We Are One

Today, we’re joined by Jules, a survivor with a story that is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. Growing up in foster care, Jules faced unimaginable abuse at home and in church. Her entire childhood was shaped by pain, and at just nine years old, that abuse resulted in her becoming pregnant. At ten, she became a mother.

Instead of receiving the support and protection she desperately needed, Jules was failed by the very people who should have helped her. Her baby, just 10 months old, was taken from her—an unthinkable loss that still weighs heavily on her heart.

Through the darkest of times, Jules has shown incredible strength, courage, and faith. In this episode, she shares her journey of survival, the enduring pain of her child’s disappearance, and how she has fought to reclaim her life despite all odds.

Jules, thank you

This special episode marks the one-year anniversary of We Are One Podcast. Join Olivia and Jen as they celebrate a year of raising awareness, sharing stories of courage, and standing in solidarity with survivors. Reflecting on the powerful voices and impactful moments that have shaped the podcast, they discuss lessons learned, milestones achieved, and the community that has grown around the mission. With heartfelt gratitude, they honor the strength of every survivor and look forward to continuing the fight for truth and justice.

In today’s episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with their guest, Ashley, who shares her powerful journey of transformation and resilience. Ashley opens up about her childhood in a non-Christian household and her decision to turn her life around by accepting Christ at the age of 17.

She bravely reflects on the challenges she faced after becoming pregnant as a teenager and the treatment she received within the church community. Ashley discusses the deeply personal reasons behind her decision to share her story publicly—doing it for her kids and to inspire others.

Join us for this heartfelt and raw conversation as Ashley speaks forward with courage and love.

In this episode, we sit down with Tamra to dive into her experiences growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church and the challenges she has faced since leaving. Together, we tackle difficult topics, with a focus on the impact of spiritual abuse, the expectations placed on women, and the fear that comes with breaking free. Tamra’s openness sheds light on the emotional journey of healing and reclaiming one’s identity. Thank you, Tamra, for your courage and willingness to share your story with us.

In today’s episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with their guest, Abby, to discuss her powerful story. Abby opens up about difficult topics, including her struggles with eating disorders, sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma. Trigger warning is strongly advised.

She also sheds light on the challenges she faced while attending an IFB school, including enduring physical abuse. As the conversation unfolds, Abby reveals a shocking scandal involving a local IFB pastor.

Join us as we uncover these deeply personal and impactful stories in today’s episode. Don’t miss it!

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Olivia and Jen are diving into some wild Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) sermons and sharing their unfiltered reactions. We hope you’ll join us in the fun—and maybe even play this episode at your Thanksgiving table! It’s a great way to spark conversations with your family, share in the absurdity, and keep exposing the outrageous things they say. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

In today’s episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with Wendy to discuss her experiences growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church. Wendy shares her story of enduring and witnessing abuse within the church, shedding light on the harsh realities she faced. She speaks about the lack of understanding and support for individuals with special needs, reflecting on the challenges her two brothers—who have the mental capacity of children as adults—encountered in the IFB community. Wendy also reveals the disturbing physical abuse teachings her IFB pastor promoted regarding special needs children.

Beyond her personal story, Wendy provides valuable insights into grooming behaviors and shares warning signs parents can watch for to protect their children.

And for a shocking twist: murder?! Tune in to learn about JT and the mystery surrounding his untimely death in this eye-opening and unexpected episode.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Eleanor, who shares her journey of growing up in multiple religious denominations, including the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) and the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Eleanor sheds light on the controlling and abusive behaviors she endured throughout her life, offering a raw and powerful perspective.

She also opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, and the unique challenges of trying to fit in—even as the homeschool girl rocking denim skirts. Eleanor’s story highlights the resilience it takes to break free from a lifetime of pressure and control.

Thank you, Eleanor, for sharing your experiences on today’s episode. Don’t miss the sneak peek at the end for next week’s guest and story!

In this special bonus episode, Olivia and Jen sit down to debrief the whirlwind Facebook smackdown that erupted when Taylor Swift brought her Eras Tour to Indianapolis, IN…we talk about the double standards (You Belong with Hypocrisy) and relentless judgment (Look What You Made Us Do) coming from some Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) keyboard warriors. The irony of seeing men preach their opinions (I Knew You Were Trouble) while holding up scripture signs is truly Flabbergasting.

Join us as we break down the social media drama, call out the smallest men (Mad Woman energy!), and let’s see how many more rise up in outrage. It’s time to shake it off and speak up, Swiftie-style!

I mean … we really are never ever ever going back … like ever.

In this impactful episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with Lisa, who shares her story of growing up in the IFB and the challenges she faced. Lisa opens up about her father’s attempt to abandon her in another country when she was just 4 years old and describes the difficulties of living under the strict rules of her IFB parents. She also bravely sheds light on the abuse she experienced at Hyles-Anderson College and First Baptist Church of Hammond (FBCOH) and what ultimately led her to leave the IFB.

In an open and heartfelt discussion, Olivia, Jen, and Lisa explore many topics, including forgiveness and how scripture addresses it. This episode is especially meaningful for those struggling with toxic relationships within the IFB and the challenge of forgiveness.

