Speaking Up with Andrew Pledger

Speaking Up has ended, but I have two new podcasts out now. My new podcasts are 'Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult' and 'Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism'. “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. (Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism) Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. The podcast features survivors' stories from the university, and its affiliated churches, camps, and day schools. The show also explores BJU's influence beyond the university, focusing on Christian education, politics, Biblical counseling, and evangelical Christianity. This show is a continuation of the limited series "Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult.”CHECK OUT MY NEW PODCASTS: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/beyond-bju-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get updates on my new project on Substack: https://speakingupandrewpledger.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Clint Heacock is the host of the MindShift Podcast, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers posed by cults and other high-control religious groups, the agenda of the Christian Right and Dominion theology, and providing resources to those suffering from religious trauma syndrome He is an ex-evangelical former pastor and Bible college teacher. Connect with Dr. Clint Heacock on Twitter, and his website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Padgett & Jenni Espinosa - Abuse Recovery Coaches, Policy Consultants, Domestic Violence AdvocatesLaura holds nearly two decades of public policy advocacy and cross-cultural ministry leadership experience. She has turned her passion for helping others heal into abuse recovery coaching through body-mind wellness, mindfulness, and therapeutic arts modalities.Jenni has devoted over 20 years of her life as an amazing educator and now has turned that devotion and experience toward domestic violence advocacy and abuse recovery. She holds a master's degree and deep expertise in church ministry leadership and navigating divorce.As abuse recovery coaches, both Laura and Jenni meet clients with compassionate wisdom learned through professional training, as well as many years of reclaiming their own lives from toxicity and abuse. Connect with them on their website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Laura Anderson is a therapist, trauma resolution and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator who specializes in complex trauma with a focus on domestic violence, sexualized violence and religious trauma. She holds a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a PhD in Mind Body Medicine from Saybrook University with her research focusing on the experience of living in a healing body after sexual trauma. Laura has a private practice in Nashville, TN and is the founder and director of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery, an online coaching company where she and the other practitioners work with clients who have experienced high demand/high control religions, adverse religious experiences, cults, and religious trauma. Her Book: Book | Religious Trauma Expert (drlauraeanderson.com)In 2019, Laura co-founded the Religious Trauma Institute with the goal of providing trauma-informed resources, consultation, and training to clinicians and other helping professionals who work with religious trauma survivors. Laura's first book, “When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion”, is being released by Brazos press in Fall 2023. She lives with her dog, Phoebe, in Nashville, Tennessee.Connect with Dr. Laura Anderson on Instagram, and Tik Tok, Andrew's LinksBecome a Patreon member HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandon Flanery is an ex-pastor, ex-missionary, ex-evangelical who has been writing and researching the intersection of faith and sexuality, most recently why people are leaving Christianity. He's been featured in Baptist News Global, the Colorado Springs Indy, and with the University of Colorado. His new book Stumbling: a sassy memoir about coming out of Evangelicalism debuts August 22 and is available for pre-order. You can learn more about Brandon and his writings by going to BrandonFlanery.com.Order his book: https://brandonflanery.com/book/Linkree: https://brandonflanery.com/link-tree/Andrew's LinksBecome a Patreon member HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to The Stacie's Mom Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thestaciesmompodcast/streamsDee Murphy from "The Stacie's Mom Podcast" shares her upbringing and religious deconversion.Andrew's LinksBecome a Patreon member HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Strickland grew up in the PCG from birth until the age of 15. The organization seemed truly malevolent to them, as it appeared to exploit the less fortunate to provide a lavish lifestyle for the leadership and their headquarters family. Over time, many from their generation decided to leave, but their family, with the exception of their mother, remained entrenched in the cult. The PCG functioned as a doomsday cult, fixated on the imminent return of Christ, using fear as a tool to enforce compliance and belief in their fabricated beliefs.Become a Patreon member HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe here to Surviving BJU: https://lnk.bio/survivingbjupod"Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult” is a