A continuation of ‘Surviving BJU’
A podcast that explores the influence of Bob Jones University and exposes its teachings and dark history. The show also amplifies the stories of survivors from BJU and its affiliated ministries.
Description
Join Andrew Pledger in exposing Bob Jones University, a school known for its culture of indoctrination and control. BJU is a fundamentalist college with roots in white supremacy and authoritarianism. This podcast explores its influence beyond the university, focusing on Christian education, politics, Biblical counseling and evangelical Christianity. The podcast also features survivors' stories from the school and its affiliated ministries.
Why?
Awareness
Affirmation
Accountability
The ‘Beyond BJU’ podcast raises AWARENESS about various forms of abuse within Bob Jones University and its affiliated organizations. The show explores the origins of Christian fundamentalism and the harmful culture it perpetuates. In order to put an end to abusive dynamics, it is crucial to examine their underlying roots.
Survivors often experience a sense of shame and fear of being blamed for what they have been through. However, this feeling of shame can be overcome when survivors share their stories in a safe and supportive environment. Affirming the experiences of survivors not only helps validate them but also empowers them to speak out. It is through this collective effort of AFFIRMATION and speaking out that other survivors will feel encouraged to come forward.
In high-control groups, leaders often avoid being held ACCOUNTABLE due to the power they possess. These groups have established systems that silence and discourage survivors from seeking justice or holding leaders accountable. This podcast serves as a means to hold these leaders and groups accountable. If they refuse to change, we will expose the secrets they desperately want hidden.
What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between Surviving BJU and Beyond BJU?
"Surviving BJU" was intended to be a limited documentary-style podcast that addressed the overall issues with BJU. "Beyond BJU" will provide a platform for more survivors to share their stories, with each episode featuring one story. Additionally, the focus will expand to include its influence in society and survivors from BJU-affiliated organizations beyond the university, such as churches, camps, and Christian schools.
About Me
My name is Andrew Pledger and I’m a cult survivor, podcaster, and writer. I was raised in the Independent Fundamental Baptist cult and discovered my queer identity. I attended Bob Jones University for over three years until I was expelled for publicly denouncing fundamentalist teachings and revealing my sexuality. Since leaving fundamentalism, I have dedicated my time to learning about social media, marketing, podcasting, and content creation to share my experiences and raise awareness about the harmfulness of cults. I produced and hosted the 'Surviving BJU' podcast, which reached over 100,000 listeners and was featured in MSN, Yahoo News, and RNS. My mission is to create content that supports and empowers survivors while raising awareness about abuse in high-control groups. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a world where everyone's voice is heard because stories have the power to transform lives.
Being a part of my Patreon community allows me to elevate voices, create content, and share resources.
Perks
Access bonus episodes
View exclusive content
Download digital products
Support my work + More
My Costs
- Tools
- Subscriptions to software that enable me to produce the show.
2. Time
- Hours spent researching guests, hosting, editing episodes, and tracking BJU organizations across the world.
3. Promotion
- Costs of ads that help reach more survivors.