Épisodes

  • Exposing the Dark Truth Behind Troubled Teen Homes: Survivor's Shocking Stories
    Sep 30 2025

    Welcome back to the UnHolier Podcast! In today's episode, host Jenny Smith interviews a returning guest, 'A', a survivor of the troubled teen home, Shenandoah Haven, in Cleveland, Tennessee. They dive deep into what 'A' has been up to since her first appearance, including connecting with other survivors and gathering eye-opening information about the abuse and corruption at Shenandoah Haven and its associated church. From revelations of misuse of power, sexual abuse, starvation as punishment, and bizarre contractual obligations, this episode uncovers the harrowing realities faced by the teens. They also discuss legal actions, the rebranding tactics of these institutions, and offer advice to both potential parents considering these homes and current/former staff. This episode is a call to action for legal reforms, support for survivors, and holding abusers accountable. #TroubledTeens #SurvivorStories #HumanRights #ChurchAbuse #LegalReforms

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    1 h et 2 min
  • Beyond the Doctrine: Unmasking Religious Trauma with Expert Anne Russo!
    Sep 23 2025

    Are you questioning your faith, or struggling with past wounds from a high-control religious environment?

    In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Anne Russo, a groundbreaking therapist specializing in religious trauma. With her forthcoming book on the topic, Anne shares her personal experiences and her expert insight into the silent epidemic of religious trauma.

    You'll discover:

    • What religious trauma truly is and how it manifests.
    • Practical, actionable advice for navigating your healing journey.
    • The difference between healthy faith and harmful, oppressive doctrines.
    • The path to finding community, support, and freedom beyond the confines of your past.

    Whether you're struggling with a faith transition or simply want to understand this critical topic, Anne's compassionate guidance offers a powerful roadmap to reclaiming your life's joy.

    #ReligiousTrauma #MentalHealth #Deconstruction #FaithTransition #HealingJourney #HighControlGroups #CultSurvivor #Exvangelical #Therapy #AnneRusso #TraumaRecovery #PodcastInterview #FindingFreedom #SpiritualAbuse #TheHealingProcess

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    48 min
  • I Escaped a Cult, and This is What Happened Next
    Sep 9 2025

    ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.


    In this explosive episode of Un Holier Than Thou, Jenny sits down with special co-host David Keck to a hear a story of survival that will leave you speechless. We are honored to welcome Martha, a brave author, trauma coach, and speaker, who shares her harrowing journey of escaping a restrictive and abusive religious cult.


    Martha's story is a testament to human resilience. From a young age, she was subjected to extreme control, psychological manipulation, and shocking physical punishment within the cult compound. She details the chilling tactics used to isolate members, the strict punishments for disobedience, and the impossible choices she faced.


    This isn't just Martha's story; it's a deep dive into the hidden world of cults, a discussion on how they operate, and what happens to survivors when they finally break free. Martha pulls back the curtain on the incredible challenges of re-entering the "real world," the struggle to rebuild her identity, and the long, painful road to healing from deep-seated trauma.


    You'll hear Martha describe:


    • The terrifying reality of life inside the cult compound.


    • The intense psychological control and brutal punishment tactics.


    • The secret escape plan that changed her life forever.


    • Her ongoing struggle with faith and healing after leaving.


    • How she transformed her trauma into a powerful mission to help others.


    Don't miss this powerful, emotional, and ultimately inspiring episode that proves no one has to feel alone in their healing journey.


    https://trauma-x.org/


    https://youtu.be/k_fOjKdtnlc?si=lKWG7ieFm51Nf0_P


    #UnHolierThanThou #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #Cults #ExposingCults #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #OvercomingAdversity #SurvivorStory #AbuseAwareness #DavidKeck #Jenny #Podcast #Interview #RealLifeStory

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    1 h et 5 min
  • From Indoctrination to Freedom: One Pastor's Journey Out of the IFB
    Sep 2 2025

    Have you ever felt trapped by religion? In this raw and unfiltered interview, we sit down with JC Groves, a brave pastor who escaped the clutches of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. From a life of strict religious indoctrination to a powerful spiritual awakening, JC’s story will challenge everything you think you know about faith.

    We'll uncover the secrets of the IFB's legalistic practices, hear breathtaking stories of personal transformation, and reveal the man-made rules often disguised as biblical truth. If you've been hurt by religious control or are questioning your own faith journey, this video is a beacon of hope.

    Join us as JC shares his new mission with the 'Following the Way Podcast,' dedicated to helping you build an authentic relationship with Jesus, free from the burdens of religious tradition.

    Don't just listen—be transformed. Like, share, and subscribe to get your spiritual freedom back!

    #ReligiousTrauma #SpiritualAwakening #IFB #IndependentFundamentalBaptist #Exvangelical #Christianity #Christian #Podcast #FaithJourney #ReligiousFreedom #Jesus #Legalism

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    57 min
  • Season Finale! From Hymns to Headbanging: Breaking Free from Strict Church Rules
    Aug 26 2025

    Ready for a trip down memory lane that's anything but holy? Join Jenny and her special guest Johnna as they spill all the tea on their crazy journey growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church. It's a hilarious look at everything you weren't allowed to do, especially when it came to music.

