Episodes

  • 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 hr and 5 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 hr and 22 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins
  • Spilling the Kool-Aid: Alisha's SHOCKING Cult Escape & Journey to Freedom!
    Jul 29 2025

    WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics including cult dynamics, manipulation, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

    You won't believe what she survived. 🚨 This week, get ready for a raw, eye-opening conversation as we welcome special guest Alisha, a brave survivor who was born and raised in a cult-like religious environment!

    You might know Alisha from TikTok, where she fearlessly shares her story. Now, she's "Spilling the Kool-Aid" with us, detailing the chilling manipulative practices of the cult leader and the emotional and mental struggles she endured for years.

    Hear her gripping account of:

    • Her initiation into the controlled world of the cult.
    • The pivotal moments that sparked her awakening.
    • The incredible, harrowing journey to her eventual escape and reclaiming her freedom.

    Alisha's mission today? To bring urgent awareness to those still trapped in similar communities and to help countless others heal from their experiences. This isn't just a story; it's a powerful look into the dark realities of cult dynamics and the inspiring path toward recovery and self-discovery.

    Don't miss this essential episode! Share it to help others break free.

    #CultSurvivor #CultAwareness #ReligiousCult #MindControl #Escape #Freedom #TraumaHealing #SelfDiscovery #Podcast #TrueCrime #Manipulation #SpillingTheKoolAid #TikTokSurvivor #HealingJourney #BreakFree #UnbelievableStory #MustWatch #SEO

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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • BORN INTO A CULT: Kim Kelley's SHOCKING Escape & Fight Against Child Trafficking!
    Jul 22 2025

    You won't believe this story. 🚨 This week on Unholier Than Thou, we're honored to welcome special guest Kim Kelley, a courageous survivor who was born and raised inside an international religious cult notorious for severe child abuse and trafficking.

    Kim pulls back the curtain on the chilling reality of growing up in a highly controlled environment, the shocking abuse she and her siblings endured, and the incredible true story of how she ultimately escaped.

    Today, Kim dedicates her life to combating child exploitation and trafficking, working directly with law enforcement and implementing vital training programs. In this powerful conversation, Kim provides:

    • Unflinching insight into the prevalence of child abuse within religious organizations.
    • The immense challenges of addressing these hidden issues.
    • Practical steps communities and individuals can take to protect children, especially in the vulnerable digital realm.

    This episode is a raw, eye-opening look into the ongoing fight against child exploitation in the United States. Prepare to be informed, inspired, and moved to action by Kim's unwavering resilience and hope.

    #CultSurvivor #ChildAbuseAwareness #ChildTrafficking #ReligiousCults #KimKelly #UnholierThanThou #Podcast #TrueCrime #Advocacy #ChildProtection #SurvivorStory #MentalHealth #JusticeForChildren #EndChildExploitation #SafeChurch #DigitalSafety #MustListen #Clickbait #SEO #HumanRights

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    1 hr and 32 mins