The Legacy of Abuse Podcast

Alumni packed their cars and headed to Regina for their day in court as our stayed civil action was argued before the Court of Appeal. Our legal team: Grant Scharfstein, Samuel Edmondson, Michael Scharfstein, and Christine Libner, faced counsel for the church and the government.  During the hearing, the Chief Justices of the Court of Appeal characterized the rationale for staying the civil suit due to a supposed "change in the litigation landscape" as "abstract theory and speculation".  Tune in as we share our ongoing saga with the legal system.    Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

After decades of referring politely to what was called the volleyball incident, justice finally set the record straight. It was not an "incident." It was an assault on the volleyball team. For years, euphemisms softened the story. Language blurred responsibility. Memory did the careful tiptoe that institutions often prefer. In this episode, we unpack how the truth was buried in plain sight, and what it means when a long-whispered reality is finally spoken out loud. This is about accountability, about survivors, and about a last minute guilty plea.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

This week's episode is unhinged in the most revealing way. We're talking to an alum who was pregnant in high school at the school, because apparently "Christian education" meant shame with a side of silence. And in a plot twist absolutely no one should be surprised by, the woman the church advised her parents to send her to, you know, as a "solution" for a problematic child, was just convicted in criminal court for child abuse. Turns out when an institution treats kids like liabilities instead of humans, the call is coming from inside the church.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Today's episode is a little different than usual, because instead of a guest, we're featuring our very own cease-and-desist letter. Yes, we were legally threatened by a former leader at our old church who quietly moved away, rebranded themselves, and started their own church. We read you parts of the letter, break it down, and discuss: so tune in if you want a good laugh. Apparently accountability didn't make the relocation move.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

This week on the podcast, we dive into the long-overdue sentencing of John Olubobokun: the former private Christian school director who racked up nine counts of assault with a weapon while insisting he "operates by God's law, not man's law." Spoiler alert: man's law absolutely had its turn, and it came with a sentencing decision he couldn't pray his way out of. This is also the same guy who told the courtroom, "Only God can judge me," right before learning that judges, in fact, judge for a living. And if that isn't enough, we also get into the shocking incident that went down before court even started, because of course there had to be pre-show drama. Tune in as we break down the chaos, the courtroom energy, and the karma finally catching up.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Join us for a special holiday episode as we rewind to 1980s Saskatchewan, when the hair was big, accountability was apparently optional, and one parent decided to challenge truancy laws because their child was attending an illegal school. Festive. We unpack what the court actually said about compulsory attendance, because "we tried our best," personal beliefs, and creative loopholes don't override The Education Act. Attendance isn't a suggestion, and it doesn't become optional just because enforcement was inconsistent or oversight was asleep at the wheel. We translate the legal jargon into plain English, explain why this decision matters for parents, schools, and ministries, and show how this case exposes the awkward gap between what education laws say on paper and what's been quietly tolerated in practice. If you've ever wondered how courts handle truancy, parental responsibility, or what happens when someone decides the law doesn't apply to them, pour some eggnog and hit play.

Join us this week as we try to unravel whatever the hell just happened in civil court. Apparently, our class action lawsuit has been stayed for "abuse of process", which, fun fact: is a reason no judge in Saskatchewan has ever used before. So basically we're out here setting legal precedents we never asked for, while the justice system free-styles like it's had three glasses of wine at brunch.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

This week, join us as we attend the sentencing hearing in R v. Olubobokun. Victims shared powerful impact statements, and while Olubobokun's lawyer did his best to defend the indefensible, the truth spoke louder. Hear firsthand accounts from those inside the courtroom, and follow us as we continue down this long road toward justice.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

