Praise Be To Pod

This week, Ashley and Bailee continue their deep-dive into the myth of a “Christian nation,” shifting into the modern era and the forces that shaped evangelical political identity as we know it today.We explore the cultural and political shifts surrounding the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, and how the rise of the Moral Majority helped cement the alliance between evangelical Christianity and conservative power. From there, we trace how events like 9/11, the War on Terror, and the Obama era fueled fear, urgency, and a deepened sense of “us vs. them” within evangelical spaces.As the timeline moves closer to the present, we look at how these narratives evolved through the Tea Party and into the Trump era—examining how the idea of America as a “Christian nation” became not just a belief, but a driving force in politics, culture, and identity.References: National Public Radio. (2018, February 24). Billy Graham walked a line—and regretted crossing into politics. https://www.npr.org/2018/02/24/587809173/billy-graham-walked-a-line-and-regretted-crossing-over-it-when-it-came-to-politiPublic Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). Reaganomics. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/shared/minitext/ess_reaganomics.htmlVirginia Commonwealth University, Social Welfare History Project. (n.d.). The conservative transition in American social policy. https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/eras/1980s-beyond/the-conservative-transition-in-american-social-policy/Add to Bailee’s summer floating playlistFact Check: Billy Graham Quote: "I told him [Falwell] to preach the Gospel. That's our calling. I want to preserve the purity of the Gospel and the freedom of religion in America. I don't want to see religious bigotry in any form. Liberals organized in the '60s, and conservatives certainly have a right to organize in the '80s, but it would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." — Billy Graham Source: February 1, 1981, cover story of Parade magazine, titled "Billy Graham: America Is Not God's Only Kingdom". Hijackers in the September 11 attacks hailed from four countries: 15 of them were citizens of Saudi Arabia, two were from the United Arab Emirates, one was from Egypt, and one from Lebanon.Source:"A Review of the FBI's Handling of Intelligence Information Prior to the September 11 Attacks". Office of the Inspector General. Chapter Five: Two September 11 Hijackers: Khalid Al-Mihdhar and Nawaf Al-Hazmi. U.S. Department of Justice. June 2005.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Ashley and Bailee kick off Part 1 of a deep-dive into one of the most widely accepted beliefs in evangelical culture: that the United States was founded as a Christian nation.From childhood teachings to political messaging, many of us were told that America’s identity is inherently tied to Christianity — but as we started asking questions, that narrative began to unravel.In this episode, we trace the roots of that belief — from the Founding Fathers and the realities of America’s founding, to the Civil War, where both sides claimed God, to the rise of Reagan-era politics and the Moral Majority. Along the way, we explore how Christianity and nationalism became intertwined, and how the idea of a “Christian nation” was built over time.Correction: Pat Robertson built CBN (not Jerry Fallwell), later creating CBN University (now Regent University) and the Christian Coalition. While Robertson and Falwell were both giants of the Religious Right, their primary organizations were separate.Recommendations: “Jesus and John Wayne” (Kristin Kobes Du M ez) — Analyzes the development of a particularly masculine strain of evangelicalism that influenced Christian nationalist culture (commonly recommended alongside Stewart).“Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States” (Samuel Perry & Andrew Whitehead) — Sociological research on Christian nationalist beliefs and how they correlate with political identity.Episode 29: The Puritans: The Religion That Built & Broke AmericaReferences:Balmer, R. (2006). Thy kingdom come: How the religious right distorts the faith. Basic Books.Balmer, R. (2014). The real origins of the religious right. Politico Magazine.Biag, L. (2025). Race, religion, and reproductive rights: Understanding the conservative anti-abortion movement in America. Imagine: A Promise & McNair Scholars Undergraduate Journal. University of California, Santa Barbara. ucsb.eduFea, J. (2016). Was America founded as a Christian nation? Westminster John Knox Press.Frazer, G. (2012). The religious beliefs of America’s founders. University Press of Kansas.Holmes, D. L. (2006). The faiths of the founding fathers. Oxford University Press.Jefferson, T. (1820). The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (The Jefferson Bible).Madison, J. (1785). Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments.McKeegan M. The politics of abortion: a historical perspective. Women's Health Issues. 1993 Fall;3(3):127-31. doi: 10.1016/s1049-3867(05)80245-2. PMID: 8274866.Noll, M. A. (2002). America’s God. Oxford University Press.Rakove, J. N. (2010). Revolutionaries: A new history of the invention of America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Wald, K. D., & Calhoun-Brown, A. (2018). Religion and politics in the United States. Rowman & Littlefield.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

