KTVU On the Record: Raw conversations. Real people. Deeper insights. - "Happy Shiny People: A Teenage Holy War"

This episode of KTVU On The Record discusses the documentary "Happy Shiny People: A Teenage Holy War" and features an interview with one of its subjects, Micah Ringo. The documentary explores Teen Mania Ministries, a massive evangelical youth organization popular in the 1990s that recruited teenagers to attend their "Honor Academy" in rural Texas or go on mission trips. At the academy, teens underwent intense, military-style training meant to break them down and instill Christian values to prepare them to influence the world. The episode reveals that this program, which was a "pay-for-pleasure" boot camp, was a front for free labor and psychological abuse. In the end, Micah started a website to expose the organization, giving a voice to many other alumni who had been silenced by shame and fear. The documentary serves as a powerful testament to the pain and trauma caused by the organization and has helped many alumni heal and find community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices