Beyond BJU: Exposing Fundamentalism
by Andrew Pledger
Latest episode
Episodes Coming 2026
Episodes Coming 2026
About this podcast
Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist Christian college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. The monthly podcast features survivors' stories from the university, and its affiliated churches, camps, and day schools. The show also explores BJU's influence beyond the university and its impact on American society. This show is a continuation of the limited series "Surviving BJU: A Christian Cult.”
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Episodes
The newest 20 of 43 episodes
- Episodes Coming 2026 · 2 minHost Andrew Pledger thanks listeners for their support and announces changes for the next season. The podcast will shift its focus to exploring how controlling systems disconnect…
- Klandamentalism w/ Dr. Camille Lewis · 54 minIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Dr. Camille Lewis about her new book 'Klandamentalism.' The conversation delves into the historical and contemporary ties between…
- The Old and The New Promise w/ Erin Burchwell · 54 minIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger interviews Erin Burchwell, who delves into the broken promises of Bob Jones University, particularly focusing on the 'Old Promise', an…
- Finding Freedom w/ Kate · 42 minIn today's episode, Kate shares her journey from being raised in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement to becoming an accidental advocate and activist. She discusses…
- Mental Health and BJU w/ Elizabeth · 45 minIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger talks with Elizabeth, a survivor of Bob Jones Academy and University. They discuss Elizabeth's struggles with mental health, the stigma…
- Speaking Out: Protesting Jim Berg w/ Eleanor Skelton · 1 h 0 minIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger welcomes Eleanor Skelton, an advocate for awareness about abuse in homeschooling and restrictive religious circles. Eleanor shares their…
- From Silence to Protest: Do Right BJU w/ Chris Peterman · 35 minIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger interviews Chris Peterman, a Bob Jones University alum and activist who led the Do Right BJU movement. Chris shares his experiences growing…
- Perverted Justice w/ Shielagh Clark · 46 minIn this episode, host Andrew Pledger speaks with Shielagh Clark, a survivor of abuse tied to Bob Jones University and an affiliated church. Shielagh shares her harrowing journey…
- Confronting Shame: Women and Mental Health in Fundamentalism w/ Rebekah Knauf · 1 h 0 minHost Andrew Pledger explores the impact of Christian fundamentalism, particularly at Bob Jones University (BJU), by interviewing of Rebekah Knauf, a survivor who attended and…
- Finding Home: Navigating Neglect and Abuse w/ Stephanie · 1 h 14 minIn this episode of Beyond BJU, host Andrew Pledger interviews Stephanie, who shares her experiences growing up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) church pastor’s family…
- Breaking the Silence (GRACE Report Interviewee) w/ Sheri Cotuna · 1 h 5 minIn this powerful episode, Sheri Cotuna shares her harrowing experience of sexual abuse while a student at Bob Jones University and the subsequent mishandling of her case by the…
- Season Finale/Update · 1 minIn this clip, I announce a break and the outsourcing of editing for recorded episodes of season two. I express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and listened…
- 10th Anniversary of the GRACE Report - Uncovered Berg "Counseling" Materials · 3 h 19 minToday marks the 10th anniversary of the Grace Report, which investigated Bob Jones University's mishandling of sexual abuse claims. In this episode, I share previously unreleased…
- Trump Presidency: A Cult Survivor's Perspective w/ Andrew Pledger - IndoctriNation Podcast · 34 minIn this special episode of the Indoctrination podcast, host Rachel Bernstein discusses the aftermath of the election with Andrew Pledger. They share their initial reactions and…
- Discovering My Queer Identity - Lane White · 52 minIn this episode, Lane White, a transgender individual and a former BJU student, shares his journey of self-discovery. Lane recounts his upbringing in a Baptist household, his…
- Just A Number - Jay Cozzini · 1 h 4 minJay Cozzini shares his journey from an isolated upbringing in Alaska to attending Bob Jones University. Jay offers an insider perspective on the culture at BJU and recounts…
- Never Good Enough - Daisy · 45 minIn this episode, I welcome Daisy back and she delves into her harrowing experiences at BJU and the Wilds Christian Camp. Daisy recounts instances of religious indoctrination…
- Dorm Counselor’s Confessions: The Reality of BJU Life - Amanda Koth · 1 h 10 minIn this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Amanda Koth a former dorm counselor at Bob Jones University (BJU). Amanda shares her journey from growing up in a…
- A Well-Trained Wife - Tia Levings - Special Episode · 42 minIn this episode I speak with Tia Levings, who bravely shares her journey of escaping Christian patriarchy and introduces her memoir, 'A Well-Trained Wife.' We discuss her…
- Part 4. Exposing The Wilds: Uncovered Counseling Booklet - Tabitha Frady · 2 h 13 minIn part four, Tabitha Frady and I conduct a deep dive into the Wild Counseling Notebook from 2016, uncovering the toxic teachings and ideologies of The Wilds. We meticulously…
