Preacher Boys Podcast
by Eric Skwarczynski
An ex-fundamentalist sheds light on the dark side of the church… from the pulpit to the pews.Hosted by advocate Eric Skwarczynski, Preacher Boys investigates abuse, cover-ups, and manipulation within high-control religious environments. Through interviews with survivors, experts, and advocates, the show exposes the hidden systems that enable harm—and amplifies the voices of those breaking free.Past guests include Chris Hansen (To Catch a Predator), Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill), cult expert Dr. Steven Hassan, Sarah Edmondson and Anthony Ames from HBO’s The Vow, and more..With millions of downloads and a deeply engaged survivor community, Preacher Boys dives into the stories others are too afraid to tell—and invites listeners on a journey of truth, justice, and healing.
Episodes
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Onyx the Fortuitous Helped Walk Andrew Bowser Through His Deconstruction Journey
Want to support Andrew's new film? Visit https://turmoilinthetoybox.com/ ✖️✖️✖️ Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ About the Guest: Andrew Bowser recently debuted his 4th feature film at Sundance Film Festival 2023, ONYX THE FORTUITOUS AND THE TALISMAN OF SOULS, in which Andrew...
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How Conspiracy Theory Became an American Evangelical Crisis | Jared Stacy, PhD
Purchase a copy of Jared's book here: https://amzn.to/4dpX9Lp Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp As an Amazon associate, a small portion of every purchase made through this link helps support this podcast! ✖️✖️✖️ Conspiracy…
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"My Dad Died a Con Man." | Seeking Closure After Losing Abusive Parents
Check out my first episode with Isami for more context to her background: https://youtu.be/qejunG6PxhA On this episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, Eric Skwarczynski sits down again for an in-person interview with Isami (IG: @isamiinspires). After a quick recap of our last episode, she opens up...
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Her Dad Convinced Christians Their Toys Were Evil
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Lindsey Williams returns to the podcast to join me in interviewing Taylor Burge, stepdaughter of Phil Phillips. She shares what it was like growing up in the home behind Turmoil in the Toybox, the infamous book that warned Christian parents about...
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Pastor Scott Gray Investigation Allegedly Reveals False Documents, Secret Accounts & Luxury Items
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ In this episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, Travis Chappell (host of the Travis Makes Money Podcast) joins to break down the latest developments in the Liberty Baptist Church financial scandal involving former senior pastor Scott Gray and…
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His Dad Went to Prison for Child Sexual Abuse | Interview with Joshua Hirner
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Sources Mentioned in the Article: https://www.kltv.com/story/1676756/former-christian-school-principal-jailed/ https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Principal-accused-of-molesting-students-sentenced-7621696.php...
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Purity Culture, Predators, and End-Times Hysteria | Melissa Duge Spiers on Life Inside Adventism
Grab a copy of Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows: https://amzn.to/4s0pygn As an Amazon associate, a small portion of every purchase made through this link helps support this podcast! ✖️✖️✖️ Melissa Duge Spiers is an award-winning essayist, screenwriter…
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Teacher Made CSAM of Students, SBC Rapist Exposed, $1M Ministry Funds Stolen + More March Headlines
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Full article with citations: https://preacherboys.substack.com/p/sbc-rapist-exposed-1m-ministry-funds ✖️✖️✖️ CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: preacherboyspodcast.com https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys https://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/...
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Sex Educator Breaks Down Purity Culture Myths | Erica Smith
Grab a copy of Erica's book here: https://amzn.to/47cN56u Prefer to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on purchases made through the links on this channel. Thanks for making this show...
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Jill, Jessa, and Amy Speak Out About Joseph Duggar; Kendra Duggar Arrested on New Charges, and More
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/...
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Joseph Duggar (19 Kids and Counting) Arrested for Sexually Abusing 9-Year-Old Girl
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Full article with sources: https://preacherboys.substack.com/p/joseph-duggar-19-kids-and-countingarrested/comments ✖️✖️✖️ Joseph Garrett Duggar, 31, former star of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, faces felony charges of lewd and...
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The Anti-Fundamentalist Life | Tia Levings
Grab a copy of Tia Leving's new book here — https://amzn.to/4s7mNL5 Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp ✖️✖️✖️ Book Description for I Belong To Me: What does it mean to heal from trauma caused by the people, beliefs, and practices…
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This Pastors Conference was OFF THE RAILS
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/...
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Pastor Charged with Rape Dies by Suicide, Sex Offender Hired at School + More Feb 2026 Headlines
Find the full outline for this video and links to sources: https://preacherboys.substack.com/p/pastor-charged-with-rape-dies-by ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help ✖️✖️✖️ CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:...
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Kid Rock's Halftime Show Airing on TBN? | What Even is "Christian Media" Anymore?
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/...
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SoCal Pastor Called for Don Lemon's Arrest After ICE Protest, Greg Laurie Faces Lawsuits, Worship Leader Arrested + More
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/...
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Lou Ridley | Surviving the "Bible Belt" and Making Country Music Rebellious Again
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/...
