Episodes

  • The Lies We Believed: Author Reveals the Dark Side of Her Christian Upbringing!
    Dec 16 2025

    Did the Church RUIN Her Life?! 😱 Author Catherine Brusk Reveals the TRUTH About Growing Up Christian | Unholier Podcast

    In this explosive episode, host Jenny Smith sits down with bestselling author Catherine Brusk to peel back the curtain on her tumultuous religious past. Catherine holds NOTHING BACK as she details the jarring whiplash of attending a strict Christian school while navigating a more "relaxed" non-denominational church.

    Discover the shocking ways this dual life forced her to constantly adapt and hide her true self—and the devastating impact it had on her relationships and family life.

    We dive deep into the messy, painful, and ultimately freeing process of DECONSTRUCTION. How do you forgive teachings that caused so much trauma? Catherine shares the powerful healing journey that inspired her six books on trauma, forgiveness, and personal growth.

    💔 If you've ever questioned your faith or struggled with religious trauma, this is the raw, heartfelt conversation you need to hear.

    WATCH NOW to hear Catherine's story of surviving, deconstructing, and finally finding freedom! #religion #trauma #deconstructing #bookauthor #podcast

    https://www.catherinebrusk.com

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Exposing the Dark Truth: Drama/Un-Holier-ISH Special Episode
    Dec 10 2025

    In this deeply personal and uncomfortable episode, hosts David and Jenny address a serious issue affecting the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI) community. They reveal that a former podcast guest has been embellishing their survival story to gain attention and scam community members, particularly vulnerable women, out of money. Despite the sensitive nature of the topic, David and Jenny provide insights and share their mission to bring awareness and change to TTI institutions. They also extend their support to survivors impacted by such deceitful actions. Ending on a positive note, they mention ongoing initiatives like the Survivors Unrestrained organization and an upcoming federal bill aimed at reforming the troubled teen industry. If you're passionate about making a difference and protecting vulnerable communities, this is an episode you don't want to miss. #troubledteen #parishilton #dirtyjohn

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    32 mins
  • Survivor Fights Back: Changing the Troubled Teen Industry - Exclusive Interview
    Dec 8 2025

    In this episode of the Un Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with Tabitha, a survivor of the troubled teen industry who spent time at Tranquility Bay in Jamaica. Tabitha shares her journey of growth and resilience, discussing her mixed emotions about the recent hurricane that hit Jamaica and the lasting impact of her experiences. The episode highlights Tabitha's impressive efforts in creating a grassroots organization and working towards a federal bill aimed at reforming the troubled teen industry. The conversation delves into the specifics of the proposed legislation, which seeks to provide better protections for teens, ban out-of-country placements, and ensure mental health facilities are properly regulated. Jenny and Tabitha also discuss practical advice for parents dealing with difficult teens, emphasizing the importance of finding the right therapeutic approach. Tune in to learn more about how you can support this impactful cause. #survivors #podcast #tti #parishilton

    https://www.change.org/p/pass-the-protect-kids-act-protect-children-in-youth-residential-program s?recruiter=1395789295&recruited _ by_ id=a3986430-c44b-11f0-82c5-19d258e4bb7f&utm sour _ ce=share _petition&utm _ campaign=petition dashboard&utm _ _ medium=copylink

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    57 mins
  • Marriage & Religion: Our Different Upbringings + Surviving Religious Trauma
    Dec 2 2025

    In a special episode of the Un Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith is joined by her husband, Ryan (aka Smitty), to discuss their vastly different upbringings. Jenny was raised in a religious environment while Ryan wasn't exposed to church at all. They share personal stories, delve into the challenges and growth in their marriage, and discuss their experiences with various church environments. The couple also touches on the impacts of religious trauma and their journey of finding their own way. Whether you’re familiar with IFB, curious about different religious practices, or just enjoy heartfelt discussions, this episode offers intimate and insightful conversations. #UnHolierPodcast #ReligiousTrauma #MarriageTalk #DifferentUpbringings #PodcastEpisode

