I Hate James Dobson

Episode 54: Twice Pardoned

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Break out your tie dye shirts and make sure your latch key kids have snacks in the fridge because today, Jake & Brooke travel back to the 1980s to discuss the life and legacy of Harold Morris - and how that legacy was coopted by James Dobson to... mixed results. We talk about prison, DARE, and Punky Brewster, among other salacious topics.

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Episode 53: Emotions: Can you trust them?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Hello! Welcome and welcome back! Today, Jake and Brooke discuss an early Dobson work, back when he was still a working psychologist. What a horrifying thought. There's time to talk about Freud, Middlemarch, and too many checklists.

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Episode 52: Is It Illegal to Hate James Dobson?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Howdy readers! Today, Jake and Brooke start with an extra-exciting announcement: the launch of the official I Hate James Dobson Patreon! Then they get into less exciting things, like the rise of Christian Nationalism and so-called "counter-terrorism" directives. Important and interesting, but less exciting. This episode has it all!

Check out our Patreon! www.patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson

References:

Hundley, M. (2021). A Moral Crusade: The Preservation fo Segregation by Southern Baptists in Alabama. The Crimson Historical Review. University of Alabama. https://crimsonhistorical.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Moral_Crusade_Final.pdf

Klippenstein , K. (2025). Trump's NSPM-7 Labels Common Beliefs As Terrorism "Indicators". KenKlippenstien.com. https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/trumps-nspm-7-labels-common-beliefs

n.a. (2025). New immigration Crackdown: Where Americans Stand. Public Religion Research Institute. https://prri.org/research/the-new-immigration-crackdown-where-americans-stand/

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Episode 51: What Dads Need to Know About Fathering

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Hi! Today, Jake and Brooke discuss one of Dobson's very first films "What Dads Need to Know About Fatherhood", a movie that is truly... nothing. At least we will always have Cats in the Cradle, I suppose. This is a silly one, readers.

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Episode 50: You Don't Hate the ADF Enough

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Put on your best Elle Woods cosplay, readers, because today Jake and Brooke discuss the legal organization called the Alliance Defending Freedom. This Dobson creation continues to wreak havoc on all of our lives in big and small ways. Even if you've seen the John Oliver segment on it, you still don't hate them enough.

References:

Bragman, W. (2026, Jan 5). Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans. ImportantContext.com. https://www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-warn-us-in-early-stages-of

Last Week Tonight. (2025, May 12). Alliance Defending Freedom [Video]. HBO & YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCAuHH5EYnE

LIttlefield, A. (2021, November 30). The Christian Legal Army Behind the Ban on Abortion in Mississippi. The Nation. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/alliance-defending-freedom-dobbs/

Ward, I. (2024, march 25). The Group Behind Dobbs Does Not Want to Talk About What Comes Next. Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/03/25/head-of-alliance-defending-freedom-Kristen-Waggoner-speaks-on-mifepristone-00148565

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Episode 49: Sex, Lies & ... The Truth

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Put on some scrunchies and hairspray with CFCs because today Jake and Brooke time travel back to 1993 to talk about a VHS classic: "Sex, Lies & ... The Truth!". You'll be shocked to hear that this film is full of lies. Misleading? I prefer to think of it as irony. Mostly because that makes me feel better about humanity.

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Episode 48: Focus on My Family

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:14:43 GMT

On this very special start to 2026, Jake is joined by their parents to talk about healing and reconciliation. Eat your heart out, Esther Perel (We love you, Esther Perel). Stick around til the end for a special word from Tyler.

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Episode 47: Holly Bone Secular Christmas Spectacular

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Merry Secular Holidays, readers! Today, Brooke is in charge and we actually get to have fun! Join us for some Q&A, some gift giving, some surprise guests, and plans for 2026 :)

Check out our friends!

The Worst of All Possible Worlds

Lessons from the Couch

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Episode 46: Love Must Be Tough

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Thank goodness we don't care about being demonitized because this episode goes places advertisers wouldn't go anywhere near. Jake and Brooke talk about the toxic sludge that is Love Must Be Tough, another book that defines his legacy. At least you can hear Brooke's cat purring at points - that counts for something!

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Episode 45: Jesus Camp

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Step into the imagination station and rewind all the way back to 2006 to join Jake and Brooke as they talk about the definitional documentary "Jesus Camp" - as well as the legacy of it now almost 20 years later. If you're playing IHJD Bingo at home, I think this episode gets you a full run.

References:

Fundie Fridays. (2021, May 14). Jesus Camp | A Post 9/11 Evangelical Fever Dream [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gam6PfrW4ZA&t=1s

Hesse, J. (2016, July 6). The kids of Jesus Camp, 10 years later: 'Was it child abuse? Yes and no'. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/06/jesus-camp-christian-documentary-kids-10-years-later

JeGaysus - THE Gay Jesus. (2023, November 5). Jesus Camp Where Are They Now? | Levi from Documentary - Interview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF2SqG8aQQI&t=5s

Samuel Young. (2012, June 4). Jesus Camp -- Levi five years later [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLUSK_hrAI

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Episode 44: Dare 2 Share

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

We've read the book, now it's time to look at the world around Dare 2 Share. In this episode, Brooke and Jake talk about Greg Stier, Dare 2 Share events, Promise Keepers, Skillet, and (as a treat) Propaganda.

Trigger Warning for depictions of hell 31:00 - 33:15

Check out Propaganda's work: @prophiphop on social media and wherever you get your music

References:

Anthony, D. & Reynolds, G. (2020, August 4). 441 - Promise Keepers [Audio Podcast]. Onmy Studio.