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Ted Bundy Expert Breaks Down Fact and Fiction Surrounding the Serial Killer
Grab a copy of Kevin M. Sullivan's book, The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History — https://amzn.to/47sIfB7 Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on purchases made through the...
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The Deadly Consequences of Misogyny | Cynthia Miller-Idriss
Grab a copy of Cyntia Miller-Idriss' book, here* https://amzn.to/4b6rSOm Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on purchases made through the links on this channel. Thanks for…
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My Mom Wrote a Book About Religious Abuse and Cover-Up... How Much is Based on Real Life?
Grab a copy of my mom's book here*: https://amzn.to/4pGF6Vo BOOK DESCRIPTION: The man who taught him how to live was living a lie. Scott Andrews was content to be a rule-follower, happily attending church and youth group while planning his future with his beautiful girlfriend, Cindy. He and his...
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Clinical Psychologist Reveals How Trauma Can Trigger a Fawn Response | Dr. Ingrid Clayton
Grab a copy of Dr. Ingrid Clayton's book here — https://amzn.to/48Semw4 Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on purchases made through the links on this channel. Thanks for making...
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AFTER PURITY: Race, Sex, and Religion in White Christian America | Sara Moslener
Grab a copy of After Purity by Sara Moslener: https://amzn.to/48MG7WY In After Purity, purity scholar Sara Moslener conducts a nuanced investigation of purity culture in white evangelical Christianity, revealing its profound impact on gender, sexuality, race, and national identity in the United...
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The Dark Theology Radicalizing Young White Men
Grab a copy of Angela Denker's book, Disciples of White Jesus, here — https://amzn.to/44tLp6T Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on purchases made through the links on this...
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Psychobabble: The Epidemic of Mental Health Misinformation | Joe Nucci
Grab a copy of Joe Nucci's book, PsychoBabble: Viral Mental Health Myths & the Truths to Set You Free here: https://amzn.to/47XEN2S Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on…
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Atlanta Megachurch Pastor Arrested for Beating His Son with a Power Cord
Content Warning: This episode discusses child abuse in detail and includes references to footage that is extremely disturbing. This month, two major headlines ignited conversation around corporal punishment in Christian homes. In one case, an associate pastor from the well-known 2819 Church was...
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Popular Christian Apologist Says He Raped 13-Year-Old and "Forcibly Sodomized" a 15-Year-Old
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/...
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New Documentary EXPOSES the Dark Side of Psychotherapy
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ In this episode, I sit down with Amy Nordhues and Jennifer Kramer, the creators of the powerful new documentary #TherapyToo: Exposing the Dark Side of Therapy. This groundbreaking film pulls back the curtain on therapist abuse—one of the most…
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Does America Have a Cult Problem? | Daniella Mestyanek Young
Pre-order a copy of Daniella Mestyanek Young's book, The Culting of America, here: https://amzn.to/3JC1IHD ✖️✖️✖️ Daniella was born a third-generation member of the infamous Children of God religious cult, and grew up being trafficked around the world, before escaping that life and moving to...
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Serial Killer Ted Bundy Chose James Dobson to Conduct His Final Interview... Hours Before Execution
Grab a copy of Kevin M. Sullivan's book, The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History — https://amzn.to/47sIfB7 Want to listen on Audible? Get a free Premium Plus trial here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp (As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on purchases made through the...
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Monte Mader on Christian Nationalism, Project 2025, and the Radicalization of Young Men
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Monte Mader joins the Preacher Boys Podcast to expose the dangerous rise of Christian Nationalism and unpack how movements like Project 2025 are merging faith and politics in ways that threaten freedom and fuel extremism. Raised in a deeply...
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Why Abusive Men Keep Rising to Power — Even After #MeToo | Reah Bravo
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Reah Bravo is an American speechwriter currently living in Brussels. Earlier in her career, she worked in broadcast journalism producing political and other news segments for the PBS program Charlie Rose—a stint that ended in 2008, when she joined...
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How Charlie Kirk Became the Kingmaker of the Religious Right | Dr. Matthew Boedy
Pick up a copy of Dr. Boedy's book: https://amzn.to/3JjnqQA Matthew Boedy was targeted by Turning Point USA in 2016 and listed on its “professor watchlist” after speaking up against allowing concealed guns on college campuses. As one of the foremost experts on Turning Point USA and its founder…
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Amy Duggar | Shattering the Shiny Happy Facade
Purchase a copy of Amy Duggar's book here: https://amzn.to/4mZB7SE| ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help ✖️✖️✖️ You've heard some of the story: the manipulation and abuse hidden behind the...
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Andrew Cuomo’s Whistleblower Speaks Out | Lindsey Boylan
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ In December 2020, Lindsey became the first woman to publicly accuse former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment. Her courage set off a political firestorm, triggered a statewide investigation, and ultimately led to his resignation....
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Does the Fear of Hell Hold Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love? | Brian Recker
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ 🔥 What if the fear of hell has been holding you back from experiencing true spirituality rooted in love? In this thought-provoking interview, Brian Recker (former evangelical pastor and author of Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians...
