Ben Appel
Writer and memoirist known for personal writing on growing up in a religious covenant community and struggles with addiction and sexuality, author of Cis White Gay: The Making of a Gender Heretic.
Best podcasts with Ben Appel
Ranked by the Snipd community
9 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 46min
A Gay Author’s Escape from Cults, Drugs, Queer Radicalism, and ‘Scrupulosity’
Ben Appel, a writer and memoirist, shares his gripping journey from a cult-like childhood in the Lamb of God community to navigating addiction and his queer identity. He reflects on the culture shock after leaving at age 12 and the emotional turmoil that followed. Appel delves into his struggles with scrupulosity, linking obsessive rituals to addiction. He also recounts his dark nights of substance abuse, a harrowing psychotic break, and his transformative experience in recovery programs, drawing eerie parallels to his past.
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Making of A Gender Heretic, with Ben Appel
Ben Appel, a provocative writer and commentator, dives deep into his memoir, exploring the complex relationships within identity politics after his escape from a strict Christian upbringing. He shares insights on the moral policing within queer spaces, questioning the rise of representation over excellence. Ben discusses the consequences of dissent in activist circles, including lost friendships and social blacklisting. He advocates for embracing gender-nonconforming kids without pushing medical interventions, challenging the narrative surrounding gender issues today.
