BAD PEOPLE PODCAST

MK & CCSR

BAD PEOPLE -With good Stories- (Bad people are people, too) Are we inherently good, inherently bad, or a mixture of both? What happens when our commitment to good leads us into really dark territory? Is it possible to own our failures and missteps without falling into traps of shame, blame, or self-sabotage? What happens when we lose things like a community, a family, or a belief system? What happens when we’re finally honest with ourselves, about ourselves (and others)? In this series of deeply candid conversations, Christa and Micah attempt to excavate the terrain of their lives with vulnerability and curiosity, mining it for personal stories of hurt, failure, disconnection, despair, realization, and growth. By talking openly about the things we tend to wrestle through alone - which in turn can cause isolation and mental harm - we believe that bringing these experiences and emotions to light and into relationship is one way we can access the strength to move on, and ultimately, heal.

  1. Jul 30

    LET'S CHAT: NARCISSISTS.

    BAD PEOPLE PODCAST // S3 EP 3 : LET'S CHAT: NARCISSISTS. What if the perception that we can just “love people into healing or wholeness” doesn’t always apply? What if for some people, recognising their own destructive or challenging behaviour isn’t really a priority? In this episode, Christa opens up a conversation around Narcissism, drawing on the work of Dr. Ramani Durvasula. We discuss narcissistic personality disorder, the four types of narcissism and more. If our conversation sparks curiosity for you, listed below are some resources and educational materials we have found informative and helpful. As always, reach out to us if you have any thoughts or feedback about this episode! Books referenced: It’s Not You - Identifying and Healing from NARCISSISTIC People / Ramani Durvasula, PhD When Narcissism Comes To Church / Chuck Degroat Podcast episodes referenced: WTF is on my mind?! - Mark Vicente / Episode released September 21, 2025 - “Are Narcissists Born or Made? W/ Dr. Peter Salerno” A Little Bit Culty - Sarah Edmonson and Anthony Ames / Episode released March 11, 2024 - “It’s Not You - Dr Ramani on Post-Narc Healing” A Little Bit Culty - Sarah Edmonson and Anthony Ames / Episode released June 7, 2026 - “Where Are They Now? Mark Vicente on The Narcissist’s Playbook” Armchair Expert - Dax Shepard / Episode released May 23, 2024 - "Ramani Durvasula (on narcissism)" Film: The Narcissist’s Playbook Director: Mark Vicente Release Date: July 24-26, 2026 Helpful websites: https://www.narcissisticabuserehab.com https://studio.youtube.com/video/TJ-KLO4eNIw/edit

    LET'S CHAT: NARCISSISTS.
  2. Jul 16

    LET'S CHAT: CULTS.

    BAD PEOPLE PODCAST // S3 EP 2 : LET'S CHAT: CULTS In this episode we discuss: what are cults? Who is susceptible to joining one? What are some signals of cultish behaviour? How do culty groups typically operate? There are no black and white answers to these questions, but according to our research, there are definitely patterns and “red flags” that can be identified when it comes to coercive and controlling behaviour— such as thought control, shaming, building an “us and them” view of the world, omitting necessary information etc. Christa and Micah discuss some of these things in the context of Church systems, religion and everyday relationships. Information quoted at the beginning of the episode comes from the book Cultish - The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell (a linguist, author and podcaster). They also chat through some key points of Steven Hassan’s BITE model of authoritarian control. Hopefully you find this conversation helpful/insightful, and as always— DM us if you would like to contribute to the conversation! Below is a list of resources I’ve found insightful as I (Micah) have sought to explore the topic of cults/spiritual abuse in greater depth: Web: Freedom of Mind Resource Center - Dr Stephen Hassan https://freedomofmind.com/ Books: Cultish, The Language of Fanaticism - Amanda Montell Inspired - Rachel Held Evans Unfollow - Megan Phelps-Roper When Religion Hurts You - Dr. Laura Anderson A Well Trained Wife - Tia Levings Educated - Tara Westover Holy Hurt - Hillary L. McBride Podcasts: Sounds like A Cult - Host: Amanda Montell A Little Bit Culty - Hosts: Sarah Edmonson and Anthony Ames The Turning, Seasons 1&3 - Host: Erika Lantz The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill - Host: Mike Cosper / Christianity Today Holy Hurt - Host: Hillary McBride Heaven Bent - Host: Tara Jean Stevens The Liturgists - Host: Michael Gungor and friends The Bible For Normal People - Host: Jared Byas and Peter Enns Documentaries: Shiny, Happy People / A Teenage Holy War (Seasons 1 & 2) Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed Secrets of Hillsong Keep Sweet, Pray & Obey Trust Me: The False Prophet Dancing for the Devil The Cult of Nature Boy Escaping Twin Flames The Ruby Franke Story Disciples - The Cult of TB Joshua

    LET'S CHAT: CULTS.

About

BAD PEOPLE -With good Stories- (Bad people are people, too) Are we inherently good, inherently bad, or a mixture of both? What happens when our commitment to good leads us into really dark territory? Is it possible to own our failures and missteps without falling into traps of shame, blame, or self-sabotage? What happens when we lose things like a community, a family, or a belief system? What happens when we’re finally honest with ourselves, about ourselves (and others)? In this series of deeply candid conversations, Christa and Micah attempt to excavate the terrain of their lives with vulnerability and curiosity, mining it for personal stories of hurt, failure, disconnection, despair, realization, and growth. By talking openly about the things we tend to wrestle through alone - which in turn can cause isolation and mental harm - we believe that bringing these experiences and emotions to light and into relationship is one way we can access the strength to move on, and ultimately, heal.