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The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast

Vikki Mansheim

Join sisters Vikki and Taniya as they share a weekly topic from their IFB (Independent, fundamental Baptist) childhood and tell how they were able to leave an oppressive, restrictive cult-like religion. They are reclaiming their past for good and building an online community of survivors as well as educating anyone curious about cults, toxic religion, and exposing church abuse.

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25 episodes
Avg 43 min
English

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S1 · E24
October 22 · 59 min
Pluck Your Eye Out, You Creep | Modesty and Modern Misogyny
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Links: Shane Gillis Clips: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fauxmoi/s/LKtNX7topV Trump Rally: A fight broke out at President Trump's rally in Youngstown, Ohio ... www.facebook.com › CBSNews › videos › fight-breaks-... Genevieve Bernadette Article: https://genevievebernadette.substack.com/p/are-they-lonely-enough-yet University of Chicago Incident: https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/15/us/university-of-chicago-sexual-assault-allegation-video https://www.facebook.com/cnn/videos/a-21-year-old-woman-reported-being-sexually-assaulted-during-a-party-at-an-alpha/4474263316147110/ Connect & Support: Patreon & Discord Community: [Patreon Link / patreon.com/exbaptistsisters] Email Us Your Story: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: [@exbaptistsisters] TikTok: [@exbaptistsisters] Facebook: [The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast] In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unbroken chain of misogyny connecting fundamentalist church culture to secular "bro" and mainstream media culture. Spurred by Shane Gillis’s viral Saturday Night Live monologue mocking women’s gym attire as "artificial bait," we examine how secular commentary mirrors the exact theological frameworks we grew up with in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. From Jack Hyles’ and Jack Schaap’s pulpit purity rhetoric to modern gym discourse and frat-house culture—including the recent Cornell University case and an assault at a University of Chicago fraternity—we unpack how society consistently strips men of moral agency while placing the sole burden of male self-control onto women's bodies. We break down the toxic concept of "defrauding," contrast purity standards with Jesus's actual words in Matthew 5, and discuss writer Genevieve Bernadette’s viral insight on how holding men accountable isn't aggression—it’s the expiration of unearned privilege. Trigger Warnings Sexual assault, gang rape, and fraternity violence (detailed mentions of the Cornell University case and University of Chicago incident) Statutory rape and sexualization/predatory commentary regarding underage girls and teenage minors Purity culture, modesty policing, and religious spiritual abuse / victim-blaming Physical assault and political violence (discussion of a rally attendee being assaulted) Domestic violence and murder-suicide statistics
S1 · E23
October 8 · 17 min
What's Your Goliath? | Vikki and Sean: Late Night Chat
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Taniya is taking the week off to move, so Vikki is joined by her husband, Sean, to celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary. In this preview of their full Patreon bonus episode, they look back 20 years to where it all began: meeting at First Baptist School, secretly passing spiral notebooks, hiding hugs under security cameras, and navigating young love inside high-control fundamentalism. Hear how the rest of the story unfolds through breaking apart, reconnecting, and deconstructing together over on our Patreon! Connect & Support: Patreon & Discord Community: [Patreon Link / patreon.com/exbaptistsisters] Email Us Your Story: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: [@exbaptistsisters] TikTok: [@exbaptistsisters] Facebook: [The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast]
S1 · E22
October 1 · 52 min
Taniya Might Have Fought Some of You | Taniya Talks Part 2
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Connect & Support: Patreon & Discord Community: [Patreon Link / patreon.com/exbaptistsisters] Email Us Your Story: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: [@exbaptistsisters] TikTok: [@exbaptistsisters] Facebook: [The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast] In this continuation of Taniya’s story, Vikki and Taniya dive deep into the emotional and psychological realities of leaving the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. From dissecting the absurd label of being called a "born-again atheist" to unpacking the fawn response, childhood indoctrination, and the harsh realities of fundamentalist culture, the sisters reflect on how far they’ve come. They also get real about why they started the podcast, their political awakenings, breaking their silence, and the power of speaking out against abuse. Links: Rodrigues Family: https://www.reddit.com/r/FundieSnarkUncensored/comments/lq2bnc/i_noticed_that_jillpm_removed_her_horrific/ Nancy Wilson: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdJspH2DYws/?stkn=MWV0OXdpbmt5ZWE2NQ== Religion Tree: https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/s/1DK04fFWfq
S1 · E21
September 17 · 54 min
How the Turn Tables | Taniya Talks Part 1
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Connect & Support: Patreon & Discord Community: [Patreon Link / patreon.com/exbaptistsisters] Email Us Your Story: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: [@exbaptistsisters] TikTok: [@exbaptistsisters] Facebook: [The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast] In Part 1 of Taniya’s personal deep dive, the sisters unpack what happens when deconstruction leaves the realm of theology and collides with real life. Taniya opens up about the awkward, painful transition from being the "godly example" in church to becoming the subject of whispered prayer requests after her husband, Dustin, walked away first. From the shock of finding a hidden stash of The Office DVDs to shedding the doctrine of male headship, she details the messy work of deprogramming purity culture and fundamentalist expectations. Finally, Taniya shares a candid, heartfelt perspective on navigating societal pressure around having children, coming to peace with infertility through personal unattachment, and reframing a child-free adulthood not as a secret sorrow, but as a hard-earned luxury.
S1 · E20
September 10 · 1 hr 4 min
Just As I Am Without a Skirt | The Exclusionary Nature of IFB Churches
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! https://www.maddiezahm.com/ Connect & Support: Patreon & Discord Community: [Patreon Link / patreon.com/exbaptistsisters] Email Us Your Story: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: [@exbaptistsisters] TikTok: [@exbaptistsisters] Facebook: [The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast] In this episode of the Ex-Baptist Sisters podcast, Vikki and Taniya explore how the rigid, exclusionary culture of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement shaped their childhoods, distorted their relationships, and dictated who was considered "safe" or worthy of connection. Prompted by a listener whose non-IFB family experienced subtle alienation at an IFB Christian school, the sisters examine how high-control religious environments enforce conditional acceptance through superficial markers of holiness like dress codes, modesty rules, and church attendance. Reflecting on their own time inside the "in-crowd," Vikki and Taniya unpack the quiet condescension, fear-based paranoia, and intense guilt instilled by purity culture and fundamentalist doctrine, contrasting it with the authentic, unconditional love they now value. The conversation turns vulnerable as they discuss the profound loneliness and grief of deconstruction, the loss of lifelong social networks, and Vikki’s experience facing church betrayal and victim-blaming after speaking out about surviving childhood abuse by a trusted mentor. From laughing over the absurdity of performative piety to finding comfort in secular friendships, neighborly kindness, and the music of artists like Maddie Zahm, Vikki and Taniya share an honest, relatable look at what it takes to unlearn religious bias, untangle moral anxiety, and rebuild life on one’s own terms.
S1 · E19
August 27 · 42 min
I Miss the Village, Not the Cage | Finding Community Ouside the Church
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In the continuation of the previous episode, Vikki and Taniya dive into the very real grief and neuro-chemical withdrawal of losing a built-in church village. They break down the concept of "collective effervescence," ditching the quiet shame of missing church routines, and practical, low-pressure ways to build authentic community outside the walls of high-control religion. From community theater and tabletop campaigns to effortless neighborhood meetups, there are so many ways to find where you belong. Content Warning: This episode contains explicit language and candid discussions of religious trauma, cult deconstruction, isolation, and brief mentions of sexual abuse and childhood corporal punishment. Connect & Support: Patreon & Discord Community: [Patreon Link / patreon.com/exbaptistsisters] Email Us Your Story: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: [@exbaptistsisters] TikTok: [@exbaptistsisters] Facebook: [The Ex-Baptist Sisters Podcast] If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help other people find the show!
August 20 · 48 min
Your System is Flawed | Spiritual Bypassing and Toxic Positivity
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In Part 1 of this two-part series, Vikki and Taniya tackle a hard and quiet part of deconstruction: unlearning the loaded language and spiritual bypassing ingrained by high-control religion. They break down how fundamentalist platitudes force premature closure, suppress real grief and anger, and shift blame onto victims. Plus, the official launch of the Ex-Baptist Sisters Patreon! Join our community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheEx_BaptistSistersPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Our Sponsor: LOTRAMAPOD, hosted by Matthias Austin https://lotramapod.carrd.co/ Content Warnings: Religious trauma, spiritual abuse, high-control religious environments (IFB), suppression of mental health and grief, brief mention of child physical discipline/spanking, and discussion of past grooming, sexual abuse of a minor, and institutional mishandling.