limited podcast by Andrew Pledger (COMING AUGUST 23, 2023). The show is a thought-provoking podcast series that explores the history of Bob Jones University, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors experiences. The series features diverse interviews with survivors, including queer individuals, BIPOC, women, and men, sharing their unique perspectives on the institution. Listeners gain insight into the strict rules, culture, and leadership of Bob Jones University and how its fundamentalist beliefs have contributed to a toxic environment. The podcast showcases stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome trauma and abuse at the Christian college. It offers an eye-opening exploration of cults' harmful impact on vulnerable individuals and communities. SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on the premiere of this podcast which is coming August 23, 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jo Lloyd Johnson is a childhood sexual abuse survivor and deconverted Christian who just published her first book “Silenced in Eden.” Her book walks readers through her childhood, the realization of her repressed abuse, and the journey to begin healing. Her path to self-love and acceptance was her journey out of religion. Order her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Silenced-Eden-Jo-Lloyd-Johnson/dp/B0BV4GMV1MBecome a Patreon member HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is an international speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of 2 kids. As a co-founder of Mindvalley, a leading publisher in the personal growth industry, Kristina dedicated the last 20 years of her career from teachers like Michael Beckwith, Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, and many more. She started her career in a government office in her native Estonia and, by her mid-20s, achieved a level of success mostly known to male politicians at the end of their careers. It was shortly after that Kristina and her then-husband Vishen founded Mindvalley. From a small meditation business operating out of the couple's apartment in New York, the company quickly grew into a global educational organization offering top training for peak human performance to hundreds of thousands of students all around the world. Kristina believes life is too important to be taken seriously and makes sure to bring fun into every one of her roles: as a teacher, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveller. Kristina helps her students to virtually hack happiness by taking them through her unique framework - “Hacking happiness” - a unique framework of balancing your life, taking in every moment, and paying close attention to the small daily choices. Kristina is also the author of three transformational quests - "7 Days To Happiness", "Live By Your Own Rules.” and "The Art of Being Flawesome". Kristina talks about personal transformation, authenticity, understanding and accepting oneself, and a path to happiness.In July 2023, with the help of Hay House Publishing, Kristina releases her very first book - "Becoming Flawesome". In her book, Kristina shares her own journey from being on top of a personal growth empire like Mindvalley to stepping aside, conscious uncoupling from her husband, and walking her path towards being more honest with herself. You can find more information about Kristina here: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and website. https://kristinamand.com/Becoming Flawesome: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Flawesome-Living-Imperfectly-Authentic/dp/1401974341Support Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the full episode on my Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this thought-provoking episode, we explore the significance, enigmatic nature, and profound impact that truth has on our understanding of the world. I dig into the psychology of mankind's search for truth, and how cults prey on this drive. Join me as I draw from the wisdom of ancient thinkers and modern philosophers to navigate the various theories of truth. Together, we will examine the notions of correspondence, coherence, and pragmatism, seeking to grasp the essence of what it truly means for a statement or belief to be considered true. We'll ponder the timeless questions: Can truth be objective, or is it a subjective construct? Does absolute truth exist, or is truth merely a product of our interpretations?Join Andrew's Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the full episode on my Patreon HERE: https://patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this Patreon bonus episode, I talk with Ashleigh Doxtater about the Christian entertainment that we both grew up with. We discuss Veggie Tales, Bible Man, Adventures in Odyssey, and much more. Follow Ashleigh on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashedendox?