We Are One Podcast

Jay was sent to Agape Boarding School under the belief that he needed to be “fixed.” He shares that, in his heart, he believes he was sent away in an attempt to “pray the gay away” — a decision rooted in fear, theology, and misunderstanding. What his parents may not have realized is that sending him to an all-boys boarding school would become one of the most traumatic chapters of his life. In this...

Ron was just 12 years old when he was sent to Agape Boarding School in Washington State in the mid-1990s — years before the school relocated to Missouri. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Ron speaks publicly for the very first time about his experience. Before Agape, Ron’s life was already marked by instability, navigating foster care and searching for safety in a system that failed him more than...

James was sent to Agape Boarding School as a teenager — a decision that would change the trajectory of his life. In this episode, James shares what it felt like to be sent away and subjected to the physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse that defined the culture of Agape. He opens up about the fear-based environment, the punishments, and the trauma he and so many other boys endured. But James’ st...

Amanda returns to the We Are One Podcast to share a side of Agape Boarding School that many haven’t heard — the perspective of a young staff wife trying to navigate faith, marriage, and obedience inside a system she had been conditioned to trust. Raised in the Hyles IFB world, Amanda entered adulthood believing submission and loyalty were virtues above all else. But when she and her husband were p...

This reunion episode brings the Reclamation Ranch series to a close. In this final conversation, we reflect, reconnect, and honor the courage of the girls who came forward to share their stories. Their voices, strength, and truth made this series possible. Thank you to every listener for the continued love and support throughout Season 3. Up next, We Are One begins a new survivor series focused on...

In this episode, Sabrina continues sharing her story, revealing more about Reclamation Ranch and her experiences within the IFB. She speaks openly about the harm she endured and the impact of Jack Patterson, along with Trudy and Karen Patterson. This conversation centers survivor truth, accountability, and the long road toward healing.

This is a 4-part series. Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth,...

Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth, survival, and the courage...

This is a 4-part series. Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth,...

This is a 4-part series. Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth,...

In this episode of We Are One Podcast, Nyssa and Rachel share their experiences as survivors of Reclamation Ranch. What was presented as a place of help, healing, and “restoration” became a system rooted in control, fear, and spiritual manipulation. Together, Nyssa and Rachel speak honestly about life inside the ranch, the tactics used to enforce obedience, and the lasting impact that environment...

In this powerful conclusion to Season 2, we focus on a pivotal chapter in Sabrina’s journey—her time at Reclamation Ranch, a troubled teen facility founded by Jack Patterson, a man with deep and ongoing ties to the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. This episode uncovers how Patterson’s influence connects back to the roots of our Season 2 Lester Roloff series, continuing the legacy of...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Shawn, a former student of Hyles-Anderson College who has since become a licensed therapist. Shawn opens up about his time within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, the impact of legalism and spiritual manipulation, and the long road to healing and freedom. Now using his voice and expertise to help others, Shawn shares unique insights int...

To wrap up the Hyles series, Olivia sits down with her next guest, Grace — the most recent graduate to share her experience at Hyles-Anderson College. Grace attended from 2022 to 2024 and offers a rare, up-to-date look at what life inside the institution is like today. Trust us — you do not want to miss this. As we listen, it’s clear that decades of abuse and toxic systems are still deeply rooted....

In today’s episode, Olivia is joined once again by Robyn as they continue our Hyles Series and take a hard look at where First Baptist Church of Hammond stands today. After the arrest of Jack Schaap, John Wilkerson became the new pastor — but has anything truly changed? While some claim Wilkerson has a heart for survivors, this episode uncovers unsettling truths that suggest otherwise. We discuss...

In this powerful follow-up episode, Alissa returns to share more deeply about her experience with Jack Schaap, the former pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond. She opens up about the subtle and calculated grooming she endured, the manipulation that blurred boundaries, and the lasting impact it left on her life. Alissa also reflects on where she is today in her healing journey, offering hope a...

In this episode, Olivia sits down with Amanda—an advocate and survivor you may recognize from the Let Us Prey documentary. Amanda has continued to bravely speak out, shedding light on the abuse and cover-ups within the IFB, particularly at First Baptist Church of Hammond (FBCH), Hyles-Anderson College (HAC), and Hammond Baptist (HB). Born and raised in this environment, Amanda opens up about what...

In this special introduction to our latest series, Olivia sets the stage for an in-depth look at Jack Hyles, his family, and the empire he built at First Baptist Church of Hammond (FBCOH). This episode explores the foundation of his influence, the deep-rooted scandals that shook FBCOH, and the role of organizations like the Christian Law Association (CLA) in protecting churches instead of survivor...

To conclude The Bethel Files series, Olivia sits back down for Part 2 with Chad Miller. In this powerful episode, Chad and Olivia discuss the full timeline of Bethel, the struggles 17-year-old Chad faced with his mental health at the time, and how abandonment issues continue to impact him today. Chad shares deeply about his experience at Reclamation Ranch, founded by Jack Peterson—a significant fi...

In the final episode of The Bethel Files series, Olivia sits down with Bethel Boys Academy survivor Chad Miller. Chad shares his journey of being sent to Bethel in Lucedale, Mississippi, at just 17 years old. He opens up about his experiences under the control of founder Herman Fountain, revealing the abusive and manipulative environment that defined his time at the academy. Chad also discusses ke...

In this powerful continuation of The Bethel Files, Olivia sits down with Bethel Boys survivor Micah, who bravely shares his harrowing journey. Micah reveals the shocking truth of how he was drugged, woke up believing he was headed to Disney, and instead found himself trapped at Bethel. He opens up about the lasting trauma, the intense PTSD he endured, and the therapy that helped him reclaim his li...

In this episode, Olivia sits down with Justin, a survivor of Bethel Boys Academy, to share his story. Justin opens up about his life before Bethel, what led to him being sent there, and the abuse he endured while inside. He also sheds light on what he personally witnessed William Knott do and explains why his mom and cousin ended up moving to Bethel and working there. Justin’s story is another pow...

In this powerful episode, we kick off our new series with guest Dave Bowsher. Dave opens up about his time at Bethel Academy in Lucedale, Mississippi, shedding light on the abuse and trauma he endured. Together, Dave and Olivia discuss the school’s founder, Herman Fountain, the involvement of William Knott, and other facilities that continue to profit off pain and suffering. They also dive into th...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a mother-daughter music duo who found their voices not just in song, but in freedom. Once deeply immersed in the fundamentalist world, they share their journey of breaking away—from singing rigid hymns in church to creating music that reflects their true selves. Together, they open up about the struggles of leaving behind legalism, the challenges of rebui...

n this episode, we sit down with Paul Miller, a former member of The Millers, a well-known evangelistic singing family that traveled to over 500 IFB churches, colleges, and events across the U.S. Paul opens up about how he became involved with the IFB and IBLP, embracing the movement’s extreme standards and tightly controlled lifestyle. We explore the growing trend of people walking away from fund...