Ashely, F. Interrogating Gender-Exploratory Therapy. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2023 Mar;18(2):472-481. doi: 10.1177/17456916221102325. Epub 2022 Sep 6. 36068009; PMCID: PMC10018052

Dare 2 Share Ministries. (2021, April 27). The Greg Stier Ministry Podcast - The Power of the Gospel with Skillet's John Cooper. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3EUm-F2XcI&t=790s

Focus on the Family. (2022, November 16). How a Dysfunctional Street Kid Became a Radical Disciple of Jesus (Part 1) - Greg Stier. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GFh2h6pgUg

Graham, R. (2024, August 11). The All-Male Christian Group Seeking a Resurrection in the Trump Era. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/us/promise-keepers-evangelical-christians.html

Matt Clayberg Ministries. (2013, August 24th). A Letter from Hell. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oGXPRjk1HI&t=325s

Nameless Christian. (2013, October 19). Dare2Share 2013. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0SavotwEZ0&t=33s

n.a. (2023). Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). https://archive.org/details/httpsstore.samhsa.govsitesdefaultfilespep22-03-12-001/page/n21/mode/2up

Petty, J. (2021, May 21). ALLOW ME TO REINTRODUCE MYSELF [Audio Podcast]. Cool Zone Media

Stier, G. (2016, September 1). 25 milestones during 25 years of Dare 2 Share. GregStier.com. https://gregstier.org/25-milestones-during-25-years-of-dare-2-share

Stier, G. (2024, July 23). The Power of the Gospel and the Potential of Teens. Dare2Share.org. https://www.dare2share.org/blog/the-power-of-the-gospel-and-the-potential-of-teens

Widaman, D. (2020, August 29). Skillet lead singer John Cooper armed self to protect family against Kenosha rioters. Metro Voice News. https://metrovoicenews.com/skillet-lead-singer-john-cooper-armed-self-to-protect-family-against-kenosha-rioters

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Episode 43: Dare 2 Share

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Strap in, friends, we've got a live one on our hands today. Coming at you straight from 2006/Jake's personal trauma: "Dare 2 Share" by Greg Stier. This episode, Jake and Brooke dissect the book's... imaginative uses of the English language and discuss its potential impact on a young person's relationship to Wellbutrin.

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Episode 42: The 5 Love Languages

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This episode is about the 5 love languages! Get ready to hear Jake nerd out about couples therapy and why this book is... fine.

Jake and Brooke made this gift as an act of service to spend some quality time with you, readers, so be sure to give them words of affirmation in the reviews. I wasn't able to make "physical touch" fit in this joke.

References:

Cook, M., Pasley, J., Pellarin, E., Medow, K., Baltz, M., & Buhman-Wiggs, A. (2013). Construct validation of the five love languages. Journal of Psychological Inquiry, 18(2), 50-61.

Egbert, N., & Polk, D. (2006). Speaking the language of relational maintenance: A validity test of Chapman's Five Love Languages. Communication Research Reports, 23(1), 19-26.

Eisen, K. (2025, July 16). Is The Origin of Love Languages Problematic? Coveteur.com. https://coveteur.com/love-languages

Flicker, S. M., Sancier‐Barbosa, F., Clemons‐Castanos, C., Field, S., Jackson‐Zambon, S., Phelan, M., & Impett, E. A. (2025). How Many Love Languages Are There? Examining Chapman's Five Love Languages Using a Bottom‐Up Approach. Journal of marital and family therapy, 51(4), e70072.

Impett, E. A., Park, H. G., & Muise, A. (2024). Popular psychology through a scientific lens: Evaluating love languages from a relationship science perspective. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 33(2), 87-92.

Surijah, E. A., & Kirana, C. T. (2020). Five love languages scale factor analysis. Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia, 24(1), 56-72.

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Episode 41: James Dobson Isn't The (Only) Problem

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Oh boy there's nothing I love more on a Monday morning than a heaping helping of context! On this episode, Jake and Brooke take a journey through the forces that are bigger than Dobson, to focus on the real problem. Spoilers, it's capitalism again.

References:

Lakhani, N. et al., (2021, July 14). Revealed: the true extent of America’s food monopolies, and who pays the price. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2021/jul/14/food-monopoly-meals-profits-data-investigation

n.a. (n.d.) National Christian Charitable Foundation. SourceWatch. https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/national-christian-charitable-foundation/

Stein, C. (2025, September 11). Charlie Kirk in his own words. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/11/charlie-kirk-quotes-beliefs

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Episode 40: Dungeons & Dragons

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Make a constitution saving throw, readers, or else you might take some psychic damage as Jake, Brooke, and Boyfriend talk about Dungeons and Dragons! Focus on the Family made a very special episode of Adventures and Odyssey that Jake forces their loved ones to experience and talk about why people were so bothered about Dungeons and Dragons. It gets nerdy.

Read David Griffin's Blog "The Prodigal" here: https://davegriffin.me/2022/05/the-prodigal/

References:

60 Minutes. (1985, September 15). Dungeons and Dragons [Video]. CBS News. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm_2S8E_UOI&t=2s

Jones, S. (2022, Spring). Castles & Capitalists. Dissent Magazine. https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/castles-capitalists/

McCusker, P. (1990, August 4). Castles and Cauldrons, Part 1. [Radio Broadcast]. Focus on the Family.

McCusker, P. (1990, August 11). Castles and Cauldrons, Part 2. [Radio Broadcast]. Focus on the Family.

n.a. (2014, April 11). The great 1980s Dungeons & Dragons panic. BBC.com. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26328105

Nowakowski, T. (2023, March 31). 14 Fun Facts About Dungeons & Dragons. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/14-fun-facts-about-dungeons-dragons-180981905/

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Episode 39: Life on the Edge

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Jake and Brooke are joined by Boyfriend to discuss a smorgasbord of Dobsonisms as they discuss his book and video series "Life on the Edge". If you can't traumatize the ones you love for the sake of #content, you are a better person than I.

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Bonus: Dead Dob Day

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:46:40 GMT

Does the air smell a little sweeter today? Do you find yourself with a little extra pep in your step? Did every person you know text you about the death of an almost 90-year-old man? Yeah me too.

In this bonus, emergency episode, Jake and Brooke are joined by Corina to process the news of the death of Dr. James Dobson. Not to speak ill of the dead, but thank goodness. What a jerk. Say hi to Ted for us, Dobby boy!