In Part 2 of our conversation with Joanna Whaley, we continue unpacking Joanna’s journey from evangelical pastor to political candidate — diving into the intersections of faith, politics, and identity in a time when Christian values and nationalism collide.Join us as we dive into Joanna’s campaign for the Michigan House of Representatives, how she confronts Christian nationalism in American politics, and the ways the MAGA movement leverages fear and deception to gain power. We also reflect on our grief for family and friends who have been lost to MAGA ideology… and what it looks like to maintain love and hope for our reconciliation.Follow and support Joanna’s work:SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joannawhaleySOCIALS:https://www.tiktok.com/@joannawhaleyofficialhttps://www.instagram.com/joannawhaleyofficial/https://www.facebook.com/joannawhaleyofficialhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannawhaley.bsky.socialRecommended to View on Netflix: Boy Erased, Edgerton, J. (Director). (2018). Boy Erased [Film]. Focus Features. Pray Away, Stolakis, K. (Director). (2021). Pray Away [Film]. Multitude Films; Netflix. References: Robb, A. (2025, October 30). The truth about IFS, the therapy that can break you. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/article/truth-about-ifs-therapy-internal-family-systems-trauma-treatment.htmlConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

In Part 1 of our conversation with Joanna Whaley, candidate for Michigan House of Representatives, Ashley and Bailee sit down with Joanna to unpack her story as a former evangelical pastor navigating identity, faith, and institutional power.After being outed as a transgender woman by a congregant, Joanna was dismissed from one of Michigan’s largest megachurches—an event that upended every aspect of her life. She candidly shares her experiences surviving conversion therapy, confronting transphobia within the church, and reclaiming her faith and understanding of God in the aftermath.Join us next week for Part 2!Follow and support Joanna’s work:SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joannawhaleySOCIALS:https://www.tiktok.com/@joannawhaleyofficialhttps://www.instagram.com/joannawhaleyofficial/https://www.facebook.com/joannawhaleyofficialhttps://bsky.app/profile/joannawhaley.bsky.socialRecommended to View on Netflix: Boy Erased, Edgerton, J. (Director). (2018). Boy Erased [Film]. Focus Features. Pray Away, Stolakis, K. (Director). (2021). Pray Away [Film]. Multitude Films; Netflix. References: Robb, A. (2025, October 30). The truth about IFS, the therapy that can break you. The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/article/truth-about-ifs-therapy-internal-family-systems-trauma-treatment.htmlConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Ashley and Bailee engage in a discussion and cultural analysis of evangelical millennials — exploring why we are the way that we are. From the militarization of youth at Acquire the Fire to the push to dedicate your life to global missions with YWAM, the evangelical church bombarded us with messages that we were the generation called to “change the world.”Now that we’re older, we reflect on coming of age during that period of American history — the empty promises we were given, the fading pipe dream of financial prosperity, and the sometimes contentious relationship between millennials and the generations that raised us. We also explore how those formative messages from the evangelical church primed many of us to seek meaning and purpose in social justice movements, channeling the same moral urgency we were taught as kids into new forms of activism and advocacy.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee explore the roles and expectations placed on women in evangelical culture, unpacking the theology behind complementarianism, headship, and the idea of women as “helpers.” They discuss how evangelical systems often frame these roles as divine design, placing obedience on a pedestal, establishing marriage and proximity to men as the ultimate metric of a woman’s value, and demonizing dissent as a “Jezebel Spirit.”The conversation examines the archetype of the “ideal evangelical woman,” the rise in female pastors using their platform to reinforce patriarchal structures, and the ways the church often assumes entitlement to the labor, energy, and resources of women.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee critically examine the culture of codependency that runs deep in many Evangelical communities — reinforcing relationship dynamics of enmeshment, overfunctioning, and blurred boundaries. They unpack how the constant pressure from the church to “save people” and “expose their sin” is often used as a tool to maintain control, the ways having a savior complex primes you for self righteousness and resentment, and what unchecked self-sacrifice costs our relationships and sense of self.The conversation explores how these patterns formed in our own lives and what we’re doing to unlearn them — reclaiming agency, healthier boundaries, and relationships built on mutual respect rather than spiritual obligation.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee get candid about their complicated relationship with Lent and spiritual disciplines after deconstruction — calling out how evangelicals often pride themselves on rejecting liturgical traditions passed down through church history, while still emphasizing self-denial and moral performance.They discuss how practices like fasting were framed through shame and sacrifice, why Lent was often dismissed as “too Catholic,” and whether spiritual disciplines can be reclaimed in a way that feels life-giving rather than guilt-driven.