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Welcome to UN-Holier Than Thou, the podcast where we ditch the judgment and dive deep into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes downright ugly world of trauma.
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43 Episodes
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In this episode of the Un Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with Luke Roberts (known to many as LJR) for a raw and vulnerable conversation about the cost of losing your faith—and the beauty of finding yourself. Luke spent years at the front of the sanctuary as a worship leader, but behind the scenes, the foundation of his evangelical upbringing was cracking. Today, he shares the intimate details of his deconstruction journey, the painful process of leaving the church, and how he even...
In this episode of the Un Holier Podcast, hosts Jenny Smith and Bible expert Justin dive deep into the complexities and controversies surrounding Bible translations, with a special focus on the King James Version (KJV). They explore the historical context, common translation errors, and hidden agendas in the creation of the KJV. Justin provides a comprehensive presentation on why newer translations might be more accurate, and they answer listener questions about the best Bible translations fo...
Welcome to a very special episode of the Un Holier Podcast. To kick off 2026, I’m joined by my favorite guest—my husband! Together, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit our most hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) New Year’s Eve moments. But it’s not all just laughs. We’re getting real about our 2026 resolutions, from the bad habits we’re finally ditching to the realistic goals we’re actually hoping to keep this year. Stick around for a high-energy Rapid-Fire Q&A that might r...
Have you ever felt trapped by religion? In this raw and unfiltered interview, we sit down with JC Groves, a brave pastor who escaped the clutches of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. From a life of strict religious indoctrination to a powerful spiritual awakening, JC’s story will challenge everything you think you know about faith. We'll uncover the secrets of the IFB's legalistic practices, hear breathtaking stories of personal transformation, and reveal the man-made rules ...
Did the Church RUIN Her Life?! 😱 Author Catherine Brusk Reveals the TRUTH About Growing Up Christian | Unholier Podcast In this explosive episode, host Jenny Smith sits down with bestselling author Catherine Brusk to peel back the curtain on her tumultuous religious past. Catherine holds NOTHING BACK as she details the jarring whiplash of attending a strict Christian school while navigating a more "relaxed" non-denominational church. Discover the shocking ways this dual life forced her to con...
In this deeply personal and uncomfortable episode, hosts David and Jenny address a serious issue affecting the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI) community. They reveal that a former podcast guest has been embellishing their survival story to gain attention and scam community members, particularly vulnerable women, out of money. Despite the sensitive nature of the topic, David and Jenny provide insights and share their mission to bring awareness and change to TTI institutions. They also extend thei...
In this episode of the Un Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with Tabitha, a survivor of the troubled teen industry who spent time at Tranquility Bay in Jamaica. Tabitha shares her journey of growth and resilience, discussing her mixed emotions about the recent hurricane that hit Jamaica and the lasting impact of her experiences. The episode highlights Tabitha's impressive efforts in creating a grassroots organization and working towards a federal bill aimed at reforming the troubled ...
In a special episode of the Un Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith is joined by her husband, Ryan (aka Smitty), to discuss their vastly different upbringings. Jenny was raised in a religious environment while Ryan wasn't exposed to church at all. They share personal stories, delve into the challenges and growth in their marriage, and discuss their experiences with various church environments. The couple also touches on the impacts of religious trauma and their journey of finding their own way. W...
In this emotionally charged episode of The Holier podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with Justin Woodbury, an old friend from their days in the Christian school. Justin opens up about his harrowing experiences within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Church, specifically the Ann Arbor Baptist Church in Michigan. Through a candid conversation, Justin shares the deeply disturbing events of abuse he endured, his journey to healing, and his resolve to help others through his book, 'Shelt...
🚨 A 'PREACHER BOY,' NOW HE'S EXPOSING EVERYTHING! 🚨** In one of our most intense episodes yet, host Jenny Smith sits down with **Daniel** as he takes us deep inside the shadowy world of the **Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB)** movement. You won't believe the shocking details he reveals. Daniel was the ideal IFB kid—the classic 'preacher boy.' But behind the façade of suits and perfect attendance was a life buckling under the weight of **rigid structures and controversial teachings*...
