipedia --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

100 - Life After Church with Brian & Troy (Our Stories Part 32)

Here it is! The 100th episode! Brian and Troy continue with their own deconstruction stories and share what life was like after having left church...and Jesus. Did they completely fall apart? Did they return to their sin like a dog to its vomit? Tune in and find out. Links: So long, and thanks for all the guilt! (Troy's deconversion blog) Internet Infidels a drop of reason in a pool of confusion Religion for Atheists: A non-believer's guide to the uses of religion --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

100 - What About Life After Church? with Brian & Troy (Our Stories Part 32)

Here it is! The 100th episode! Brian and Troy continue with their own deconstruction stories and share what life was like after having left church...and Jesus. Did they completely fall apart? Did they return to their sin like a dog to its vomit? Tune in and find out. Links: So long, and thanks for all the guilt! (Troy's deconversion blog) Internet Infidels » a drop of reason in a pool of confusion Religion for Atheists: A non-believer's guide to the uses of religion Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Transcript of this episode is here. Podcast links : https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

101 - God of the Mind with Rob Haskell

Rob Haskell was born to missionary parents, spending his childhood in Argentina. He later attended Bible College and seminary before reevaluating his beliefs and embracing critical thinking over religious orthodoxy in 2015. We speak with Rob about his new book, God of the Mind: an eXvangelical Journey , a personal exploration of the intellectual incoherencies of evangelical Christianity, the psychological pressures that keep the faithful in the fold, and the price that honest seekers must pay in order to maintain its tenets. Links: Rob Haskell's website God of the Mind: An eXvangelical Journey : Amazon.com.au --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

101 - What About God of the Mind? with Rob Haskell

Rob Haskell was born to missionary parents, spending his childhood in Argentina. He later attended Bible College and seminary before reevaluating his beliefs and embracing critical thinking over religious orthodoxy in 2015. We speak with Rob about his new book, God of the Mind: an eXvangelical Journey , a personal exploration of the intellectual incoherencies of evangelical Christianity, the psychological pressures that keep the faithful in the fold, and the price that honest seekers must pay in order to maintain its tenets. Links: Rob Haskell's website God of the Mind: An eXvangelical Journey : Amazon.com.au Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Transcript of this episode is here. Podcast links : https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

102 - Community After Leaving Church with Bart Campolo & John Wright

We talk with the hosts and producers of the Humanize Me podcast , Bart Campolo and John Wright, about leaving fundamentalist communities behind and whether it is possible to find new communities afterwards. Bart Campolo is an American humanist speaker, writer, former pastor, and son of Tony Campolo, the well-known Christian pastor and speaker. John Wright is a documentary filmmaker, freelance cinematographer, and media content producer whose work includes documentaries on various subjects, including the story of Bart's departure from the Christian faith. Links: Humanize Me Bart Campolo John Wright Jux Media Bart's first appearance on IWATF --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

102 - What About Community After Church? with Bart Campolo & John Wright

We talk with the hosts and producers of the Humanize Me podcast , Bart Campolo and John Wright, about leaving fundamentalist communities behind and whether it is possible to find new communities afterwards. Bart Campolo is an American humanist speaker, writer, former pastor, and son of Tony Campolo, the well-known Christian pastor and speaker. John Wright is a documentary filmmaker, freelance cinematographer, and media content producer whose work includes documentaries on various subjects, including the story of Bart's departure from the Christian faith. Links: Humanize Me Bart Campolo John Wright – Jux Media Bart's first appearance on IWATF Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Transcript of this episode is here. Podcast links : https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

103 - Death with Zenith Virago

We talk with Zenith Virago, a highly respected celebrant, educator, public speaker and author and self-proclaimed Deathwalker. She is the founder of the Natural Death Care Centre and was named Byron Bay's Citizen of the Year in 2021 in recognition of her important work. Links: Zenith Virago, Deathwalker Training Natural Death Care Centre Zenith on TEDx --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

