Episode 346 was excellent and heartbreaking, and could have been a great moment to additionally talk about how the church does nothing about mental illness. Obviously her husband was (is?) in a years-long mental health crisis which escalated into severe delusions, paranoia, erratic behavior, and horrible violence. And all the church did about it, was to fire him for bad theology. What a terrible disservice. It's just so sad the lack of basic knowledge that people growing up in church recieve. Mixing mental illness with overspiritualizing is always, always a disaster of some variety. GREAT SHOW

I appreciate Eric’s work on exposing abuse in the IFB.

Thank you for bravely speaking the truth with love, compassion and courage. This is what divine love sounds like to me. The church should take notes, as I don’t see God in their houses of worship at all. As a mom, I will never again step back into a place where I’m told my value is less than a man or predator pastor. They have lost it if they think I’d allow my kids around people that show they worship abusers’ ability to abuse.

Eric does a great job interviewing his guests and listening to their stories. His show exposes so much abuse within the IFB community that many people need to be aware of and understand what is happening within that world

Love love love this show. Thank you for all you do!

I have been binge listening to this show. As a survivor of spiritual, narcissistic and emotional abuse it has been healing to hear other people’s stories. Eric’s kindness and compassion shines through as he does the interviews.

Podcasts such as this one shine such an important light on the hypocrisy and toxicity of high-demand religions and sects like the IFB. Bravo, and keep up the good work.

I’ve been listening to this pod since 2020. I felt like I was alone with my religious experiences. On my own, I was trying to find some sort of healing for my religious trauma and the abuse that was facilitated and encouraged by the doctrine being taught in IFB and in the general evangelical Christian world. When I heard familiar names of preachers that I had encountered and heard hard evidence and testimonies of survivors I knew in my heart that I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t the only one and that my concerns were 100% valid. Throughout my time being a listener and apart of the Facebook group, I’ve had my ups and downs through out my journey. I didn’t realize how steeped I was in religious dogma and that the chains of religious oppression and abuse were still on my wrists and that I have been carrying them around even years after leaving church life. I was like a Christian refugee. I didn’t fit in anywhere. Now I know why. Truth isn’t welcome where protecting lies is the top priority and order of the day. Thank you for giving survivors a voice. Thank you for helping us find one another so we can have a support group. Thank you for platforming people like Ashley Easter and Courage 365. That free support group and resources literally saved my life. You all saved my life. I am so proud of all of you. Thank you Eric for your kindness, boldness, bravery, discernment, compassion, and undying quest to uncover the lies and help educate people so they can protect themselves and their children. I am so thankful for you and all your hard work and being honest about your personal faith journey. I know that was a challenge for you to be public about that and got back lash but seeing your example of being honest no matter what has helped me find freedom in my own life. I hope that I can follow your example of bravery and truth telling. Much love to you. Keep up the good work.

Amen preacher, amen. As an individual raised as fem in First Baptist Church of Hammond, I know first hand how toxic and dehumanizing IFB can be for all, not just women. I remember how frowned upon speaking up in service was for women ( this knowledge came to me as a four year old). I say amen to not just voice my agreement for everything you’ve done for those leaving IFB, but to acknowledge how much work you’ve don’t to help us realize or reclaim our voice. Thank you for providing a platform for women. Thank you for giving us the space and power to feel like we can say “amen.”

Very important and much needed truthful information about religious abuse. So glad it’s available

I discovered this podcast during the initial Covid lockdown. I am so grateful for being informed and educated on the IFB and so much more. It was so refreshing to know there are others with the same concerns, and that know the problems. I have leaned so much from this podcast and the guests. I appreciate how brave they’ve all are in sharing their experiences no matter how traumatic. Eric and his family for the stress this may cause them in their lives, but they remain committed to inform in a serious and professional manner.

I’ve been listening to Eric since the beginning and I really appreciate hearing about his journey and others’ as I go through my own. It’s encouraging to know that there are like-minded people who are bringing these topics to the light. Don’t stop!

Ok not great. Mediocre at best.

This podcast inspires me to be a better person, because the creator is such a thoughtful, kind person. Thanks for giving a voice to all of us who have been hurt by cults and a greater understanding for those of us who love people who have been hurt by cults. And also, it’s very well-produced.

This podcast has an incredible library of both survivor and advocate resources. I appreciate Eric’s thoughtfulness and care with difficult topics

I follow about 15 podcasts, and when I scroll to choose my nightly listen, I’ll choose PB’s latest release every time. Thank you so much for bringing the cult that is IFB to light.

This podcast has help me so much.

I love what this guy is doing. His work has impacted my healing journey in immense ways. This stuff isn’t fun to hear, but being involved in a lot of abusive IFB churches, I can appreciate exposing all that needs to be exposed. The stories being told have encouraged me and given me the courage to speak out as well!

