318 episodes
Preacher Boys Podcast Preacher Boys
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- True Crime
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4.5 • 663 Ratings
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Join your host, Eric Skwarczynski, as he sits down with brave survivors who are shedding light on decades of physical, mental, and sexual abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement.
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313: 5 Victims, 11 Felony Counts | Former North Valley Baptist Church Member Arrested
On November 13, 2020, I shared an episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast featuring Bruce Kennedy discussing his experiences at North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, CA.
On the episode, we discussed several scandals relating to this particular ministry, and one in particular was that of Norlan Macias - a former member of North Valley Baptist Church.
Today, almost 4 years later, Macias has been arrested.
The following is a statement from the County of Santa Clara:
For release on July 11, 2024
CONTACT:
Joanna Lee
Deputy District Attorney
Sexual Assault Unit
(408) 792-1025
joalee@dao.sccgov.org
South Bay janitor charged with felony molestation
A South Bay man has been charged with sexually molesting teenaged children during church trips at his house on a Morgan Hill lake.
The case against 54-year-old Norlan Macias, of San Jose, was launched several years ago when a retired police officer heard a man describing a molestation on a podcast called, “Preacher Boys.”
Macias is charged with molestations that happened during a period that lasted longer than a decade, between 2001-2012.
Police and prosecutors are seeking others who may have been victims of the South Bay man, who was a janitor at the Campbell Union and Mountain View school districts.
Macias faces 11 counts of felony sexual molestation of five minors, ranging from 8 to 17. He will be arraigned this afternoon at 1:30 in department 23 in the Hall of Justice in San Jose. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
“I would like to thank the retired police officer for his diligence and dedication,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “As with many officers, his mission of protecting our community’s children never stopped. I hope all of us take that same responsibility.”
The case against Macias began in 2020, when a retired San Jose Police Officer recognized Macias from the video podcast, which documents child abuse associated with religious institutions. He called 911.
The defendant used to take a group of teenage parishioners of the North Valley Baptist Church out on a boat at Lake Anderson in Morgan Hill. The boys would then go to the defendant's house in Morgan Hill, where the molestations took place.
While investigating this case, a detective stumbled on a 2013 report by a minor who said that he, too, was molested by Macias. He stated that the defendant lived near him and that he molested him after hiring him to do work on his home. After the initial statement, that case was closed due to lack of victim cooperation.
If anyone has any information about the suspect and molestation, they should contact Deputy District Attorney Joanna Lee at joalee@dao.sccgov.org.
MY STATEMENT:
I've been a public advocate against clergy abuse for nearly four and a half years. It can often feel discouraging and frustrating when no one with power seems to be listening and pushing for real change. I've talked with many victims who have expressed the same sentiment.
Today is a reminder of the importance of not remaining silent. It is a reminder that our voices hold power. I'm thankful for the bravery of Bruce Kennedy in sharing his experiences with Norlan Macias and at North Valley Baptist Church on my podcast in 2020. I'm also thankful for the law enforcement officer who heard this message and decided to look into the case. They are both heroes.
It is my hope this story encourages survivors in similar high-control religious groups to find their voices and speak out, so justice can continue to be carried out.
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Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
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CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
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https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys
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To connect with a -
312: Healing from Trauma is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Journey | Ashley Easter
Check out the Psycho-Therapy Podcast:
https://rebrand.ly/psychotherapypodcast
Check out Figuring It Out: https://www.youtube.com/@figuringitouttv/videos
Welcome to the Preacher Boys Podcast! In this episode, we delve deep into the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the healing journey from trauma and abuse. My guest today is Ashley Easter, the founder of Courage 365, an organization dedicated to supporting abuse survivors.
For more information about Courage365, visit: courage365.org
Our discussion begins with recognizing that many individuals feel underrepresented in popular media and forums. This feeling can create barriers to healing, as people struggle to see their unique experiences reflected in the resources available to them. Ashley shares personal insights on this issue, emphasizing why it’s crucial to have diverse voices in conversations about abuse and healing.
The conversation continues by explaining how abuse impacts different communities uniquely. We highlight how identity-based abuses intersect with classic abuse terms, particularly within LGBTQ+, Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. These communities face additional layers of challenges due to stereotypes and societal pressures, making their healing journeys distinct from those of others.