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee return for Part 2 of their Amish series — this time stepping into the present.They explore modern Amish life: gender roles, education, technology limits, rumspringa, and the quiet authority of the Ordnung. What does separation from the world actually look like today…and how does it function as both protection and control?They also unpack the evangelical mom obsession with Amish movies — from G-rated romance plotlines to the suspiciously wholesome universe of Michael Landon Jr.. Why are bonnets and barns so deeply romanticized in Christian media? And what does that persistent fantasy of a “simpler” life reveal about evangelical longing for order, purity, and escape?Sources: Amish. (2026). In Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/AmishAmish Way of Life. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish_way_of_lifeOld Order Amish Mennonite Church. (2026). In Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Old-Order-Amish-Mennonite-ChurchOrdnung. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OrdnungThe World Data. (2025). Amish population in the U.S. 2025: Statistics & facts [Online article]. Retrieved from https://theworlddata.com/amish-population-in-us/Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972). Retrieved from https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/406/205/Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. (2025). Amish population, 2025 (Population estimates by state and settlement). Elizabethtown College. Retrieved from https://groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/population-2025/Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee turn their attention to a community often romanticized but rarely understood: the Amish.In Part 1 of this two-part series, they trace the movement’s origins in the Radical Reformation, unpacking Anabaptism, adult baptism, persecution, and the theological split that gave rise to the Amish. They explore how a desire for faithfulness and separation from the world shaped practices like shunning, communal discipline, and the Ordnung — and how those early convictions still echo today.Sources:Amish Studies, Elizabethtown College. (n.d.). Amish origins. https://groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/religion/amish-origins/Anabaptists.org. (n.d.). Mennonites in Europe: Persecution. https://www.anabaptists.org/writings/excerpts/mennonites-in-europe-persecution.htmlEncyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Anabaptists. https://www.britannica.com/topic/AnabaptistsEncyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Mennonite. https://www.britannica.com/topic/MennonitePennsylvania Center for the Book. (n.d.). Amish history: A timeline. https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-cultural-heritage-map-pa/feature-articles/amish-history-timelineConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Were you obsessed with how much God Loves you? Our Evangelical upbringing taught us that God loves you unconditionally… unless you don’t believe correctly, behave correctly, or die at the wrong time.This week we’re unpacking the “conditional unconditional love” of God — the version many of us were raised on in evangelical culture.We play our new game “Cute, Concerning, or Straight to Jail?” where we ask: Would this behavior be cute if God didn’t do it?We dig into:Why evangelicals are so obsessed with preaching about God’s loveThe fine print behind “free, unearned grace”The theology of hell as the baselineFear-based attachment and compliance trainingFruit inspection and spiritual self-surveillanceConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee turn the lens inward, reflecting on the moments they weren’t just harmed by evangelical culture—but actively upheld it.In this episode, they unpack their own “villain origin stories,” examining how fear-based theology, certainty, and institutional power shaped the ways they judged, enforced, defended, and perpetuated harmful religious beliefs.Together, they explore what accountability looks like after deconstruction—why naming harm matters even when it’s uncomfortable, how good intentions don’t negate real impact, and the hard truth that leaving toxic religion doesn’t automatically absolve us from the ways we once participated in it.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation on the devil, moving from the origins of the mythology to how it showed up in their evangelical upbringing, other religions, and the culture at large. They reflect on the stories they were told in church, how fear became a theological tool, and what it meant to carry a hyper-present enemy into everyday life.They also interrogate why the devil remains such a compelling figure in art, media, and pop culture—and what our fascination with him might reveal about power, personal accountability, and the nature of evil.Ashley and Bailee continue their conversation on the devil, moving from the origins of the mythology to how it showed up in their evangelical upbringing, other religions, and the culture at large. They reflect on the stories they were told in church, how fear became a theological tool, and what it meant to carry a hyper-present enemy into everyday life.They also interrogate why the devil remains such a compelling figure in art, media, and pop culture—and what our fascination with him might reveal about power, personal accountability, and the nature of evil.Sources: - Barr, J. (1992). The garden of Eden and the hope of immortality. Fortress Press.- Collins, J. J. (2016). The apocalyptic imagination: An introduction to Jewish apocalyptic literature (3rd ed.). Eerdmans.- Kelly, H. A. (2006). Satan: A biography. Cambridge University Press.- Milton, J. (2007). Paradise lost (G. Teskey, Ed.). W. W. Norton & Company. (Original work published 1667)- Pagels, E. (1995). The origin of Satan. Random House.