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PODCAST

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast.

Brian McDowell, Troy Waller

Brian and Troy used to be loyal Christian megachurch leaders. They’re not anymore. This podcast explores life in and after fundamentalism.

religion & spirituality religion

All Episodes

00:57:19

130 - Sharon Joins the Podcast

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/09/19

In this episode, Troy and Brian welcome new co-host Sharon Madere, discussing her background and experiences with Last Days Ministries. The conversation explores the evolution of the Jesus People Movement, the financial dynamics of Keith Green's ministry, and the shift from idealism to conservatism within evangelicalism. They delve into the impact of Trump on American politics, the role of nationalism, and the importance of leadership transitions. The episode also touches on the global reaction to

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01:12:10

129 - Let's Talk About Sects with Sarah Steel

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/09/06

Troy and Brian welcome Sarah Steel, the brilliant host and creator of the award-winning podcast Let's Talk About Sects. Sarah delves into the complex world of high control groups and cults, sharing insights from her extensive research and personal interviews. Together, they explore the psychological impact of cults, the challenges of leaving such groups, and the importance of storytelling in understanding these experiences. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that sheds light on the hidden

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01:11:59

128 - From Pastor to Comedian with Jeremy Alder

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/08/22

In this episode, we delve into the unique upbringing of comedian Jeremy Alder, who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian household. Jeremy shares his experiences of being homeschooled in Texas by missionary parents who distrusted mainstream culture, leading to a childhood without TV or the internet. He reflects on the challenges and unexpected benefits of such a sheltered upbringing, and how it shaped his worldview and comedic voice. Join us as Jeremy candidly discusses his journey from a deeply

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01:14:50

127 - From Pastor to Deconstruction with Tracy

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/08/08

Brian and Troy sit down with Tracy, a former pastor turned psychologist, to explore her transformative journey from religious leadership to a life of authenticity and self-discovery. Tracy shares her experiences of grappling with faith, the challenges of deconstructing long-held beliefs, and the empowering path to finding her true identity. Join us as we delve into Tracy's story of resilience, the power of community, and the pursuit of living a life true to oneself. Don't miss this insightful

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01:12:33

126 - Sexuality, Shame, and Identity with Cara Flame

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/07/25

Troy and Brian engage in a deep conversation with Cara Flame, an Australian experiential and creative arts therapist, about her journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to becoming an advocate for those recovering from religious trauma. Cara tells of her experiences in the Esther Foundation, a Christian Fundamentalist organisation, and how it shaped her views on sexuality, shame, and identity. Cara shares her ongoing struggles with the remnants of purity culture and emphasises the importance of

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01:30:08

125 - Let's Go to Hillsong!

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/07/11

In this episode, we visit Hillsong's mothership in Baulkham Hills so you don't have to! We unpack the atmosphere, the music, the offering, the supposed miracles, the sermon and the continued exploitation of volunteers. Join us as we reflect on the evolving, yet somehow still familiar landscape of the 'new' Hillsong and its diminishing impact on those of us who have left the faith.Key takeaways:Atmosphere and Scale: Hillsong's grand scale and corporate feel can be both impressive and overwhelming,

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01:11:10

124 - Amy Semple McPherson, the First Evangelical...

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/06/27

Troy and Brian chat with journalist and author Claire Hoffman about her book Sister Sinner, which explores the life and mysterious disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneering figure in American evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. The discussion covers Claire's own upbringing in a transcendental meditation community and then explores the complexities of McPherson's life, her scandalous disappearance, and the impact of fame on religious figures. The conversation also reflects on the nature of

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00:00:45

2025 Trailer: I was a Teenage Fundamentalist

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/06/14

Brian & Troy used to be loyal megachurch leaders. They’re not anymore. This podcast explores life in and after Christian Fundamentalism.---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here.Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to

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01:24:46

123 - Shame Sex Attraction with Dr Luke Wilson

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/06/13

We engage in a deep conversation with Luke Wilson, a Canadian scholar, about his experiences growing up in a fundamentalist environment and the impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ individuals. Luke shares his journey from being a teenage fundamentalist to confronting his sexuality, his time at Liberty University, and the harrowing experiences of conversion therapy. The discussion highlights the psychological and emotional toll of these practices, the importance of community support, and the need

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02:05:24

122 - The Continuing Story of Jonas James

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/05/30

In this episode, Troy welcomes Ryan James, and together they tell the story of his brother Jonas James and his struggles with identity, music, drugs and Christianity. They explore the complexities of family dynamics, childhood trauma, and the impact of mental health on Jonas' journey. The conversation explores a complex individual who navigated various phases of spirituality, community, and personal struggles. Ultimately, it reflects on Jonas, his journey, the lessons learned, and the legacy he

