We Are One Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Tamra to dive into her experiences growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church and the challenges she has faced since leaving. Together, we tackle difficult topics, with a focus on the impact of spiritual abuse, the expectations placed on women, and the fear that comes with breaking free. Tamra’s openness sheds light on the emotional journey of healing and reclaiming one’s identity. Thank you, Tamra, for your courage and willingness to share your story with us.

In this impactful episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with Lisa, who shares her story of growing up in the IFB and the challenges she faced. Lisa opens up about her father’s attempt to abandon her in another country when she was just 4 years old and describes the difficulties of living under the strict rules of her IFB parents. She also bravely sheds light on the abuse she experienced at Hyles-Anderson College and First Baptist Church of Hammond (FBCOH) and what ultimately led her to leave the IFB.In an open and heartfelt discussion, Olivia, Jen, and Lisa explore many topics, including forgiveness and how scripture addresses it. This episode is especially meaningful for those struggling with toxic relationships within the IFB and the challenge of forgiveness.Note: There are a few moments of audio lag due to technical issues, but we hope you’ll stay with us through this powerful conversation. Thank you, Lisa, for your courage in sharing your story with us today.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with the daughter of an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) pastor who shares her harrowing experiences of abuse and the restrictive teachings she endured and witnessed throughout her life. She opens up about the pressure placed on women in the IFB to conform to unrealistic standards, leading many—herself included—to struggle with eating disorders and issues with self-worth. Through her story, we uncover the ways these teachings impact mental and physical health, shedding light on a culture that often prioritizes control over compassion. Join us as we bring awareness to the hidden struggles faced by women in IFB communities and discuss the path to healing and reclaiming one’s voice.

In the final installment of our Lester Roloff series, hosts Olivia and Jen have a surprise for listeners—a powerful guest appearance by another courageous survivor, Cindy. Cindy opens up about her journey growing up in an IFB church and the rebellious teenage years that led her to be sent to the Rebekah Home for Girls. She shares her harrowing experience there and how, in an unexpected twist, the "Christian Alamo" played a pivotal role in her eventual escape.This episode goes beyond Cindy’s past, diving into her life now, where she provides thought-provoking insights into accountability, parenting, and reflections on what she might do differently if given the chance. The conversations are deep and meaningful, resonating strongly with both Olivia and Jen, who hope listeners find this episode not only informative but a blessing as well.A huge thank you to Cindy for her bravery in closing out our Lester Roloff series and for bringing awareness to the abuse she endured within the church, her home, and Lester Roloff’s enterprise.

In this episode, hosts Olivia and Jen sit down with Johnna, a survivor of Happiness Hill Christian Academy. Happiness Hill was an offshoot of Lester Roloff's ministry, run by the Palmers, who had worked closely with Roloff before establishing their own home. Roloff, a well-known fundamentalist pastor and evangelist, left a controversial legacy that continues to be examined.Johnna bravely shares her experiences, uncovering the abuse she endured and witnessed at Happiness Hill. She reveals shocking new details that even surprised our hosts. As a psychology student, Johnna offers valuable insights into the long-lasting effects of such trauma and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help. She also discusses the many different forms of therapy available to survivors today.Thank you, Johnna, for speaking out on today’s episode. And be sure to listen through to the end—do you think Lester Roloff is comparable to Carol Baskins, or is Jen a true conspiracy theorist? Let us know what you think!

Olivia & Jen sits down with another brave survivor to discuss her experience at the Jubilee Home. Our guest, Caryn, has chosen to keep her identity hidden, and we always prioritize the safety and comfort of our survivors and guests during interviews. In this episode, Caryn provides insight into her life before being sent to the Jubilee Home—a facility established by Lester Roloff for women 18 years and older. She also sheds light on her life after leaving, including some revealing experiences at Hyles-Anderson. You won’t want to miss a word of this conversation.Hosts Olivia and Jen are excited to continue the Lester Roloff series with next week’s episode. Stay tuned until the end for a special preview!

In this powerful episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with Barbara Anne, a survivor of the Rebekah Home for Girls, owned by Lester Roloff. Barbara bravely opens up about the abuse she endured both at home and during her time at the Rebekah Home. She details the physical, sexual , emotional, and spiritual abuse she suffered, sharing how these experiences have impacted her life as an adult. Barbara also discusses the toll her trauma has taken on her personal relationships and how she continues to cope with PTSD and night terrors as a result of her past.Be sure to check out the added clips on YouTube, where we include visuals and additional context to Barbara’s story. We highly recommend watching for a fuller understanding of her journey.

