Bloggers + Podcasts

The Vashti Initiative partners with several well-known bloggers and organizations who bring awareness to religious trauma and spiritual abuse. Some of them have written content for Vashti as well, and we appreciate their support.

Note: Our partnerships do not necessarily reflect an endorsement of their viewpoints, but rather our intention to bring to light the damage that high-control spiritual environments bring to people and what the recovery journey afterwards is like.

Bloggers

Baptist Accountability

This is a crowd-sourced database for Baptist predators and their enablers, bringing justice to past victims and sparing future bodies and souls by naming names. You can follow Baptist Accountability on their Facebook page or their website.

Happy Whole Way

Tools for faith destruction, faith transitions, and healing from religious trauma from two licensed and experienced religious trauma coaches. Follow on Instagram @happywholeway

Rebekah Drumsta

Rebekah is a consultant, writer, and advocate at RebekahDrumsta.com with the mission of supporting survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma by providing resources. Sharing her own story to help others who have had similar life experiences is at the heart of Rebekah’s purpose.  She was also a board member of The Vashti Initiative.

Lydia Joy

Lydia was a blog editor for The Vashti Initiative, and she also has her own blog where she shares her personal journey leaving the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. You can learn more about Lydia by visiting her blog, Once Upon A Time In My Oceania. 

Ryan Stoller

Ryan is the author of a book on child liberation theology, The Kingdom of Children. He has an M.H.S. in Child Protection from Nova Southeastern University and an M.A. in Eastern Classics from St. John’s College. His writings on child liberation theology have been featured everywhere from Patheos to Currents Journal to the Centre for the Study of Bible & Violence. He has served on the board of and run numerous social media campaigns for child advocacy organizations, including the Child-Friendly Faith Project, The Coalition for Responsible Home Education, and Homeschool Alumni Reaching Out. He started the blog Homeschoolers Anonymous in 2013 to bring awareness to abusive homeschooling environments and experiences from homeschool alumni.

Podcasts

Viral Virtue

Two ex-mormon self-proclaimed apostates take you on a comedic exploration and analysis of new and old religious fundamentalism. Every week they examine hot-button issues like shame, sexuality, purity culture, and misogyny from a post-religious lens. Come and join the affirming and inclusive space for everyone navigating deconstruction, religion, society, and culture. 

Exvangelical

Covering the impact and influence of white evangelical Christianity in America. Written and hosted by Blake Chastain, this podcast helps former evangelicals come to terms with an abusive subculture. 

The Influence Continuum

Steven Hassan, Ph.D., is one of the leading experts on cults and undue influence in the world. A former member of the right-wing Moonie cult, Hassan was deprogrammed 45 years ago and has dedicated his life to helping people out of cults and destructive situations. Dr. Hassan is a licensed mental health professional and has written four books, including The Cult of Trump and the seminal book Combating Cult Mind Control. On this podcast, Steve will explain HOW mind-control works, and how to protect yourself from its grips.  

Leaving Eden

Leaving Eden discusses survivor Sadie Carpenter’s life in and escape from an Independent Fundamental Baptist Cult. Hosted by Gavri’el HaCohen and Sadie Carpenter, this podcast sheds light on a movement that has been harming individuals for decades.

The Misfit Amish

“Amish children and adults will have resources and education to combat crimes in their communities. We bridge the gaps between English and Amish culture.” Podcast by Mary Byler.

Preacher Boys

Host Eric Skwarczynski sheds light on abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. Preach Boys gives platform to survivors stories while also offering resources for those still healing from religious abuse. 

Scientology: Fair Game

Prompted from the award-winning A&E series “Scientology and the Aftermath,” Leah Remini and Mike Rinder team up again to expose abuse within the religious world of Scientology. Together, they are covering new ground, digging deeper than ever into the shocking documents, facts, and stories that will make you wonder how any of this is going on in America today. 

Umbrella Rebellion

The Umbrella Rebellion shares the hosts experience in the ATI/IBLP and fundamentalist cults. They are on a journey of healing, and exposing the teachings that lead to and justify abuse. It is their hope that those that are experiencing abuse can find support and escape from it.