S1 · E17
August 13 · 50 min
Not as Poised and Polished | Unscripted Decompression and Cycle-Breaking
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Vikki and Taniya take a step back after their heavy two-part series on corporal punishment for a raw, unscripted decompression session. The sisters unpack the emotional impact of re-listening to their own trauma, share a powerful and triggering listener story highlighting the link between physical abuse and sexual trauma, and examine the ways fundamentalist religious environments normalize violence against children under the guise of biblical discipline. They also discuss practical cycle-breaking in parenting, unlearning spiritual bypassing, and how to rebuild a sense of purpose and community outside of the church. Listen in for: Honest conversation on deconstruction, bodily autonomy, processing childhood trauma, and finding real connection beyond religious control. Email your stories: exbaptistsisters@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Our Sponsor: LOTRAMAPOD, hosted by Matthias Austin https://lotramapod.carrd.co/ Related links: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Good-Humans-Parenting-Confident/dp/1684033888 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lauren-boeberts-21-year-old-son-arrested-child-sexual-exploitation-cha-rcna591830 https://wjla.com/news/local/kenneth-baldwin-alexandria-pastor-crossroads-baptist-church-baileys-crossroads-pennsylvania-state-police-explicit-images-teenager-minor-church-sermon-victim-investigation-exposure-nude-photos-evangelist-dr-harrison-ministry-allegations-children Content Warning: explicit language, child abuse, religious trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse
S1 · E16
July 23 · 1 hr 2 min
Explain to the 4 Year Old What His Crime Was | Spanking and Physical Abuse in IFB Culture Part 2
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Our Sponsor: LOTRAMAPOD, hosted by Matthias Austin https://lotramapod.carrd.co/ In Part 2 of this deep dive into corporal punishment, Vikki and Tanya continue the conversation on the heavily normalized culture of physical abuse, spanking, and spirit-breaking within the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. This week, they open up space for raw, vulnerable listener stories that highlight the real-world impact of these practices. They examine the disturbing guidelines in Jack Hyles’ literature (How to Rear Infants), pit cult discipline tactics against actual developmental science, and explore how physical control in childhood seamlessly morphs into emotional and verbal manipulation in adulthood. Most importantly, Vikki and Tanya discuss how to break the cycle by moving away from coercion toward co-regulation and share a concrete toolkit of books and resources to support listeners on their healing and deconstruction journeys. Resources & Books Mentioned: Parenting Forward by Cindy Wang Brandt Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of physical abuse, corporal punishment, and childhood trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
S1 · E15
July 16 · 42 min
Spoiler Alert, It's Bad. It's Very, Very Bad | Spanking and Physical Abuse in IFB Culture
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Our Sponsor: LOTRAMAPOD, hosted by Matthias Austin https://lotramapod.carrd.co/ This week, Vikki and Taniya dive deep into one of their most highly requested and heaviest topics yet: the deeply normalized culture of corporal punishment and the deliberate breaking of a child's spirit within the independent fundamental Baptist movement. From the authoritarian teachings of James Dobson and Michael and Debbie Pearl to the rantings of Jack Hyles they unpack how normal, healthy childhood curiosity was twisted into a spiritual crisis. With a blend of raw personal memories and dark humor, the sisters call out the psychological and emotional grooming behind delayed discipline, validation for survivors breaking the cycle, and a reminder that you were always worthy of unconditional love. Trigger Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of childhood physical, spiritual, and emotional abuse.
S1 · E14
July 9 · 30 min
A Beautiful, Rebellious Act | Reclaiming Your Mind, Body, and Boundaries
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr In this week's solo episode, Vikki shares a deeply personal open letter and safe harbor for survivors navigating life after fundamentalist church abuse. She explores a profound recent realization: even if we could completely erase a primary individual perpetrator from our history, the broader system of IFB culture inflicted institutional trauma that still demands the same heavy work of healing. Vikki gently unpacks the core pillars of this conditioning while validating the natural confusion and resistance that survivors often face when untangling their past. To provide immediate support, she guides listeners through a practical toolkit and an interactive, on-mic somatic grounding exercise designed to help reclaim trust in our own bodies and judgment. Finally, she highlights the necessity of trauma-informed care and shares a teaser for an upcoming, securely gated community space designed for deeper connection and mutual support.
S1 · E13
June 25 · 50 min
If They Said Twilight is Evil, It's Evil | Another Piece of Vikki's Story
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr This week, we react to TikTok comments from former fundie and IFB listeners sharing the surprisingly ordinary things they were taught were dangerous, sinful, or “gateways to hell” growing up. From Harry Potter and Halloween to roller skating, public school, and saying “oh my gosh,” we unpack the fear, control, and shame that shaped so many of our childhood experiences. The conversation also turns more personal as Vikki shares a piece of her own story and reflects on what happens when abuse, grooming, and institutional failure are minimized or rewritten to protect reputations instead of people. We talk about deconstruction, questioning harmful systems, and why telling the truth—even years later—still matters. Content warning: discussion of grooming, sexual abuse, institutional abuse, child abuse, victim blaming, mental health, coercive control, and strong language.