We’re back! In this exciting first episode of Season 2, Olivia sits down with her new co-host, Jen, to discuss all things coming up this season. We share some exciting spoilers, talk candidly about the trolling we've experienced, and clear up some common misconceptions about our podcast. Most importantly, we readdress our mission and the passion that drives us: to create a platform where survivors of abuse within Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) churches can share their stories and be heard. We’re excited for what’s to come and look forward to continuing our work to raise awareness and bring about change

Welcome to Sinner Britches Season 1 Reunion special. I thought it would be fun and cool to record with season 1 guest members and review over season 1 and hear who’s stories impacted who and how and we just had a fun open conversation. Thank you so much for the endless love and support. LETS GO SEASON 2 baby!

Season 1 finale is so special because on today’s episode I sat down one on one with my mom. My mom opens up about how she got lured into the cult and she brings up a lot of things about her childhood. My mom opens up about the reasons why she left our former church and left the IFB cult . We speak about our experiences together and our final straw. I’m so thankful my mom was able to open up and share her experiences, opinion and story!

I sit down one on one with Shannon to speak about her journey to Motherhood. Shannon sheds light on the Foster Care and Adoption process and the struggles her family had faced throughout. Shannon explains her experiences with the system and opens up about her mental health and the mental toll it takes on one that’s going through this. Shannon thank you for speaking on today’s episode!

I sit down one on one with Allison. Allison husband Pastor James previously spoke on the podcast with me so it was such a blessing to speak with Allison. Allison shares what life was like in the IFB & how she is navigating parenting differently since leaving the Fundamental lifestyle. Allison speaks about being put on a pedestal as a pastor wife and her parenting style. Thank you so much Allison for speaking on today’s episode & sharing your motherhood journey.

Kicking off this month of May series MotherHood with Jennifer( Jen) to speak about her motherhood journey and how she landed here on today’s episode. Jen gives insight of what life was like behind the walls and doors of an abusive marriage which eventually follow into unhealthy environments for her child that result to being a single mother for a while. Jen speaks about her family involvement with the IFB history.

I sit down one on one with Jose to speak about his experience in the IFB. Jose and I have a hard conversation about Racism within the IFB world. Jose brings light to what life was like as a teenager who got saved and rode on the bus ministry. Jose gives really good examples of scripture behind his claims. Thank you so much Jose for speaking on today’s episode.

Well I sit down with this great friendship duo for my first ever 2:1 interview. Kelsey & Amy share their experience together at Heartland Baptist Bible College. We speak about the years they attended , what life was like at college and Kelsey gives a little background of her experience also being raised in the IFB world. We speak about how hard it was to juggle work and school and the double standards women received while attending and the graduation process they still think about . Thank you girls for being on today’s episode and being my first ever 2:1 interview!

I sit down one on one with this next guest to speak about her childhood experiences in the IFB. We speak about how life was being a pastor daughter in the IFB world and how her life has changed so much now getting out of the fundamental lifestyle. Amy gives great insight about some teachings that women have heard throughout the years and still continue to hear and how some can be dangerous for mental health. Amy speaks about her time at Heartland Baptist Bible College in OKC. Thank you for speaking on today’s episode and sharing your opinions and experiences.

Brittany and I sit down to speak about her childhood experience in the IFB. Brittany and I grew up together so to hear some things I never knew she went through was extremely hard. Brittany speaks about how her life got flipped upside down when her parents got divorced and when she saw the real world working a real job. Brittany also opens up about her mental health through it all. FULL DISCLOSURE ( Trigger Warning) is advised because we speak about Sexual Assault & Suicide. Thank you for bringing awareness and speaking on today’s episode Brittany.

This episode hits home for me because Kaci is a lifelong friend. Kaci and I grew up together and have a lot of similarities with going to the same IFB church , public school and also our opinions on how the leadership failed us & many other friends. Kaci speaks about her exit of the IFB world & she brings a lot of awareness of being a sister to a sibling that was sent to a boys boarding school. Kaci also has a special announcement!! Thanks for speaking on today’s episode.

Bible College Madness series ends with me speaking one on one with Pastor Brent. Brent speaks about church hurt , leaving the IFB world and divorce. Brent attended multiple Bible colleges and gives good insights on each one. Brent is now a transitional pastor helping churches get ready for a pastor. Thank you Brent for speaking on today’s episode.

I sit down one on one with Pastor James to speak about his time at Champion Christian College. James and I have a really good conversation about how he left the IFB world after serving and being heavily involved fresh out of college. James speaks about what his time looks like now as a Southern Baptist pastor and where he stands with things that take place continuously with the IFB.