- Russell, J. B. (1984). Lucifer: The devil in the Middle Ages. Cornell University Press.- Tulshyan, R., & Burey, J.-A. (2021, February 11). Stop telling women they have imposter syndrome. Harvard Business Review.- VanderKam, J. C. (2001). An introduction to early Judaism. Eerdmans.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee explore the origins of the devil and how our modern idea of Satan was shaped less by scripture and more by history, culture, and literature.They trace the evolution of devil mythology through Jewish tradition, Persian dualism, Greek philosophy, medieval Christianity, and John Milton’s Paradise Lost—unpacking how fear-based imagery took hold and why literary works often filled in gaps the Bible never did.Together, they examine what the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about the devil, challenging common assumptions and questioning how theology evolves alongside power and control.✨ Plus: This episode marks the launch of the Praise Be to Pod Patreon. Support the show and access bonus content at patreon.com/praisebetopod.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee continue their exploration of hell, this time reflecting on the personal impact of what they (and other evangelicals) were taught. They discuss how fear-based lessons shaped their beliefs, influenced their choices, and left lasting marks on faith, identity, and relationships—even after leaving evangelicalism. Together, they examine the spiritually abusive nature of hell indoctrination, how the church uses it as a tool of control, and how letting go of hell became the catalyst for their deconstruction journey and spiritual liberation.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee dive into the origins of hell and how it became one of the most powerful—and fear-driven—ideas in evangelical Christianity. They unpack where the concept comes from, how ancient cultures understood the afterlife, and what the Bible actually says when you look beyond modern translations.From Sheol and Gehenna to Dante and revival-era preaching, they explore how the idea of hell evolved over time—shaped by politics, power, and control—into the version many evangelicals are taught today. Together, they ask how a loosely defined theological concept became a central tool for enforcing belief, behavior, and obedience, and what happens when that framework starts to unravel.Timeline Sources:- Bernstein, A. E. (1993). The formation of hell: Death and retribution in the ancient and early Christian worlds. Cornell University Press.- Ehrman, B. D. (2020). Heaven and hell: A history of the afterlife. Simon & Schuster.- Segal, A. F. (2004). Life after death: A history of the afterlife in Western religion. Doubleday.- Wright, N. T. (2003). The resurrection of the Son of God. Fortress Press.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

In this episode, we join forces with Meg and Sarai from Holy Ghosting to discuss building community as podcast creators without competition. We dive into how we navigate life after religious upbringing, share personal experiences of unraveling faith, and discuss how to challenge what it looks like for each of us to live authentically. Discussing polyamory, queer identity, marriage, motherhood, and separate bedrooms, this conversation celebrates connection, curiosity, and the ways we support each other in reimagining our beliefs and creative spaces.Connect with Holy Ghosting: 📸 Instagram: @holyghostingclub🎵 Tiktok: @holyghosting▶️ YouTube: @holyghosting💻 Web: holyghosting.comConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee ring in the New Year by sharing what in 2026 they’re looking forward to and what they’re relieved to leave behind from 2025. Joined by their producer Jacob, they talk about the lessons, habits, and narratives that no longer serve them, as well as the things they’re genuinely excited to nurture in the year ahead—both personally and with Praise Be to Pod.From complicated feelings about New Year’s resolutions to the quiet relief of letting go of old expectations, they unpack what it means to set intentions without falling back into shame, perfectionism, or spiritualized self-improvement.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee close out 2025 by reflecting on the year behind them—both personally and through the lens of Praise Be to Pod. Joined by their producer Jacob, they revisit the conversations, themes, and moments that shaped the podcast, from unpacking evangelical doctrine to sharing stories that once felt too tender to say out loud.From lessons learned while creating the show to the ways this past year challenged their beliefs, creativity, and sense of self, they explore what it’s been like to build something honest in public while still actively healing. Together, they reflect on how the podcast has evolved, how their perspectives have shifted, and how deeply meaningful this experience has been thus far.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee dive into the rise of Christian homeschooling in America. They unpack how homeschooling grew from a fringe alternative into a core strategy of the evangelical movement, shaped by fear of secularism, control, and political influence.From the history of the movement to its impact on kids, they explore how homeschooling can shape social development, limit exposure to different viewpoints, and reinforce rigid belief systems. Together, they ask what these environments teach beyond academics—and how they can affect identity and autonomy long after childhood.Sources:Bernstein, M., Beall, A., & Beall, C. (2023). Christian indoctrination in homeschooling [Audio podcast episode]. In A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein. <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-indoctrination-in-homeschooling/id1693739175?i=1000633981264>Green, E. (2022, March 24). The rise of the parental rights movement. The New York Times Magazine.Cooper, C. (2021). The changing face of homeschooling in America. Phi Delta Kappan, 102(7), 48–52.Kunzman, R., & Gaither, M. (2020). Homeschooling: An updated comprehensive survey of the research.