103 - What About Death? with Zenith Virago

We talk with Zenith Virago, a highly respected celebrant, educator, public speaker and author and self-proclaimed Deathwalker. She is the founder of the Natural Death Care Centre and was named Byron Bay's Citizen of the Year in 2021 in recognition of her important work. Links: Zenith Virago, Deathwalker Training Natural Death Care Centre Zenith on TEDx Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Transcript of this episode is here. Podcast links : https://linktr.ee/iwatf Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help. Please visit: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

104 - Troy Loses His Faith (Our Stories Part 33)

Troy chronicles the events immediately leading up to and after he lost his faith in Jesus. He describes the factors that influenced his decision and how it felt to be finally free of the mental gymnastics he needed to apply to remain a Christian. Links: So long, and thanks for all the guilt! (Troy's deconversion blog) Internet Infidels a drop of reason in a pool of confusion --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

105 - Leaving Christian Friends and Family Behind (Our Stories Part 34)

When you leave church and/or the faith, what do you do about those who choose to stay? How do you navigate, maintain or even grieve those you leave behind? Troy and Brian share their own stories and give some advice on this very tricky part of deconstructing. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

106 - Navigating 'the Gray' with Sharon and Tracey from the Feet of Clay Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Tracey and Sharon from the podcast, Feet of ClayConfessions of the Cult Sisters. We talk about the black and white thinking of fundamentalism and how to leave it behind and embrace 'the grays' and nuances that pervade most of what life throws our way. Links: Feet of ClayConfessions of the Cult Sisters Tracey & Sharon on Instagram --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

107 - Let's Go Back to Great Big AOG Part 1

It's been nearly 30 years since our last visit to Great Big AOG, and in this episode, we go back for a Sunday service. Join us as we recount the weird and bizarre antics and carry-on of these modern Pentecostals. We also introduce you to Brian's significant other, Michelle, as she joined us on our expedition back into the world of church. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sing in tongues and raise your hands. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

108 - Let's Go Back to Great Big AOG Part 2

Following on from Part 1, we continue our recount of a recent Sunday service at Great Big AOG. We dive into the sermon and challenge the f*ck out of his claims and assertions and ask just how reliable are the supposed miracle stories that the pastor told. Judging by the amount of laughter, this two-parter is easily up there with our most fun episodes so far. Links: Let's go back to Great Big AOG Part 1 Listen to the actual recording of the sermon we sat through and recount for you - Ps Dave Harvey |Originally recorded on Sunday, 21st July 2024 | 11:30AM Heaven Bent Podcast Season 2 is about Bethel Church --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

109 - F*ck the Patriarchy! with Cait West

Cait West is a survivor of the Christian patriarchy movement and advocate for survivors of spiritual abuse. In this episode, we talk about her experiences and her book, Rift: A memoir of breaking away from the Christian Patriarchy. She shares her story of hope for those who want to break free from high control environments. Links Cait West's website Tears of Eden: Supporting survivors of Spiritual Abuse and Religious Trauma Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy : Amazon.com Survivors Discuss Podcast Monthly Panel Discussions About Surviving Toxic & High Control Religion --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

110 - You can take the girl outta fundamentalism...with Dr Laura Anderson

Dr. Laura Anderson is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach, religious trauma consultant, speaker, author, and educator. We talk with her about how when we leave fundamentalism, fundamentalism doesn't necessarily leave us, and its toxicity seems to manifest in other ways. Laura's links: Laura Anderson | Religious Trauma Expert When Religion Hurts You (book) Dr. Laura Anderson on Instagram --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Neurodivergence In and Out of Church with D.L. & Krispin Mayfield Part 1

