I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast.

Troy and Brian engage in a deep conversation with Cara Flame, an Australian experiential and creative arts therapist, about her journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to becoming an advocate for those recovering from religious trauma. Cara tells of her experiences in the Esther Foundation, a Christian Fundamentalist organisation, and how it shaped her views on sexuality, shame, and identity. Cara shares her ongoing struggles with the remnants of purity culture and emphasises the importance of listening to one's body and desires. The conversation also touches on the significance of activism in the deconstruction space and Cara's aspirations for the future, including her writing and performance endeavours.Links:Cara Flame's websiteTakeaways:Cara Flame shares her journey from fundamentalism to therapy.The Esther Foundation was a cult-like experience for Cara.Cara emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and desires.Shame from purity culture continues to affect many individuals.Deconstructing beliefs is a lifelong process.Cara's book aims to help others navigate their own journeys.The impact of fundamentalism on identity is profound and lasting.Cara's experiences highlight the need for open discussions about sexuality.Activism in the deconstruction space is crucial for change.Cara encourages others to embrace their true selves and passions. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

The hosts dive into their visit to Hillsong, uncovering its mega-church vibe and vibrant community atmosphere. They humorously critique the reliance on volunteers and the commercialization of faith, discussing familiar yet evolving church practices. Reflections on miracles spark debates on faith's interpretations amidst nostalgia and skepticism. The blend of cultural diversity shines through, even as the worship style receives mixed reviews. Ultimately, they challenge listeners to rethink spiritual engagement beyond traditional church confines.

Claire Hoffman, an American journalist and author, dives into the fascinating life of Aimee Semple McPherson, a trailblazer of American evangelicalism. They discuss McPherson's scandalous disappearance and how fame intertwined with her faith shaped her legacy. Claire shares her upbringing in a transcendental meditation community, contrasting it with traditional beliefs. The conversation also explores the complexities of religious celebrity culture, the impact of history on faith narratives, and the role of community in defining spiritual leaders.

Brian & Troy used to be loyal megachurch leaders. They’re not anymore. This podcast explores life in and after Christian Fundamentalism. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

We engage in a deep conversation with Luke Wilson, a Canadian scholar, about his experiences growing up in a fundamentalist environment and the impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ individuals. Luke shares his journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to confronting his sexuality, his time at Liberty University, and the harrowing experiences of conversion therapy. The discussion highlights the psychological and emotional toll of these practices, the importance of community support, and the need for awareness and advocacy against conversion therapy. Luke's book, 'Shame Sex Attraction: Survivor Stories of Conversion Therapy,' serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of survivors and the continuing but urgent need for change in church attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.Where to get Shame-Sex AttractionIn AustraliaIn the U.S.In the U.K. Luke on social media:Instagram: @lukeslamdunkwilsonThreads: @lukeslamdunkwilsonBluesky: @lukeslamdunkwilson.bsky.socialTwitter/X: @wilson_fwLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-wilson-2a0753b1/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/luke.wilson.96List of Books/ResourcesBrandan Robertson's Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the TableMatthew Vines' God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex RelationshipsJustin Lee's Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians DebateLinks:TakeawaysLuke was raised in a Fellowship Evangelical Baptist environment.He became involved in the church during high school.His family had a mix of religious beliefs, influencing his journey.Luke's youth group experience was shaped by his desire for acceptance.He felt pressure to conform to religious expectations regarding his sexuality.Luke attended Liberty University, a prominent evangelical institution.He was heavily involved in campus activities and leadership roles.The church provided a way for Luke to mask his sexuality.He reflects on the challenges of reconciling faith and identity.Luke's academic work focuses on the harms of conversion therapy. Luke studied English, French, and history at Liberty University.Liberty University is heavily involved in conservative politics.Conversion therapy is framed as pastoral counseling at Liberty.Luke's plan was to pray the gay away through conversion therapy.He felt he had one foot in and one foot out of the church.Luke experienced a flirty advance from his spiritual life director.He wrote poetry to cope with his feelings of shame.Conversion therapy aimed to change sexual orientation and gender identity.The aftermath of conversion therapy led to self-hatred and shame.Deprogramming from conversion therapy takes significant mental energy. Showering became a sign of anxiety for many in conversion therapy.Shame is a common consequence of conversion therapy experiences.There are diverse yet unifying factors in conversion therapy stories.Some stories from conversion therapy are shocking and visceral.Conversion practices are often motivated by genocidal intentions.The impact of conversion therapy extends to identity and community.Community support is crucial for those affected by conversion therapy.The book aims to affirm survivors and raise awareness about conversion practices.Intervening against conversion therapy involves unconditional love and support.Finding community as ex-Christians can be a healing process. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

In this episode, Troy welcomes Ryan James, and together they tell the story of his brother Jonas James and his struggles with identity, music, drugs and Christianity. They explore the complexities of family dynamics, childhood trauma, and the impact of mental health on Jonas' journey. The conversation explores a complex individual who navigated various phases of spirituality, community, and personal struggles. Ultimately, it reflects on Jonas, his journey, the lessons learned, and the legacy he almost left behind.Links:Jonas James on YouTubePhotos of Jonas  ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

In this episode, Troy and Brian welcome Josie McSkimming, and discuss her new memoir, 'Gutsy Girls: Love, Poetry and Sisterhood.' The conversation delves into Josie's experiences growing up in a volatile family environment, her journey through fundamentalism, and the influence of her sister, renowned poet Dorothy Porter. They explore themes of resistance, creativity, and the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in the context of trauma and fundamentalist Christianity. Josie shares insights on the importance of self-acceptance and offers advice for women navigating their own paths after leaving fundamentalist backgrounds.Links:Gutsy Girls | UQPGutsy Girls | AmazonLeaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of IdentityJosie McSkimming | Sydney Eastern Suburbs Counselling ServicesJosie on Ep 25 of this podcast in 2021Josie on a Patreon Live call in 2023The Fiery Maze - Album by Tim Finn | Spotify  ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Sarah Bacaller, an editor and PhD candidate, shares her journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to a critical exploration of faith. She discusses the emotional complexities of deconversion and the importance of personal narratives, as highlighted in her book 'Apostate'. There’s a fascinating look at the ethical implications of church authority, the therapeutic role of gardening, and the significance of critical thinking in religious contexts. Sarah's insights on community and storytelling bring depth to the experience of navigating faith transitions.

Dr. Cath McKinney is the Professional Supervision Program Director at the University of Divinity in Australia. Her background includes extensive experience as a group relations consultant, a prison chaplain and inner-city minister. In this episode, Cath shares her journey from a complex religious upbringing to her experiences in church leadership, motherhood, and academia. She discusses the challenges her expulsion from a church community aligned with the God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club due to her advocacy for inclusivity. Through her experiences, she highlights the need for compassion and understanding in the face of religious trauma and the ongoing struggle for social justice within faith communities. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

Kicking off the first episode of 2025, Troy and Brian revisit their conversion stories...after four years of Exvangelical podcasting. They explore their early lives, the vulnerabilities that led them to embrace fundamentalist Christianity, and the roles of community and belonging in their experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of identity, and the emotional manipulation often present in Christian environments. They reflect on the long-term effects of their conversions, emphasising the importance of vulnerability and belonging at the very beginning of their Christian journeys.LinksBrian's first conversion story episode is here.Troy's first conversion story episode is here. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.