BAD WORDS

A quick heads-up before you hit play: for this episode BAD WORDS is being hijacked by "better gods". Welcome to a special broadcast introducing better gods—an offensive Christian podcast hosted by Janice Lagata where she doesn’t talk to people she doesn’t like. Consider this episode a masterclass in friendly fire, a clearing of the decks, and the official introduction to the next phase of Janice's...

In this episode of Bad Words, guest host Lauren joins Janice and Melanie to take apart chapters 31-32. They discuss Angel's struggles, Michael's motives, and the problematic depictions of sex work, gender roles, and racial themes. The conversation expands into the broader implications of purity culture and evangelical teachings. They also reflect on the harmful effects of guilt and shame instilled...

In this episode of Bad Words, hosts Janice, Melanie, and Stephanie delve into the problematic aspects of chapters 28-30 of Redeeming Love. The conversation highlights key plot points, including Angel's traumatic past and her current struggles with identity and self-worth. The hosts critique the portrayal of Michael as a supposedly virtuous man despite his manipulative and controlling behavior, and...

In this episode Janice Lagata & Melanie, tackle chapters 25 through 27 of Redeeming Love and reflect on the broader cultural implications of the story with guest host Marlaina . The trio discusses the book's portrayal of gender roles, purity culture, and the dehumanizing nature of evangelical influences. They explore the convoluted relationships, historical inaccuracies, and the challenges of deal...

In this episode of Bad Words, hosts Janice (janicelagata.com) and Melanie (@climbholamel), along with guest Cheyenne, dive deep into Francine Rivers' 'Redeeming Love'. They unpack the toxic relationships, patriarchal themes, and misinterpretations of biblical stories that permeate the novel. Through thoughtful critique and personal insights, they discuss how the novel mishandles issues of trauma,...

Join Janice (@godhasnotiven), Melanie (@climbholamel) and Leslie (@leslie_delman) as they dive into chapters 19 -21 of ‘Redeeming Love’. This episode captures the ongoing drama of Michael and Angel's tumultuous relationship, the arrival of the sickeningly wholesome Altman family, and the deep-rooted issues stemming from Angel's dark past. The hosts hilariously scrutinize the depiction of Angel, Mi...

Join hosts Janice (@godhasnotgiven) and Melanie (@climbholamel), with guest Karla (@holasoykarla), as they dive deep into chapters 16 to 18 of 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers. They unmask the underlying themes about misogyny, autonomy, and the persistent stigmatization of women, while also discussing how the characters endure chaotic and undeserved challenges. The episode also covers the cultu...

In this episode of Bad Words, Janice (@godhasnotgiven) Melanie (@climbholamel), and guest host Lo (@lmoshwhipp) dive deep into chapters 13-15 of Francine Rivers' 'Redeeming Love.' The hosts discuss the troubling portrayals of relationships, victim-blaming, and the problematic theology underlying the narrative. They analyze the characters' actions, particularly the disturbing dynamics between Angel...

In this episode of Bad Words, Janice (@godhasnotgiven) and Melanie (@climbholamel) are joined by Marla Taviano (@marlataviano) to delve into the deeply flawed narrative and characters of Francine Rivers' 'Redeeming Love'. They revisit Chapters 10 -12, discussing Angel's traumatic recuperation, the problematic character of Michael Hosea, and the inconsistencies in Rivers' portrayal of evangelical v...

In this episode of Bad Words, Janice and Dr. Laura Anderson dive deep into the 1997 Christian romance novel 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers. They recount the events leading up to Chapters 7-9, critique the problematic portrayal of women, and discuss the intersections of purity culture, consent, and power dynamics. Alongside humorous takes, the hosts tackle serious conversations about the book'...

Join Janice (@godhasnotgiven), Melanie (@climbholamel) and Stephen (@stephengarton) as they delve into chapters 4 thru 6 of Francine Rivers’ questionable “romance” novel 'Redeeming Love.' Set in 1850s California, this episode covers Angel, an 18-year-old prostitute, and an odd marriage proposal from a farmer named Michael Hosea. Discussions also cover the book's problematic elements, including iss...

In this episode of Bad Words, hosts Janice (@godhasnotgiven), Melanie (@climbholamel) and Jenna (@jencug) dissect the first three chapters of Francine Rivers' novel 'Redeeming Love'. They explore themes relating to the portrayal of women, the inherent guilt and shame promoted by purity culture, and the dynamics between male and female characters in the book. While also touching on the unrealistic...