On the back of Troy's recent ADHD diagnosis, we talk about neurodivergence with podcast faves Danielle (D.L.) & Krispin Mayfield. Danielle's tells of their own Autism diagnosis and Troy opens up about how ADHD impacted him in the Church and now that he's deconstructed. The Mayfield's also talk about their latest project, Strongwilled. Krispin's website D.L.'s website STRONGWILLED (substack.com) STRONGWILLED (the podcast) --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Neurodivergence In and Out of Church with D.L. & Krispin Mayfield Part 2

Following on from Part 1 , we continue our chat about neurodivergence with podcast faves Danielle (D.L.) & Krispin Mayfield. Krispin's website D.L.'s website STRONGWILLED (substack.com) STRONGWILLED (the podcast) --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

113 - Armageddon Isnt Coming with Bart Ehrman (repeat)

In preparation for our upcoming episode on the failed second coming of Jesus, we decided to replay this interview with one of our Exvangelical heroes, Bart Ehrman. If you haven't yet heard this interview then you're in for a treat, and if you have heard it before, we know you'll love it all over again. Dr Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An expert on the New Testament and the history of Early Christianity, he has written or edited thirty books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews. Six of his books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list. Brian and Troy talk to Bart about his own teenage fundamentalism and his upcoming book, Armageddon: What the Bible really says about the end. In this conversation, Bart delves into the most misunderstoodand possibly the most dangerousbook of the Bible, Revelation. You can connect with Bart via his blog: The Bart Ehrman Blog , his website: Bart D. Ehrman , and his podcast: Misquoting Jesus. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

114 - Some Standing Here Shall Not Taste Death - The Failed Return of Jesus

Did Jesus predict his own return in the lifetime of his disciples and first century Christians and get it wrong? Was he simply one of many failed first-century Jewish apocalyptic preachers? Did Paul and other writers of the New Testament share Jesus' view and get it wrong too? In this episode, Troy and Brian unpack some of the reasons why many scholars, progressive Christians, Exvangelicals and Atheists give a resounding, 'Yes!' to these questions. Links 'The Lowdown on God's Showdown' by Edward Babinski The article serves as the foundation for this episode and is the same one that Troy read, which persuaded him that Jesus would not return. Episode 113 - Armageddon Isn't Coming with Bart Ehrman Bart gives his scholarly perspectives on the Book of Revelation and the early Church's beliefs about the imminent return of Jesus. Episode 3 - It's the End of the World as We Know it In one of our earliest episodes, we talked about how we were peddled the end-time message from the very start of our time as fundamentalists. Episode 35 - F**cked Over at Country Town AOG Troy has his 'fridge revelation' that Jesus may not be coming so soon after all. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

115 - Star-Spangled Jesus with April Ajoy

We're excited to welcome April Ajoy back to our show. April is an influencer, content-creator, podcaster, and all-around troublemaker for the Christian right. She grew up in the heart of American Evangelicalism as an Evangelists kid and she is insightful and astute at illuminating the ways Christian Nationalism has infiltrated churches and political arenas, shaping not only modern Evangelical culture but also American public policy and international relations. Her new book is called Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism & Finding a True Faith. Links April's first appearance on our show April on Instagram April's book --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

116 - From Loss to Purpose with Desiree Richter

We think you'll really connect with this episode. In 2000, Desiree Richter's two-year-old son Elijah died in a tragic domestic accident. The world as she knew it was dismantled along with her understanding of her place in it, leaving her to figure out how to parent her remaining children and how the fundamentalist Christian faith she'd practiced all her life fit into her new reality. We talk with Desi about her Fundamentalist upbringing, the death of her son, leaving the faith, and rediscovering purpose after so much loss. Links The Presence of Absence: Kitchen table talks about parenting, leaving fundamentalism, and the very messy business of living with loss Desi on Facebook Desi on Instagram --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

117 - The Season 5 Finale with Brian & Troy

We'd love you to tune in as we say goodbye to 2024 and look forward to 2025. We look back on some of our best episodes of 2024, and even a couple of our worst. We'll definitely be back later in 2025, so see you then! --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