Listen to "Lessons from the Couch" wherever you get your podcasts!

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Episode 38: Creationism, Ken Ham, and Kevin

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

It's a family affair on this episode of I Hate James Dobson, as Jake and Brooke are joined by Kevin - Jake's older brother, a rocket scientist*, and one cool guy. It's exciting! What's less exciting is that they are talking about creationism. Boo. A family that laughs about shared trauma together stays together?

References:

Answers in Genesis. (2014, February 4). Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham - HD (Official) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6kgvhG3AkI

Boston, R. (2019, July 31). Ken Ham's Ark Park Floats On A Sea Of Taxpayer Subsidies. Americans United. https://www.au.org/the-latest/articles/ark-park-money

Inspiring Philosophy. (2022, January 7). The Origins of Young Earth Creationism [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLcNTAi0Cw4

Lucke, J. (2023, October 26). Mike Johnson defended Noah's Ark attraction in Kentucky before becoming U.S. House speaker. Kentucky Lantern. https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/mike-johnson-defended-noahs-ark-attraction-in-kentucky-before-becoming-u-s-house-speaker/#:~:text=By:%20Jamie%20Lucke%20-%20October%2026,U.S.%20Rep.

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Episode 37: Shiny Happy People Season 2

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This episode is a case study in going with the flow as both Jake and Brooke made last-minute pivots to cover the new season of Shiny Happy People. It's like a greatest hits of I Hate James Dobson - and Brooke learns the real reason for the season. Plus, the episode is just a vibe, really.

Works Cited:

Crist, O. et al. (Directors). (2025, July 23). Shiny Happy People Season 2: A Teenage Holy War. [Docuseries]. Amazon Prime Video. https://www.amazon.com/Shiny-Happy-People-Teenage-Holy/dp/B0FD3G7PP7

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Episode 36: Duggars Part 2

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome back, readers! It's good to see you again! It's less good to get back to talking about the Duggars though. In this episode, Jake tells Brooke about the history of the Duggars as political figures, and weaves the story of their cult leader, Bill Gothard. They do not have particularly kind things to say about that man - or really anyone in power in these stories. Turns out staying under their umbrellas leads to destruction! (Is that anything?)

References:

Challis, M. (2023, June 7). How the new documentary series Shiny Happy People intersects with mainstream Christianity. BaptistNews.com. https://baptistnews.com/article/how-the-new-documentary-series-shiny-happy-people-intersects-with-mainstream-christianity/

Crist, O. & Nason, J. W. (Directors). (2023, June 2). Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets [DocuSeries]. AmazonPrime. https://www.amazon.com/Shiny-Happy-People-Duggar-Secrets/dp/B0B8TR2QV5

Duggar, J., et al (2023). Counting the Cost: A Memoir. Gallery Books.

Duggar, J., Duggar, M. (n.d.) Our Story. DuggarFamily.com. https://www.duggarfamily.com/our-story/

Espada, M. (2023, June 2). The True Story Behind the Duggar Family Docuseries Shiny Happy People. Time.com. https://time.com/6284603/shiny-happy-people-duggar-family-true-story/

Gurley, A. (2023, July 19). Who is Bill Gothard? Everything to Know About the Institute in Basic Life Principles Founder. People.com. https://people.com/who-is-bill-gothard-the-institute-in-basic-life-principles-founder-7506014

Radnofsky, C. (2022, February 6). Ministry that once nourished Duggar family's faith falls from grace. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ministry-nourished-duggar-familys-faith-falls-grace-rcna14024

Timeless truths from God's Word for our lives and relationships. IBLP.org. https://iblp.org/basic-life-principles/

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New Episode Next Week

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

As my mom says, hug your babies

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Episode 35: Duggars Part 1 (& Counting)

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Hey readers, speeders, and pizza eaters! Today, Brooke is taking the lead to explore just who the heck the Duggars are and how the broader, secular world understands them. Next episode, Jake will be a usual nerd and talk about the theology, psychology, and politics related to the Duggars, so enjoy this nice break while you can. Also, Brooke was very very excited for this one :)

Citations:

Crist, O. & Nason, J. W. (Directors). (2023, June 2). Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets [DocuSeries]. AmazonPrime. https://www.amazon.com/Shiny-Happy-People-Duggar-Secrets/dp/B0B8TR2QV5

Duggar, J., et al (2023). Counting the Cost: A Memoir. Gallery Books.

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Episode 34: The Ballad of Jack Chick

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Things sure are bleak out there, huh? Thankfully, Jake and Brooke are here to lighten it up by talking about furries, conspiracy theories, and cartoons. That's right, distinguished listeners, today we are going to be talking about the life and times of the one and only Jack Chick. Get ready to laugh at awful things.

Buy merch! ihatejamesdobson.printful.me or ihatejamesdobson.com

References:

Alberto Rivera. (2025, March 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alberto_Rivera_(activist)&oldid=1281921120

Chick Publications (n.d.) About Jack Chick. https://www.chick.com/authors/jack-chick

Chick Publications. (n.d.) Tracts. https://www.chick.com/products/category?type=tracts#&&Category=All&SortBy=A-Z&PageNumber=1&Language=English&ShowCount=12&Status=Stock

Daniels, D. (2016, Oct 16). You Don't Know Jack [Playlist]. Youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=totLO3sV6-Y&list=PLhmAbEGx-AnTTNoJgObb_sbvekP6tscLl

Jack Chick. (2025, May 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jack_Chick&oldid=1290569957

John Todd (conspiracy theorist). (2025, May 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Todd_(conspiracy_theorist)&oldid=1288193460

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Episode 33: LGBTQFOTF

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Gay! For this year's Pride Month extravaganza, Jake and Brooke look at the stories of queer people who knew James Dobson. Since we aren't talking about Dobson directly, there's at least 50% less trauma attached to it.

Also: we have merch now! Check it out at ihatejamesdobson.printful.me :)

References:

Cantorna, A. (2017). Refocusing My Family: Coming Out, Being Cast Out, and Rediscovering the True Love of God. Fortress Press.

