

Preacher Boys Podcast
Eric Skwarczynski
An ex-fundamentalist sheds light on the dark side of the church… from the pulpit to the pews.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 21, 2024 • 12min
343: Spotify Wrapped 2024 & YouTube Year in Review
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Not just because it’s Christmas, but because it’s time to dive into my 2024 Spotify Wrapped and YouTube Year in Review. 📊✨I’ll be sharing some incredible stats from 2024—including how one episode was streamed 999% more than the others. Can you guess which one it was? 👀From record-breaking listens to connecting with fans in over 63 countries, this year has been unforgettable. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just joined, thank you for being a part of it!Stay tuned for all the exciting details, and don’t forget to share your guesses about the top episode in the comments below. 🎧Here’s to an even bigger 2025! 🚀This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 18, 2024 • 6min
342: The Former Fundie Christmas Shopping Guide | 2024 Edition
Christmas is less than ten days away, and you know what that means……It’s time for some Baptist champagne.Okay, okay, jokes aside – it means you’re doing some last minute shopping.If you’re still searching for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the former fundie or religious trauma survivor in your life—or even treating yourself to something special—I’ve got you covered.Here are 10 thoughtful, meaningful, and unique gifts that won’t disappoint.1. A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levingshttps://amzn.to/4fjsqi82. Demonology Album Posterhttps://candicarpenter.myshopify.com/products/demonology-poster3. A Little Bit Culty Cameohttps://www.cameo.com/sarahandnippy/feed/5fd69256177b59001d300f66?t=0.0146754925746522374. Magic Mindmagicmind.com/preacherboys5. Complicit by Reah Bravohttps://amzn.to/4gFAFGu6. A Preacher Boys Podcast Shirthttps://www.teepublic.com/user/preacher-boys-podcast7. Practices for Embodied Livinghttps://amzn.to/41GZTjf8. An Audible Membershiphttps://amzn.to/41HzYYS9. Dinner for Vampireshttps://amzn.to/3P32QTV10. The Preacher Boys Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/preacherboys/giftDisclaimer: I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the above links, at no additional cost to you.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 7min
341: Amanda Fay | Exposing the Abuses of First Baptist Church of Hammond and the Troubled Teen Industry
Watch Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals: https://play.max.com/show/ca01f963-90fe-4028-9d3c-deb127d48f34✖️✖️✖️Follow the Blind Eye Movement: https://www.facebook.com/@blindeyemovement/https://www.instagram.com/blindeyemovement/?hl=en✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️Items mentioned at the top of the show:Exvangelicals book: https://amzn.to/4fidyAzDemonology poster: https://candicarpenter.myshopify.com/products/demonology-poster✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 9min
340: Six Ex-IFB Members Discuss The Impact of Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals
Watch Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals: https://play.max.com/show/ca01f963-90fe-4028-9d3c-deb127d48f34Follow the Blind Eye Movement: https://www.facebook.com/@blindeyemovement/https://www.instagram.com/blindeyemovement/?hl=enSupport the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 17, 2024 • 57min
339: How One Tree Hill Star Bethany Joy Lenz Broke Free From a Cult
📚 Get a Copy of Bethany’s memoir, Dinner for Vampires, here: https://amzn.to/3O7AAiBIn this deeply moving episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, I sit down with Bethany Joy Lenz—actress, singer, and New York Times bestselling author of Dinner for Vampires. Best known for her decade-long role on One Tree Hill, Bethany shares her extraordinary story of resilience, breaking free from a high-control Bible study-turned-cult, and finding healing after years of manipulation and abuse.We dive into her new memoir, Dinner for Vampires, which unveils her secret double life: starring on one of TV's most beloved shows while enduring the suffocating grip of "The Big House Family." Bethany’s inspiring journey reveals how she reclaimed her autonomy and faith, offering profound lessons for anyone navigating life's darkest moments.Topics We Cover:– The hidden dangers of cults disguised as safe spaces– How her evangelical upbringing made her susceptible to manipulation– Balancing the highs of One Tree Hill with the lows of life in a cult– The pivotal role of motherhood in her decision to leave– Practical advice for spotting and avoiding high-control groupsAbout Bethany Joy Lenz:Bethany is a multi-talented artist who rose to fame as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill. She has also starred in Guiding Light, Grey’s Anatomy, Charmed, Felicity, Suits, Dexter, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. A passionate musician, Bethany has released several albums, cohosts the hit podcast Drama Queens, and serves as founder/editor-in-chief of the broadsheet newspaper Modern Vintage News.📚 Order Bethany’s memoir, Dinner for Vampires, here: https://amzn.to/3O7AAiBAs an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission from purchases made through the links in this YouTube description.Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 10, 2024 • 1h 19min
338: 'Let Us Prey' Reunion Episode | ft. April Avila, Kathy Durbin, Rachel Peach
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 3, 2024 • 56min
337: A Church Let Her Convicted Abuser Work in the Kids Ministry | Josie Pickens
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 31, 2024 • 20min
336: HALLOWEEN BONUS EPISODE | I Interviewed a Horror Screenwriter About Her Religious-Themed Slasher!