118 - Revisiting Our Conversion Stories

Kicking off the first episode of 2025, Troy and Brian revisit their conversion stories...after four years of Exvangelical podcasting. They explore their early lives, the vulnerabilities that led them to embrace fundamentalist Christianity, and the roles of community and belonging in their experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of identity, and the emotional manipulation often present in Christian environments. They reflect on the long-term effects of their conversions, emphasising the importance of vulnerability and belonging at the very beginning of their Christian journeys. Links Brian's first conversion story episode is here. Troy's first conversion story episode is here. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S03E49 - Philip Yancey was a Teenage Fundamentalist (2025 hiatus repeat)

In Season 3, we were thrilled when Evangelical author, Philip Yancey agreed to be a guest on the podcast and talk about his memoir, Where the Light Fell, which chronicles his time growing up fundamentalist. We also talked with Philip about how his books impacted us as we journeyed out of fundamentalism into more moderate versions of Christianity in the late-90s. You can find Philip's book here. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

119 - Called a Witch & Kicked Out! with Cath McKinney

Dr. Cath McKinney is the Professional Supervision Program Director at the University of Divinity in Australia. Her background includes extensive experience as a group relations consultant, a prison chaplain and inner-city minister. In this episode, Cath shares her journey from a complex religious upbringing to her experiences in church leadership, motherhood, and academia. She discusses the challenges her expulsion from a church community aligned with the God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club due to her advocacy for inclusivity. Through her experiences, she highlights the need for compassion and understanding in the face of religious trauma and the ongoing struggle for social justice within faith communities. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S03E50 - Reflections on our Philip Yancey Interview (2025 hiatus repeat)

Our conversation with Philip Yancey in the last episode was such a head-f*ck, we felt we needed to reflect on the conversation and what it brought up for us. What do Exvangelicals do about Evangelicals who are really good people? You may not agree with the conclusions we reached, but hopefully you resonate with our struggles and honesty. If you missed it, our interview with Philip Yancey is here. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

120 - Apostate with Sarah Bacaller

In this episode, Troy and Brian engage with Sarah Bacaller, editor of the book, ' Apostate: Stories of Deconversion '. They explore Sarah's background in fundamentalism, her academic pursuits in philosophy, and her reflections on the ethical implications of church authority. The discussion delves into personal narratives of deconversion, the impact of evangelical theology on mental health, and the importance of critical thinking in faith contexts. Sarah shares her complex relationship with faith, shaped by her upbringing in a minister's family and the trauma associated with it. She reflects on her journey through academia, transitioning to a secular environment, and the motivations behind her book 'Apostate,' which collects diverse stories of deconversion. Links Sarah Bacaller's website Apostate: Stories of Deconversion - Apocryphile Press --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S02E26 - God Told Me to Marry You (2025 hiatus repeat)

One of the reasons we created the pod was to tell our own stories. In this episode from Season 2, we remember dating and marriage within Christian fundamentalism, how it was rarely egalitarian, over-spiritualised, and that it was usually monitored or even controlled by pastors and leaders. ? Warning : This episode touches on issues concerning rape and domestic violence. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to Rape and Domestic Violence Services or Lifeline on 13 11 14. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

121 - Gutsy Girls with Josie McSkimming

In this episode, Troy and Brian welcome Josie McSkimming, and discuss her new memoir, 'Gutsy Girls: Love, Poetry and Sisterhood.' The conversation delves into Josie's experiences growing up in a volatile family environment, her journey through fundamentalism, and the influence of her sister, renowned poet Dorothy Porter. They explore themes of resistance, creativity, and the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in the context of trauma and fundamentalist Christianity. Josie shares insights on the importance of self-acceptance and offers advice for women navigating their own paths after leaving fundamentalist backgrounds. Links: Gutsy Girls | UQP Gutsy Girls | Amazon Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity Josie McSkimming | Sydney Eastern Suburbs Counselling Services Josie on Ep 25 of this podcast in 2021 Josie on a Patreon Live call in 2023 The Fiery Maze - Album by Tim Finn | Spotify --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S03E43- Frank Schaeffer is an Atheist Who Believes in God (2025 hiatus repeat)