_t=8ddKvNR3Zdr&_r=1Support Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Haley Cole is the podcast host of Divinely Modern, a blogger, and scientist with a mission to dismantle patriarchal theology, fight for justice, and discover a healthy spirituality after leaving toxic Christianity. She believes in approaching faith with critical thinking and open-mindedness. To read her blog or learn more about her and her platform, check out her website HaleyTheScientist.com. Or, check out her podcast Divinely Modern, which offers support and conversations for exploring faith in the modern world and finding divinity all around us.Connect with Haley through her websiteSupport Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deborah Grace spent the better part of her life writing for the legitimacy of the scriptures, but it was in those writings that the truth began to surface. Having been told numerous times over the years that she would one day write a book, Crucifying the Bible is her first published book and the last point of contention she ever imagined taking on. Although controversial, Grace found the process to be cathartic and another layer of closure to her past journey in faith; healing many old wounds inflicted by religion and finding a sense of validation as she connected with others who shared similar stories in her research. Deborah is currently writing her second book.As an INTJ, she is careful with her choices, detailed in her work, introspective in her personal growth, and strives to finish strong. Her tagline is to be a better person today than yesterday and an even better person tomorrow than today.Deborah with her husband Mark and Yorkie Tank in Georgia. In her spare time, and in addition to writing, she enjoys learning new things, traveling with her husband, and a good glass of Italian wine. Buy Crucifying the BibleConnect with Deborah GraceWebsite, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTubeSupport Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan is still a practicing Catholic but the experiences of trauma he went through have left him wounded. He has been on a healing journey and has been active on a podcast to spread awareness of cult abuse and how religious people with good intentions can turn into fanatics. The name of his podcast is The Truth That Heals Podcast.Connect with Ryan Hernandez LinktreeInstagramSupport Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the full episode HERE for only $3 monthly + access all bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger - I need your support to continue creating the podcast.In this Patreon bonus episode, I share stories of attending the Christian camp that my IFB church owned.Follow me on Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the full episode HERE for only $3 monthly + access all bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger - I need your support to continue creating the podcast. In this Patreon bonus episode, I explore the cultiness of Chick-Fil- A and signs of a corporate cult. I worked for CFA for over 4 years, and I have some stories. The cognitive dissonance of being g@y and working at CFA. Follow me on Social Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frankie from The Frankie Files Podcast discusses her experiences growing up in Morningland Church, which has been renamed The Monastery. Frankie talks about being groomed, trafficked, and abused alongside her twin sister.Connect with Frankie - Listen to her podcast, and follow her on social media.Support Andrew's work on Patreon HERE and access all bonus episodes + other benefits. https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerConnect with Andrew Pledger through social media, and his website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DANIELLA MESTYANEK YOUNG is an American author and speaker who was raised in the religious cult, Children of God. She later served as an intelligence officer for the US Army for over six years, making the rank of Captain, and became one of the first women in US Army history to conduct deliberate ground combat operations when she volunteered to serve on a Female Engagement Team and received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Daniella lives with her husband and daughter in Maryland and holds a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Harvard Extension School.Buy Daniella's memoir UnculturedConnect with Daniella on Instagram, Twitter and TikTokConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access this episode on Patreon HERE for only $3 a month! https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerIn this exclusive bonus episode, I share my thoughts on the documentary “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.” DEFINITELY SPOILERS - The docu-series explores the truth beneath the surface of reality TV's mega-family, The Duggars. The IBLP by Bill Gothard is exposed for creating abusive environments and perpetuating abuse. Bill Gothard himself is also exposed for the abuse that he committed. Follow me on Social Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access the full episode on Patreon HEREAlso here: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledgerSydney Davis Jr. Jr. has been performing standup comedy and storytelling for 15 years. She is the host of the podcast "Growing Up Fundie," as well as a faculty member of The Second City Training Center, and Third Coast Comedy Club. Her comedy special "TRASH" is currently available on Amazon Prime. She lives in Nashville. Sydney comes back on the show to talk about her experiences of growing up with the Duggar family.Listen to Growing Up Fundie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTubeSupport her podcast on PatreonMy Episode on Her Podcast: https://youtu.be/boEdq7QhlaAConnect with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. has been performing standup comedy and storytelling for 15 years. She is the host of the podcast "Growing Up Fundie," as well as a faculty member of The Second City Training Center, and Third Coast Comedy Club. Her comedy special "TRASH" is currently available on Amazon Prime. She lives in