S1 · E12
June 18 · 51 min
That I Might Not Sin Against God | Patriotism and Christian Nationalism
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! TPUSA Women's Summit Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSz1txJEyv8&t=75s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr This week, Vikki and Taniya revisit an episode they thought was lost and unpack Christian nationalism, patriotic culture in church, and the ways politics and religion became deeply intertwined in the world they grew up in. The episode explores how fear, certainty, and black-and-white thinking shaped their worldview—and what it has looked like to slowly question those beliefs, separate faith from politics, and become comfortable with uncertainty. Along the way, they discuss religious deconstruction, parenting, empathy, and the process of building values intentionally instead of simply inheriting them. Content Warning: strong language, corporal punishment, abuse, sexual assault, war and violence, racism, and dediscussion of biblical stories containing violence and sexual themes
S1 · E11
June 11 · 28 min
You Make Me Feel Less Alone | Listener Stories from IFB Culture
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Polished Shaft Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr0UpQXYkGs In this solo episode, Vikki shares powerful listener stories about growing up in Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) spaces and the lasting impact of religious trauma, modesty culture, and spiritual control. Listeners open up about experiences with modesty rules, abuse of pastoral authority, shame, deconstruction, grief, and rebuilding identity after leaving high-control faith environments. The episode explores what it means to untangle belief from fear, heal from harmful systems, and find community in being seen and understood. Through honest reflection, difficult stories, and moments of hope, this conversation is a reminder that healing isn’t linear—and no one has to do it alone. CW: religious trauma, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, rape references, purity culture, misogyny, victim blaming, suicidal ideation, suicide loss, eating disorder mention, deconstruction, and discussions of emotional abuse and faith-related trauma.
S1 · E10
May 28 · 42 min
Not Good Wife Material | Listener Stories about IFB Culture
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr In this episode of the podcast, the sisters read listener-submitted stories from life inside IFB schools, churches, and Bible colleges. They include everything from absurd dress codes and demerits to fear-based control, public shaming, and deeply unsettling abuse of authority. Through funny, heartbreaking, and validating memories, they unpack the lasting impact of fundamentalism, the culture of silence surrounding abuse, and the healing that can come from finally telling the truth out loud.
S1 · E9
May 21 · 44 min
Jesus Wept | Remembering Nadia
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr In this episode of the Ex-Baptist Sisters podcast, Vikki and Taniya are joined by Vikki's husband Sean for a deeply personal conversation about grief, church culture, burnout, and the lasting effects of growing up in the IFB world. The sisters share stories about their late older sister Nadia and describe her life, personality, faith, and the enormous impact she had on their lives and deconstruction journeys. Along the way, they unpack the harmful teachings they encountered surrounding tragedy, “God’s plan,” emotional suppression, gender roles, and self-sacrifice within fundamentalist Christianity.
S1 · E8
May 14 · 51 min
Toes Are Just So Scandalous | Modesty Deconstruction
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr In this episode, Vikki and Tanya continue their modesty series by sharing personal stories from IFB college culture, early deconstruction, and the emotional impact of purity culture. From dress checks and shame-based rules to reclaiming autonomy and learning to trust themselves again, they unpack how modesty was tied to morality, identity, and control. They also explore the slow, complicated process of deconstructing those beliefs while navigating family expectations, faith, body image, and healing after religious trauma.
S1 · E7
May 7 · 37 min
T-Shirts and Culottes in the Pool | Modesty Part 2
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr In this episode, Vikki and Tanya discuss the lasting effects of purity culture and modesty teachings in IFB and conservative Christian environments. Through personal experiences and listener stories, they unpack body shame, emotional repression, strict dress codes, unhealthy gender expectations, and the long-term impact these teachings had on self-worth, relationships, and identity. They also begin exploring what deconstructing those beliefs and rebuilding a healthier relationship with themselves has looked like.
S1 · E6
April 30 · 44 min
A Shapeless Potato Sack | Modesty Part 1
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr In this episode, Vikki and Taniya will share powerful listener stories that reveal the realities of purity culture and courtship in IFB communities, including control, shame, and abuse of authority. They explore how modesty went far beyond clothing, shaping identity, self-worth, and placing responsibility for men’s behavior onto women and girls. Through personal experiences and audience stories, they highlight the widespread patterns of control and hierarchy within these environments, while creating space for listeners who may still be processing or questioning these beliefs. They close by setting up a deeper dive into modesty culture and its lasting impact.
S1 · E5
April 23 · 33 min
Blacked Out At That Goodwill | IFB Dating and Purity Culture Part 3
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Taniya and Vikki share ways they've deconstructed purity culture and dismantled the harmful, shame-filled past full of control and crazy rules. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exbaptistsisters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dNf8qxkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Stardust App: https://stardust.app/ Unf*ck Your Brain: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unf-ck-your-brain-feminist-self-help-for-everyone/id1229434818 Pastor Accused of Sexual Misconduct With 16-Year-Old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McWDS7h4X0Y Books: https://www.peggyorenstein.com/main-st https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Come-As-You-Are-Revised-and-Updated/Emily-Nagoski/9781982165314

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