A Saskatchewan Provincial Court Judge has delivered a thunderous verdict: guilty on all nine counts against former private school director John Olubobokun. Olubobokun was the longtime Director of Christian Centre Academy, a school that later rebranded to Legacy Christian Academy, and most recently to Valour Christian Academy.  After leaving, he founded yet another institution, Grace Christian Academy, which was shut down by the provincial government in 2022 after his victims came forward. Join his former students as we discuss and read portions of the judge's decision.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Join Quentin and Mark for some brief updates.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Join us as we break down the closing arguments in the first criminal trial of John Olubobokun, a former staff member at Legacy Christian Academy and Mile Two Church. We recount the bizarre and contradictory tactics used by defense lawyer Ron Piché, including shifting blame to deceased staff, and wild claims about khaki pants and iPhones. We also preview the upcoming trial of Duff Friesen, share what it's like sitting just feet from the accused, and reflect on the strength it takes to face court again and again. A raw and revealing look at how justice might finally begin to be served.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of latest developments, we unpack newly released affidavits and expert witness reports from the class-action lawsuit against Legacy Christian Academy and Mile Two Church. They highlight findings from experts in education, psychology, and child abuse that expose how the Saskatchewan government failed in its duty to oversee independent schools. The episode also shares triggering testimony from alumni, revealing the deep and lasting effects of abuse. Please listen with care.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Cate and Quentin are joined by Robynne and Coy for a heartfelt conversation about the recent John Olubobokun trial. Together, they reflect on the emotional weight of the proceedings and share their personal reactions to its unexpected new delay, exploring the broader impact the trial has had on their lives and community.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Join us this week as we welcome Randal Rauser, Director of Faith-Based Organization Investigations at Veritas Solutions and co-author of Disabuse: How to Prevent, Detect, Investigate, and Eliminate Abuse in Churches and Faith-Based Organizations. We gain insights into how investigations are handled by churches, and why some might prefer to sweep it all under the rug. Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Disabuse-Investigate-Eliminate-Faith-Based-Organizations/dp/1738771857   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Join us this week as we welcome Beth Granger, one of the lead plaintiffs in a high-profile lawsuit in Canada, who is also a former student of the now-defunct Grenville Christian College in Ontario. Beth will share her personal experiences and discuss her newly released book, Born and Razed: Surviving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle. Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Born-Razed-Surviving-Cult-Battle/dp/1990688322   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

In today's episode, we sit down with an inspiring alumna of Christian Centre Academy, all the way from New Zealand! Christi shares her experiences at Christian Centre Academy, reflecting on her formative years at the church and school, and how those experiences have profoundly influenced her career as a trauma counsellor.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

In the second installment of our series, we connect with Dana and Dan, longtime volunteers from Evangelist Mark Barclay's church, which shares a history with our former home church. Recently, three former leaders from Barclay's church have faced criminal charges—one has been convicted, while the other two are still navigating the legal system. When the allegations surfaced, Dana and Dan courageously spoke out in defense of the truth, despite Mark Barclay's dishonest statements about the events. Mark Barclay also knowingly had a violent convicted felon around children in his church and in a position of leadership without disclosing to his congregation. These discussions are particularly timely given the current political climate.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com1

In this episode, we dive deeper into the stories surrounding Mark Barclay, Jeremy Pfeil, and their connection to former pastor Keith Johnson. Get ready to hear from Jamie, a courageous congregant from Amarillo, TX, who took a stand for what's right and continues to fight for justice. We'll also discuss some shocking new developments regarding an arrest at Jeremy Pfeil's church.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

This week's episode features alumni Greg, who attended the school and later became involved in the children's ministry at his church. Greg shares his experiences and insights. We also hear how keeping a low profile and being the "good kid" during his school years was a way to cope in that environment.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com

Dive into the murky waters of Saskatchewan in the 1980s, where the seeds for four decades of abuse were sown. This podcast episode explores how a corrupt Premier, a dash of political nepotism, and the strategic positioning of Christian Centre members within the government set the stage for the long-lasting impact we feel today. Join us as we unravel the intricate web woven by key figures like Grant Devine, Chris Gerrard, and Gordon Dirks, who steered Saskatchewan's education system down a tumultuous path of harm.   Join the Class Action: https://scharfsteinlaw.com/class-action/ Links and Socials: https://linktr.ee/legacyofabusepodcast Contact Us: legacyofabusepodcast@gmail.com