I grew up IFB and am very familiar with the culture. Extremely thankful for Preacher Boys transparent and open discussions regarding IFB - and exposing the hurt within the culture.

Honest and thought provoking!

Thank you so much for this wonderful podcast!!! It bring light to an area that needs much light!!!

I have listened from the very beginning. My husband was raised IFB and I like to know some of the things he was taught or was indoctrinated with. Unfortunately I feel like the podcast has taken a shift over the past year and is less about victims’ personal stories and the actual abuse that has happened and is still happening. I used to look forward to every episode and now I find myself listening and just wanting more. I miss the questions that were asked at the end where the people being interviewed talked about whether there was hope in reforming the IFB. I think that brought the episode to a close and allowed them to give a final say on what was wrong and if it was beyond repair.

I have followed you since the beginning. I feel like the podcast sort of got off track the last year. I used to be so happy each week to listen to you then the personal stories died down. I’m glad you are back to the basics and why this started. It is so healing to hear others stories and how they have overcome. Having experienced massive abuse at the hands of IFB teachings and church to be able to feel like I’m not alone has always been why I’ve supported you. Thank you for getting back to this! You do an amazing job Eric. Don’t ever let these evil people get you down. They are absolutely a cult and need to be called out of the abuse of all kinds they have dished out and continue to do to this day.

Thank you, Eric, for shedding light on such a difficult subject. This podcast has been helpful and healing in my own spiritual journey. Thank you for staying true to yourself and creating a safe space for survivors to share their stories.

Having grown up, I FB, I know firsthand how toxic and damaging the environment and the teachings can be. I am thankful for the work that Eric puts in to informing others. It is obvious that his goal is not simply to put down at the ISP, but he is concerned for the safety of everyone. This is coming from a place of love for others. Really appreciate it.

You can tell lots of hard work goes into this podcast. Big fan since day one

I was raised Independent Fundamental Baptist. I was sent to a Boy’s home at 13 years old. My mom teaches at one of these colleges and has been doing it for over 40 years. To say that I’m very familiar with this life is an understatement. I no longer consider myself Baptist for multiple reasons that I could probably write a book about. With all of the above said, I believe this podcast is completely ungodly and is very unhealthy. I’ve listened to multiple episodes but most recently the one about the youth conference at FBC Hammond. If you don’t think that the devil has an agenda for our kids and is completely using modern movements to carry this out then you have your head in the sand. While I don’t think every single thing Joe Brown says is accurate I was appalled at how this podcast picked apart very valid and very accurate statements. Be very careful listening to this podcast.

I don’t normally write negative reviews but this podcast has very jarring ads for a “Christian podcast.” There was an ad for conference with a drag show specifically on the latest episode September 2022. It seems that this is a compromise on the part of the values of the podcast just to get money.

There are wrong in every profession in life. Age does not defined maturity, and you have proven that clearly.

I was raised in a very strict Pentecostal church. I can relate to many of your guests. I’ve heard “We are only as sick as our secrets.” Keep shining lights on the secrets.

Thank you for exposing the Creeps! I was really traumatized by all kinds of spiritual, emotional, physical and sexual abuse growing up in the 70s/80s in IFBCs with my father as one of the pastors. They thought the louder they yelled the better the sermon and they were tyrants at home even worse than in the church. Anyway, thank you for demonstrating there are Christian men who actually understand the heart of God for His daughters and won’t let the Creeps get away with it. I was really touched by the episode with your wife and the ordeal overseas. Wish I could give her big hugs. Episode 222, I couldn’t understand who’s sermons you were sending us to because both times you said the name you didn’t enunciate very well.

PLEASE SLOW DOWN!!! Sir, it’s not a race to see who can speak as quickly as possible. How can you even catch your breath?

I’ve listened to 30 of your podcasts to date. I was technically abused mentally and spiritually at Hyles-Anderson college. I was there 5 years as a married student. I had a very good “upbringing”, however at the church where we started going after I was saved. I would love to tell my story and maybe talk about what I think could bring healing to some victims and how some IFB churches could be salvaged. Some need to burn to the ground and rebuild from the ashes, so to speak. Certainly not literally.

Broken, bitter man taking advantage of hurting victims to advance his agenda. Finally, he has shown his true colors and come out as atheist, expanding his slash and burn agenda to all of Christianity and Christ. Shame on him.

I was made aware of this podcast via one that I subscribe to. I am neither Christian nor have I suffered sexual abuse, but I like to learn what I can to be aware of ways to help prevent it on behalf of children. A couple of episodes were interesting but I find the rest specifically focus on the host’s experiences and issues. Not judging - I am glad he is finding an outlet for his trauma- but the pod isn't for everyone.

The podcast is good in theory, but I find it gravely misguided in its attempt to ‘expose’ abuse. The feel of the podcast is more of a Hollywood Drama, rather than actually helping people overcome abuse. There are Biblical reasons, but in all transparency, God is not in this.

