The music, the hosts and the guests are filled with empathy and bravery. gotta say, these stories give me hope for our world.

Why am I SO addicted to this podcast? I’m down the cult-podcast rabbit hole and I heard her on another show and came over to this one. I think these high control groups are the ones we know and hear the least about. At least I didn’t know. I had a completely different impression of what these groups are like and everyone I know did too. It’s so empowering the AWFUL experiences survivors are able to tell on your show, you make them feel so comfortable sharing your own stories as well. And I’m sorry for everything you’ve both been through. 💜

I’ve been obsessed with this podcast and the remarkable stories that Mark and Jasper coax out of their guests. It’s very (sadly) educational- my former impression of the Amish-Mennonite communities was hard working, God fearing family folk. Wow what hardships that are imposed on the women and children - lack of education- lack of freedom and sexual abuse. My heart goes out to the individuals oppressed by these supposed Christians. Mark and Jasper both keep the discussion on topic and lead with questions to initiate their participants memories and stories. Hang in there.

I did an episode on this podcast, and I wanna say, it personally helped me move past my own trauma within plain church. Please listen.

Thank you for the courage to bring light to these shocking situations where abuse and more is so accepted and unreported. I’ve been sharing this podcast with so many friends and family - no one else had heard anything along these lines other than my S.O.

I just started listening and I am so grateful that you all have found the courage to lift the veil on this secretive culture and share the oppressive experience of marginalized people in these communities. I think it’s very brave and I think the work you do is SO important. I just started listening, but WOULD LOVE to know more about your reaction to documentaries, television shows, books, movies etc that depict these communities. Again, thanks so much for sharing your experiences and providing a platform for others that are wanting to share their voices.

Growing up mennonite, I was never able to actually acknowledge my trauma for what it was: ABUSE….. Until I started listening to this podcast. Thank you so much for bringing the dark side and mind manipulation of these cults to light. Speaking for us survivors, we are grateful 🙏🏻

I’m nearly done listening to all 64 episodes. Started maybe a month ago. Eye opening… and so sad. I am interested because my maiden name is Strubhar which has been shortened from an Amish/Mennonite Ana Baptist name. ??? I came upon my last name in an Amish book while browsing in an Amish book store. So of course I became even more interested. So thankful I was not born into any of it!! I know they aren’t the only “cult” guilty of such behavior and I do know there are good people in these groups… but as the saying goes… One bad apple… I am a Christian and as a believer I am thankful that there are those willing to speak the truth no matter how hard it is and sacrificing so much. Thank you for that and to all the survivors who have lost so much. I pray an abundance of happiness and blessings to you all.

I am not a part of any Anabaptist or related religion but I grew up as close friends with an Amish family. And the stories I’ve heard and the things I’ve witnessed have created a fascination that has always been deeply seated within me. This podcast has made me more aware of the issues hiding in plain (see what I did there) sight and even how I can help people that would like to leave. This podcast is invaluable!! ❤️

I have listened to a handful of episodes and find the stories very interesting. The hosts do a great job! There are times when the person they are interviewing repeats information, which would be better edited so we as listeners don’t hear that rambling. The editing would benefit from making the voices the same sound level, Jasper is loud and interviewees more quiet-I think from the equipment they use.

I really enjoy this pod. I’m given first person POV from the stories of individuals who have left a religious lifestyle I find fascinating, yet troubling. So, their stories are, in a sense, very other and unique to a very different lifestyle and value system from the mainstream of the country they live in, and yet express truly universally human life, and struggle. We, as humans, respond to abuse and repression, the same. We are hurt the same. We all yearn for the freedom of our hearts and voices. I appreciate the hosts’ perspectives and questions, as coming from these communities. My favorite episodes thus far are of Deb (parts 1 & 2). Wow, I love her mighty spirit, and what she’s accomplished. I would not have been gifted her story anywhere else, but on this podcast.

I’m so excited for a new season! So happy to have Jasper and Mark back. I personally love your banter and have never agreed with anyone that says ya’ll talk too much. Thank you for the good work you’re doing. Mark I miss your voice in this new season. You bring so much we want to hear you too.

