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“Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult” is a limited podcast by Andrew Pledger. The show is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the fundamentalist Christian college BJU, which is located in Greenville, SC. The series covers the history of BJU, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors experiences. This limited series also features cult experts who offer their opinions on the university. Listen to more stories from BJU on my bi-weekly podcast "Be ...
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On the Emmis

On The Emmis Podcast

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Cults and cult-like organizations are front and center in society today—as they should be. We are becoming more aware of the insidious abuse perpetrated by programs that are supposed to help young people in the Troubled Teen Industry. Combining true crime, cult recovery, and a lot of dry, dark humor, the On the Emmis podcast unpacks and unveils the inner workings of Enthusiastic Sobriety Programs created by Bob Meehan and other high control groups. We'll have bi-monthly episodes that dive de ...
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Inequality is everywhere. This exvangelical podcast explores areas of religion, culture, and society where justice is needed in order to bring about true mutuality. Full Mutuality is a Dauntless Media Collective podcast. Visit dauntless.fm for more. Join as a partner on Patreon for exclusive content!
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Maggie Harrigan, host of the podcast Hello Deconstructionists and creator behind the Instagram account of the same name joins Nate and Gail for a fun conversation about healing from religious trauma, deconstruction, and the power of storytelling in building community after leaving evangelicalism. TRIGGER WARNING: there are a ton of references to co…
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To wrap up AAPI History Month, friend of the show Scott Okamoto joins Gail and Nate to share about his family's history during the years that Japanese Americans were incarcerated in concentration camps in the western part of the US and Canada. Also, as one of the hosts of the podcast Asians in Baseball, Scott needed to be tested on his knowledge of…
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Listen to 'Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Other Platforms Join Andrew Pledger as he exposes Bob Jones University's dark history and teachings while amplifying other survivors’ stories. BJU is a fundamentalist college with its roots in white supremacy and is known for its culture of indoctrination, conformity, a…
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Professor of Law Kimberly Mutcherson joins Gail and Nate to discuss the history of abortion access in the US, the current landscape of women's healthcare, and the need for reproductive justice in the pro-choice conversation. Professor Mutcherson was the former co-host of the Anthem-Award-winning podcast—The Power of Attorney—which is produced by Ru…
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Happy Valentine's Day! On today's episode, Gail and Nate talk about what happens when you love everyone and everything else more than God. Oh, and be sure to check out the Content Warning event taking place in Portland this weekend! Tickets are available at contentwarningevent.com. If you're looking for support for religious trauma survivors, check…
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In the third part of our miniseries, "My Cult Was in a Documentary," Eric Skwarczynski joins the show to talk about his work investigating the Independent Fundamental Baptists and about the Max/Investigation Discovery docuseries Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals. Eric's Links: Instagram | @preacherboysdoc Preacher Boys podcast | website Film Scho…
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Dr. Camille Lewis joins Gail and Nate to share her story of growing up in the IFB, her life at Bob Jones University, the controversies that forced her to leave, and her ongoing work analyzing and reporting on BJU and the larger world of fundamentalism. Read Dr. Lewis' story of leaving BJU here. Follow Dr. Lewis' ongoing reporting and analysis of BJ…
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Our good friend Jessica Goforth joins us to talk about her reactions to the Amazon Prime series Shiny Happy People, which exposes some of the abuses in the Christian cult known as IBLP or ATI. Jessica is the host of the podcast Leaving the Village, where she shares her own story of surviving IBLP and interviews others who have also escaped the cult…
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Nate and Gail return for an update on life. We discuss weddings (especially the problems with evangelical ones), current events, Palestine and Israel (briefly), meeting people you've made friends with online, building new community after leaving toxic spaces, how to not fall into previous traps that people often take out of evangelicalism into thei…
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Listen to more survivor's stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. Join Andrew Pledger as he speaks with survivors who have endured harm at Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist college known for its strict regulations and emphasis on indoctrination, conformity, and control. The influence of BJU extends far beyond i…
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More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. - Contact me on social media here: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the impact of fundamentalism on society as a whole, shining a light on the negative consequences that arise from rigid and uncompromising belief s…
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In this episode, I speak with Eric Skwarczynski about Christian's reactions when survivors speak up. Eric hosts the Preacher Boys Podcast, a platform for brave survivors to share their stories of physical, mental, and sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. He comes on the show to share his opinions on common responses he'…
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More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. - In this episode, we will hear from survivors who have found healing and hope after leaving Bob Jones University. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with a controversial history, and our guests will share their personal journeys of overcoming the trauma and abuse …
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I created a summary of my analysis of BJU from the previous episode and I sent it to two cult experts. The cult experts are Rachel Bernstein LMFT and Daniella Mestyanek Young. Rachel Bernstein, therapist, and renowned cult expert shares her insights on Bob Jones University. She is the host of the “IndoctriNation” podcast which covers cults, manipul…
