Preacher Boys Podcast

Eric Skwarczynski
  • 4.5 (678)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Preacher Boys Podcast
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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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO · BONUS • PB MEMBERSHIP ONLY

    Inside My Journal from the Early Days of Preacher Boys

    This exclusive episode is just for our YouTube members and Patreon supporters as a heartfelt thank-you for supporting the show. In this episode, I reflect on an early journal entry from January 2020, written just weeks into starting the show. I discuss the mix of grief, anger, and hope I felt then, and how those feelings have evolved.

    10 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    339: How One Tree Hill Star Bethany Joy Lenz Broke Free From a Cult

    📚 Get a Copy of Bethany’s memoir, Dinner for Vampires, here: https://amzn.to/3O7AAiB In this deeply moving episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, I sit down with Bethany Joy Lenz—actress, singer, and New York Times bestselling author of Dinner for Vampires. Best known for her decade-long role on One Tree Hill, Bethany shares her extraordinary story of resilience, breaking free from a high-control Bible study-turned-cult, and finding healing after years of manipulation and abuse. We dive into her new memoir, Dinner for Vampires, which unveils her secret double life: starring on one of TV's most beloved shows while enduring the suffocating grip of "The Big House Family." Bethany’s inspiring journey reveals how she reclaimed her autonomy and faith, offering profound lessons for anyone navigating life's darkest moments. Topics We Cover: – The hidden dangers of cults disguised as safe spaces – How her evangelical upbringing made her susceptible to manipulation – Balancing the highs of One Tree Hill with the lows of life in a cult – The pivotal role of motherhood in her decision to leave – Practical advice for spotting and avoiding high-control groups About Bethany Joy Lenz: Bethany is a multi-talented artist who rose to fame as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill. She has also starred in Guiding Light, Grey’s Anatomy, Charmed, Felicity, Suits, Dexter, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. A passionate musician, Bethany has released several albums, cohosts the hit podcast Drama Queens, and serves as founder/editor-in-chief of the broadsheet newspaper Modern Vintage News. 📚 Order Bethany’s memoir, Dinner for Vampires, here: https://amzn.to/3O7AAiB As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission from purchases made through the links in this YouTube description. Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    57 min

  3. NOV 10

    338: 'Let Us Prey' Reunion Episode | ft. April Avila, Kathy Durbin, Rachel Peach

    Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 19m

  4. NOV 3

    337: A Church Let Her Convicted Abuser Work in the Kids Ministry | Josie Pickens

    Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    56 min

  5. OCT 31

    336: HALLOWEEN BONUS EPISODE | I Interviewed a Horror Screenwriter About Her Religious-Themed Slasher!

    Watch Killer Body Count for FREE on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019969/killer-body-count On this special Halloween bonus episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, we dive into an interview from my Film School'd YouTube channel, where I typically discuss the art of filmmaking with industry talents. Today, however, the crossover between my two worlds—horror and religious trauma—made this episode a perfect fit for Preacher Boys. I’m sharing a portion of my conversation with screenwriter Jessica Landry, who recently penned Killer Body Count, a slasher film with a hauntingly familiar twist for our listeners. The plot centers around a teenage girl misdiagnosed as a "sex addict" by her devout family and sent alone to a religious reform camp. But, in true horror style, things spiral when a masked killer targets the camp’s residents one by one. Jessica and I discuss the religious undertones woven into the film, her inspiration for the story, and the biblical motifs that give a darkly ironic spin to each “death scene." We also touch on Jessica’s own journey, growing up in a religious environment and eventually identifying as an atheist. For horror fans and those interested in confronting the shadows of religious trauma, this episode has something unique to offer. Listen in for insights on how horror films can explore deep-seated fears around organized religion, shame, and identity, with a splash of classic slasher thrills. ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    20 min

  6. OCT 27

    335: Jenna DeVries | Her Controversial Music Video, Megachurch Horror Stories, & Carl Lentz Thirst Traps

    Meet Jenna DeVries! A Nashville-based singer-songwriter, DeVries’ “soulful and affecting” (People) voice has already made a powerful connection with millions. She is among the elite handful of artists to make it to American Idol’s Top 24. DeVries discovered her unique sound through a fusion of pop, country, and Americana elements. Named one of NSAI’s Songwriters to Watch, DeVries pulls inspiration for her songs directly from her experiences as an LGBTQ+ artist and small-town survivor. Jenna’s upcoming EP tells the story of moving to Nashville, coming out, losing her family, and finally stepping into her power. Jenna DeVries released a single titled “RIP,” which exclusively premiered with People. The music video for “RIP” was featured on the CMT music television channel. Her full album is slated to drop this summer. DeVries also recently started the LGBTQ+ movement The Outlaw Collective, which raises LGBTQ+ and minority artists’ voices in the Nashville music scene through showcases and more. You can listen to DeVries on all major music platforms or follow her on social media to hear all the new music. ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    55 min

  7. OCT 20

    334: Her Brother Raped Her... But the Church Calls His Time in Prison an "Injustice" | Kayla Palmateer

    ⚠️⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including incest, child sexual abuse, and religious trauma. Listener discretion is advised. ⚠️⚠️ In this episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, we bring to light the harrowing story of Kayla Palmateer, a survivor of incest who faced not only familial betrayal but also the judgment of her former faith community. Join us as we explore: – The shocking details of the case and the controversial sentencing that followed. – The impact of religious doctrine and community silence on Kayla's journey to justice. – How Kayla's story reflects broader issues of how incest and abuse are handled within close-knit communities. This episode aims to provide a platform for Kayla Palmateer's voice, which has previously been overshadowed by those discussing the case. ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 25m

  8. OCT 16

    333: Answering Your Questions | Interview Strategies, Overcoming Hopelessness, and More...

    In this special Q&A episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, I answer your burning questions! 🎙️ Ever wondered how I decide what to ask during interviews? Or how I handle moments of hopelessness while discussing heavy topics? I dive into these questions and more, including whether I'd consider re-inviting past guests. Join me for a candid conversation where I pull back the curtain on my process and share personal insights from my journey in podcasting and advocacy. 💬 Got a question? Drop it in the YouTubee comments or reach out on social media for a chance to be featured in a future episode! ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 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/preacherboyspod 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/ ✖️✖️✖️ The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    24 min
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4.5
out of 5
678 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Skwarczynski
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    345
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eric Skwarczynski
  • Show Website
    Preacher Boys Podcast
  • Provider
    Eric Skwarczynski

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