The episode also addresses the dangers of the "trauma Olympics," where individuals compare their trauma to others'. This comparison can hinder personal healing by invalidating one's own experiences. We explore the gender-specific impacts of purity culture, showing how both men and women are adversely affected in different ways. This segment underscores the need for resources that address these unique impacts.
For those looking for more support, the Courage 365 website offers extensive resources, including a Need Help page and a list of free e-books. Joining the Courage 365 Facebook group can also provide a platform to ask questions and share experiences, fostering a supportive community.
Stay connected with us for more insightful discussions and resources to support your healing journey.
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Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
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CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
preacherboyspodcast.com
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys
https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://twitter.com/preacherboysdoc
https://www.instagram.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspod
To connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/
*as an amazon associate I may receive a small commission on purchases made through links in these show notes
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
311: Erica Smith, M. Ed | The Sex Educator Taking on Purity Culture
I’m so glad to welcome Erica Smith, M. Ed to today’s episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast. Erica is an experienced, award-winning, and internationally recognized sexuality educator whose main area of focus is sex education for people leaving high-control religions.
Connect with her here: https://www.ericasmitheac.com/
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Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
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CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
preacherboyspodcast.com
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys
https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://twitter.com/preacherboysdoc
https://www.instagram.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspod
To connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/
*as an amazon associate I may receive a small commission on purchases made through links in these show notes
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
310: Ryan George | I Discovered My Father Was a Serial Predator
I highly encourage you to watch the past interview with Cathy that we referenced in the episode: https://youtu.be/DoPQVDE9c7k
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Grab a copy of Ryan's book: https://amzn.to/45j7dl4
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BOOK DESCRIPTION: What would you do if you learned—from a podcast—that your dad (a pastor) was a serial sexual abuser?
For Ryan George, this isn't a hypothetical question. He knew the faces behind the stories he heard. In fact, his mind flashed with memories of the abuse he'd endured from that same pastor as he listened to news that would change his life. In time, as he processed the destruction rampant in the cult of his youth, he found predatory behavior to be more of a feature than a bug of his former religion as both abuse and coverups were baked into its theology.
Rather than spiral into an understandable deconstruction of his faith, Ryan instead leaned into the intimate embrace of a winsome Jesus. His book, Hurt and Healed by the Church details how he untangled Jesus from the harmful tenets of American fundamentalism. Ryan describes the mental shifts and the restorative relationships he experienced on his journey of healing from church trauma and spiritual manipulation. If you are someone looking to heal church hurt—by leaders or institutions—Ryan shows how rebuilding your faith doesn't have to look like abandonment. He offers hope and inspiration through his story of an unorthodox redemption.
If Ryan could find a thriving and contagious faith after experiencing deep church wounds, so can you.
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Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
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CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
preacherboyspodcast.com
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys
https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://twitter.com/preacherboysdoc
https://www.instagram.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspod
To connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/
*as an amazon associate I may receive a small commission on purchases made through links in these show notes
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
309: "Not Safe for Bill Gothard Headquarters" | Lindsey Williams
On June 2nd, 2023, the documentary series "Shiny Happy People" premiered on Amazon Prime. While the series' tagline promised to expose some Duggar family secrets, it ended up revealing much more, particularly the work and philosophy of Bill Gothard, the creator of the Institute in Basic Life Principles and the Advanced Training Institute. Gothard's curriculum was marketed as extremely helpful for families in protecting their children, but it ultimately caused incredible harm.
Today, a year after the series premiered on Amazon Prime, I'm sitting down with one of the cast members of "Shiny Happy People," Lindsay Williams, to discuss her life journey from starting in IBGP at the age of eight to working alongside Bill Gothard one-on-one at headquarters. We even spent a good chunk of the conversation discussing Lindsay Williams' life now, both as an advocate and as a successful makeup artist who has worked with brands like Vogue and GQ. We explore what it's like transitioning from being a repressed homeschooler to working in the fast-paced world of beauty and fashion.
It's an incredible conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Lindsay; we instantly became friends, and I'm certain you'll love hearing from her in this episode of the Preacher Boys podcast.