Cantoran-Wylde, A. (2023). Out of Focus: My Story of Sexuality, Shame, and Toxic Evangelicalism. Westminster John Knox Press.

Rosebush, M. (2021, July 29. I Lived the Most Unusual Gay Christian Life Ever. GAYoda on Medium. https://medium.com/gayoda/i-lived-the-most-unusual-gay-christian-life-ever-cbf864aff18b

Rosebush, M. (2021, August 13). Fired for NOT Providing Conversion Therapy. GAYoda on Medium. https://medium.com/gayoda/fired-for-not-providing-conversion-therapy-50e905645851

Rosebush, M. (2021, August 22). My Insider Story of hte "Focus on the Family" v. "Gay Rights" Culture War. GAYoda on Medium. https://medium.com/gayoda/my-insider-story-of-the-focus-on-the-family-v-gay-rights-culture-war-a06f7798f65c

Rosebush, M. (2021, September 11). Gay Husband + Straight Wife = Mixed Bag. GAYoda on Medium. https://medium.com/gayoda/gay-husband-straight-wife-mixed-bag-f5271a1f598d

Rosebush, M. (2021, September 16). You Can Be Gay and Christian at the Same Time. GAYoda on Medium. https://medium.com/gayoda/you-can-be-christian-and-gay-at-the-same-time-36ff2f894c4e

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Episode 32: Parenting Isn't For Cowards

Mon, 26 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

As you can tell by this very normal episode length, today's episode is... a lot. Today, Jake goes through a Dobson Heavy-Hitter "Parenting Isn't For Cowards" with Corina and Brooke. This book takes us to places, well exactly where you'd expect honestly. And yet somehow it's still surprising and upsetting. Yay.

Listen to "Lessons from the Couch" wherever you get your podcasts!

References:

C. Jamie Mater “The Troubled Teen Industry and Its Effects: An Oral History” University of New Hampshire Inquiry Journal, April 2022 https://www.unh.edu/inquiryjournal/blog/2022/04/troubled-teen-industry-its-effects-oral-history

Hollihan, T. A. & Riley, P. (1987). The Rheotircal Power of a Compelling Story: A Criqute of a “Toughlove” Parental Support Group. Communication Quartely (35:1, pp 13-25).

Robertson, E. L. (2023, August 30). Aggressive Children Need Parent-Focused Interventions. PsychologyToday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-psychopathy-is-and-isnt/202308/aggressive-children-need-parent-focused-interventions

Stockton, A. (2022, October 11). Can you punish a child's mental health problems away? New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/10/11/opinion/teen-mental-health-care.html

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Episode 31: 5 Essentials for Lifelong Intimacy (feat. Corina)

Mon, 12 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Happy Monday, readers! Today, Jake and Brooke are joined by Corina (host of "Lessons from the Couch") to talk about love, intimacy, marriage - and how James Dobson gets it all wrong. Things get wild when 3 therapists talk shit about another clinician. You know us, famous for getting wild on this blog.

Listen to "Lessons from the Couch" wherever you get your podcasts!

Book referrals:

"8 Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" by Drs. John and Julie Gottman
"Come As You Are" by Dr. Emily Nagoski
"Hold me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" by Dr. Sue Johnson
"How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids" by Jancee Dunn

References:

Brittle, Z. (2015, July 30). Committment. The Gottman Institue. https://www.gottman.com/blog/commitment/

Carothers, Bobbi and Harry Reis. “Men and Women Are from Earth: Examining the Latent Structure of Gender,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 104, no. 2 (2013).

Gaspard, T. (2019, April 24). What to Do if You Don’t Trust Each Other. The Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-dont-trust-each-other/

George, M. B. (2025, February 5). What Do Trust and Commitment Look Like in a Relationship? The Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-does-trust-and-commitment-look-like-in-a-relationship/

James, D., & Drakich, J. (1993). Understanding gender differences in amount of talk: A critical review of research. In D. Tannen (Ed.), Gender and conversational interaction (pp. 281–312). Oxford University Press.

What is the Sound Relationship House? (2020, November 30). The Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-is-the-sound-relationship-house/

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Episode 30: Dobson v. Public Education

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Public education was nice while we had it, too bad it's being lit on fire (like everything else). And yes, it is James Dobson's fault (also like everything else). Today, Jake and Brooke explore Dobson's influence in the homeschooling movement - and hear from the big D himself. So, you have that to look forward to in this episode I guess.

References:

Campbell, F. A., Pungello, E. P., Burchinal, M., Kainz, K., Pan, Y., Wasik, B. H., ... & Ramey, C. T. (2012). Adult outcomes as a function of an early childhood educational program: an Abecedarian Project follow-up. Developmental psychology, 48(4), 1033.

Dobson, J. (Host). (2010, September 10). School Can Wait [Audio podcast episode]. In Family Talk. Focus on the Family. https://www.drjamesdobson.org/broadcasts/school-can-wait

Dobson, J. (Host). (2010, November 24). Update on Homeschooling [Audio podcast episode]. In Family Talk. Focus on the Family. https://www.drjamesdobson.org/broadcasts/update-on-homeschooling

Hampton, G. (Director). (2022). Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. [YouTube Video]. Bronze Oxen Films LLC

Heckman, J., Pinto, R., & Savelyev, P. (2013). Understanding the mechanisms through which an influential early childhood program boosted adult outcomes. American economic review, 103(6), 2052-2086.

Lavin, T. (2024). Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America. Legacy Lit.

McClelland, M. M., Acock, A. C., Piccinin, A., Rhea, S. A., & Stallings, M. C. (2013). Relations between preschool attention span-persistence and age 25 educational outcomes. Early childhood research quarterly, 28(2), 314-324.

McCoy, D. C., Yoshikawa, H., Ziol-Guest, K. M., Duncan, G. J., Schindler, H. S., Magnuson, K., ... & Shonkoff, J. P. (2017). Impacts of early childhood education on medium-and long-term educational outcomes. Educational researcher, 46(8), 474-487.