Nashville.Listen to Growing Up Fundie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTubeSupport her podcast on PatreonMy Episode on Her Podcast: https://youtu.be/boEdq7QhlaAConnect with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-Songwriter Nicole Zell has finally found her voice on debut album, Asleep To My Own Magic, undoubtedly her most mature, enlightened work yet. After achieving minor success throughout her twenties such as touring nationally with American Wolves, fronting THRILLCHASER, co-billing with acts such as KT Tunstall and Vanessa Carlton, and being featured on numerous press outlets such as Billboard, Fuse TV, and TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, Nicole took a step back to "evaluate my position around the age of 27" as she sings in "7 Years" - a song penned as an apology for not believing in her younger self. For an artist who was timid to release solo music for years, Nicole holds nothing back on this album. In songs like "Cycle", Zell dares to confront generational cycles, childhood abuse, her religious upbringing, and even god himself. As the story reaches an end, it becomes apparent that Zell has tapped into the ability to turn darkness into light, struggle into success, trauma into triumph, and mayhem into magic. In "Magic", the closing song on the album, Nicole can be heard joyfully singing a healing affirmation alongside a celestial choir, "I am safe, I am loved, I am healing, I am light . . . because I am the magic."Listen to Nicole Zell's Music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or BandCampFollow Nicole on Instagram, and check out her LinktreeConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kati Tovah comes on the show to share her experience of escaping a cultic environment and finding meaning in practicing Judaism.Connect with Katie Tovah LinktreeYouTubeInstagram FacebookConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cynane, a nuclear engineer in SC, escaped a special brand of Floridian white Christian nationalism. Her childhood normalized conspiracy theories, but 2020, with COVID and Q4n0n, finally made her realize something was deeply wrong. Now Cynane is writing a book, “Taking Off the Tinfoil Hat,” to process the deconstruction of her fundamentalist evangelicalism and propagandistic patriotism. From the IBLP cult to Jewish space lasers, she pulled the thread and cracked her faith.Connect with CynaneInstagram WebsiteConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keven Gilbert was born in Washington, he is the son of two Indian Conservative parents. He is currently a college student and making money on the side. He shares his story of growing up in a strict Christian household.Connect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruwan Meepagala is a podcaster and coach. In his early twenties, he became involved in the matriarchal cult, known as One Taste, which was recently covered in the Netflix documentary Orgasm Inc. Ruwan describes his time with the group as one of the most formative experiences of his life, giving him a crash course in some of the darker parts of human nature. The memoir of his years in the cult, along with his other writing and podcasts can be found at his Substack.Connect with Ruwan MeepagalaWebsitePodcastConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast player to stay updated on the premiere of this limited podcast (Full Series COMING SUMMER 2023). Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, and Google Podcasts."Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult" is a limited podcast by Andrew Pledger. The podcast is a thought-provoking series that delves into the history of Bob Jones University, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors' experiences. BJU is a controversial fundamentalist Christian college, and this podcast sheds light on the experiences of those who have survived this high-control environment. The series features interviews with a diverse group of survivors, including queer people, BIPOC, women, and men who share their unique perspectives on the institution.Through these interviews, listeners gain insight into the strict rules, culture, and leadership of Bob Jones University, and how it has impacted the lives of those who attended. The series also examines how the institution's fundamentalist beliefs have contributed to a toxic and damaging environment for many students. Listeners will hear powerful stories of resilience, healing, and growth from survivors who have overcome the trauma and abuse they experienced at the Christian college. "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult" is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often overlooked ways in which cults can harm vulnerable individuals and communities. The series provides a powerful and eye-opening exploration of one of the most notorious religious institutions in the country and its impact on survivors from all backgrounds. Connect with Andrew Pledger Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kit Morgan is a licensed social worker and therapist based in Upstate New York. Kit focuses their work with trauma survivors and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Kit is a published author in academic journals regarding harm reduction methods for addictions treatment and a book on Amazon for those recovering from the trauma of living with a severe food allergy.Connect with Kit MorganInstagramConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellis is a young