Note: There are a few moments of audio lag due to technical issues, but we hope you’ll stay with us through this powerful conversation. Thank you, Lisa, for your courage in sharing your story with us today.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with the daughter of an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) pastor who shares her harrowing experiences of abuse and the restrictive teachings she endured and witnessed throughout her life. She opens up about the pressure placed on women in the IFB to conform to unrealistic standards, leading many—herself included—to struggle with eating disorders and issues with self-worth. Through her story, we uncover the ways these teachings impact mental and physical health, shedding light on a culture that often prioritizes control over compassion. Join us as we bring awareness to the hidden struggles faced by women in IFB communities and discuss the path to healing and reclaiming one’s voice.

In the final installment of our Lester Roloff series, hosts Olivia and Jen have a surprise for listeners—a powerful guest appearance by another courageous survivor, Cindy. Cindy opens up about her journey growing up in an IFB church and the rebellious teenage years that led her to be sent to the Rebekah Home for Girls. She shares her harrowing experience there and how, in an unexpected twist, the "Christian Alamo" played a pivotal role in her eventual escape.

This episode goes beyond Cindy’s past, diving into her life now, where she provides thought-provoking insights into accountability, parenting, and reflections on what she might do differently if given the chance. The conversations are deep and meaningful, resonating strongly with both Olivia and Jen, who hope listeners find this episode not only informative but a blessing as well.

A huge thank you to Cindy for her bravery in closing out our Lester Roloff series and for bringing awareness to the abuse she endured within the church, her home, and Lester Roloff’s enterprise.

In this episode, hosts Olivia and Jen sit down with Johnna, a survivor of Happiness Hill Christian Academy. Happiness Hill was an offshoot of Lester Roloff's ministry, run by the Palmers, who had worked closely with Roloff before establishing their own home. Roloff, a well-known fundamentalist pastor and evangelist, left a controversial legacy that continues to be examined.

Johnna bravely shares her experiences, uncovering the abuse she endured and witnessed at Happiness Hill. She reveals shocking new details that even surprised our hosts. As a psychology student, Johnna offers valuable insights into the long-lasting effects of such trauma and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help. She also discusses the many different forms of therapy available to survivors today.

Thank you, Johnna, for speaking out on today’s episode. And be sure to listen through to the end—do you think Lester Roloff is comparable to Carol Baskins, or is Jen a true conspiracy theorist? Let us know what you think!

Olivia & Jen sits down with another brave survivor to discuss her experience at the Jubilee Home. Our guest, Caryn, has chosen to keep her identity hidden, and we always prioritize the safety and comfort of our survivors and guests during interviews.

In this episode, Caryn provides insight into her life before being sent to the Jubilee Home—a facility established by Lester Roloff for women 18 years and older. She also sheds light on her life after leaving, including some revealing experiences at Hyles-Anderson. You won’t want to miss a word of this conversation.

Hosts Olivia and Jen are excited to continue the Lester Roloff series with next week’s episode. Stay tuned until the end for a special preview!

In this powerful episode, Olivia and Jen sit down with Barbara Anne, a survivor of the Rebekah Home for Girls, owned by Lester Roloff. Barbara bravely opens up about the abuse she endured both at home and during her time at the Rebekah Home. She details the physical, sexual , emotional, and spiritual abuse she suffered, sharing how these experiences have impacted her life as an adult. Barbara also discusses the toll her trauma has taken on her personal relationships and how she continues to cope with PTSD and night terrors as a result of her past.

Be sure to check out the added clips on YouTube, where we include visuals and additional context to Barbara’s story. We highly recommend watching for a fuller understanding of her journey.

Join hosts Olivia and Jen as they kick off a 5-week series exploring the life and legacy of Lester Roloff. In this episode, they dive deep into the history of who Lester Roloff was, the rise of Roloff Enterprises, and why they are still operating today despite numerous allegations.

We'll also shed light on the abuse accusations, court rulings, and the infamous "Christian Alamo" showdown in Texas, which became a pivotal moment in IFB history.

Stay tuned for the rest of the series, and don’t miss next week’s episode where we sit down with our first survivor, Barbara Anne, to hear her powerful story.

In this powerful episode of We Are One Podcast, hosts Olivia and Jen sit down with Alissa, a survivor of abuse within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church. Alissa shares her harrowing experiences across three different IFB churches, each marred by scandal, and her time at Hyles-Anderson College. She sheds light on the pervasive grooming culture in the IFB and the difficulty of escaping abusive situations.

Alissa recounts the trauma of being harassed and stalked by her abuser, even after marrying her first husband. Despite these hardships, she offers hope to others, affirming that healing is possible. She also discusses the damaging impact of purity culture on her first marriage and her personal life, as well as the church’s view on divorce. Alissa’s story is one of survival and resilience, and she shares how, with the support of her parents she was able to divorce and now be remarried and is better on the other side after leaving the IFB & church scene.

Tune in to hear her courageous story of breaking free and finding peace on the other side.

We’re back! In this exciting first episode of Season 2, Olivia sits down with her new co-host, Jen, to discuss all things coming up this season. We share some exciting spoilers, talk candidly about the trolling we've experienced, and clear up some common misconceptions about our podcast. Most importantly, we readdress our mission and the passion that drives us: to create a platform where survivors of abuse within Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) churches can share their stories and be heard.

We’re excited for what’s to come and look forward to continuing our work to raise awareness and bring about change