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Content Advisory: This episode includes conversation on eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised.Ashley and Bailee dive into Ashley’s personal journey with body image and eating disorder recovery, shaped by her experience in the evangelical church. They unpack how small bodies were celebrated, larger ones exiled, and how church teachings fed shame, perfectionism, and severe restriction.From subtle comments about appearance to the pressure to shrink oneself to fit a spiritual ideal, they explore the long-lasting impact of these messages — and why reclaiming self-worth and body acceptance is a radical act.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee dig into the idea of toxic forgiveness — the way churches twist forgiveness into a tool for silencing people, protecting abusers, and keeping vulnerable members in line. They unpack how the language of grace, mercy, and “moving on” gets weaponized to avoid accountability and pressure people into reconciling before they’re ready.From the subtle emotional manipulation to the outright spiritual coercion, they explore what happens when forgiveness is treated as a demand instead of a choice. They talk about the guilt, the gaslighting, and how the pressure to “forgive quickly” often keeps the same harmful cycles running — and why genuine forgiveness, offered freely and safely, is something entirely different.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley take a historical detour—unpacking how the Puritans didn’t just influence early America, but laid the ideological groundwork for today’s alt-right evangelical movement. They trace the through-line from 1600s moral rigidity to modern Christian nationalism, purity culture, and the political power structures we still feel today.From the myth-making around the “First Thanksgiving” to the Puritans’ obsession with control, conformity, and divine exceptionalism, they break down how these roots continue to shape American evangelical identity. Sources: Bradford, W. (1856). Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620–1647. Houghton, Mifflin and Company.Cave, A. A. (1996). The Pequot War. University of Massachusetts Press. Karr, R. D. (1998). The violence of the Pequot War. The New England Quarterly, 71(1), 26–49.Lincoln, A. (1863). Proclamation 103—Day of Thanksgiving, Praise, and Prayer. The American Presidency Project. Retrieved from https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-103-day-thanksgiving-praise-and-prayer-august-6-1863Morison, S. E. (Ed.). (1967). Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620–1647. Houghton Mifflin.Winthrop, J. (1630). A Modell of Christian Charity. Retrieved from https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/a-model-of-christian-charity-2/Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

For part 2 of their Thanksgiving series, Ashley and Bailee move from tension to tactics — breaking down how to actually survive conversations with alt-right and evangelical family members. They share strategies for staying grounded, setting boundaries, and keeping your sanity when the table talk turns political.From choosing when to engage to knowing when to pass the gravy and change the subject, they explore how to protect your peace without losing your compassion.Sources: Driver’s Licenses for All: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-568209Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

For part 1 of their Thanksgiving series, Ashley and Bailee dig into the tension of coming home to politically divided families. They explore how finding common ground has become harder as the right grows more radicalized — and what that means for conversations around the table with evangelical parents and conspiracy-loving uncles.It’s a look at the emotional landscape of family, politics, and faith in 2025 — when love and ideology feel harder than ever to hold in the same room.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

For part 2 of the conversation on Mormonism, Ashley and Bailee turn their focus to modern Mormon culture — from baptisms for the dead and sacred undergarments to baby blessings and the Utah plastic surgery boom. They also look at how BIPOC members navigate faith within a church still reckoning with its history on race.It’s a deep dive into the beliefs, rituals, and modern ideals shaping Mormon life today — polished on the outside, complex underneath.Sources:Adler, M. (2017). Selling faith: Multi-level marketing in Mormon communities. Journal of Cultural Economics, 41(3), 325–342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10824-017-9306-4Bowman, M. (2012). The Mormon people: The making of an American faith. Random House.Hennigan, W. J. (2006, May 13). Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs is wanted in two states. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-may-13-na-prophet13-story.htmlPrince, G. (2011). David O. McKay and the rise of modern Mormonism. University of Utah Press.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.-a). Purposes and functions of the temple endowment. Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University. https://rsc.byu.eduThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.-b). Sealing: Marriage sealing is the joining together of families for eternity. Newsroom. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sealingThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.-c). The temple garment and its sacred significance. Newsroom. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/temple-garmentsThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2024, August 15). LDS church endowment ceremony shortened. The Salt Lake Tribune. https://www.sltrib.comConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