My blog research spreadsheet/mental breakdown: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19fNvWgzwYTWy2xJrDUnv5eX1wlAKjIviWHzmOZd-GRc/edit?usp=sharing

Reynolds, A. J., Temple, J. A., Ou, S. R., Arteaga, I. A., & White, B. A. (2011). School-based early childhood education and age-28 well-being: Effects by timing, dosage, and subgroups. Science, 333(6040), 360-364.

von Suchodoletz A, Lee DS, Henry J, Tamang S, Premachandra B, Yoshikawa H (2023) Early childhood education and care quality and associations with child outcomes: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 18(5): e0285985. https://doi.org/ 10.1371/journal.pone.0285985

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I Hate James Dobson (Trailer)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

If the name "James Dobson" sends a chill down your spine, or if you just like listening to two friends read horrible books, do we have the show for you! Welcome to I Hate James Dobson, a podcast where two therapists break down the works of clinical psychologist/child abuse advocate James Dobson. It's a good time about a terrible person. Thanks for listening to our show :)

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Episode 29: Straight Talk to Men

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

James Dobson has like 4 topics he writes about, so let's talk about masculinity again! Jake and Brooke go through Dobson's book "Straight Talk to Men" published in the year of our Lord Y2K. Surprisingly, Dobson gets a bunch of stuff wrong. Let's find out together!

Benny Bingo and the Evangelikids: https://www.theannoyance.com/show/the-evangelikids

References:

DeAngelis, T. (2001, December 1). Are men emotional mummies? Monitor on Psychology, 32(11). https://www.apa.org/monitor/dec01/mummies

Laoutaris, N. (2024, November 18). Men’s Issues and Therapy Techniques. FirstSession.com. https://www.firstsession.com/resources/mens-issues-therapy-techniques

Levant, R. F., Allen, P. A., & Lien, M. C. (2014). Alexithymia in men: How and when do emotional processing deficiencies occur?. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 15(3), 324.

Levant, R. F., Hall, R. J., Williams, C. M., & Hasan, N. T. (2009). Gender differences in alexithymia. Psychology of men & masculinity, 10(3), 190.

Liaqat, H., Malik, T. A., & Bilal, A. (2020). Impact of masculinity and normative male alexithymia on interpersonal difficulties in young adult males. Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 8(2).

London, D. (n.d.) What’s Not Normal About Male Normative Alexithymia. ThePsychologyGroup.com. https://thepsychologygroup.com/male-normative-alexithymia/

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Episode 28: Deconstruction Part 2

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome back, here's what you missed on I Hate James Dobson: Jake was a closeted evangelical kid, which was like really cringe but also bad for them. Then they left the church and found stability but still had a bad horrible fashion sense. Brooke cried as Jake read Defying Gravity because two theater kids are just like that sometimes. And also they talked about the band Skillet (flop). And that's what you missed on I Hate James Dobson.

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Episode 27: Deconstruction Part 1

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Happy 1 year anniversary everyone! This episode, Jake and Brooke get personal and explore Jake's journey of deconstructing from Evangelical Christianity. Ever thought you'd have someone discuss Skillet and Wicked in the same hour? That's the kind of ground-breaking, high quality content you can expect from I Hate James Dobson.

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Episode 26: Marriage Under Fire

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Love is in the air - and crosshairs. Today, Brooke and Jake take a dive into the mailbag, and then discuss Dobson's hateful and unhinged 2004 book "Marriage Under Fire". It's bad, y'all. It is bigoted, dumb, and full of a surprising amount of WWII references for some reason. To quote Lana Ja'Rae, at this point all you can do is laugh.

References:

Canada Bill C-16 (2016): https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/bill/c-16/royal-assent

Canada Bill C-250 (2004): https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/37-3/bill/C-250/royal-assent

Etymology of Homophobia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophobia#Etymology

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2020/19-123

Lawrence v. Texas: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2002/02-102

LGBT Adoption Laws in the US: https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/foster_and_adoption_laws

Matthew Shephard Foundation: https://www.matthewshepard.org/

Norway & the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index: https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/norway/

Norway's parental benefits: https://www.norden.org/en/info-norden/parental-benefit-and-parental-leave-norway

Obergefell v. Hodges: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2014/14-556

Sheerin, J. (2018). Matthew Shephard: The murder that changed America. BBC.com. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45968606

Yurcaba & Sopelsa (2025): Lawmakers in 9 states propose measures to undermine same-sex marriage rights. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/lawmakers-9-states-propose-measures-undermine-sex-marriage-rights-rcna193743

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Episode 25: Hide and Seek

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

It's back to the Dobson literature this episode and today we are talking about psychology and therapy! Jake and Brooke read through (an updated version of) Dobson's second-ever book. We see again how Dobson is not only a bad person, but he's also lazy and wrong as he takes us through his greatest "hits" of obviously-fake-stories. Wanna see Dobson 'in his lane'? That's what this book is.

References:

Coopersmith, S. (1967). The Antecedents of Self-Esteem. W. H. Freeman and Company.

Dr. Becky Kennedy: https://www.goodinside.com/about/

Dunn, J. (2018). How not to hate your husband after kids. Little, Brown and Company.

Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Spanking and child outcomes: Old controversies and new meta-analyses. Journal of family psychology, 30(4), 453.

Laska, K. M., Gurman, A. S., & Wampold, B. E. (2014). Expanding the lens of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy: a common factors perspective. Psychotherapy, 51(4), 467.

Ms. Rachel: https://www.youtube.com/@msrachel

Payne Bryson, T) & Siegel, D. J. (2011). The Whole-Brain Child. Bantam.