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    41 mins
  • Sheltered but not Protected: The Justin Woodbury Story
    Nov 25 2025

    In this emotionally charged episode of The Holier podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with Justin Woodbury, an old friend from their days in the Christian school. Justin opens up about his harrowing experiences within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Church, specifically the Ann Arbor Baptist Church in Michigan. Through a candid conversation, Justin shares the deeply disturbing events of abuse he endured, his journey to healing, and his resolve to help others through his book, 'Sheltered But Not Protected.' Trigger warning: This episode discusses abuse within the church. Viewer discretion is advised. #IFB #AbuseSurvivor #EndHolier #ChristianSchool #CultSurvivor #SurvivorStories #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchAbuse #HealingJourney


    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662929765?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_5XR24WS10N3WTX0A8GJQ&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_5XR24WS10N3WTX0A8GJQ&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_5XR24WS10N3WTX0A8GJQ&bestFormat=true&titleSource=true

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • PREACHER BOY EXPOSES IFB's DARK SECRETS: The Bible College Nightmare That Broke Him! 😱
    Nov 18 2025

    🚨 A 'PREACHER BOY,' NOW HE'S EXPOSING EVERYTHING! 🚨** In one of our most intense episodes yet, host Jenny Smith sits down with **Daniel** as he takes us deep inside the shadowy world of the **Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB)** movement. You won't believe the shocking details he reveals. Daniel was the ideal IFB kid—the classic 'preacher boy.' But behind the façade of suits and perfect attendance was a life buckling under the weight of **rigid structures and controversial teachings**. What finally broke him? A harrowing, must-hear experience at a **Bible college** that forced him to question every single belief he ever held. From strict dating rules and purity culture to the **behind-the-scenes power dynamics** of the IFB, Daniel holds nothing back. Hear his heartbreaking account of the community he lost, and the incredible, unexpected new life and support he found through **martial arts**. This journey is a powerful roadmap for anyone navigating religious trauma and a guide for those considering their own deconstruction. #TrendingViralHashtags** #TalesFromTheIFB #Deconstruction #UnholierPodcast #ExFundie #FundieFriday #ReligiousTrauma #IFBExposed #Cults #Viral #JennySmith #Exvangelical

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • IFB Preachers' SHOCKING Sermons EXPOSED! (Racial Slurs & Toxic Teachings Revealed)
    Nov 11 2025

    🚨 CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?! 🚨 Join Jenny Smith and David Keck on the Un Holier Podcast as they react in real-time to the most jaw-dropping, controversial sermon clips from Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) preachersyou've ever heard.

    We're not holding back. Hear the shocking moments—including documented racial slurs and insane conspiracy theories—that shaped their childhoods. Jenny and David dive into a deep, dynamic conversation, dissecting the toxic rhetoricthat permeates the IFB movement.

    If you or someone you know grew up in the church, this episode is a necessary listen. Find out why thousands are leaving and how these fundamentalist preachers are still getting away with it. This is a rollercoaster of emotion and a powerful act of healing. #ShockingTruth #Exposed #PodcastLife #MustListen #Viral #Controversial #TheySaidWhat

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • No Longer Invisible: Trauma, Deconstruction, and Escaping the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Cult
    Nov 4 2025

    In this gripping podcast episode, we welcome Marbeth Skwarczynski, mother of 'Preacher Boys' host Eric and accomplished author, as she discusses her harrowing experiences growing up in the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) movement. We dive deep into her real-life inspirations for her compelling book 'No Longer Invisible' and explore the emotional challenges and abuses she faced and overcame. This candid conversation sheds light on the stark realities behind seemingly perfect façades in religious communities, highlighting her journey through severe depression, working for years in a Christian school under exploitative conditions, and ultimately deconstructing her faith. Learn about her powerful fiction works that reveal the lives of those impacted by such environments and her latest book 'Princess of Moab.' Don't miss this emotional and eye-opening episode, especially if you've ever questioned how religion can sometimes manipulate and control. Subscribe and hit the bell icon for more inspiring stories and eye-opening discussions!


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    1 hr and 51 mins