adult who started deconstructing within the past few years and has since come out as nonbinary and queer. They still live in their hometown and work their dream library assistant job. They participate in community theater in their free time, as the theater in their town is a queer safe space. They love movies, and books, and expressing themselves creatively through content creation on YouTube and Twitch.Connect with Ellis ArloLinktreeConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Van Etten Leupold was raised in a conservative Evangelical non-denominational church. When she started to explore her beliefs she was spiritually abused and rejected from her church. As a result she has received a complex PTSD diagnosis. She has struggled with gender dysphoria and identifies as a queer woman. The spiritual abuse led to an abusive marriage and a divorce and years later her faith fell apart due to the church's response to her fiance's death. Today Sarah spends a lot of her free time writing about religious trauma as a way to support other survivors.Connect with SarahHer BlogConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marla Taviano is into books, love, justice, globes, anti-racism, blue, gray, rainbows, and poems. She reads and writes for a living (especially @whitegirllearning), wears her heart on her t-shirts, and is on a mission/quest/journey to live wholefarted (not a typo). She's the author of unbelieve: poems on the journey to becoming a heretic. Marla lives in South Carolina with her four freaking awesome kids. Find out more at marlataviano.com.Connect with Marlo Taviano LinktreeWebsiteJaded - BookUnbelieve - BookConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About Blaise KennedyEverything exists within my consciousness. My body sits at the very centre of this reality. I live within my body, and my body lives within my consciousness. The purpose of my life is to bring coherence to the inner and outer lives of all beings, so that they may know themselves as the source of their consciousness. Blaise's work is the result of his personal transformation, which began in 2010 when he checked into a drug rehabilitation centre. At 24 years old, and after many years of avoidance, struggle, and difficulty, Blaise was finally ready to face reality. After 5 months of treatment Blaise saw tremendous benefits in every area of his life and experience. He left the treatment centre with one question. “How far and how deep can I take this?” How much transformation is possible? Every moment since then has been the fulfillment, the living answer to his question. Today Blaise shares the most valuable and essential elements of awakening and healing, so that you too may know how far and how deep your life can go.Connect with Blaise KennedyYouTubeLinktree Connect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George was your average American kid born to traditional Middle Eastern immigrants. Curious about life but tortured by vicious bullying in middle school, he found what seemed like a solution: evangelical Christianity. It appeared to have the cure for his most “shameful sin.” Believing his sexual feelings were an abomination before God, he committed his life to a church community that accepted him, conditionally. While hiding the scariest truths about him for fear of losing their love, he went from Bible study to Bible college, committing every aspect of his life to his faith – even forsaking important relationships “for the sake of the Gospel.” Little did he know that the steady trickle of relinquished identity would create a psychological dysmorphia that allowed his oppressors to keep him in dangerous isolation. My Gay Church Days is the true story of a profoundly insecure evangelical pastor who eventually decided enough was enough. After failed relationships, crippling anxiety, and cult-like codependency, George broke away from rigid Christianity to pursue the thing he once found most dreadful and fearful about himself. This book is a crusade of revealing, an exploration of conformity, oppression, awakening, and self-discovery unlike any other. Ultimately, it is also a quest to save other “lost souls” by example, calling others to rise above the expectations of others and accept themselves as they are.Connect with George AzarHis BookLinktreeWebsiteConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Payton, known as Shanny Pants by many, is a content creator and podcaster living in Rocklin, California. Her podcast, "The Shanny Pants Show" is currently in its third season. In her interview-style podcast, Shannon shares her struggles of growing up in a cult, battles through years of infertility that ended in a hysterectomy, and finally her journey to parenthood through foster care and adoption. Shannon has been a guest on The Kelly Clarkson show and has appeared on local TV show GoodDay Sacramento multiple times. She enjoys sharing the struggles of life in a humorous way as part of her self-prescribed therapy and through this, has connected with her fans.Connect with Shannon PaytonInstagramTikTokYouTubeWebsitePodcastConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cait West is a writer and editor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has been published in Religion Dispatches, Fourth Genre, and Hawai'i Pacific Review, and she writes about her journey out of the stay-at-home-daughter movement at caitwest.com. She currently serves on the editorial board of Tears of Eden, a nonprofit providing resources for survivors of