Dobson's Copy/Paste Q&A

Dobson, J. (1995, July 26). Disciplining an infant; nurturing self-confidence in home. The Western Star. https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p16007coll84/id/147492/
Dobson, J. (1999, November 24). How do deal with a strong-willed child. The Western Star. https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p16007coll84/id/152815/
Dobson, J. (2006, January 26). Focus on the Family. Daily Local News. https://www.dailylocal.com/2006/01/26/focus-on-the-family-79/
Dobson, J. (2006, February 1). Focus on the Family. Carroll County Comet. https://www.carrollcountycomet.com/articles/focus-on-the-family-23/
Dobson, J. (2009, May 21). Discipline helps kids. Red Deer Advocate. https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/columns/discipline-helps-kids-7015178
Dobson, J. (2009, May 27), Children Raised With Discipline Appreciation Turn Out Best. The Leader-Tribune. https://gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn84007013/2009-05-27/ed-1/seq-6/ocr/
Dobson, J. (2014, November 18). Raising Kids with Healthy Attitudes. Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. https://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/raising-kids-with-healthy-attitudes

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Episode 24: I Respect Talia Lavin

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Quick, go vacuum and make your bed - because today we have a guest! Jake is joined by Talia Lavin, author of "Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America". They talk about Talia's book, deconstructing from fundamentalist religions, surviving fascism, and sandwiches.

Links to find Talia's work!

Buy Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America

Buy Culture Warlords: My Journey into the Dark Web of White Supremacy

Subscribe to Talia's newsletter: The Sword and the Sandwich

Find Talia on BlueSky: @swordsjew.bsky.social

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Episode 23: Wild Faith

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Well today sucks! But you're not alone. Join Jake & Brooke as they read Talia Lavin's incredible book: "Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America" and discuss how we got here, what comes next, and what to do about it. It's a good time! Well, not good. It's a fun time! No, fun isn't exactly the right word either. It's a time! But I hope you enjoy it nevertheless :)

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Episode 22: Left Behinder

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:00:21 GMT

We now return to our regularly scheduled sadness as Jake and Brooke examine 3 different adaptations of "Left Behind" to see what they tell us about Evangelicalism's evolving relationship to the end of the world.

Also, Nicholas Cage.

References:

Mendoza, Francisco G. III (2021) "The End of the World According to Q," PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas: Vol. 2: No. 1, Article 12.

About LaHaye's lawsuit: https://web.archive.org/web/20080817074214/http://christianfilmnews.com/1007/left-behind-author-sues/

"Mike Huckabee as Israeli Ambassador would be a disaster of biblical proportions" from FreedomFromReligionFoundation

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Episode 21: Brooke's Secular Christmas

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:00:36 GMT

Happy Holidays, readers! Today, Brooke takes over to teach Jake how to take the Christ out of Christmas. Make some hot chocolate, grab a blanket, and get cozy as we build traditions that are new and gay.

References:

Brooke

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Episode 20: Left Behind

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:00:41 GMT

Hello fellow sinners, today Jake and Brooke discuss the 1995 classic book "Left Behind". They talk about the rapture and the tribulation, and they both become stans for Hattie. Let's dig into childhood trauma shared by many! Well, another one, at least.

References:

"A Chronological Timeline of End Times" from One Thing Ministries

Statement from James Dobson on the death of Tim LaHaye

"Left Behind and the Translation of God" by Renegade Cut

Mendoza, Francisco G. III (2021) "The End of the World According to Q," PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas: Vol. 2: No. 1, Article 12.

Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/pandion_unf/vol2/iss1/12

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Episode 19: Therapists Processing the Election

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:00:04 GMT

I know we are all exhausted talking about the election, but we haven't given our takes yet! Today, Jake is joined by the extra-special guest Cat to talk about the election, where we go from here, and why it's all James Dobson's fault. It's not a good time per se, but it is a time.

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Episode 18: Preparing for Adolescence

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:00:50 GMT

This one is pretty straight forward, y'all. It's been a tough and weird week, so sit back, relax, and enjoy a palate cleanser of cringe. Who doesn't want to hear Dobson give 'the talk'? That sounds like my kind of party.

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Well this sucks

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 01:54:36 GMT

I don't know who this is for. Sometimes you just need to vent to a thousand of your closest strangers, you know?

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Episode 17: Pre-Election Spooktacular

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:00:32 GMT

Sometimes the only thing scarier than what goes bump in the night is what happens in Dobson-inspired books. In this very festive episode, Jake and Brooke face their fears in the most heart-wrenching, hair-raising episode yet! Join them as they unearth the tomb known as "What Does the Bible Teach About Transgenderism?" - and try to break its curse before it's too late.

Sources Cited

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics

Bustos, V. P., Bustos, S. S., Mascaro, A., Del Corral, G., Forte, A. J., Kim, E. A., ... & Manrique, O. J. (2021). Regret after gender-affirmation surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open, 9(3), e3477.

Matthew 19 explained by BibRef

National Board for Certified Counselors Code of Ethics

Rabasco, A., & Andover, M. (2021). Suicidal ideation among transgender and gender diverse adults: A longitudinal study of risk and protective factors. Journal of Affective Disorders, 278, 136-143.

Thoma, B. C., Jardas, E. J., Choukas-Bradley, S., & Salk, R. H. (2023). Perceived gender transition progress, gender congruence, and mental health symptoms among transgender adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 72(3), 444-451.

Verbeek, M. J., Hommes, M. A., Stutterheim, S. E., van Lankveld, J. J., & Bos, A. E. (2020). Experiences with stigmatization among transgender individuals after transition: A qualitative study in the Netherlands. International journal of transgender health, 21(2), 220-233.

Wiepjes, C. M., den Heijer, M., Bremmer, M. A., Nota, N. M., de Blok, C. J., Coumou, B. J., & Steensma, T. D. (2020). Trends in suicide death risk in transgender people: results from the Amsterdam Cohort of Gender Dysphoria study (1972–2017). Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 141(6), 486-491.

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Episode 16: I Leave My Religious Trauma At The Door When It Comes To VeggieTales

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:00:39 GMT

Finally! An actually light and fun episode! Join Jake and Brooke as they take a trip down memory lane and talk about perhaps the most well-known piece of Christian children's programming: VeggieTales. Stories are told, songs are sung, and much merriment was had by all.

