We Are One Podcast

Jay was sent to Agape Boarding School under the belief that he needed to be “fixed.” He shares that, in his heart, he believes he was sent away in an attempt to “pray the gay away” — a decision rooted in fear, theology, and misunderstanding. What his parents may not have realized is that sending him to an all-boys boarding school would become one of the most traumatic chapters of his life. In this deeply honest conversation, Jay opens up about the abuse he endured at Agape — being physically attacked, jumped by other students, spiritually manipulated by staff, and living in an environment fueled by shame and control. Jay also bravely speaks about sexual abuse and the lasting trauma that follows — the confusion, the silence, and the long road toward healing. Olivia and Jay have an important conversation about the lack of love shown to the LGBTQ+ community within certain Christian spaces, and what it truly means to reflect Christ. They discuss the difference between faith and fear, accountability and condemnation, and how Christians should treat every human being with dignity and compassion. This episode is not about politics. It’s about humanity. It’s about what happens when identity is treated like a sin instead of a person. Jay’s story is raw, courageous, and necessary.

Ron was just 12 years old when he was sent to Agape Boarding School in Washington State in the mid-1990s — years before the school relocated to Missouri. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Ron speaks publicly for the very first time about his experience. Before Agape, Ron’s life was already marked by instability, navigating foster care and searching for safety in a system that failed him more than once. But what awaited him at Agape would compound that trauma. Ron opens up about the horrific abuse he endured at the hands of staff — and the dangerous culture inside the school where older boys often preyed on younger ones. He bravely shares about the sexual abuse he experienced at Agape and later at another ranch program he was sent to after leaving. This is not an easy conversation. It is raw. It is painful. And it is necessary. Ron’s story is a reminder that abuse at Agape did not begin in Missouri. It existed long before — and it impacted children who were already vulnerable. By speaking out for the first time, Ron is choosing courage over silence. His voice joins a growing number of survivors who are breaking decades of secrecy to say: You are not alone.

James was sent to Agape Boarding School as a teenager — a decision that would change the trajectory of his life. In this episode, James shares what it felt like to be sent away and subjected to the physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse that defined the culture of Agape. He opens up about the fear-based environment, the punishments, and the trauma he and so many other boys endured. But James’ story takes a complicated turn. After aging out, he remained at Agape and was hired as a staff member. For six months, he saw the system from the inside — not just as a student, but as someone expected to enforce the very structure that once harmed him. And then he was fired. Not for misconduct. Not for breaking rules. But because he “wasn’t mean enough.” James discusses what that experience revealed about the inner workings of Agape, the expectations placed on staff, and the culture of control that thrived behind closed doors. He also shares insight into the filming of Teen Torture Inc., the legislative process surrounding the bill that was eventually signed, and his thoughts on the closure of the school. We talk about what it means to survive something that was designed to break you — and what he would say today to those who once tried. This episode sheds light on the systemic nature of abuse at Agape and why closing a building does not close the wounds left behind.

Amanda returns to the We Are One Podcast to share a side of Agape Boarding School that many haven’t heard — the perspective of a young staff wife trying to navigate faith, marriage, and obedience inside a system she had been conditioned to trust. Raised in the Hyles IFB world, Amanda entered adulthood believing submission and loyalty were virtues above all else. But when she and her husband were placed at Agape Boarding School, she found herself feeling stuck, isolated, and unsure of where she fit — or how to question what was happening around her. In this episode, Amanda opens up about: ​ What it was like working at an all-boys boarding school within the IFB system ​ The pressure placed on young wives to comply and stay silent ​ The internal conflict between “doing right” and sensing something was deeply wrong ​ Her brief experience participating in Let Us Prey ​ And how she and her husband ultimately made the decision to leave not just Agape — but the cult culture entirely This is a conversation about conditioning, complicity, awakening, and the courage it takes to walk away from everything you were taught to defend. More voices. More exposure. More truth.

This reunion episode brings the Reclamation Ranch series to a close. In this final conversation, we reflect, reconnect, and honor the courage of the girls who came forward to share their stories. Their voices, strength, and truth made this series possible. Thank you to every listener for the continued love and support throughout Season 3. Up next, We Are One begins a new survivor series focused on Agape Boarding School. If you are a survivor—or know someone who would like to share their story during the month of February—please contact weareonetogether25@gmail.com. Your story matters. You are not alone.

In this episode of We Are One Podcast, Nyssa and Rachel share their experiences as survivors of Reclamation Ranch. What was presented as a place of help, healing, and “restoration” became a system rooted in control, fear, and spiritual manipulation. Together, Nyssa and Rachel speak honestly about life inside the ranch, the tactics used to enforce obedience, and the lasting impact that environment had on their sense of identity, safety, and faith. They unpack how religion was weaponized, how silence was expected, and how questioning authority came with consequences. This conversation is not about attacking faith — it’s about exposing abuse disguised as righteousness and giving voice to those who were never protected. Nyssa and Rachel’s courage in telling their stories is a reminder that survival itself is an act of resistance, and healing begins when truth is spoken out loud.

This is a 4-part series. Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth, survival, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life.

This is a 4-part series. Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth, survival, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life.

Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth, survival, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life.

This is a 4-part series. Jennifer shares her life inside the IFB, including the relationship between Jack Patterson and her mother, Karen. She speaks openly and bravely about every form of abuse she endured and the systems that protected it. Now, Jennifer is choosing freedom—breaking away from control, silence, and fear, even if it means losing everything she once knew. This series centers truth, survival, and the courage it takes to reclaim your life.

In this episode, Sabrina continues sharing her story, revealing more about Reclamation Ranch and her experiences within the IFB. She speaks openly about the harm she endured and the impact of Jack Patterson, along with Trudy and Karen Patterson. This conversation centers survivor truth, accountability, and the long road toward healing.

In this powerful conclusion to Season 2, we focus on a pivotal chapter in Sabrina’s journey—her time at Reclamation Ranch, a troubled teen facility founded by Jack Patterson, a man with deep and ongoing ties to the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. This episode uncovers how Patterson’s influence connects back to the roots of our Season 2 Lester Roloff series, continuing the legacy of abuse masked as reform. While Sabrina has shared her full story on platforms like Preacher Boys and many others, this episode is specifically dedicated to the era of her life at Reclamation Ranch and the trauma she endured under Patterson’s leadership. Now an unwavering advocate for change, Sabrina uses her voice to fight for those still silenced by the troubled teen industry. Join us as we close out Season 2 with truth, strength, and a call for justice.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Shawn, a former student of Hyles-Anderson College who has since become a licensed therapist. Shawn opens up about his time within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, the impact of legalism and spiritual manipulation, and the long road to healing and freedom. Now using his voice and expertise to help others, Shawn shares unique insights into the trauma many survivors face—and how true recovery is possible. Whether you’re deconstructing your own past or simply seeking to understand, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

To wrap up the Hyles series, Olivia sits down with her next guest, Grace — the most recent graduate to share her experience at Hyles-Anderson College. Grace attended from 2022 to 2024 and offers a rare, up-to-date look at what life inside the institution is like today. Trust us — you do not want to miss this. As we listen, it’s clear that decades of abuse and toxic systems are still deeply rooted. Grace opens up about the moment the blinders fell off for her, the dangerous realities of the Bus Ministry while witnessing in Chicago neighborhoods, and the intense pressure placed on women to conform to narrow definitions of what it means to be a “good Christian woman.” Her story is a powerful reminder that while time moves on, the deep issues within the IFB world remain

In today’s episode, Olivia is joined once again by Robyn as they continue our Hyles Series and take a hard look at where First Baptist Church of Hammond stands today. After the arrest of Jack Schaap, John Wilkerson became the new pastor — but has anything truly changed? While some claim Wilkerson has a heart for survivors, this episode uncovers unsettling truths that suggest otherwise. We discuss how Wilkerson has maintained a culture of silence, cover-ups, and continued proximity of predators to vulnerable individuals on campus. Is he a reformer, or just another wolf in sheep’s clothing? You don’t want to miss this conversation. Also — if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Robyn’s book and listen to her full story growing up in this environment and attending Hyles-Anderson College in Season 1, Episode 4. Her personal experience adds powerful context to everything we discuss today.

In this powerful follow-up episode, Alissa returns to share more deeply about her experience with Jack Schaap, the former pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond. She opens up about the subtle and calculated grooming she endured, the manipulation that blurred boundaries, and the lasting impact it left on her life. Alissa also reflects on where she is today in her healing journey, offering hope and solidarity to other survivors who may feel alone in their stories.

In this episode, Olivia sits down with Amanda—an advocate and survivor you may recognize from the Let Us Prey documentary. Amanda has continued to bravely speak out, shedding light on the abuse and cover-ups within the IFB, particularly at First Baptist Church of Hammond (FBCH), Hyles-Anderson College (HAC), and Hammond Baptist (HB). Born and raised in this environment, Amanda opens up about what life was really like behind the scenes. She shares disturbing insights into how FBCH operated, including how massive scandals were routinely swept under the rug. From the manipulation in the bus ministry to shocking scare tactics—like the time she was pressured into swallowing live goldfish—Amanda’s story reveals the deeply rooted control and fear used to maintain power.

In this special introduction to our latest series, Olivia sets the stage for an in-depth look at Jack Hyles, his family, and the empire he built at First Baptist Church of Hammond (FBCOH). This episode explores the foundation of his influence, the deep-rooted scandals that shook FBCOH, and the role of organizations like the Christian Law Association (CLA) in protecting churches instead of survivors. From the shocking cases of Jack Schaap and Dave Hyles to the culture of silence within the IFB, Olivia breaks down the layers of controversy surrounding this powerful institution. Featuring archival clips and firsthand accounts, this episode lays the groundwork for a gripping series that uncovers the truth behind the pulpit.

To conclude The Bethel Files series, Olivia sits back down for Part 2 with Chad Miller. In this powerful episode, Chad and Olivia discuss the full timeline of Bethel, the struggles 17-year-old Chad faced with his mental health at the time, and how abandonment issues continue to impact him today. Chad shares deeply about his experience at Reclamation Ranch, founded by Jack Peterson—a significant figure in the IFB and Teen Training International (TTI) world. He doesn’t hold back as he details firsthand what life was like at the ranch and the lasting effects it had on him. The conversation also explores Chad’s journey filming Troubled Teen Industry on HBO Max, including an emotional reunion with another Bethel survivor. He also goes further into the heartbreaking story of Bradley, one of the individuals featured in the documentary. Don’t miss this raw and eye-opening conclusion to The Bethel Files series.

In the final episode of The Bethel Files series, Olivia sits down with Bethel Boys Academy survivor Chad Miller. Chad shares his journey of being sent to Bethel in Lucedale, Mississippi, at just 17 years old. He opens up about his experiences under the control of founder Herman Fountain, revealing the abusive and manipulative environment that defined his time at the academy. Chad also discusses key red flags parents should be aware of when considering such facilities and reflects on where he is today. But his story doesn’t end here—Chad wasn’t only sent to Bethel. Stay tuned for part two, where he exposes life at yet another ranch. All videos & photos in this episode were sourced from: 🔹 BK Productions 🔹 Teen Torture INC