In Season 3, we talked with Frank Schaeffer, author and son of the late theologian and Evangelical author, Francis Schaeffer. While Frank was once a teenage fundamentalist, he told us he describes himself as an atheist who believes in God. Frank told his back story and how he went from a founding member of the Religious Right to one of its harshest critics. Part two of this interview is here. You can access Frank's website here and his podcast here. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. We'll be back with new episodes later this year!? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

122 - The Continuing Story of Jonas James

In this episode, Troy welcomes Ryan James, and together they tell the story of his brother Jonas James and his struggles with identity, music, drugs and Christianity. They explore the complexities of family dynamics, childhood trauma, and the impact of mental health on Jonas' journey. The conversation explores a complex individual who navigated various phases of spirituality, community, and personal struggles. Ultimately, it reflects on Jonas, his journey, the lessons learned, and the legacy he almost left behind. Links: Jonas James on YouTube Photos of Jonas --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S02E21 - Christian Contemporary Music (2025 hiatus repeat)

In 2021, we kicked-off Season 2 by remembering our favourite CCM artists and a few songs. We invite you to sing and clap along at home. Links Living in Laodicea by Steve Camp Asleep in the Light by Keith Green Creed by Petra Maranooka by In the Silence As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

123 - Shame Sex Attraction with Dr Luke Wilson

We engage in a deep conversation with Luke Wilson, a Canadian scholar, about his experiences growing up in a fundamentalist environment and the impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ individuals. Luke shares his journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to confronting his sexuality, his time at Liberty University, and the harrowing experiences of conversion therapy. The discussion highlights the psychological and emotional toll of these practices, the importance of community support, and the need for awareness and advocacy against conversion therapy. Luke's book, 'Shame Sex Attraction: Survivor Stories of Conversion Therapy,' serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of survivors and the continuing but urgent need for change in church attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Where to get Shame-Sex Attraction In Australia In the U.S. In the U.K. Luke on social media: Instagram:@lukeslamdunkwilson Threads:@lukeslamdunkwilson Bluesky:@lukeslamdunkwilson.bsky.social Twitter/X:@wilson_fw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-wilson-2a0753b1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luke.wilson.96 List of Books/Resources Brandan Robertson's Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table Matthew Vines' God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships Justin Lee's Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate Links: Takeaways Luke was raised in a Fellowship Evangelical Baptist environment. He became involved in the church during high school. His family had a mix of religious beliefs, influencing his journey. Luke's youth group experience was shaped by his desire for acceptance. He felt pressure to conform to religious expectations regarding his sexuality. Luke attended Liberty University, a prominent evangelical institution. He was heavily involved in campus activities and leadership roles. The church provided a way for Luke to mask his sexuality. He reflects on the challenges of reconciling faith and identity. Luke's academic work focuses on the harms of conversion therapy. Luke studied English, French, and history at Liberty University. Liberty University is heavily involved in conservative politics. Conversion therapy is framed as pastoral counseling at Liberty. Luke's plan was to pray the gay away through conversion therapy. He felt he had one foot in and one foot out of the church. Luke experienced a flirty advance from his spiritual life director. He wrote poetry to cope with his feelings of shame. Conversion therapy aimed to change sexual orientation and gender identity. The aftermath of conversion therapy led to self-hatred and shame. Deprogramming from conversion therapy takes significant mental energy. Showering became a sign of anxiety for many in conversion therapy. Shame is a common consequence of conversion therapy experiences. There are diverse yet unifying factors in conversion therapy stories. Some stories from conversion therapy are shocking and visceral. Conversion practices are often motivated by genocidal intentions. The impact of conversion therapy extends to identity and community. Community support is crucial for those affected by conversion therapy. The book aims to affirm survivors and raise awareness about conversion practices. Intervening against conversion therapy involves unconditional love and support. Finding community as ex-Christians can be a healing process. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S03E58 - Do I Stay Christian? with Brian McLaren (2025 hiatus repeat)