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01:20:38

121 - Gutsy Girls with Josie McSkimming

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/05/16

In this episode, Troy and Brian welcome Josie McSkimming, and discuss her new memoir, 'Gutsy Girls: Love, Poetry and Sisterhood.' The conversation delves into Josie's experiences growing up in a volatile family environment, her journey through fundamentalism, and the influence of her sister, renowned poet Dorothy Porter. They explore themes of resistance, creativity, and the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in the context of trauma and fundamentalist Christianity. Josie shares insights

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01:19:53

120 - Apostate with Sarah Bacaller

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/05/02

In this episode, Troy and Brian engage with Sarah Bacaller, editor of the book, 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion'. They explore Sarah's background in fundamentalism, her academic pursuits in philosophy, and her reflections on the ethical implications of church authority. The discussion delves into personal narratives of deconversion, the impact of evangelical theology on mental health, and the importance of critical thinking in faith contexts. Sarah shares her complex relationship with faith,

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01:24:04

119 - Called a Witch & Kicked Out! with Cath McKinney

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/04/18

Dr. Cath McKinney is the Professional Supervision Program Director at the University of Divinity in Australia. Her background includes extensive experience as a group relations consultant, a prison chaplain and inner-city minister. In this episode, Cath shares her journey from a complex religious upbringing to her experiences in church leadership, motherhood, and academia. She discusses the challenges her expulsion from a church community aligned with the God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club due to

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01:23:56

118 - Revisiting Our Conversion Stories

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/04/04

Kicking off the first episode of 2025, Troy and Brian revisit their conversion stories...after four years of Exvangelical podcasting. They explore their early lives, the vulnerabilities that led them to embrace fundamentalist Christianity, and the roles of community and belonging in their experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of identity, and the emotional manipulation often present in Christian environments. They reflect on the long-term effects of their conversions, emphasising the

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00:29:19

S01E02 - Troy‘s Christian Conversion Story (2025...

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/03/28

In our second episode back in 2021, troy talked a little about his pre-conversion home life and his experience of two Christian camps. It was at the second camp where he found himself speaking in tongues and started to wear the label, 'born-again'. As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying our best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Join the conversation and connect

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00:27:42

S01E01 - Brian‘s Christian Conversion Story (2025...

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/03/21

Let's go right back to the beginning. In Season 1 Episode 1, Brian recounted his conversion story. "No bibles, no preaching, no god-bothering!" These were the conditions he put upon his two brothers, who had recently converted to Pentecostal Christianity, if he were to visit them while on holidays. What happened next would change the course of his life and still continues to impact who he is today.As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them

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01:13:30

128 - I Blew the Whistle on my Dad’s Church with Kit...

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/03/14

In 2023, we talked with Clare Heath-McIvor, an exvangelical blogger and podcaster who has been operating under the pseudonym 'Kit Kennedy' since a dramatic and shunning-esque exit from her pastor father's church in 2016. In 2022, she and her ex-husband (a gay conversion therapy survivor) became whistleblowers for a 60 Minutes Australia political and religious expose on her father's City Builders Church and its tactics in Australian conservative politics. Trigger warning: This episode touches on

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01:06:02

S04E71 - Fear of Hell (2025 hiatus repeat)

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/03/07

We came out of the gate swinging for this first episode of Season 4, and unpacked some of the most problematic and ridiculous aspects of the doctrine of eternal torment, aka Hell. We also gave some suggestions on how to overcome the fear of Hell.The resources suggested in this episode are:ChristianThat All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation: Hart, David BentleyGrace Saves All: Christianity and Universal Salvation PodcastLove Wins: At the Heart of Life’s Big Questions : Bell,

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01:01:59

S0484- God is a Narcissist with Catherine Quiring...

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/02/28

In this Season 4 episode, we talked with Catherine Quiring, who described herself as a reformed people-pleaser, Exvangelical and an aspiring advocate for anti-oppressive spirituality. She is a licensed Mental Health Counsellor, and Self-Trust Coach. Catherine told us why she believes the Evangelical god is a narcissist and that the symptoms experienced by those who have experienced covert narcissistic abuse are extremely similar to those experienced in high-control religious settings.You can connect

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01:10:55

S03E62 - Gay at Great Big AOG with Andrew (2025...

I was a Teenage Fundamentalist. An Exvangelical podcast. ·

2025/02/21

We think this Season 3 episode is one of our best. We caught up with Andrew, a fellow traveller from our time at Great Big AOG. Andrew recounts his struggles being deep in the closet at church and how he later came to accept his sexuality and then live openly as a gay man. Trigger warning: This episode touches on issues concerning depression and suicide. If you are in Australia and require support, please reach out to 1800RESPECT by phone or online or Lifeline on 13 11 14.ABBI serves individuals,

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