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Artwork for Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

Jenny Smith, Surviving Podcast Network
Independent Fundamental Baptist
Deconstruction
Religious Trauma
Purity Culture
Independent Fundamental Baptist Church
Troubled Teen Industry
King James Version
Abuse
Family Court System
Spirituality
Survivors Unrestrained
Shenandoah Haven
Religion
Rebecca Home
Lester Roloff Enterprises
Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB)
Washington
Single Parenthood
Christianity
Domestic Abuse

Unholier Than Thou is a podcast for people who are done blindly believing. We challenge religion, question cultural norms, and dismantle the belief systems that shape, and often control, how people think.

This isn't surface-level conversation. This is deconstruction, disruption, and uncomfortable truth. From cult dynamics and religious conditioning to taboo societal issues, we go where most peopl... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes73Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureReligion & Spirituality

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

Latest Episodes

How do cults gain control over people's minds...and what does it take to break free?

In this powerful episode of Unholier Than Thou, I sit down with Isabella Young, author of Putting on the Armour of God and New Human of New Earth, to discuss her ex... more

What happens when the church that taught you about God also becomes the source of your deepest wounds?

In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I sit down with Nikki, a former worship leader whose journey began in a Pentecostal church at 17 years old.... more

In this episode of Unholier Than Thou, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Udis-Kessler- a progressive Christian pastor, sociologist, ethicist, author, and sacred music composer-for a thoughtful conversation about one of the most debated movements in Christia... more

When the Helpers Hurt: Grief, Suicide & Finding Hope | With Dr. Alyssa

The deconstruction and survivor communities are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ryan Stollar—a respected advocate, writer, and tireless voice for abuse survivors, child protec... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Tim Kelly
Researcher focusing on history, spirituality, and mysteries
Episode: PART 1 | Hidden History, UFOs, Secret Societies & the Truth About Humanity | Tim Kelly
Dr. Alyssa
Sex therapist focused on religious trauma and sexual dysfunction
Edge Professional Mental Health Services
Episode: Sex, Shame & Purity Culture: The Hidden Damage Nobody Talks About | Dr. Alyssa - Licensed Sex Therapist
David R. Wilcox
Former bodyguard to Pat Robertson; author
Author of Protecting Pat Robertson, Confessions of a High-Priced Bag Man, The Trial of the Devil Incarnate, Ralph Reed, God's Flim Flam Man
Episode: Ex-Bodyguard Exposes Pat Robertson: The Dark Truth Behind The 700 Club w/ David R. Wilcox
Shawn Helgerson
Author, veteran, and spiritual thinker; author of In a Little While
Episode: THE RAPTURE FRAUD: Why Church Kept You Trapped in the "Waiting Room" (w/ Shawn Helgerson)
Ann Russo
Therapist and author who specializes in religious trauma
RTTM (Religious Trauma Treatment Model)
Episode: Why Your Church Called Your Anxiety "Demonic" (And Why They Lied) Ann Russo
Shawn Towers
Former police officer, former Pentecostal preacher
Independent deconstruction commentator
Episode: The Tithing Trap: A Former Pentecostal Minister Exposes Church Control
Paula Yost
Mental health professional who grew up in an evangelical Christian school
Episode: The Truth About "Rapture Practice": Paula Yost on Why You’re Still Stuck in Survival Mode
Troy Ulshoeffer
Retired US Navy chief, founder of Vines and Valor, and co-founder of Change Unchained
Vines and Valor; Change Unchained
Episode: Retired Navy Chief’s HONEST Truth: PTSD, Church Trauma, & The Ayahuasca Trip That Saved Him
Kristin Watson
Former member of the independent fundamentalist Baptist movement; survivor, storyteller, and advocate
Episode: Escaping the IFB Cult: Purity Culture, Control, and Reclaiming Your Life | Kristin Watson's Story

Host

Jenny Smith
Lead host with extensive involvement in deconstruction and storytelling around faith-based abuse.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 14 ratings
  • I like the fact that there is a platform available that is a safe place for people to share their stories their experiences their emotions, and sometimes that’s the biggest healing tool that you can have is just letting it out and talking and the people that are behind the un-holier year than now podcast Are absolutely doing an amazing job

    Audible
    5
    It was all there and she played with it and is still having a blast with it
    United Statesa year ago
  • All the abuse that went on in the t troubled, teen industry.