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Listen to the full episode on my Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger In this Patreon bonus episode, I dig into the untold story of the infamous BJU fashion show controversy. "The Bob Jones University fashion controversy, also known as “Wrap-Coat-Gate,” arose when trustees and administrators at Bob Jones University grew alarmed over …
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Listen to the full episode on my Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger In this Patreon episode, I share my story of attending Bob Jones University. Connect with Andrew Pledger Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, …
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In this captivating episode, we explore Bob Jones University in-depth, examining its characteristics and practices through the lens of cult analysis. Drawing from the renowned works of cult expert Steven Hassan's BITE model and psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton's Criteria for Thought Reform, we unravel the complex dynamics at play within this institut…
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Learn more about BJU on Dr. Camille Lewis's blog WutBJU: https://wutbju.tumblr.com/ - In this episode, we will hear powerful stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome the trauma and abuse they experienced at Bob Jones University. BJU is a controversial fundamentalist Christian college, and this podcast sheds light …
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In this episode, we delve into the experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students at Bob Jones University, an institution with a deeply rooted racist past. Join us as we navigate the complexities of being a minority in an environment that has historically perpetuated discrimination and exclusion. Listen to the personal stori…
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In this episode, an anonymous survivor came forward about their sexual abuse and how it was mishandled at BJU. This person experienced this at BJU many years after the GRACE Report was released to the public. Join the Facebook discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/ Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Con…
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Read the full GRACE Report: http://bjugrace.com/the-grace-investigation-at-bju/the-grace-report-on-bob-jones-university/ In this episode, I read some highlights of the GRACE Report of BJU. The GRACE report is a 301-page report on the mishandling of sex abuse allegations at Bob Jones University. The report shows Bob Jones University responding to ra…
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Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/ In this episode, we look at how women at Bob Jones University, a conservative Christian school, face challenges and limitations due to strict dress codes and patriarchal teachings. We talk about the ways women are pressured, objectified, and criticized for their appear…
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Buy the book BJU and Me: Queer Voices from the World's Most Christian University Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify In this group interview, we hear from two of the queer survivors who share their stories in the book BJU and Me: Queer Voices from the World’s Most Christian University. This book, edited by Lance Weldy, a former quee…
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In this powerful episode, we delve into the lived experiences of queer individuals at Bob Jones University, where being queer is viewed as a sin that requires fixing through counseling. Join us as we shed light on the harmful environment created by the spread of homophobia through hateful sermons and the weaponization of scripture. Through candid i…
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Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify - In this eye-opening episode, we shine a spotlight on the concerning approach to mental health at Bob Jones University, where psychological evidence takes a backseat to spiritual beliefs. Join us as we explore the detrimental impact of this perspective, which often blames and shames students for …
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Rabbi Ariann Weitzman spends some time addressing a few of the common misconceptions Christians have about Jews and educating us about the relationship between the two religions. This insightful conversation is among our favorite episodes, and we hope you find it as helpful and informative as we did! Bnai Keshet Reconstructionist Synagogue Four Com…
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This episode reveals the authoritarian leadership at Bob Jones University. We expose the hidden dynamics of this institution and the struggles of students who face a rigid system of control. We also explore control and daily life as a student at Bob Jones University. We share the stories of former students who reveal the challenges and harms of thi…
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This episode exposes the troubling legacy of Bob Jones University, a Christian college that has faced intense scrutiny for its toxic teachings and harmful rules. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the controversial practices of this institution, shedding light on the experiences of those affected by its ideologies, and its toxic culture…
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Fundamentalism refers to a belief system that upholds a strict interpretation of religious or political ideologies, which are considered fundamental to the faith or cause. Fundamentalism is a mindset or an approach to an ideology and can happen in any social group. This episode will specifically examine the needs that fundamentalist Christianity pr…
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Bob Jones University is a private Christian university located in Greenville, South Carolina. The university has a long and complex history, marked by controversies and legal battles over issues such as racial segregation, academic freedom, sexual abuse claims, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students, and the toxicity of religious fundamentalism. …
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On this episode we are joined by Christopher Peterman, a former student at Bob Jones University who organized the first ever student-run protest at BJU. Chris shares his own story of abuse at BJU and the severe trauma that motivated him to stand up to the administration at the self-proclaimed "Fortress of Faith." Further Reading: "Bob Jones Univers…
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Gail and Nate discuss a bit about the history of Bob Jones University, its influence on the Evangelical world at large, and the odd extremism it's known for. Rick Pidcock joins in to provide some updates on the university and share some thoughts about the possible future of the institution. Sources: Bob Jones University v. United States "The Real O…