Thank you all for sharing your stories. I’m so sorry for the suffering you have gone through. 😭😭😭. I pray for the survivors as I listen. Jesus is not like the people who have abused you while aligning w religion/church. He is tender, compassionate, humble, respectful and He cares. 🥲💔 Keep speaking truth. May you find complete healing 💓🙏🏼.

Before listening to this podcast I had no idea about what was going on in the Mennonite/Amish world. It was been absolutely eye opening, heartbreaking and heartwarming hearing all these stories of abuse and overcoming. Absolutely worth a listen.

I think everyone who comments on the sound quality should be subscribing to their Patreon, donating, or offering practical help. Audio engineers and editing software are expensive and this is a non-profit podcast without paid advertising because it’s about the story telling of abuse survivors and helping people heal from trauma. Amazing podcast, keep up the incredible and important work!

First words that come to mind are EYE OPENING, heart breaking, and inspiring. We need to be aware of what can happen to the powerless in systems with so little oversight. The hosts, both truly inspiring and powerful, have done an amazing job of allowing survivors of abuse in plain communities to tell their own stories, which is poignant and impactful because it is free of dramatization or gross exhibition. Bravo. I am inspired so much by Marc and Jasper’s ability to survive, thrive, and go back to rescue those left behind. I have and will continue to recommend to friends.

Jasper and Marc are amazing hosts and beautiful people. They let the guests tell their stories and listen with respect and understanding.

I recently found this podcast & I have really enjoyed the eye opening interviews. The hosts stay respectful & thoughtful towards their listeners who may believe differently than them. As a Christian I really appreciate their attention to not make fun of or alienate their audience that has differing beliefs. At times the sound is difficult to hear but that isn’t always a quick fix as I’m sure finances play a part of this podcast. Overall, I’m hooked & will continue listening. My heart goes out to so many lives affected negatively by this religion/cult.

This has really been a game-changer for people who did not know how to get their voice heard! Your individual personalities were perfect for this❤️ I pray that it will help bring more balance to the Plain Churches. Some may choose to leave and some may choose to stay, depending on their particular situation. I am a firm believer that when we stand before Christ we will each be individually responsible for our choices in life, and living each day fully for Him is the important thing. I have had many good experiences and some unfair, bad experiences with Plain Churches. I finally realized they are just People, regular People. Love you both!

Marc & Jasper provide a healing space for people to tell their stories of survival. love the music. God bless u for doing such important work

Super important detail to a podcast because we are all just using our ears to listen is the sound quality. the guest stories are super interesting, however it is a strain to hear them most of the time. that is kind of frustrating also Marc interrupts the guests quite often to sort of “relate” in his own way, which is fine once in a while, but he does it more than several times per episode and it kind of ruins the interview. i can deal with this for the most part. SOUND QUALITY MOST DEFINITELY NEEDS IMPROVEMENT PLEASE.

Thank you Marc & Jasper for this incredible Podcast. I learned of your podcast from a YouTub channel I follow. I was raised in a very strict Independent Baptist Church. My folk weren’t strict religiously, but boy was the church. I left that denomination over 24 years ago. I’m so glad my Dad took us out of there. I’m no longer associated with that Church or affiliations. I’ve grown so much in my faith is Christ ever since. God Bless y’all for helping others and letting them tell their stories.

This podcast has gotten a lot better in terms of interview styles and such, but the stories have remained very informational. It’s definitely normal people talking about their lives. They really have a variety of guests with similar, but different experiences to share.

I keep hearing the reference to “The Rod and Staff” as children's text books...well, we are gonna check them out. This summer my son could use some extra help in spelling and handwriting. I can not wait to see his reaction to his new Rod and Staff work books!!! This could be super fun :) :) will keep you posted- love the podcast

Great podcast! Just wish the hosts’ wouldn’t interrupt so much.

I’m only on season 1 and the stories are very heartbreaking. I am also happy that they are shining the abuse that happens in these communities. It’s a little distracting when Marc constantly interrupts the guests to tell bits of his story or experience. I’m hoping this will improve with seasons to come, but it does make it hard to listen. Also the sound quality is not great but I also understand that they are doing this from home and it’s more about the content.