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Episode 15: What Is James Dobson Up To Now?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:00:37 GMT

James Dobson continues to operate his media empires to this very day, so today Jake and Brooke take a break from his books to look at his more recent activities. This may come as a shock, but he hasn't been up to anything good.

Important Links:

Find your ballot and get involved: https://votesaveamerica.com/

Work Cited:

"Christopher Rufo Launched the Critical Race Theory Panic. He Isn’t Done." by Isabela Dias for Mother Jones

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Episode 14: The Strong-Willed Child (1978)

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:00:02 GMT

"The Strong-Willed Child" is the gift that keeps on giving. Like herpes. This episode, Jake and Brooke explore the ideologies that undergird this wretched text, as well as all of Dobson's work more broadly: obedience. There's a lot less spanking in this one, it's infuriating for different reasons!

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Episode 13: The Strong-Willed Child (1978)

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:00:29 GMT

Did you enjoy that break from Dobson? Thinking about how we can make the world a better place for everyone? That was nice, huh. Anyway, that's not what this episode is. Today Jake and Brooke are talking about perhaps THE Dobson book, "The Strong-Willed Child" and talking about what the hell Dobson means by "strong-willed".

Check out "The Worst of All Possible Worlds": https://www.worstpossible.world/

References:

"Before you donate to Autism Speaks, Consider the Facts" from AutisticAdvocacy.org

"Personality" from APA.org

"The Autistic Horror of Don't Hug Me I'm Scared (season 1)" by Patricia Taxxon on Youtube

"The Controversy Around ABA" from ChildMind.org

"What are the Big 5 Personality Traits" from VeryWellMind.com

"Why The Myers-Briggs test is totally meaningless" from Vox.com

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Episode 12: A Better Way Forward

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:00:18 GMT

Let's not talk about James Dobson, for once! After spending 3 long episodes talking about the plague known as "purity culture", today Jake and Brooke explore what an actually healthy model of relationships and sexuality can look like. Be ready to hear the words "penis and vagina" a bunch of times.

Citations:

Braun-Harvey, D., & Vigorito, M. A. (2015). Treating out of control sexual behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL30396741M/Treating_out_of_control_sexual_behavior

Comprehensive sexuality education. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/comprehensive-sexuality-education

Green, P., Psy. D., & Penrod, J., LMFT. (n.d.). Sexual diversity, sex positivity, and kink.

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Episode 11: I Kissed Dating Goodbye

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:00:48 GMT

Today we are reading our first non-Dob book, though unfortunately his spirit remains with us. This book will help you not become a childless cat lady or whatever, because it wants to tell you the right way to have a relationship. I'm sure things all check out this time and there's nothing bad in this episode at all.

Citations:

Joshua Harris’s apology: https://joshharris.com/a-statement-on/

No, kids weren’t starting to have sex earlier: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011992/

Van Der Wyngaard, J (Director). (2018). “I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye” [Film]. DOCSology.

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Episode 10: What is Purity Culture?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:00:19 GMT

Let's get into it, what an absolute nightmare. On this episode, Jake and Brooke break down what exactly 'purity culture' even means, down to its rotten roots. Horrifying histories, awful anecdotes, and blood-boiling beliefs abound in this one.

Citations (hyperlinks do not work on every platform)

About the AIDS quilt

Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs from Planned Parenthood

Can Antibiotics Affect My Birth Control? From Planned Parenthood by Attia

Purity Culture and Its Effect on Mental Health from VeryWellMind by John Loeppky

Rickabaugh, T (2022), Leaving Church, Learning Love: Experiences of Queer Women in Purity Culture. University of Missouri.

Sex and HIV Education (2023) from the Guttmacher Institute

The FAQs: What You Should Know about Purity Culture from TheGospelCoalition by Joe Carter

The Flaw at the Center of Purity Culture from The Atlantic by Angie Hong

The Impact of Christian Purity Culture is still being felt – including in Britian from TheConversation by Christabelle Thwaites

The Racist Link Between Purity Culture and Christian Nationalism and Why It Matters In Elections from Reckon.news by Anna Beahm:

What is Purity Culture from Lindakayklein.com

Why Nearly Every 2000s Disney Channel Star Wore a Purity Ring from Cracked.com by Carly Tennes

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Episode 9: Bringing Up Girls

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:00:29 GMT

James Dobson does it again: he wrote another book that makes me want to crawl out of my skin and die. The hits really don't stop coming, huh. This time, we are reading the toxic sludge known as "Bringing Up Girls". This is the start of a series about Purity Culture, the Evangelical philosophy that says holding hands is basically the same as having an affair (and both will earn you a scarlet A). Hold on to your lunches because this gets downright disgusting.

References:

“An Ecological Approach to Obesity and Eating Disorders. Chapter 10: Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Men versus Women.”

Randy Wilson’s Page on the FRC website

The Colorado law Dobson misconstrues so he can fear-monger about queer people

FotF Media Commitment (previously Covenant)

Why Abstinence Only Education suuuuucks

Dobson’s challenge

Legkauskas, V., & Stankevičienė, D. (2009). Premarital sex and marital satisfaction of middle aged men and women: a study of married Lithuanian couples. Sex Roles, 60, 21-32.
Legkauskas, V., & Jakovlevaitė, V. (2005). Rizikingo seksualinio studentų elgesio ir jų psichosocialinių savybių ryšys [Relationship between risky sex behaviors and psychosocial characteristics of students]. Psichologija, 32,35–46.
Rochlen, A. B., McKelley, R. A., Suizzo, M. A., & Scaringi, V. (2008). Predictors of relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction among stay-at-home fathers. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 9(1), 17.
Levenson, R. W., & Gottman, J. M. (1985). Physiological and affective predictors of change in relationship satisfaction. Journal of personality and social psychology, 49(1), 85.
DeClaire, J., & Gottman, J. M. (2001). The relationship cure: A five-step guide for building better connections with family, friends, and lovers. Crown Publishers.