My heart goes out to those who have gone through some type of abuse, weather in an IFB church, a Catholic Church, Mormon, Pentecostal, etc. Abuse can happen anywhere, and I belief changes should be made to prevent abuse. But lashing out at all IFB churches is immature and irresponsible. Don’t let bitterness drag you down this road.

I loved the podcast when it first came out and found it very informative and a great place for those of us who’ve been hurt by the IFB movement. Now it seems more like a social justice warrior page. I was hurt by the abuse in IFB churches but I am a follower of Jesus and so believe the Bible 100%. Now, much of the content is not from a Biblical worldview and is straying from the truth.

I am so grateful for Eric and the work he is doing in calling out abuse in churches. This is a much needed podcast! He is a kind and honest person, and I am rooting for him! Thank you for your work in uncovering evil lurking in our churches and communities.

I used to go to North Valley Baptist church as a child. I went to the school , my family and I went Sunday morning Sunday night Wednesday night. Soul winning, the whole shabang. I took piano lessons from Mike Zachary. We left because my mother was doing research and found out the church was a 5013c church c, as most big churches are, and she was told to be quiet and not say anything and a women shouldn’t speak. When we left the church, our friends were not allowed to play or interact with us. We were called poison because we did not go to the church anymore. I appreciate you shedding light on this so much!

A great platform for to hose who are afraid. Hosts are patient and sympathetic listeners. Boldly calling out inappropriate behavior without being gratuitous. Well done!

I have not been a steady listener but I have enjoyed your thorough research and candor. I am of course sad at this latest episode simply because I hate to see anyone struggle with their faith. I will be praying that God help you see Christ, not “Christians”. It makes sense to me that you have come to the conclusion seeing that you have been in some very difficult situations yourself all while exposing the darkest corners and hearts of what should be the church. I appreciate your tender heart, even through all the calusing situations, and your transparency. Just know that we will always fail to show Christ because we are in this flesh, but just because we fail does not cause Christ not His Spirit to fail. We are in the last days and Christ predicted this world to be exactly what it is. I will be listening more frequently in hopes to see glimmers if your faith becoming resolute in the foundation of Christ, and if it never does, Christ will be no different, nor will He feel any different towards you. Thank you for exposing truth, now just keep holding up truth.

I’ve listened to this podcast since the very beginning. You expect a first time podcast to have glitches and inconsistencies. And PBP was no exception. In the beginning, Eric places the blame for abuse within churches on “bad theology” which never made sense. Poor polity, yes. Demagoguery, yes. Poor theology didn’t fit. He eventually backed off that drumbeat. There was and, sometimes, still is a somewhat juvenile aspect to his approach. What is being presented is very important even thought at times it feels like he is trying to place an angle on something that stands on its own. The exposure of abuse is to be applauded. I hate it for Eric that he is making decisions personally based on the actions of others. But he is young. And he seems to be finding his own way while exposing abuse. But reactionary isn’t a way to view the eternal.

Preacher Boys podcast sheds light on the darkest parts of the Church’s secrets: sexual predators, the coverups, rampant misogyny in the church, and more. The podcasts help others who are struggling. Eric Skwarczynski has my vote of confidence!

I just found this podcast & all I can say is “thank you.” Thank you for bringing to light the abuse that goes on in so many churches. I’m ex-southern baptist/ex-christian & this podcast makes me feel heard. Much love & light to you.

Technically this probably isn’t a review at all. I just want to say that the best reviews, the ones that will encourage you to listen, are the single star reviews. When you’re so threatened over exposing abuse in the church that you attack the messenger….well that means some is doing something right. Carry on.

As someone who grew up in very abusive fundamental Baptist churches, I am very happy to see someone trying to expose those abuses. They will not change without exposure. For context, I am a Christian and member of a wonderful Baptist church that’s part of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. I am not an angry ex Christian fighting religion. I look forward to all Baptist churches standing up to abuses and removing these monsters from positions of power. Keep up the good work, Preacher Boys.

Thank you for exposing abuse and deception from those who have religious authority. You are giving the opportunity for healing and restoration to happen.

As a lawyer and a victims advocate, this podcast and accompanying website is a great resource for us.

Evil in a way that it will give people a negative view of those IFB churches that are trying to love people and minister to their communities in a God honoring way. Rom 14:13 Gal 5:7 This is only out to hurt a certain type of church there’s no good that comes from trying to destroy a certain denomination. Seeking justice is a good thing and by no means do I support hiding sexual abuse in a church or any place.. Walmart, a public school, a private school, or a place that a abuser can continue to seek sick mind opportunities to hurt someone. Those that hurt the innocent should be punished. But trying to attack the church will hinder its effectiveness of reaching souls dying without a Saviour.