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Nothing upsets manly men quite like stepping beyond the gender norms, and stay-at-home dads are a great way to get them all riled up. In this episode, we chat with our friends Rick and Scott, who share some insights into their lives as stay-at-home dads and what it says about their masculinity. Spoiler alert: it says nothing, except that maybe they…
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Janice Lagata returns! Janice and Nate were both members of Hillsong NYC until they left in 2017, and since then their former church has been the subject of numerous exposés and documentaries. The latest, The Secrets of Hillsong by FX and Vanity Fair dives into their disgraced former pastor, Carl Lentz. Though Janice isn't exactly thrilled with how…
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Scott Okamoto is back!!! And this time, he's bringing a book with him. The author of the newly released Asian American Apostate joins Gail and Nate to talk about his own journey that led to this book, his career as a professor at an Evangelical university, and how sorry he feels for English grammar perfectionists. Asian American Apostate: Bookshop.…
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TRIGGER WARNING (Suicide, Abuse) Hello, I’m your host Andrew Pledger and this is "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult." I grew up in fundamentalist Christianity, specifically the Independent Fundamental Baptist cult. I was homeschooled my entire life to be indoctrinated into this environment. I was subjected to psychological, spiritual…
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On our Season 1 finale, Gail and Nate sit down with Angie Kay Hong, writer, worship leader, critical convener, and one of the co-founders of Kinship Commons. Angie discusses the different ways purity culture further targets women of color uniquely to how it targets White women. She also commiserates with Nate on their shared love for the comfort fo…
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On today's episode, Scott Okamoto from the Chapel Probation podcast co-hosts with Nate for a special Asian-American-themed episode. Nate and Scott are joined by Naomi Ko and May Lee-Yang, two of the co-founders of the Funny Asian Woman Kollective (FAWK). Naomi and May share about their work in comedy, their experiences as Asian-American women, and …
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On this episode, Gail and Nate take a look at some of the big news that rocked the Evangelical world the last couple weeks. They also give a peek behind the scenes at what it takes to make the podcast and share some of the history of how the podcast came into existence. --- Follow us on Twitter at @fullmutuality, on Facebook at fb.com/fullmutuality…
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On February 23, 2023, the Asbury "revival services" will reach their climactic conclusion as men like Francis Chan, Rick Warren, and worship leaders from the International House of Prayer descend onto the stage of Hughes Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University in the small rural community of Wilmore, Kentucky. Many are in awe of the seeming s…
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We conclude our roundtable conversation in this episode with the last two points in Steven Hassan's BITE model of authoritarian control and how Evangelicalism fits these descriptions. We also took a little bit of time to address the "He Gets Us" ad campaign that has the Evangelical world simultaneously giddy and furious. As a bonus, we wrap up with…
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In part 2 of our roundtable conversation with Janice Lagata, we begin working our way through Steven Hassan's BITE model of authoritarian control and take a look at how our various experiences in different Evangelical groups fall under the categories listed in the BITE model. Janice: Website | janicelagata.com Instagram | @godhasnotgiven Podcast | …
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Nate and Gail are joined by Dr. Brad Onishi, professor at Skidmore College who teaches and researches Christian nationalism and the history of White Evangelicalism. Brad is one of the hosts of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, a religion and politics show that analyzes the Christian nationalist movement in the United States. Brad's new boo…
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Our good friend Janice Lagata from God Has Not Given joins Gail and Nate for a roundtable conversation discussing the question, "Is Evangelicalism a cult?" In the first part of our conversation, we introduce the topic and touch on Steven Hassan's BITE model of authoritarian control. Links mentioned in the episode: ‘An Evangelical Childhood is a Tot…
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Producer's note: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault by clergy and child sex abuse by clergy. Listener discretion is advised. Former Hillsong Church member and author of the book People in Glass Houses: An Insider's Story of a Life In and Out of Hillsong Tanya Levin sits down with Gail and Nate to talk about her experience at Hillso…
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Musician and Co-Host of the podcast Veterans of Culture Wars Zach Malm joins Gail and Nate to share the story of his involvement at the infamous Mars Hill Church and how he helped to bring it down. The wide-ranging conversation delves into his experience with the disgraced pastor Mark Driscoll and the stories that made up the website We Love Mars H…
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English professor and author Cynthia Vacca Davis joins Gail and Nate to discuss her new book, Intersexion, Her book tells the dual narrative of Danny, an intersex AFAB man who was born and raised in a conservative Christian environment, and Cynthia herself, facing the forfeiture of her dream job thanks to a Christian university's stance on LGBTQIA+…
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Educator and writer Jo Luehmann joins Nate and Gail to discuss her work in deconstructing and decolonizing Christianity. The conversation follows a wide range of topics, from harmful practices of the church to adoption and foster care to abortion and education. Jo: •Website | joluehmann.com •TikTok | @joluehmann •Twitter | @joluehmann •Instagram | …
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Gail and Nate reflect on their first set of episodes, talk about what's in the future for the podcast, and give an update on Dauntless Media Collective. Join the Dauntless Media Collective Discord Server by visiting discord.gg/GxmYTRA2US. For more content from our friends, visit dauntless.fm. To join Full Mutuality as a partner, visit our Patreon p…
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Scott Okamoto, host of the podcast Chapel Probation, joins Nate and Gail to talk about his own faith deconstruction while working as an English professor at the conservative Evangelical school Azusa Pacific University. Scott: •Website: rscottokamoto.com •Podcast: chapelprobation.dauntless.fm •Instagram: @rsokamoto •Twitter: @rsokamoto •Blog Post: "…
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