spiritual abuse.Connect with Cait WestInstagramTikTokTwitterLinktreeWebsiteConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Erin Watts grew up in an evangelical Christian home, went to Bible college, worked in full-time ministry, and dedicated her whole life to the faith until she turned 30. She survived #MeTooYoungLife and she appears on the show to share her story. Connect with Erin WattsInstagramMeToo Young Life - LinktreeMeToo Young Life - IGConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Burkhart is a Religious Trauma Life Coach. She deeply desires to help people, who are on their journeys away from religion, or who find themselves questioning where they stand with regard to religion and doubt, to find or regain their identity, joy, and self-worth quickly after they have decided to leave. She had to go through the process on her own and it almost cost her her life. Connect with Mary BurkhartLinktree Website InstagramConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cynthia Vacca Davis is a semi-salty adjunct English professor with a trunk full of papers and snack wrappers. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction, leads writing workshops, and has written hundreds of feature stories, and two independently published YA novels. She's the author of Intersexion: a Story of Faith, Identity, and Authenticity from Lake Drive BooksBook Description: "Sometimes in life we reach an intersection where we must pick either safety or stepping into life as our true selves. It's a moment of courage, vision, and finding our voice.Cynthia, an adjunct professor with a trunk full of ungraded papers and snack wrappers, has been an LGBTQIA+ ally for years—in convenient ways. She enjoys the company of her queer friends—but her support isn't risky; it hasn't cost her anything. Until she meets Danny. The youngest child in a conservative religious family, Danny played the role of dutiful daughter—Dani, with an “i”—which was safer than jeopardizing faith and family. Seemingly born female, yet desperate to be seen as the boy and then man he is, Danny kept playing along, until his life and health depended on one thing: the truth.Told in both Danny's and Cynthia's voices, Intersexion is a moving, hopeful exploration of the cost of being known—as an intersex minority, ally, or asker of difficult questions—and what it means to come into one's own. It's a book for anyone craving a more authentic life. It's a story about the intersections we find ourselves in by no choice of our own, and the life-giving choices we can make.Named on the Top 34 LGTBQ Christian Books of 2022 by Q Spirit"Connect with Cynthia Vacca DavisBookLinktreeInstagramConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollyanne Simon did not grow up in the Church but made it her life beginning at age 13. She accepted Jesus in a moment of "worship" at a Summer Camp, and when coming back home, she dove head first into all things Church. She began volunteering in the Children's Ministry, on the worship team, and in the office. By the age of 16, she was working in the Church as a Children's ministry intern, and worship intern, which later turned into full-time ministry positions. She worked on Church staff for a decade, six of those years being pastoral. Hollyanne comes on the podcast to share her deconstruction and healing journey.Connect with Hollyanne SimonLinktreeInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apostacie is a co-host for the Skeptic Haven show “Secular Soapbox” every Wednesday on YouTube at 5pm PST. Apostacie comes on the show to tell her story of publicly deconverting from Christianity and the aftermath.Connect with Apostacie Skeptic HavenInstagramLinktreeConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jakub Ferencik is Slovakian Canadian who lived in England, Barcelona, and Warsaw. For much of his life, he was a firm believer in Christianity but I left it after his time in Oxford. After that, he moved on to study political science and philosophy at UBC. Presently he is working as a research assistant and doing his master's degree in the history of populism in the Visegrad states (Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary).Connect with Jakub FerencikInstagramLinktreeHis BooksUp in The Air: Christianity, Atheism, and the Global Problems of the 21st CenturyBeyond Reason: Why We Fail at Understanding Each OtherConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Jasko, MDiv, MA in Counseling Psychology, Founder of Life After Dogma. As a former Princeton Seminary-educated minister, Andrew had to leave his religious faith and community because of the severe psychological trauma he experienced. After spending years healing his trauma and helping hundreds of people transform their lives, he is now considered an expert in healing religious trauma. Andrew's clients hire him to heal and find a healthy, authentic spiritual or secular connection that suits them.Connect with Andrew Jasko WebsiteInstagramFB GroupConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tia Levings is a writer, creator, and content specialist. Her work explores the female narrative in patriarchal spaces. She has a memoir releasing in 2024 through St. Martin's Press.Her videos on social media have millions of views. Through the lens of her personal experience, she connects entertainment, news headlines, and current events to fundamentalist influences and strategy. She writes about religious trauma and Christian fundamentalism to educate, validate, and empower those