This episode of 'Bad Words' kicks off Season 3 with hosts Janice (@godhasnotgiven) and Melanie (@climbholamel) diving into their first admitted fiction book, 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers. The prologue reveals the tragic backstory of Sarah/Angel, exploring her complex relationships with her mother, absent father, and the traumas she faces. The hosts critique the literary value, character dev...

Are you a Barbie girl in a Barbie world or a Cinderella in an Eldredge fever dream?. Prepare to RSVP for an invitation you never wanted as we give chapter 12 of Captivating the read that it deserves.  BAD BOOK: Captivating Chapter: 12 of 12 | An Irreplaceable Role Book Club Member: Chelsea Instagram |@chelseakimlong 

It’s a Neverending Story of how God speaks to John and only John about everything you need to know. Get ready to get all you need from a single sentence as we give chapter 11 of Wild At Heart the read that it deserves. (Finally 👀) BAD BOOK: Wild At Heart Chapter: 11 of 12 | An Adventure to Live Book Club Member: Melanie Instagram | @climbholamel

If you wanna be a Princess Bride, you better be ready to fight like a Lord of the [wedding] rings! Prepare to be bummed out by the Eldredge marriage as we give chapter 11 of Captivating the read that it deserves! BAD BOOK: Captivating Chapter: 11 of 12 | Warrior Princesses Book Club Member: Melanie Instagram | @climbholamel

A special bonus episode because bad things happen to words outside of books too. So we're talking about bad worship remakes, demonic takes and the bad theology beneath it all. (Early and with no ads for the People of Jod. Thank you ❤️) BAD W🤬RDS: The Jericho -NO! "KIndgom Remake" ACTUAL ART: JERICHO by Iniko Book Club Member: Ashlee' Instagram |@unashamedly_ashlee

It’s time to Throw Mama From the Train and under the bus, Eldredge style, as we give chapter 10 of Captivating the read that it deserves. BAD BOOK: Captivating Chapter: 10 of 12 | Mothers, Daughters, Sisters Book Club Member: Libby Instagram |@libbyrosebaugh 

It’s Into The Woods on a safari of the heart for men who love (and love like) grim fairytales. Prepare to be driven to drink as we give chapter 10 of Wild At Heart the read that it deserves.  BAD BOOK: Wild At Heart Chapter: 10 of 12 | A Beauty To Love Book Club Member: Natalia Instagram |@nterfa 

The actual factual title of chapter 9 is Arousing Adam and nothing will ever be worse than that. So prepare to cringe cringes bigger than you could ever ask or imagine as we give chapter 9 of Captivating the read that it deserves.  BAD BOOK: Captivating Chapter: 9 of 12 | Arousing Adam Book Club Member: Tim Instagram |@thenewevangelicals 

It’s a Band of “oh brother 🙄” where the point of manhood is to Save Private Ryan from all manner of imaginary frenemies. Get ready to go to war with all sorts of war stories as we give chapter 9 of Wild At Heart the read that it deserves.  BAD BOOK: Wild At Heart Chapter: 9 of 12 | A Battle To Fight: The Strategy Book Club Member: Dan Instagram |@dkauchick 

Indiana Jones and Unveiling of Beauty. Starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Day-Lewis as men of your dreams (obviously). You better hope you have the strength of a man as we give chapter 8 of Captivating the read that it deserves. BAD BOOK: Captivating Chapter: 8 of 12 | Beauty to Unveil Book Club Member: Lo Instagram |@lmoshwhipp 

It’s Fight Club and the number one rule is whatever William Wallace says it is. Get ready to meet the devil in traffic as we give chapter 8 of Wild At Heart the read that it deserves.  BAD BOOK: Wild At Heart Chapter: 8 of 12 | A Battle To Fight: The Enemy Book Club Member: Tori Instagram |@whitehomework 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 days and a God in Seven Chapters. Starring Father God and Brother Jesus as the love of your life. Prepare to be grossed out as we give chapter 7 of Captivating the read that it deserves. BAD BOOK: Captivating Chapter: 7 of 12 | Romanced Book Club Member: Ashlee’ Instagram |@unashamedly_ashlee 

Wounded? Just snuggle up with John E. and his MotherFathering God (and watch out for those undertones!) as we give chapter 7 of Wild At Heart the read that it deserves. BAD BOOK: Wild At Heart Chapter: 7 of 12 | Healing The Wound Book Club Member: Justin Instagram |@justin.gentry