The Backslider Diaries

The Backslider Diaries

Backslider Diaries is a raw, honest, and sometimes darkly funny podcast about growing up Pentecostal — and breaking away. Hosted by two preacher’s kids, this show dives into the stories of religious trauma, bizarre church experiences, and life inside (and outside) the world of Pentecostalism. From cult-like control to personal liberation, they unpack the strange, the spiritual, and the scars — while also exploring other corners of religious culture and cults and the wider world through the lens of those who’ve lived it. A podcast for ex-Christians, atheists, agnostics, & anyone deconstructing.

Episodes

  1. The First Time

    JUL 12

    The First Time

    The Backslider Diaries – The First TimeIn this episode, we dive headfirst into all our firsts — first concert, first kiss, first drug, first time getting in trouble, and more. These moments shaped who we were before the unraveling. It’s raw, real, and maybe a little reckless. From awkward teen memories to spiritual confusion, it’s all part of the journey of leaving behind the lies we were raised in. Featuring clips, vibes, and nods to:🎸 Guns N' Roses – "Sweet Child O' Mine"😱 Darth Vader – “NOOOO!”🕊️ George Michael – "Freedom!"🙏 R.E.M. – "Losing My Religion"🗣️ Kendrick Lamar🎶 Too $hort – "Don't Fight the Feeling"🌊 Billy “Crash” Craddock – "Rub It In"✈️ The Move – "Do Ya"🐢 Sturgill Simpson – "Turtles All the Way Down"🔥 Nine Inch Nails – "The Only Time"🌾 Rev. Horton Heat – "Bales of Cocaine"💔 Bright Eyes – "First Day of My Life"🤘 Beastie Boys – "Fight For Your Right"💋 Salt-N-Pepa – "Push It"💃 George Michael – "Faith"👟 Kenny Loggins – "Footloose"😂 Eddie Murphy – Delirious💀 The Toadies – "Backslider"🍿 Friday (The Movie) - 🐢 Sturgill Simpson – Turtles All the Way Down 🌐 Resources: 🎵 Opening music by The Demigs: ⁠⁠Black Valley Fight⁠⁠ 🎵 Closing music by The Demigs: ⁠⁠Monochrome Blues⁠⁠ 🌐 Resources:Adult Children of Alcoholics: ⁠⁠https://adultchildren.org⁠⁠ – for support, healing, and recovery Freedom From Religion Foundation: ⁠⁠https://ffrf.org⁠⁠ Paulogia Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/paulogia⁠⁠ Matt Dillahunty: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@SansDeity⁠⁠ #ReligiousTrauma #Exvangelical #Deconstruction#RecoveringFromReligion #FaithShouldntHurt #ChurchHurt

    1h 28m
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Backslider Diaries is a raw, honest, and sometimes darkly funny podcast about growing up Pentecostal — and breaking away. Hosted by two preacher’s kids, this show dives into the stories of religious trauma, bizarre church experiences, and life inside (and outside) the world of Pentecostalism. From cult-like control to personal liberation, they unpack the strange, the spiritual, and the scars — while also exploring other corners of religious culture and cults and the wider world through the lens of those who’ve lived it. A podcast for ex-Christians, atheists, agnostics, & anyone deconstructing.