    Imagine a world with only hymns, strict dress codes, and zero rock and roll. Now picture what happens when two kids break free and discover a whole new universe of sound. From surviving awkward moments at tent revivals (yes, grasshoppers are involved!) to sneaking out for their first rock concert, this episode is a laugh-out-loud tale of rebellion and discovery.

    But it's not all fun and games. Jenny and her guest Johnna get real about navigating the lasting effects of religious trauma and how music became their ultimate escape. If you've ever felt trapped by strict church rules, this is the story you need to hear. It's relatable, liberating, and proves you can find your own rhythm, even after a lifetime of strict rules. #ChurchMusic #ReligiousTrauma #IFB #Exvangelical #Exchristian #RockMusic #MusicJourney #ReligiousFreedom #FaithDeconstruction #Storytime

    Don't miss out on this incredible story of music, freedom, and finding your own way!

    https://www.tiktok.com/@lukesevereid/video/7337046668073782570?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7541462327490381367


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    54 min
  • They Called It ‘Healing’ — She Calls It Hell: A Survivor’s Shocking Story
    Aug 19 2025

    In this powerful and emotional episode of Unholier Than Thou, hosts Susie and Jenny welcome a courageous survivor—A—who is breaking her silence on the horrifying abuse she endured at Shenandoah Haven, one of many institutions in the troubled teen industry.
    A shares her story of being sent away without consent, subjected to emotional, physical, and religious abuse, and ultimately surviving a system that protects predators and punishes the vulnerable. From the "Porn Pastor" to the church's twisted justice system, this episode pulls back the curtain on an industry cloaked in secrecy.
    🛑 This is a must-hear episode for anyone who wants to understand the hidden horrors behind “rehabilitation” programs and why survivors like A are demanding real change.
    👉 Subscribe for more survivor stories
    ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains accounts of abuse, exploitation, and trauma. Please listen with care.
    🔗 #TroubledTeenIndustry #SurvivorStory #AbuseAwareness #LegislativeChange #CommunitySupport #ExposeTheTruth #ReligiousTrauma #ShenandoahHaven


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    1 h et 22 min
  • Church Control & Secrets: Barb's SHOCKING Escape to Freedom!
    Aug 12 2025

    ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains sensitive discussions of religious trauma, sexual abuse, and miscarriage. Listener discretion is advised.

    Imagine a life defined by unyielding control and harsh judgment. This week on "The Process of Healing," hosts Susie and Jenny sit down with the incredibly brave Barb, who shares her harrowing, unfiltered story of being raised within a rigid, cult-like religious environment.

    Barb pulls back the curtain on her tumultuous past, from the intense dynamics of her upbringing in Temple Baptist to the seismic church split that plunged her family into Prayer Baptist. She bravely recounts:

    • Her early life under manipulative church leaders.
    • The profound struggles of questioning authority as a teenager.
    • The devastating impact of an early pregnancy and traumatic miscarriage.
    • Her courageous journey of escaping familial sexual abuse.
    • And the relentless judgment and unrealistic expectations she faced.

    This isn't just a story of survival; it's a testament to unbreakable resilience. Barb reveals her path from deep trauma to profound healing, highlighting the transformative relationships and the crucial role of finding the right kind of support and counsel outside the church's shadow.

    Join us for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about self-discovery, personal light, and the enduring quest for true freedom.

    Don't miss this inspiring episode. Share it to help others find their light!

    #ReligiousTrauma #CultSurvivor #ChurchAbuse #SexualAbuseSurvivor #HealingJourney #Escape #Freedom #Judgment #Miscarriage #Resilience #SelfDiscovery #Podcast #TraumaRecovery #FindingLight #SupportSystem #MentalHealth #UnfilteredStory #Inspiring #SurvivorStories #TheProcessOfHealing

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    50 min
  • Survivors Unrestrained: Sent Away at 12! Tabitha's SHOCKING Tranquility Bay Nightmare!
    Aug 5 2025

    WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of child abuse, neglect, and institutional trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
    Imagine being 12 years old, sent away by your own parents, and trapped for years in a place that promised help but delivered a nightmare. This week on "Un-holier Than Thou" we sit down with the incredibly brave Tabitha, a survivor of the notorious Tranquility Bay facility in Jamaica – a dark chapter of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI).
    Tabitha pulls back the curtain on the appalling conditions, severe punishments, and shocking neglect she endured for four and a half years. She reveals the physical and emotional toll this "program" took on her, and the resilience it took to survive.
    But Tabitha's story doesn't end there. She has transformed her pain into powerful purpose, founding 'Survivors Unrestrained' – a non-profit dedicated to supporting others affected by these programs.
    Tune in to hear her harrowing journey from control to freedom, the vital importance of community in healing, and the ongoing battle to bring justice and support to countless survivors. This is more than a story; it's a call to action.
    Don't miss this essential conversation. Share it to shine a light on the hidden realities of the TTI.
    #TranquilityBay #TroubledTeenIndustry #TTI #SurvivorsUnrestrained #SurvivorStory #ChildAbuse #InstitutionalAbuse #Neglect #TraumaHealing #Advocacy #Justice #Podcast #TrueCrime #Resilience #HealingJourney #Jamaica #BreakTheSilence #Unbelievable #Shocking #SupportSurvivors

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    54 min