Marc and Jasper are doing an incredible work getting these stories of survivors out into the world. Each episode is unique. But the hosts do a good job of asking kind and direct questions, getting to the heart of the stories.

This podcast has so much potential. The topic is very interesting and the stories could be really amazing but the sound quality is incredibly bad. The music in the beginning is loud and then you segue into the podcast itself and it’s a hot mess. Not only because of the sound but it’s all so haphazard, instead of asking questions or giving some background the hosts ramble on. Marc especially is annoying making things about himself rather than letting people tell their story. Additionally while I know basic things about these communities it would have been nice if they had done a first episode giving some background about who the Amish and Mennonites are, maybe their traditions/history,instead we get this back and forth about this church and that conference and this person they have in common and we are supposed to know who and what they are talking about. I really wanted to like this podcast but the episode that finished it for me was the Robert one, it sounds like he’s underwater and just unlistenable. So unless something changes I’m done.

I wish I could give a higher rating. Content is interesting and informative. Delivery is poor, sound quality is distracting and frustrating to the listener.

I want to love this podcast, but the sound quality and production is awful. It’s hard to listen to.

Love that people can come on your show and express themselves- this is all to common in groups based in religion - it is a cult, people are brainwashed- accepting sexual abuse and assault in the name of Jesus! The same situation happen in Waco Jamestown the Catholic Church etc.... so sorry for anyone experiencing this especially at the hand of their family members who should be protecting them. So happy for all that got out!!!🙏

I started listening to this podcast and found it quite interesting in the beginning. It wasn’t until about 4 episodes in that I started getting a little disturbed. After 6 ad nauseam episodes I was done. This podcast seems to have the sole purpose of destroying public opinion of the Amish and is filled with so many inaccuracies that I don’t even know where to begin. Possibly because the hosts know just enough about the Amish (and their commitment to ‘turning the other cheek’- ie: not suing), they freely commit otherwise unheard of libel. The Amish I know are honest, hardworking, (not of high formal education but) intelligent, deeply Protestant, and profess salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It does sound like you(the hosts) got caught up in some fringe churches of the larger Amish/Mennonite church. Are these people perfect? Absolutely not, none of us are. Taken by percentage, the Amish probably come out much better than the rest of us in cases of abuse that go on within their homes and churches.

I really wanted to like this podcast, but the volume and overall sound quality is all over the place. It’s hard to hear the people talking sometimes and the male narrator’s voice is so annoying.

I’m enjoying the show, but I have a hard time hearing at times. Just as a previous comment or stated, the guests’ voice is faint, but Marcs is very loud. I listen in my car with the phone column the whole way up as well as my car radio and it’s likely a struggle.

I listened to parts 1 and 2 “Meg” and was struck with this amazing story of compassion, self understanding, and redemption. The story was riveting. Meg’s story is hard to hear—the physical and emotional abuse of the children in her family was truly horrific—but what an absolute victory for her to come out on the other side and rebuild her life to the point where she understands where her dad came from and could open herself up to therapy in order to live a good life and be a good parent. My heart goes out to her—what an accomplishment. And on top of all this, she finished college and started a company. Huge applause to Jasper and her crew who are doing this podcast.

This show has so many stories that need to see the light of day! That being said, I think it could be improved in one major way. Sound checking. I know not everyone can afford super HQ equipment, but there should be a way to level out the decibel changes between everyone. I oftentimes find myself struggling to hear the guest, and then getting blown out of the water by Marc’s voice. I do also agree with a prior review about everyone talking over each other often. Great show though, everyone has so much information to share and stories to tell!

Love the podcast but Mark is so obnoxious I can’t stand listening to it.