🚨 CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?! 🚨 Join Jenny Smith and David Keck on the Un Holier Podcast as they react in real-time to the most jaw-dropping, controversial sermon clips from Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) preachersyou've ever heard. We're not holding back. Hear the shocking moments—including documented racial slurs and insane conspiracy theories—that shaped their childhoods. Jenny and David dive into a deep, dynamic conversation, dissecting the toxic rhetoricthat permeates the IFB movement....
In this gripping podcast episode, we welcome Marbeth Skwarczynski, mother of 'Preacher Boys' host Eric and accomplished author, as she discusses her harrowing experiences growing up in the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) movement. We dive deep into her real-life inspirations for her compelling book 'No Longer Invisible' and explore the emotional challenges and abuses she faced and overcame. This candid conversation sheds light on the stark realities behind seemingly perfect façades in r...
🔥 The exhaustion of religious legalism is REAL. You don't want to miss this jaw-dropping, deeply personal conversation! In this powerful episode of the UN Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with the incredible Christiana Miller, a talented singer, songwriter, and influential social media personality. Christiana grew up completely immersed in the ultra-restrictive Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. Christiana shares her extraordinary life story, revealing what it was truly...
Join Jenny Smith on the UnHolier Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation with Joanna, a survivor who escaped a terrifying ordeal. At a young age, her family was lured into a seemingly innocent church in Washington State, only to discover it was a controlling cult. Joanna bravely shares the shocking details of the severe abuse she endured, the manipulation by trusted leaders, and the heartbreaking betrayal that led to her time in the foster care system. This isn't just a story of survival—i...
We're switching gears (but keeping it real) with Jonathon Hamilton, a true survivor who embraces the chaotic reality of deconstruction. Jonathan walks us through his journey of shedding the rigid religious labels that once defined him, explaining why he now considers himself 'no one and everyone.' He brings a fascinating and humorous perspective on how losing your faith and identity can be the most authentic thing you ever do. This episode dives into the absurdities of high-control systems, t...
In this gripping episode of the UnHolier Podcast, we welcome Jessica, a brave survivor of the troubled teen industry, who shares her powerful story of resilience. Jessica recounts her harrowing experiences in the Happiness Hill and Shenandoah Haven homes, exposing the extreme and abusive practices rooted within these institutions. From manipulative religious control to physical and emotional abuse, Jessica details the struggles she faced as a naïve teen cast into this unforgiving environment....
Welcome back to the UnHolier Podcast! In today's episode, host Jenny Smith interviews a returning guest, 'A', a survivor of the troubled teen home, Shenandoah Haven, in Cleveland, Tennessee. They dive deep into what 'A' has been up to since her first appearance, including connecting with other survivors and gathering eye-opening information about the abuse and corruption at Shenandoah Haven and its associated church. From revelations of misuse of power, sexual abuse, starvation as punishment,...
Are you questioning your faith, or struggling with past wounds from a high-control religious environment? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Anne Russo, a groundbreaking therapist specializing in religious trauma. With her forthcoming book on the topic, Anne shares her personal experiences and her expert insight into the silent epidemic of religious trauma. You'll discover: What religious trauma truly is and how it manifests.Practical, actionable advice for navigating your healing ...
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. Viewer discretion is advised. In this explosive episode of Un Holier Than Thou, Jenny sits down with special co-host David Keck to a hear a story of survival that will leave you speechless. We are honored to welcome Martha, a brave author, trauma coach, and speaker, who shares her harrowing journey of escaping a restrictive and abusive religious cult. Martha's story is a testament to human res...
In this episode, the host welcomes Jenny as she shares her harrowing journey growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. Jenny's story details her family's deep roots in IFB, the strict and oppressive rules she faced, and the challenges of living under a legalistic and controlling environment. She recounts traumatic experiences, including a public shaming at youth camp, and a disastrous, abusive marriage arranged within the IFB framework. Despite the adversity, Jenny dis...
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