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Liberty Lost

Author: Wondery

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In Evangelical homes across the United States, sex outside of marriage is a sin against God. So, when Abbi becomes pregnant at 16, her devout parents hide her away at the Liberty Godparent Home, a little-known facility for pregnant teens on the campus of Liberty University. The Home says it helps girls decide what comes next – whether that’s parenting their babies or placing them for adoption. But inside the facility, the girls hear a different message: God wants their babies to go to more “deserving” Christian couples. Some girls will find the strength to fight back. Others will have no choice but to give in. And some, like Abbi, will turn their grief into resistance – and take a stand against the system before more mothers lose their children to adoptions they never wanted.

From Wondery, host and reporter T. J. Raphael tells a startling true story of young love, coercion, and defiance – and the dangerous resurgence of maternity homes in post-Roe America.

Follow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.



9 Episodes
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When Abbi becomes pregnant at 16, her devout parents hide her away at the Liberty Godparent Home, a little-known facility for pregnant teens on the campus of Liberty University. The Home says it helps girls decide what comes next – whether that’s parenting their babies or placing them for adoption. But inside the facility, the girls hear a different message: God wants their babies to go to more “deserving” mothers. From Wondery, host T.J. Raphael tells a startling true story of young love, motherhood, coercion, and the growing reach of maternity homes in post-Roe America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When the Wind Blows | 1

When the Wind Blows | 1

2025-06-2348:3712

When Abbi finds herself pregnant at 16, she knows her parents will be furious. But even her worst fears can’t compare to what her parents decide to do with her.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We All Fall Down | 2

We All Fall Down | 2

2025-06-2343:5413

Abbi joins a long line of teenage girls who’ve gone through the Liberty Godparent Home, including Toni and Zoe. Meanwhile, Nathan wonders why he hasn’t heard from Abbi.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
I Wish I May | 3

I Wish I May | 3

2025-06-2639:255

Abbi, Toni, and Zoe desperately want to keep their babies. But inside the home, pressure to do the “right thing” is mounting.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hush, Little Baby | 4

Hush, Little Baby | 4

2025-06-3045:377

The girls’ due dates are finally here and the Godparent Home will try to sway their decisions until the very last moment. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
All the King's Men | 5

All the King's Men | 5

2025-07-1446:575

Abbi disobeys her parents, but her son’s open adoption comes with a whole new set of rules she has to follow. The Godparent Home lands on the radar of Child Protective Services, but will the Home face any consequences?Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As more maternity homes open across the country, Abbi, Zoe, and Toni join a growing chorus of women who are speaking out. And there’s one person in particular who Abbi and Nathan want to hear their story. Dr. Zoe Shaw’s book, “Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame” is available here. Follow her podcast, “Stronger in the Difficult Places,” here.Click here to read the full statements from Abbi’s parents, Debbie and Don Blanzy.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How can the American adoption system change for the better? T. J. sits down with Gretchen Sisson, author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, for a deep dive on the forces driving adoption and the changes she sees on the horizon.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow Liberty Lost on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/liberty-lost/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the first half of the 20th century, one woman changed adoption in America. What was once associated with the shame of unmarried mothers became not only acceptable, but fashionable. But Georgia Tann didn’t help children find new homes out of the goodness of her heart. She was stealing babies from happy families and selling them for profit. By the time her crimes are exposed decades later, she’s made a fortune – and destroyed hundreds of families along the way.Listen on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts: Wondery.fm/WomanWhoSoldBabiesWondery+ members can binge all episodes of “The Woman Who Sold Babies” from American Scandal ad-free right now. Unlock your FREE trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify by clicking the links below, and enjoy early access to your favorite podcasts, exclusive shows, bonus content, and more— all ad-free. Happy listening! Wondery+ on Wondery : https://wondery.app.link/yQDXFZidtObWondery+ on Apple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/wondery/id6442475667Wondery+ on Spotify: https://wondery.app.link/bY67EFodtObSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Comments (13)

Natasha Mitchell

I'm almost legitimately sick listening to this. Abby my heart is legit breaking for you while listening to this.

Aug 14th
Reply

Dana P.

If people really wanted to adopt, they could adopt from another country. I know there's more hoops to jump through and that there's probably some ethical issues with that, but there are genuinely kids out there who don't have any family at all. I once studied under a teacher who did that, and he was approved as a single, gay man on a teacher's salary, so I would think a couple could do it. (Also this is in regards to the woman who asked about adopting ethically, not the awful evangelicals.)

Jul 25th
Reply

Len Makowan Jr.

While the story was interesting at the end, it just seems like a cult. There is no way I would have an open adoption and have the parents just come over and play with their kids and leave. If the child wants to search tge parent out when they turn 18 so be it. Maybe it's just me.....but ALL of the women drove me crazy except TJ, drove me crazy with all of them spoke with vocal fry!!!! If I didn't have anything else to listen to I would have shut this off in 5 min.

Jul 25th
Reply (1)

Natalia G Ruiz Antúnez

Her parents were more worried about their reputation and image than her daughter and grandson. How could you be behind giving your grandson away?!?!

Jul 23rd
Reply

reil0

using religion to manipulate, coerce and control people (especially children) is truly demonic behavior. the adults involved in this are despicable.

Jul 23rd
Reply

Daniel

this country would be in so much better shape without Christians really

Jul 21st
Reply (1)

Dana P.

Wtf is wrong with all these adults??!?? She took her daughter to an amusement park right after she gave birth??? That's so insane. The only parents that shouldn't have been allowed to keep their babies are all the adults of these teen girls 😡

Jul 15th
Reply (1)

Dana P.

Throw the whole parent away (this applies to both of them)

Jul 14th
Reply

Kitabug

cult

Jun 24th
Reply (1)