The hosts often talk over and are many decibels higher than the person telling their story. It’s jarring

I’ve listened to the first episode and I’m hooked. I came across an article that mentioned this podcast earlier this week. The story about the piano broke my heart. I commend you all for telling your stories. I appreciate you shedding light onto all of these horrible things taking place. Thank you for being so brave❤️

It should be considered a civic duty to listen to these survivor stories. I’ve been moved to tears several times by the bravery, and openness of the guests. The lighthearted humor and kindness of the hosts often balance the heavy topics, showing the absolute resilience of the human spirit. We hear you, we believe you!

in observation and from hearing your stories... people are confused. in their effort to please God, they get it wrong; but don’t we all? how can we as finite human beings know the mind of God fully? some of us struggle with embracing Gods instruction for our outward appearance and forgetting about our heart, while others struggle with focusing on our heart and forgetting about our outward appearance. from your stories, it appears as if there are many people in churches who are not truly Christians, they are simply living a life style. it breaks my heart; these people are ruining the name of Christ, and the witness His children have on the world. NEVER base your faith in Jesus Christ on His “followers”; if you do, you will be disappointed every time.

Jasper and Marc do a great service to the Plain communities by shining a light on the hidden spiritual, sexual, and physical abuse that occurs in homes and churches. Yes, they do interject with their stories, as some reviewers have noted, but they are hosting a podcast. This is a typical for podcasts and shows. I particularly enjoy the stories as they talk about what lies they have uncovered, and how God has worked healing. It's a difficult subject, but the hosts respectfully help the guest to tell their story. Meg's story is a definite must listen. For what it's worth, I grew up conservative Mennonite (Southeastern Conference in VA) I never experienced sexual or physical abuse, but the tactics of fear and control that are described are entirely accurate and common in conservative Anabaptist circles. I'm very glad to be a part of a church that does not try to control its members, but simply ministers the Word and the Lord's Table. It's been very healing. Blessings to you, Marc and Jasper as you host and share these stories. Truth will always prevail.

I’m glad that God is the final judge. The truth will come out. Live as if today is your last.

This podcast gives you a raw look inside the plain communities. This podcast gives a voice to the voiceless. This is a powerful platform for those who've faced deep injustice to share their pain and cry out for justice. Keep in mind this podcast does have an agenda, but of course who deosn't. Some details are exaggerated, and all the good that is in the culture is rarely acknowledged.

I have to wonder at the reviewer who claimed these podcasts are inaccurate. I grew up in an Eastern Mennonite community in Delaware that has now moved to Elkton, MD. I believe the majority of statements made by the guests in these podcasts are accurate when comparing it with my own experience. Anyone who claims these stories are inaccurate must have been raised in a bubble or is trying to defend a way of life that they know is currently threatened by these disclosures.

The only downfall of this podcast is that you have to wait so long in between in each one! 😛 I’ve had my eyes opened to what life is like for some in the conservative circles. Growing up conservative Mennonite for me was not at all like these stories. My parents were Christ followers and then Mennonite. So our Christian lifestyle came first before our Mennonite lifestyle. Our church was founded on the Bible, not man made rules, and because of that my childhood was safe, secure, and I was brought up in a loving, Christian home. I thank God everyday for that! So for all you listeners, take that into consideration. Not all Mennonites have been abused and neglected. My childhood was certainly far from that!

The bravery and honesty of all those involved with this podcast is humbling. Much like Leah Remini’s work exposing the abuses of Scientology, this podcast will inevitably save many children and adults from abuse. The hosts are impeccable with how they care for their guests, respecting the varied healing paths taken. They manage to eviscerate the abusers without mocking or condemning faith. The inclusion of each guests favorite hymn at the close is simply lovely.

I grew up in the charity circles and so many of these stories resonate with me .

I’ve been binging on this podcast and have been enjoying them a lot as a person who comes from a plain background and can relate to a lot of the the heartbreak in the stories shared here. The one frustration I have with it is the way the hosts constantly interject and interrupt the guest who’s story is being told, with “Me too!” comments and one-up-man-ship. It makes it feel like a poorly written novel where the author feels like she/he has to explain every feeling and emotion and give context instead of letting the reader just hear the story, and develop their own feelings and conclusions. Active listening is great, interrupting and conversation hogging is not.

... when the evil done in secret is shouted for all to hear. And that is as it should be, because Light must shine so that disinfection and cleansing can happen. God is the exposer of evil, and we do well to support the voices of victims who need to speak the truth. May this series of victims’ stories bring awareness, which will lead to change!