For their Season 1 finale, Ashley and Bailee dive into the foundations of Mormonism — the religious movement that started with Joseph Smith’s visions and a mysterious golden book. From the early 19th-century American landscape to the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they explore how faith, controversy, and community shaped a movement that would captivate millions.They also trace the early practices, bold claims, and conflicts that defined Mormonism’s first decades — showing how devotion and doubt have always gone hand in hand.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley revisit the cult classic Hocus Pocus — a movie that once lived firmly on the “banned” list of evangelical households. For Bailee, it’s a first-time watch after years of hearing it would “open doors to the demonic.” Together, they explore what made this 90s Halloween film such a target of fear, how it became a cultural staple, and why evangelicals were so afraid of a little witchy fun.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley unpack the evangelical fear of Halloween — the one night a year said to “open doors to the demonic.” From banned costumes and “Harvest Festivals” to sermons about the devil’s birthday, they explore how a night of make-believe became a moral minefield.They also revisit the infamous Guts Church’s Nightmare, the evangelical “scared straight” haunted house in Tulsa, OK that did not shy away from the grotesque — turning sin, guilt, and hellfire into a full-blown theatrical production.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley dig into the evangelical fixation on demonic activity — from the fear of Ouija boards and Harry Potter to the late-night youth group sermons about “opening spiritual doors.” They explore how a fixation on evil, possession, and “spiritual warfare” created a culture where fear was framed as discernment and curiosity was cast as danger.They also reflect on how growing up in that environment shaped their understanding of morality, control, and imagination — and what it means to reclaim a sense of wonder without the constant threat of the devil lurking behind every pop song, yoga pose, and super bowl halftime show.Chris Watts Documentary:American Murder: The Family Next Door — now streaming on NetflixConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley dig into the world of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) — the fundamentalist organization at the center of the Shiny Happy People docuseries and the belief system that shaped the Duggar family. They explore how IBLP’s teachings on authority, purity, and submission created a culture of fear disguised as faith — and how those ideas spread far beyond one family or movement.They also reflect on how growing up under similar ideologies shaped their own understanding of womanhood, obedience, and “godly order,” and what it takes to unlearn those systems while holding space for both humor and healing.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley explore the idea of “divine timing” — how evangelical culture framed waiting as holy, delays as God’s will, and patience as proof of faith. From purity culture’s insistence on waiting for marriage, to the promise that every unanswered prayer had a higher purpose, they unpack how these teachings shaped their understanding of time, desire, and control.They also reflect on what it means to release the pressure of perfect timing today — learning to trust their own rhythms, embrace the unknown, and find meaning in moments that don’t have to fit a divine schedule.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley dig into the idea of “guilty pleasures” and how evangelical culture shaped their relationship to fun, rest, and indulgence. From the suspicion of secular music and movies, to the shame around food, fashion, and even hobbies, they reflect on how pleasure was often framed as dangerous or sinful.They also share how they’re learning to reclaim joy without guilt — embracing simple delights, rethinking what it means to rest, and finding freedom in pleasures that don’t need justifying.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee and Ashley dive into how evangelical culture taught them to view joy and suffering — from the pressure to “choose joy” in every circumstance to the idea that enduring hardship was proof of true faith. They reflect on how these teachings minimized real emotions, fueled toxic positivity, and made space for shame when life didn’t feel joyful enough.They also share what it’s looked like to unlearn those patterns and embrace a healthier perspective on both grief and joy — one that makes room for honesty, healing, and freedom.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee continue the conversation on how evangelical culture shaped their views on marriage— including how the evangelical marriage complex pressures people to marry young, sets them up with unrealistic ideals, and leaves little room for growth or authenticity.So in Part 2, Ashley and Bailee return to the conversation, diving deeper into the ways those teachings shaped our expectations and experiences. We also share more honestly and transparently about where we’re at now, how our perspectives continue to evolve, and what it means to imagine partnership beyond the scripts we were handed.