
I Hate James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is a clinical psychologist, founder of Christian media empire Focus on the Family, a spiritual advisor to every Republican President since Reagan, and a paragon in the Evangelical Christian movement. And he's a massive dick.Join therapists Jake (a former Evangelical) and Brooke (who knows almost nothing about Evangelical culture) as they read and tear apart Dobson's works. Get ready to laugh, cry, and rip your hair out as we explore the very many reasons why I Hate James Dobson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 10, 2024 • 59min
Episode 7: James Dobson Hates Me
Happy pride month, heathens! Today, Jake and Brooke are joined by our first very special guest: Jordan! Together, we are taking a step back to marvel at Dobson's illustrious career as a professional homophobe. We trace Dobson's denial of homophobia, his active homophobia, and the hydra of political organizations he has created. Turns out, sometimes conspiracy theories are true: Dobson literally conspired in secret with others to push homophobic and misogynistic policies at every possible level of government.Works Cited (hyperlinks do not work on every podcast player, my apologies)“A Nation Shaken by the Sandy Hook Tragedy” broadcast by Dobson – Dec 17, 2012After Obergefell“Ballot measures in 11 states, all successful, aided the president’s reelection bid and helped to swing the momentum, for a time, to the side of the anti-gay Right.” - https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/revolution-anti-gay-activists-threaten-uprising-if-supreme-court-approves-marriage-equality/Dr. Dobson's September Newsletter – Sept. 2019Evangelical Broadcaster Seeks “Pro-Family” Lobby by Russell ChandlerFamily Policy Alliance Financial Reports 2020 & 2019Focus on the Family focuses on homosexualsFRC fighting conversion therapy bansFRC’s connection to FPCsGallagher, S. “Where Are the Antifeminist Evangelicals? Evangelical Identity, Subcultural Location, and Attitudes toward Feminism.” Gender and Society (2004)“God will destroy America for legalizing sexual perversions”Homosexuality and Dr. Dobson: What’s at Stake in American Christianity?Moslener, Sara, Virgin Nation: Sexual Purity and American Adolescence (2015)SPLC on FRCThe Homosexual Community: Small number, big influenceMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 6: Bringing Up Boys Part 2
Here's where things get interesting. In this episode, Jake and Brooke explore Bringing Up Boys from a cultural perspective, then do a deep dive into one of the most harmful chapters James Dobson has written - and that's saying something. There's stuff in this episode that will shock you, I promise. (Is it in bad taste to make a conversion therapy joke? No I'm gay, I can get away with it.)ReferencesUmberto Eco, "Eternal Fascism: Fourteen Ways of Looking at a Blackshirt," The New York Review of Books, June 22, 1995.Kruglanski, A. W., Szumowska, E., & Kopetz, C. (2021). The Psychology of Extremism. In The Psychology of Extremism (pp. 1-11). Routledge.Stone, Peter. “US ‘university’ Spreads Climate Lies and Receives Millions from Rightwing Donors.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 6 Sept. 2023, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/06/prageru-climate-change-denier-republican-donors. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2024 • 58min
Episode 5: Bringing Up Boys - Part 1
Buckle up boys and girls (and NO ONE ELSE!), things get unhinged this time around. Jake and Brooke talk all about Dobson's commercially-successful trash fire called Bringing Up Boys. There's cringe, there's trauma, there's holy bones - this episode has it all.Sources:"Animal Sex: How Anglerfish Do It" (2015) from LiveScience.comStudies about how human sexual dimorphism is vastly over-blown:Lise Eliot, Adnan Ahmed, Hiba Khan, Julie Patel. Dump the 'dimorphism': Comprehensive synthesis of human brain studies reveals few male-female differences beyond size. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2021; 125: 667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.026Marwha, D., Halari, M., & Eliot, L. (2017). Meta-analysis reveals a lack of sexual dimorphism in human amygdala volume. Neuroimage, 147, 282-294.“Bill Nye Saves the World: The Sexual Spectrum.” Season 1, episode 9. (2017)."One Day of ‘Take a Child to Work’ Is Short on Substance : Boys are now being invited to join the formerly all-girl event. But it’s doubtful kids find our jobs worth imitating. It may be better to just share the pride of accomplishment." Los Angeles Times (1995)Johnson, L.B. (1991). On the front lines: Police stress and family wellbeing. Hearing before the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families House of Representatives: 102 Congress First Session May 20 (p. 3248). Washington DC: US Government Printing Office.Neidig, P.H., Russell, H.E. & Seng, A.F. (1992). Interspousal aggression in law enforcement families: A preliminary investigation. Police Studies, Vol. 15 (1), p. 3038.Leopold, T. (2018). Gender differences in the consequences of divorce: A study of multiple outcomes. Demography, 55(3), 769-797."The Coming Attack on an Essential Element of Women's Freedom" (2023). by Kimberly Wehle, The AtlanticMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2024 • 1h 33min
BONUS: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women - Uncut
This is the full conversation between Brooke and Jake of "What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women" - a title I hope to never say or write again. This episode is for the podcast aficionados who want 90 minutes of uninterrupted Dobson talk. So if you're a masochist, enjoy! New episodes resume next week :)Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 29, 2024 • 51min
Episode 4: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women - Part 2
The podcast delves into the complexities of women's emotional needs in romantic relationships, challenging outdated advice and cultural narratives. It critiques gender norms and financial misconceptions while advocating for shared household responsibilities. Discussions on menopause highlight personal experiences with hormonal changes and the need for support. The speakers question traditional family models and emphasize the importance of emotional intimacy in fostering equitable dynamics, aiming to redefine how relationships are understood across different contexts.

Apr 15, 2024 • 45min
Episode 3: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women - Part 1
In a spirited critique, the hosts dive into a prominent figure's outdated views on women's issues. They humorously dissect parenting narratives that simplify women's roles and highlight the challenges many face in balancing work and family. The discussion unveils the isolating effects of societal expectations and explores the need for recognizing women's contributions within marriage. With wit and insight, they challenge traditional gender roles, advocating for better communication and understanding between partners.

18 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 19min
Episode 2: Dare to Discipline
Jake and Brooke delve into controversial parenting methods in the context of James Dobson's 'Dare to Discipline.' They critique the cultural norms of the 1970s that shaped outdated parenting ideologies, particularly the dangers of spanking. The discussion highlights the need for more compassionate approaches to discipline, emphasizing positive reinforcement over punishment. They also tackle educational critiques and challenge traditional views of intelligence, all while humorously reflecting on personal experiences with evangelicalism. It's a thought-provoking examination of parenting in a modern world.

10 snips
Mar 17, 2024 • 55min
Episode 1: Who is James Dobson?
Delve into the controversial history of Dr. James Dobson, who shaped evangelical family culture with his polarizing views. The hosts critique his impact on personal lives and societal issues, sparking important discussions about faith and family dynamics. Airing a critical perspective on conversion therapy, they highlight the dangers of evangelical influence. The episode also explores the connections between evangelicalism and politics, exposing the dark legacy of organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom. It's a fascinating journey through beliefs and their real-world implications.