Un-holier Than Thou Podcast

In this gripping episode of the End Holier podcast, host Jenny Smith sits down with Jeremy Paskell, who shares his harrowing experience of growing up in a cult led by Ariel Ben Sherman during the 1980s and 1990s. From dealing with extreme control and fear to ultimately finding freedom, Jeremy's story is a testament to resilience. Now a mural artist and author, Jeremy discusses how he transfor...

In this eye-opening episode of the Un Holier Podcast, host Jenny Smith engages in a candid conversation with her best friend Chrissy about the often overlooked topic of gluttony within church culture. From the abundant potlucks in Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) churches to the broader implications of overconsumption in our daily lives, Jenny and Chrissy explore how gluttony extends beyond f...

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 intimat...

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 translation...

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’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'...

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 c...

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 mor...

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...

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...

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. Th...

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...

🚨  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 fa...

🚨 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) preachers you'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...

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...

🔥 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 Fundam...

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 heartbreaki...

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...

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...

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 a...

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...

⚠️ 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...

Ready for a trip down memory lane that's anything but holy? Join Jenny and her special guest Johnna as they spill all the tea on their crazy journey growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist ( IFB ) church. It's a hilarious look at everything you weren't allowed to do, especially when it came to music. Imagine a world with only hymns, strict dress codes, and zero rock and ro...

In this powerful and emotional episode of Unholier Than Thou, hosts Susie and Jenny welcome a courageous survivor—A—who is breaking her silence on the horrifying abuse she endured at Shenandoah Haven, one of many institutions in the troubled teen industry. A shares her story of being sent away without consent, subjected to emotional, physical, and religious abuse, and ultimately surviving a system...

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains sensitive discussions of religious trauma, sexual abuse, and miscarriage. Listener discretion is advised. Imagine a life defined by unyielding control and harsh judgment. This week on "The Process of Healing," hosts Susie and Jenny sit down with the incredibly brave Barb , who shares her harrowing, unfiltered story of being raised within a rigid,...