In Season 3 we were lucky enough to get to interview one of the poster boys for progressive Christianity, Brian McLaren. He was a Charismatic Evangelical pastor for twenty-four years and is now a progressive author, activist, public theologian. In this episode, we talked with Brian about his book, Do I Stay Christian? which gives reasons why people should stay but also why people should leave. You'll really enjoy this interview regardless of how you now define your spirituality (or lack thereof). You can find Brian's book here. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

124 - Amy Semple McPherson, the First Evangelical Megastar with Claire Hoffman

Troy and Brian chat with journalist and author Claire Hoffman about her book Sister Sinner , which explores the life and mysterious disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering figure in American evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. The discussion covers Claire's own upbringing in a transcendental meditation community and then explores the complexities of McPherson's life, her scandalous disappearance, and the impact of fame on religious figures. The conversation also reflects on the nature of celebrity, the challenges of historical narratives in religion, and the importance of embracing the complexities of human experience. Links: Claire Hoffman Author & Journalist Sister, Sinner Greetings from Utopia Park Takeaways Claire Hoffman grew up in a transcendental meditation community. Amy Semple McPherson was a pioneer of modern evangelicalism. The scandal surrounding McPherson's disappearance was unprecedented. McPherson's life reflects the complexities of fame and faith. The podcast discusses the importance of historical narratives in religion. Outrage against public figures often overshadows their contributions. Celebrity culture in religion has deep historical roots. Hoffman's book aims to present a balanced view of McPherson's life. The conversation highlights the role of community in shaping religious leaders. Hoffman is working on a novel about a yoga sex cult. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S02E31 - Missionary, Not Just a Position with Anji Barker (2025 hiatus repeat)

This Season 2 interview was with another one of those people who still wear the 'Christian' label but who we can't bring ourselves to dislike. Anji Barker has 30 years' experience in neighbourhood-based community work in poor urban communities in Australia, Thailand and the UK. In this episode, she shares her own story of leaving fundamentalism and why she's happy to still call herself a 'follower of Jesus'. You can connect with Anji at https://newbigintrust.uk/ and find her book, Missionary Not Just A Position on Amazon. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

125 - Let's Go to Hillsong!

In this episode, we visit Hillsong's mothership in Baulkham Hills so you don't have to! We unpack the atmosphere, the music, the offering, the supposed miracles, the sermon and the continued exploitation of volunteers. Join us as we reflect on the evolving, yet somehow still familiar landscape of the 'new' Hillsong and its diminishing impact on those of us who have left the faith. Key takeaways: Atmosphere and Scale: Hillsong's grand scale and corporate feel can be both impressive and overwhelming, reflecting its status as a mega church. Volunteer Involvement: The church relies heavily on volunteers, highlighting the importance of community involvement in its operations. Sermon Analysis: Pastor Robert Ferguson's sermon emphasized movement and miracles, but raised questions about interpretation and relevance for exvangelicals. Cultural Diversity: The diverse congregation at Hillsong showcases the church's broad appeal and the changing demographics of modern Christianity. Community Connection: Despite the large scale, the sense of community and belonging remains a strong draw for attendees. Comparative Reflections: The visit prompted reflections on past church experiences and the evolution of evangelical practices. Emotional Responses: The service evoked a range of emotions, from nostalgia to skepticism, among those familiar with evangelical culture. Impact on Exvangelicals: The experience highlighted the ongoing influence of mega churches and their role in the faith journeys of those who have left. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S03E62 - Gay at Great Big AOG with Andrew (2025 hiatus repeat)