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee dig into the evangelical culture of testimonies and the role they played in shaping both faith and identity. We unpack how testimonies became a kind of performance—rewarded when they fit the right narrative and quietly dismissed when they didn’t. From youth group stages to revival tents, we reflect on how we were conditioned to craft stories that proved God’s power, often at the cost of our own authenticity.We share our own experiences of the pressure, the performance, and the reward system around testimonies—and how those skills carried into adulthood, showing up in unexpected places like careers in marketing and communications. Together, we reflect on what it meant to become the “story people,” what it cost us, and how we’re learning to reclaim our own narratives outside of that framework.If you live in Minneapolis and are looking for pain care: Core Lifestyle ClinicInstagram: @corelifestyle_ Schedule an appointment with Filestea Humes Stryker, Ashley’s massage therapist, here.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee dig into evangelical missions culture and the complicated role it played in shaping their beliefs and experiences. We unpack the inner conflict of whether missions and international aid were truly helpful, how savior complexes were woven into the narrative, and the lasting impact on native communities — where work assumed to be “good” often perpetuated harm and reinforced colonialism.We share our own experiences on missions — from the pressure to see it as a “calling” to the way famous missionaries were held up as models of “radical obedience.” Together, we reflect on what stuck with us, what we’ve had to unlearn, and how we’re reimagining service, connection, and responsibility outside of that framework.Fact Check: El Salvador’s brutal civil war lasted from 1979 to 1992. In the early 2000s it was gripped by poverty and gang violence, and was considered one of the world’s most violent countries. El Salvador remains under travel advisories today.Mother Teresa Controversy: *Source: Christopher Hitchens’ book, The Missionary PositionConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Ashley and Bailee take a closer look at how evangelical culture framed marriage as the ultimate marker of spiritual maturity and the “arrival” into adulthood — and the ripple effects that followed.From the rush to the altar to the unease around staying single, we explore how these spoken and unspoken rules shaped our choices, relationships, and sense of self. We also reflect on what lingers after leaving that world behind, and how we’re learning to reimagine love, partnership, belonging, and independence.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

It’s time for another Super Special Wednesday Night Youth Group Episode! Join Ashley and Bailee as they dive into A Walk to Remember — the early-2000s Nicholas Sparks classic that fueled youth group crushes, purity culture romance fantasies, and even put Switchfoot on the map. From Landon’s rebel-turned-soft-boi transformation to Jamie’s Bible-thumper-with-a-secret persona, they unpack what this film meant then… and what it feels like to watch it now as exvangelicals. We only ask one thing of you: promise you won’t fall in love with us.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

In Part 2 of our series on mental health in evangelical culture, Ashley and Bailee dig into the specific teachings that shaped their inner worlds — and their mental health.From the harmful nature of spiritual bypassing, to the pressure of Word of Faith theology, to the shame-based mental loops of purity culture, we trace how these doctrines left lasting marks on how we saw ourselves, our bodies, and the future. We also talk through the ways those messages lingered long after church, and how unlearning them has opened space for freedom, healing, and a healthier relationship with ourselves.More Information/Resources:https://www.praisebetopod.com/mentalhealthConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Join Ashley and Bailee as they kick off a two-part series on mental health in evangelical culture — starting with the roots of a theology that frames depression, anxiety, and other struggles as either spiritual warfare or unconfessed sin.In Part 1, we trace where these ideas came from and how they were reinforced in sermons, books, and by influential Christian leaders. We also share our own mental health journeys — from the earliest signs something was wrong, to the church messages we absorbed, to the perspective shifts that came with time, therapy, and lived experience.More Information/Resources: https://www.praisebetopod.com/mentalhealthConnect with Us: 📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod 💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.comConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Join Ashley and Bailee as they dive into the evangelical idea of being set apart—the belief that Christians are called to be “in the world but not of it.” At its best, it’s a call to live with conviction and integrity. But more often than not, it manifested as a virtue signal and applied rigid pressure to be contrarian, performative, or just plain unpleasant.This week, we take a closer look at how this theology shaped our identities and relationships, and how the obsession with being different often led to isolation, judgment, and an inflated sense of righteousness. We also talk about the difference between disrupting the status quo for good reason… and just being difficult because you think it makes you holier.