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Resources Mentioned:
Lindsey Williams' Linktree – https://linktr.ee/Cultchronicles
Recovering Grace – https://www.recoveringgrace.org/
Jill Duggar's Book – https://amzn.to/3KtcvB2
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Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
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CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
preacherboyspodcast.com
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys
https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://twitter.com/preacherboysdoc
https://www.instagram.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspod
To connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/
*as an amazon associate I may receive a small commission on purchases made through links in these show notes
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
308: Surviving Abuse and Betrayal by the Southern Baptist Convention | Christa Brown
Purchase a copy of Baptistland: https://amzn.to/3R6MzP2
About the Book:
It began with just wanting to tell the truth. But truth-telling has a way of snowballing.
When Christa Brown first spoke out about the sexual abuse she endured in her Texas childhood church, she never imagined it would expose the ethical chasm at the core of the Southern Baptist Convention: male religious leaders so focused on institutional protection that they sacrifice the safety of children.
A book about speaking out and speaking up, Baptistland weaves together Christa’s revealing story of hope amid Southern patriarchy and religious fundamentalism. You’ll meet the young Christa who endures family dysfunction, the trauma of bodily desecration, and the death blows of a gaslighting church and faith community. Then you’ll meet the Christa transformed who finds her voice and rises above the limited expectations of her given culture, becoming a successful attorney and earning the title of advocate for clergy sex abuse survivors.
Ultimately, Christa Brown grows into a vivid tree of life, rooted in love, individuality, beauty, and goodness. But it was unrelenting honesty, to herself and others, that guided her to this ordinary paradise. Baptistland speaks to the power of truth-telling—to ourselves, our relationships, and our institutions.
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Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys
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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help
✖️✖️✖️
CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
preacherboyspodcast.com
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys
https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://twitter.com/preacherboysdoc
https://www.instagram.com/preacherboysdoc/
https://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspod
To connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/
*as an amazon associate I may receive a small commission on purchases made through links in these show notes
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Customer Reviews
Shining a Light
Podcasts such as this one shine such an important light on the hypocrisy and toxicity of high-demand religions and sects like the IFB. Bravo, and keep up the good work.
Telling the truth with love in order to help with healing
I’ve been listening to this pod since 2020. I felt like I was alone with my religious experiences. On my own, I was trying to find some sort of healing for my religious trauma and the abuse that was facilitated and encouraged by the doctrine being taught in IFB and in the general evangelical Christian world. When I heard familiar names of preachers that I had encountered and heard hard evidence and testimonies of survivors I knew in my heart that I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t the only one and that my concerns were 100% valid. Throughout my time being a listener and apart of the Facebook group, I’ve had my ups and downs through out my journey. I didn’t realize how steeped I was in religious dogma and that the chains of religious oppression and abuse were still on my wrists and that I have been carrying them around even years after leaving church life. I was like a Christian refugee. I didn’t fit in anywhere. Now I know why. Truth isn’t welcome where protecting lies is the top priority and order of the day. Thank you for giving survivors a voice. Thank you for helping us find one another so we can have a support group. Thank you for platforming people like Ashley Easter and Courage 365. That free support group and resources literally saved my life. You all saved my life. I am so proud of all of you. Thank you Eric for your kindness, boldness, bravery, discernment, compassion, and undying quest to uncover the lies and help educate people so they can protect themselves and their children. I am so thankful for you and all your hard work and being honest about your personal faith journey. I know that was a challenge for you to be public about that and got back lash but seeing your example of being honest no matter what has helped me find freedom in my own life. I hope that I can follow your example of bravery and truth telling. Much love to you. Keep up the good work.
Former First Baptist attendee
Amen preacher, amen. As an individual raised as fem in First Baptist Church of Hammond, I know first hand how toxic and dehumanizing IFB can be for all, not just women. I remember how frowned upon speaking up in service was for women ( this knowledge came to me as a four year old). I say amen to not just voice my agreement for everything you’ve done for those leaving IFB, but to acknowledge how much work you’ve don’t to help us realize or reclaim our voice. Thank you for providing a platform for women. Thank you for giving us the space and power to feel like we can say “amen.”