Watch Killer Body Count for FREE on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019969/killer-body-countOn this special Halloween bonus episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, we dive into an interview from my Film School'd YouTube channel, where I typically discuss the art of filmmaking with industry talents.Today, however, the crossover between my two worlds—horror and religious trauma—made this episode a perfect fit for Preacher Boys. I’m sharing a portion of my conversation with screenwriter Jessica Landry, who recently penned Killer Body Count, a slasher film with a hauntingly familiar twist for our listeners.The plot centers around a teenage girl misdiagnosed as a "sex addict" by her devout family and sent alone to a religious reform camp. But, in true horror style, things spiral when a masked killer targets the camp’s residents one by one. Jessica and I discuss the religious undertones woven into the film, her inspiration for the story, and the biblical motifs that give a darkly ironic spin to each “death scene." We also touch on Jessica’s own journey, growing up in a religious environment and eventually identifying as an atheist.For horror fans and those interested in confronting the shadows of religious trauma, this episode has something unique to offer. Listen in for insights on how horror films can explore deep-seated fears around organized religion, shame, and identity, with a splash of classic slasher thrills.✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 27, 2024 • 55min
335: Jenna DeVries | Her Controversial Music Video, Megachurch Horror Stories, & Carl Lentz Thirst Traps
Meet Jenna DeVries!A Nashville-based singer-songwriter, DeVries’ “soulful and affecting” (People) voice has already made a powerful connection with millions. She is among the elite handful of artists to make it to American Idol’s Top 24.DeVries discovered her unique sound through a fusion of pop, country, and Americana elements. Named one of NSAI’s Songwriters to Watch, DeVries pulls inspiration for her songs directly from her experiences as an LGBTQ+ artist and small-town survivor. Jenna’s upcoming EP tells the story of moving to Nashville, coming out, losing her family, and finally stepping into her power.Jenna DeVries released a single titled “RIP,” which exclusively premiered with People. The music video for “RIP” was featured on the CMT music television channel. Her full album is slated to drop this summer.DeVries also recently started the LGBTQ+ movement The Outlaw Collective, which raises LGBTQ+ and minority artists’ voices in the Nashville music scene through showcases and more.You can listen to DeVries on all major music platforms or follow her on social media to hear all the new music.✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 25min
334: Her Brother Raped Her... But the Church Calls His Time in Prison an "Injustice" | Kayla Palmateer
⚠️⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including incest, child sexual abuse, and religious trauma. Listener discretion is advised. ⚠️⚠️In this episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, we bring to light the harrowing story of Kayla Palmateer, a survivor of incest who faced not only familial betrayal but also the judgment of her former faith community.Join us as we explore:– The shocking details of the case and the controversial sentencing that followed.– The impact of religious doctrine and community silence on Kayla's journey to justice.– How Kayla's story reflects broader issues of how incest and abuse are handled within close-knit communities.This episode aims to provide a platform for Kayla Palmateer's voice, which has previously been overshadowed by those discussing the case.✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


