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 deeply honest conversation, Jay opens up about the abuse he endured at Agape — being physically attacked, jumped by other students, spiritually manipulated by staff, and living in an environment fueled by shame and control.Jay also bravely speaks about sexual abuse and the lasting trauma that follows — the confusion, the silence, and the long road toward healing.Olivia and Jay have an important conversation about the lack of love shown to the LGBTQ+ community within certain Christian spaces, and what it truly means to reflect Christ. They discuss the difference between faith and fear, accountability and condemnation, and how Christians should treat every human being with dignity and compassion.This episode is not about politics.It’s about humanity.It’s about what happens when identity is treated like a sin instead of a person.Jay’s story is raw, courageous, and necessary.

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’ story takes a complicated turn.After aging out, he remained at Agape and was hired as a staff member. For six months, he saw the system from the inside — not just as a student, but as someone expected to enforce the very structure that once harmed him.And then he was fired.Not for misconduct.Not for breaking rules.But because he “wasn’t mean enough.”James discusses what that experience revealed about the inner workings of Agape, the expectations placed on staff, and the culture of control that thrived behind closed doors. He also shares insight into the filming of Teen Torture Inc., the legislative process surrounding the bill that was eventually signed, and his thoughts on the closure of the school.We talk about what it means to survive something that was designed to break you — and what he would say today to those who once tried.This episode sheds light on the systemic nature of abuse at Agape and why closing a building does not close the wounds left behind.

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 Agape Boarding School.If you are a survivor—or know someone who would like to share their story during the month of February—please contact weareonetogether25@gmail.com.Your story matters. You are not alone.

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, survival, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life.

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 it takes to reclaim your life.

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.

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 into the trauma many survivors face—and how true recovery is possible. Whether you’re deconstructing your own past or simply seeking to understand, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

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 how Wilkerson has maintained a culture of silence, cover-ups, and continued proximity of predators to vulnerable individuals on campus. Is he a reformer, or just another wolf in sheep’s clothing?You don’t want to miss this conversation.Also — if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Robyn’s book and listen to her full story growing up in this environment and attending Hyles-Anderson College in Season 1, Episode 4. Her personal experience adds powerful context to everything we discuss today.

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 life was really like behind the scenes. She shares disturbing insights into how FBCH operated, including how massive scandals were routinely swept under the rug. From the manipulation in the bus ministry to shocking scare tactics—like the time she was pressured into swallowing live goldfish—Amanda’s story reveals the deeply rooted control and fear used to maintain power.

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 figure in the IFB and Teen Training International (TTI) world. He doesn’t hold back as he details firsthand what life was like at the ranch and the lasting effects it had on him.The conversation also explores Chad’s journey filming Troubled Teen Industry on HBO Max, including an emotional reunion with another Bethel survivor. He also goes further into the heartbreaking story of Bradley, one of the individuals featured in the documentary.Don’t miss this raw and eye-opening conclusion to The Bethel Files series.

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 life. Micah’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope—showing that healing is possible even after the darkest of experiences.

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 the broader issue of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI) and explore how we can take action to create stronger laws that protect children from these harmful institutions.Dave was also featured in Teen Torture Inc. on HBO Max, so be sure to check that out for more insight into the fight against abusive programs.Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that exposes the reality behind these so-called “reform” programs and what we can do to make a difference.

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 fundamentalism—what is driving them to leave? What eye-opening experiences led Paul and others to question the system they once followed? We also did a Q&A with Paul, where he answers some of your questions!Stay tuned for Thursday, when we sit down with his wife and daughter to hear their experiences—what it was like to be a woman in the IFB, the pressures of evangelical ministry, and their firsthand encounters with some of the most extreme aspects of the IFB world.