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Bailee and Ashley explore the idea of backsliding—a term often used in evangelical and fundamentalist spaces to describe someone who has drifted from their faith, questioned doctrine, or changed their behavior in ways seen as spiritually unsafe.We take a closer look at how this culture of “accountability” shaped our understanding of growth, struggle, and doubt. We talk about the fear and shame that came with being seen as “off track,” and how that pressure often made it difficult to be honest about where we really were mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Bailee and Ashley explore the often-overlooked ways churches rely on—and sometimes exploit—free labor, financial giving, and personal sacrifice from their members.In Unpaid in Full, we take a closer look at the culture of service in many evangelical spaces, where volunteering is framed as a calling, and giving your time, money, and energy is seen as a measure of faithfulness. We talk about how this dynamic shaped our understanding of generosity, self-worth, and spiritual obligation—and the lasting impact it had on our boundaries, burnout, and relationship with work.Join us as we reflect on our experiences and consider what it looks like to give freely without losing ourselves in the process.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

For our Super Special Wednesday Night Youth Group Episode, Bailee and Ashley dig into the cinematic chaos of Six: The Mark Unleashed—a lesser-known but deeply unsettling gem from the early 2000s evangelical film canon. Starring Stephen Baldwin, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Eric Roberts, this end-times thriller delivers exactly what you'd expect (and more) from a movie about refusing the Mark of the Beast.Join us for a special midweek youth group-style episode as we unpack the theology, the casting choices, and the cultural paranoia that shaped this apocalyptic fever dream. We reflect on what was happening both in evangelical and secular America in 2004, how movies like this shaped our sense of urgency and salvation, and what it feels like to watch it today.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Bailee and Ashley dive into the terrifying, cinematic, and deeply political world of the End Times. From rapture anxiety and Tribulation nightmares to Antichrist conspiracies and Left Behind movie nights, the book of Revelation wasn’t just an ancient apocalyptic fever dream—it became the blueprint for how many evangelical communities interpreted the world around them.Join us as we reflect on how these beliefs shaped our worldview, relationships, and even our sleep schedules. We’ll explore the historical events that helped fuel modern End Times theology and share how we’re learning to live in the present—without constantly fearing the future.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Bailee and Ashley take a hard look at Jesus Camp—the critically acclaimed 2006 documentary that felt as much like a mirror as it did a horror film. With footage of children speaking in tongues, weeping at the altar, and pledging allegiance to a very specific (and highly Nationalistic) version of Christianity, the film raises unsettling questions about indoctrination, identity, and the spiritual militarization of evangelical youth.We reflect on our reactions watching it as adults, share personal stories from similarly intense faith environments, and unpack the lasting impact these experiences can have on development, belief, and belonging.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

This week, Bailee and Ashley explore the fascinating and sometimes confusing world of the gifts of the Spirit. From speaking in tongues and words of knowledge to dreams, visions, and “knowing things you weren’t supposed to know,” these spiritual exercises were once a regular and celebrated part of their environment.But what happens when the line between divine power and performance gets blurry? Join us as we unpack our experiences with spiritual gifts, the pressure to manifest something supernatural, and the ways we’re still learning to hold space for wonder, intuition, and mystery.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Bailee shares her origin story in this week’s episode—from being a spitfire, irreverent pastor’s kid to an earnest spiritual pilgrim (and everything in between).Raised in the heart of the Charismatic movement, Bailee reflects on what it meant to grow up steeped in fundamentalism while quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) forging a spiritual identity of her own.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod

Note: The originally scheduled episode has been postponed in light of the recent acts of political violence that occurred the day before its intended release. Out of respect for those affected, we are sharing this episode in its place.This week, Bailee and Ashley take on the hot-button topic of purity culture—the comical, the harmful, and everything in between. From Jonas Brothers purity rings to infamous books like I Kissed Dating Goodbye, purity culture left its mark on both church youth groups and mainstream pop culture. Join us as we unpack how it shaped our views on sexuality and the intentional ways we’re reclaiming our own sexual identities today.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: @praisebetopod🎵 TikTok: @praisebetopod▶️ YouTube: @praisebetopod💻 Web: www.praisebetopod.com💸 Patreon: patreon.com/praisebetopod