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Reflecting on Charlie Kirk's Death
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Charlie Kirk’s shocking assassination on September 10, 2025 has sparked outrage, grief, and controversy across social media. As someone who critiques religious fundamentalism, Christian nationalism, and the toxic politics of the religious right, I...
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Pastor Scott Gray Resigns Amid Financial Mismanagement Allegations at Liberty Baptist Church
Link to full article: https://open.substack.com/pub/preacherboys/p/pastor-scott-gray-resigns-amid-financial ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help ✖️✖️✖️ CONNECT WITH THE SHOW…
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Trump, Cuomo, and McGregor Prove Sexual Abuse Isn't Enough to Get "Canceled"
Link to full original article: https://preacherboys.substack.com/p/sure-sexual-abuse-is-bad-but-his ✖️✖️✖️ 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...
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The Myth of Good Christian Parenting | Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis
Pre-Order a copy of The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families: https://amzn.to/45wKDHn ✖️✖️✖️ Christian parents want to raise godly children, but what happens when popular biblical parenting methods cause more harm than good? The Myth…
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Demonic Cartoons, Wicked Toys, and Other Fundie Fears | Lindsey Williams
In this episode, my friend Lindsey Williams (Shiny Happy People) joins me to chat about the book that ruined fundamentalist childhoods everywhere – Turmoil in the Toybox by Phil Phillips You can purchase a used copy here if you want to check it out for yourself, and purchases made through the…
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Meet the Atheist Who Reviews Churches for Fun | Jared Smith (Heliocentric)
Jared Smith is the creative force behind Heliocentric, a one-man metal band exploring themes of religion, faith, and doubt. Raised in a devout Pentecostal home, he studied biblical languages and theology before leaving Christianity to become an outspoken atheist. Through his YouTube series…
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Do Arizona Clergy Need to Report Sexual Abuse? The Mormon Church Argues "No"
A disturbing case exposed how the Mormon Church’s 24/7 legal hotline advised bishops not to report child abuse, citing clergy-penitent privilege under Arizona law. Despite years of abuse, the father wasn’t stopped until law enforcement discovered evidence online. After a judge initially shielded...
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Darrell Dow | "Stuff Fundies Like" Creator on Using Satire to Expose Fundamentalism
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/...
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Trump DOJ Moves to Shield Clergy from Mandatory Abuse Reporting Laws
Read the full story with links to sources: https://preacherboys.substack.com/p/trump-doj-moves-to-shield-clergy ✖️✖️✖️ Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help ✖️✖️✖️ CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:...
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When You Know an Abuser: A Different Kind of Grief (Leaving Eden Podcast Crossover Episode)
Go subscribe to my friends over at the Leaving Eden Podcast! https://www.youtube.com/ @leaving_eden ✖️✖️✖️ Support the mission of the Preacher Boys Podcast and get early access to episodes plus exclusive behind-the-scenes content: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ If you or someone you know has...
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Her Mother Faces 13 Felonies for Abuse of Children | Hannah St. George
Support the mission of the Preacher Boys Podcast and get early access to episodes plus exclusive behind-the-scenes content: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help ✖️✖️✖️ CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: preacherboyspodcast.com...
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Bob Jones University Camp Director ARRESTED
UPDATE (July 23, 2025): A Bob Jones University Spokesperson provided the following statement: "We would not send a notification email about alleged conduct especially in a situation when (as here) all of the following things are true: (a) at the time we became aware of the alleged abuse, the...
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Youth Pastor and Wife Abused Six Child Victims (Plus, Three More Baptist Scandals | July 8-15, 2025)
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ Full article with links to sources: https://preacherboys.substack.com/p/youth-pastor-and-wife-abused-six In this video, I break down four major Baptist church scandals from July 8–15, 2025: a Harris Creek Baptist Church pastoral resident arrested...
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Exposing Toxic Lies About Masculinity Taught in Church
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ The rise of toxic conservative “alpha male” content I have seen online doesn’t surprise me. And it’s also no surprise that many Gen Z men who consume this type of content are currently finding themselves being drawn to religious communities at a...
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Q&A | Reacting to Satanic Panic Clip, Upcoming Steven Anderson Documentary, and Listener Questions
Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys ✖️✖️✖️ In this special Q&A episode of the Preacher Boys Podcast, host Eric Skwarczynski addresses listener questions on a range of topics related to abuse, accountability, and recovery within fundamentalist Christian communities. The episode covers…
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About this show
An ex-fundamentalist sheds light on the dark side of the church… from the pulpit to the pews.Hosted by advocate Eric Skwarczynski, Preacher Boys investigates abuse, cover-ups, and manipulation within high-control religious environments. Through interviews with survivors, experts, and advocates, the show exposes the hidden systems that enable harm—and amplifies the voices of those breaking free.Past guests include Chris Hansen (To Catch a Predator), Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill), cult expert Dr. Steven Hassan, Sarah Edmondson and Anthony Ames from HBO’s The Vow, and more..With millions of downloads and a deeply engaged survivor community, Preacher Boys dives into the stories others are too afraid to tell—and invites listeners on a journey of truth, justice, and healing.
Hosted by
Eric Skwarczynski
Categories