Backslider Diaries is a raw, honest, and sometimes darkly funny podcast about growing up Pentecostal — and breaking away. Hosted by two preacher’s kids, this show dives into the stories of religious trauma, bizarre church experiences, and life inside (and outside) the world of Pentecostalism. From cult-like control to personal liberation, they unpack the strange, the spiritual, and the scars — while also exploring other corners of religious culture and cults and the wider world through the l ...
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The Backslider Diaries Podcasts
The Backslider Diaries – The First TimeIn this episode, we dive headfirst into all our firsts — first concert, first kiss, first drug, first time getting in trouble, and more. These moments shaped who we were before the unraveling. It’s raw, real, and maybe a little reckless. From awkward teen memories to spiritual confusion, it’s all part of the j…
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In this raw and necessary episode of The Backslider Diaries, T , J, and Lance sit down to unpack the difficult reality of abuse within faith communities. From personal experience and broader patterns, we break down the many faces of religious harm—childhood abuse, sexual misconduct, grooming, physical and emotional control, financial exploitation, …
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S1E6 Miracles, Money & Manipulation
1:19:00
1:19:00
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They promised healing. They delivered a show. In this episode, we dive into the dark underbelly of faith healing—where staged miracles, emotional exploitation, and spiritual manipulation rake in millions. From televangelist theatrics to tent revival cons, we expose how desperate people are preyed upon in the name of God. This isn't just deception—i…
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In this one, we dive into how political polarization—especially the rise of MAGA ideology—has created rifts in families across the U.S., and how it's become closely tied with modern evangelical culture. We share stories of strained relationships, lost connections, and the emotional cost of navigating belief systems that collide at the dinner table …
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Growing Up LGBTQ+ in a Pentecostal Church In this episode of The Backslider Diaries, our guest shares their powerful story of growing up queer in a strict Pentecostal household — and what it was like coming out not only to their preacher father and deeply religious family, but also to their wife and close friends. We dive into the weight of religio…
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S1E3 Narcissists in the Pulpit. A look at the "God Told Me" Complex
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57:18
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In this episode, we unpack the dangerous blend of narcissism and spiritual authority often found in evangelical pulpits. What happens when a leader claims divine direction to justify control, manipulation, or abuse? We explore the “God told me” complex—how it silences dissent, elevates ego, and blurs the line between faith and fanaticism. Drawing f…
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The Backslider Diaries Season 1 Episode 2
1:03:22
1:03:22
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In this episode of the Backslider Diaries, hosts T and J delve into their experiences growing up in a Pentecostal environment, exploring themes of religious trauma, purity culture, and the healing power of music. J discusses her deconstruction. They discuss the complexities of family dynamics, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of qu…
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The Backslider Diaries Season 1 Episode 1
1:06:34
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Episode 1: Welcome to the Backslider Diaries In our very first episode, we introduce ourselves — two preacher’s kids who grew up deep in the world of Pentecostalism. We share our personal stories of faith, fear, and finally, freedom. From speaking in tongues to strict church rules, and the moments that made us question everything, this is the begin…
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