    I like the fact that there is a platform available that is a safe place for people to share their stories their experiences their emotions, and sometimes that’s the biggest healing tool that you can have is just letting it out and talking and the people that are behind the un-holier year than now podcast Are absolutely doing an amazing job

    Audible
    5
    It was all there and she played with it and is still having a blast with it
    United Statesa year ago
  • Love it

    Love what this platform is offering to help survivors like myself, all support from me on this one!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dunnnd82
    United Statesa year ago
  • It’s about time !

    Everyone has a story and now they have a place to tell it with meaning! Keep up the grind:)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ryan smith 12$
    United Statesa year ago
  • Love

    Loving it already

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dsk713
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show is a strong fit for people exploring religious deconstruction and mental health in the context of trauma.
Some episodes may be emotionally intense but are praised for authenticity and practical guidance.
Guests with lived experience and clinical insights help make complex topics accessible and actionable.
Listeners appreciate the candid, survivor-centered stories that tackle difficult topics head-on.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Spilling the Kool-Aid: Alisha's SHOCKING Cult Escape & Journey to Freedom!
Q: What specific events finally made you question the leadership and consider leaving?
A combination of coercive courtship rules, the hazing initiation, the manipulative pressure from Dan, and a mental breakdown during a period of escalating control pushed her to disengage.
Spilling the Kool-Aid: Alisha's SHOCKING Cult Escape & Journey to Freedom!
Q: At what age did you start in these ministry programs, and what did that early path look like?
She started in Masters Commission as a teen, moved into Elite Academy at 16, and describes the fast-tracked, highly structured path toward leadership and control.
They Called It ‘Healing’ — She Calls It Hell: A Survivor’s Shocking Story
Q: What steps have you taken toward justice or reform since leaving?
Discusses attempts to engage law enforcement and the FBI, the role of Trey's Law in Tennessee, and ongoing advocacy through survivor networks and legislative outreach to change statutes and NDAs.
They Called It ‘Healing’ — She Calls It Hell: A Survivor’s Shocking Story
Q: How did you first encounter Shenandoah Haven and what drew you into this program?
The guest describes being sent there at age 16 after parents were persuaded by church connections, with limited information and intense coercion, leading to rapid immersion in a controlled environment.
The $400 Billion Dollar Question: Why We Leave Strict Religion | Christiana Miller
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering leaving the IFB?
Be brave because shunning is likely, but there are healthy communities outside the movement; seek support, consider therapy, and take time to redefine identity and beliefs at your own pace.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

What is Un-holier Than Thou Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show frequently explores religion and its impact on personal autonomy, often through personal narratives of leaving high-control faiths, deconstructing belief systems, and healing from religious trauma. Conversations span topics like purity culture, abusive church dynamics, navigating the family court system, mental health inside religious contexts, and unconventional paths to healing, including therapy, deconstruction, and survivor-led advocacy. A standout pattern is pairing intimate survivor stories with practical guidance for autonomy, boundary-setting, and rebuilding life on one's own terms, all with a candid, no-nonsense tone that encourages critical thinking and self-directed growth.

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Which podcasts are similar to Un-holier Than Thou Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Un-holier Than Thou Podcast:

1. Mormon Stories Podcast
2. Cults to Consciousness
3. Healed-ish
4. Crime Junkie
5. The Deck

How many episodes of Un-holier Than Thou Podcast are there?

Un-holier Than Thou Podcast launched a year ago and published 73 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Un-holier Than Thou Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Un-holier Than Thou Podcast?

Recent guests on Un-holier Than Thou Podcast include:

1. Tim Kelly
2. Dr. Alyssa
3. David R. Wilcox
4. Shawn Helgerson
5. Ann Russo
6. Shawn Towers
7. Paula Yost
8. Troy Ulshoeffer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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