who feel smashed by the patriarchy. She does it to create something beautiful from pain.And, because when she went through the hell of church-sanctioned violence, she felt alone. She wants you to know you aren't alone. And even if the church condones and shelters it, abuse is never okay. Connect with Tia Levings LinktreeWebsiteIGTikTokHer ColumnHer Fundie CheatsheetConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 COMING January 9, 2023.Andrew Pledger, a queer cult survivor and religion recovery coach, hosts Speaking Up w/ Andrew Pledger, a podcast that allows people to share their stories of abuse and religious trauma in various religious groups and cults. Some guests discuss specific topics to educate and bring awareness. Discussions range from purity culture, mental health, religious trauma, Christian culture, deconstruction, spirituality, and much more. Deconstruction icons like the Naked Pastor, Brandan Robertson, Phil Drysdale, The New Evangelicals, and Jegaysus have appeared on the show.Connect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Wilson has finished his interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Comparative Studies at Florida Atlantic University. His academic work has appeared in Canadian Jewish Studies, Flannery O'Connor Review, and in edited collections published by The MLA, SUNY Press, and DIO Press. He has a forthcoming article in The Journal of Jewish Identities and a forthcoming book chapter about Liberty University's gay conversion therapy program. His work has appeared in The Advocate, Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, and Religion Dispatches. He is currently a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto.Connect with WilsonAcademia profile: https://ucalgary.academia.edu/LucasWilsonIG: https://instagram.com/lukeslamdunkwilson?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Twitter: https://twitter.com/wilson_fw?s=21&t=nGMNBNzVWH-K0EhN0p5n6QConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria Masters is a Survivor, Author and Advocate of all things CSA and speaks from 16 years of lived experience. She has managed to turn the final corner of healing into giving back, through highlighting the issue of child sexual abuse to help other survivors. She has written two books, the first her memoir On Angels Wings - My flight from trauma to grace. The second is Flightpath to Healing - A Guide for Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Survivors. The intent with this one is to support other survivors in their healing and recovery. She believes there is a way through, and she wants to help others by sharing what worked for her.Connect with Gloria MastersHer Show: https://youtube.com/@handingtheshamebackHer Books: https://gloriamasters.com/paperback/Her Website: https://gloriamasters.comIG: https://instagram.com/handingtheshameback?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=FB: https://www.facebook.com/Gloria.Masters.Com16?mibextid=LQQJ4dTwitter: https://twitter.com/handinshameback?s=21&t=O7POc3oVumKME9AEstapDwConnect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Endara is a writer living in Chicago with her husband and their dog and two cats. She has a Masters in International Educational Development from Columbia University and is also trained as a trauma-informed yoga teacher, full-spectrum doula, and sexual assault intervention advocate. She works full-time as a nonprofit writer and runs the page @releasethewomen where she posts about religious trauma, reproductive justice, and recovering from purity culture.Connect with Elizabeth EndaraLinktree: https://linktr.ee/releasethewomenIG: https://instagram.com/releasethewomen?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Connect with Andrew PledgerLinktreeSupport on PatreonInstagramTikTok Twitter YouTube Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morgan Chantelle is a mom, trauma-informed life coach, breathwork practioner in Northern California. She works with many people healing from spiritual abuse and is also an exvangelical and purity culture survivor. When not working you can usually find Morgan at a coffee shop or outdoors.Connect with Morgan Chantellehttps://linktr.ee/morganchantellehttps://instagram.com/morganchantelle?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Connect with Andrew PledgerLinktree: https://www.liinks.co/4ndrewpledger Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather Heath is the author of “Lovingly Abused” and she tells her story of growing up in toxic religion. She was homeschooled using Bill Gothard's ATI (Advanced Training Institute) program which doesn't provide any sort of diploma or accreditation. She was homeschooled her entire life and left ATI and the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) to become a paramedic which was not allowed for a female. She had to relearn EVERYTHING about the world around her & now she's looking to expose the legal educational neglect that's so common in the US.Fight for Children's Rights: Congress Needs to Pass Children's Rights ActBUY HER BOOK: https://bookshop.org/books/lovingly-abused-a-true-story-of-overcoming-cults-gaslighting-and-legal-educational-neglect-9781737843016/9781737843016Connect with Heather HeathWebsite: https://heathergraceheath.com/IG: https://instagram.com/backsliddenharlot?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backsliddenharlot?_t=8UZNvULHzh8&_r=1Connect with Andrew Pledger@4ndrewpledger | Liinks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.