We think this Season 3 episode is one of our best. We caught up with Andrew, a fellow traveller from our time at Great Big AOG. Andrew recounts his struggles being deep in the closet at church and how he later came to accept his sexuality and then live openly as a gay man.? Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and suicide. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online or Lifeline on 13 11 14. ABBI serves individuals, churches, denominations, leaders and religious organizations in a respectful and non-confrontational way along their journey to understand LGBTI people, their community, and relationships. Their website is here. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S0484- God is a Narcissist with Catherine Quiring (2025 hiatus repeat)

In this Season 4 episode, we talked with Catherine Quiring, who described herself as a reformed people-pleaser, Exvangelical and an aspiring advocate for anti-oppressive spirituality. She is a licensed Mental Health Counsellor, and Self-Trust Coach. Catherine told us why she believes the Evangelical god is a narcissist and that the symptoms experienced by those who have experienced covert narcissistic abuse are extremely similar to those experienced in high-control religious settings. You can connect with Catherine via: Her website: www.cqcounseling.com Instagram: @catherinequiring Facebook: @cqcounseling The book she referenced in this episode was Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment : Heimlich, Janet As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? We'll be back with new episodes in April 2025! --- Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S04E71 - Fear of Hell (2025 hiatus repeat)

We came out of the gate swinging for this first episode of Season 4, and unpacked some of the most problematic and ridiculous aspects of the doctrine of eternal torment, aka Hell. We also gave some suggestions on how to overcome the fear of Hell. The resources suggested in this episode are: Christian That All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation : Hart, David Bentley Grace Saves All: Christianity and Universal Salvation Podcast Love Wins: At the Heart of Life?s Big Questions ?: Bell, Rob Post-Christian Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife : Ehrman, Bart D Bart Ehrman on the Humanize Me Podcast Am I Going to Hell? : Bart Ehrman As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series , we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.? ? --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

128 - I Blew the Whistle on my Dad?s Church with Kit Kennedy (2025 hiatus repeat)

In 2023, we talked with Clare Heath-McIvor, an exvangelical blogger and podcaster who has been operating under the pseudonym 'Kit Kennedy' since a dramatic and shunning-esque exit from her pastor father's church in 2016. In 2022, she and her ex-husband (a gay conversion therapy survivor) became whistleblowers for a 60 Minutes Australia political and religious expose on her father's City Builders Church and its tactics in Australian conservative politics.? Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and suicide. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online at www.1800respect.org.au/ or Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can connect with Clare at www.unchurchablepodcast.com. If you want to explore her whistleblowing story, then see the links below: 60 Minutes Australia - Praying For Power: Caring church or crazy cult The Age Newspaper #1 - Liberal Party Candidate Agent for Ultra-Conservative Church, Family Says #2 - Speaking in Tongues, Exorcisms and Control: Life in City Builders #3 - Inside City Builders, the Pentecostal Sect with Lofty Political Goals #4 - Ultra-Conservative Candidate won?t sit in the party room if elected #5 - Shame on you: Liberal Party figure caught using fake 007 pics and fake identity for dirty tricks As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S01E01 - Brians Christian Conversion Story (2025 hiatus repeat)

Let's go right back to the beginning. In Season 1 Episode 1, Brian recounted his conversion story. "No bibles, no preaching, no god-bothering!" These were the conditions he put upon his two brothers, who had recently converted to Pentecostal Christianity, if he were to visit them while on holidays. What happened next would change the course of his life and still continues to impact who he is today. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

S01E02 - Troys Christian Conversion Story (2025 hiatus repeat)

In our second episode back in 2021, troy talked a little about his pre-conversion home life and his experience of two Christian camps. It was at the second camp where he found himself speaking in tongues and started to wear the label, 'born-again'. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying our best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. --- We're now on video on YouTube here. Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here. Our blog is here. Join the conversation and connect with others here. The transcript of this episode is here. All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

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