The Backslider Diaries

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, and cultural manipulation. No sugarcoating. No excuses. Just truth. If you've ever fe...

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—it's a system built on false hope and fat wallets.

We talk the grift, the guilt, and th...

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

🌐 Resources:

⁠Adult Children of Alcoholics⁠ – for support, healing, and recovery

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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 religious expectations, internal conflict, and the path to self-acceptance after years of repr...

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 from personal stories, psychology, and cultural trends, we examine the warning signs o...

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 questioning beliefs. The conversation highlights the impact of their upbringing on thei...

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 beginning of our journey into unpacking the wild, weird, and often painful world we cam...