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Episode 8: How I Became an Evangelical

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:00:32 GMT

Let's get personal! On this episode, Jake takes Brooke and Jordan through his experience becoming an Evangelical in order to understand how anyone could get sucked into Dobson's obvious lies. We talk about everything from AWANA to Adventures in Odyssey, from bell choirs to Christian rock bands, from racist chipmunks to youth group lock-ins.

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Episode 7: James Dobson Hates Me

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:00:55 GMT

Happy pride month, heathens! Today, Jake and Brooke are joined by our first very special guest: Jordan! Together, we are taking a step back to marvel at Dobson's illustrious career as a professional homophobe. We trace Dobson's denial of homophobia, his active homophobia, and the hydra of political organizations he has created. Turns out, sometimes conspiracy theories are true: Dobson literally conspired in secret with others to push homophobic and misogynistic policies at every possible level of government.

Works Cited (hyperlinks do not work on every podcast player, my apologies)

“A Nation Shaken by the Sandy Hook Tragedy” broadcast by Dobson – Dec 17, 2012

After Obergefell

“Ballot measures in 11 states, all successful, aided the president’s reelection bid and helped to swing the momentum, for a time, to the side of the anti-gay Right.” - https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/revolution-anti-gay-activists-threaten-uprising-if-supreme-court-approves-marriage-equality/

Dr. Dobson's September Newsletter – Sept. 2019

Evangelical Broadcaster Seeks “Pro-Family” Lobby by Russell Chandler

Family Policy Alliance Financial Reports 2020 & 2019

Focus on the Family focuses on homosexuals

FRC fighting conversion therapy bans

FRC’s connection to FPCs

Gallagher, S. “Where Are the Antifeminist Evangelicals? Evangelical Identity, Subcultural Location, and Attitudes toward Feminism.” Gender and Society (2004)

“God will destroy America for legalizing sexual perversions”

Homosexuality and Dr. Dobson: What’s at Stake in American Christianity?

Moslener, Sara, Virgin Nation: Sexual Purity and American Adolescence (2015)

SPLC on FRC

The Homosexual Community: Small number, big influence

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Episode 6: Bringing Up Boys Part 2

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:00:23 GMT

Here's where things get interesting. In this episode, Jake and Brooke explore Bringing Up Boys from a cultural perspective, then do a deep dive into one of the most harmful chapters James Dobson has written - and that's saying something. There's stuff in this episode that will shock you, I promise. (Is it in bad taste to make a conversion therapy joke? No I'm gay, I can get away with it.)

References

Umberto Eco, "Eternal Fascism: Fourteen Ways of Looking at a Blackshirt," The New York Review of Books, June 22, 1995.

Kruglanski, A. W., Szumowska, E., & Kopetz, C. (2021). The Psychology of Extremism. In The Psychology of Extremism (pp. 1-11). Routledge.

Stone, Peter. “US ‘university’ Spreads Climate Lies and Receives Millions from Rightwing Donors.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 6 Sept. 2023, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/06/prageru-climate-change-denier-republican-donors.

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Episode 5: Bringing Up Boys - Part 1

Mon, 13 May 2024 13:00:30 GMT

Buckle up boys and girls (and NO ONE ELSE!), things get unhinged this time around. Jake and Brooke talk all about Dobson's commercially-successful trash fire called Bringing Up Boys. There's cringe, there's trauma, there's holy bones - this episode has it all.

Sources:

"Animal Sex: How Anglerfish Do It" (2015) from LiveScience.com

Studies about how human sexual dimorphism is vastly over-blown:

Lise Eliot, Adnan Ahmed, Hiba Khan, Julie Patel. Dump the 'dimorphism': Comprehensive synthesis of human brain studies reveals few male-female differences beyond size. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2021; 125: 667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.026
Marwha, D., Halari, M., & Eliot, L. (2017). Meta-analysis reveals a lack of sexual dimorphism in human amygdala volume. Neuroimage, 147, 282-294.
“Bill Nye Saves the World: The Sexual Spectrum.” Season 1, episode 9. (2017).

"One Day of ‘Take a Child to Work’ Is Short on Substance : Boys are now being invited to join the formerly all-girl event. But it’s doubtful kids find our jobs worth imitating. It may be better to just share the pride of accomplishment." Los Angeles Times (1995)

Johnson, L.B. (1991). On the front lines: Police stress and family wellbeing. Hearing before the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families House of Representatives: 102 Congress First Session May 20 (p. 3248). Washington DC: US Government Printing Office.

Neidig, P.H., Russell, H.E. & Seng, A.F. (1992). Interspousal aggression in law enforcement families: A preliminary investigation. Police Studies, Vol. 15 (1), p. 3038.

Leopold, T. (2018). Gender differences in the consequences of divorce: A study of multiple outcomes. Demography, 55(3), 769-797.

"The Coming Attack on an Essential Element of Women's Freedom" (2023). by Kimberly Wehle, The Atlantic

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BONUS: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women - Uncut

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:00:17 GMT

This is the full conversation between Brooke and Jake of "What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women" - a title I hope to never say or write again. This episode is for the podcast aficionados who want 90 minutes of uninterrupted Dobson talk. So if you're a masochist, enjoy! New episodes resume next week :)

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Episode 4: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women - Part 2

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:47:46 GMT

We back to finish out Dobson's confusing and upsetting book What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women. In episode 1 we covered women's top 4 problems (according to Dobson): low self-esteem; fatigue; loneliness, isolation, and boredom; and lack of romantic love in marriage. Today, we are covering the rest of them and trying to understand why Dobson thinks it's a great idea to trick a teenage girl into doing free manual labor for you. Gosh what a freak.

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Episode 3: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women - Part 1

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:00:52 GMT

I'm just as frustrated with this title as you are, I promise.

In this episode, Jake and Brooke talk about Dobson's feminist manifesto, What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women. I'm sure we are all so glad to have Dobson mansplain women's problems to us, I'm sure he's super insightful about it.

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Episode 2: Dare to Discipline

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:00:09 GMT

In this episode, Jake and Brooke dive into Dobson's first book, Dare to Discipline, aka the reason you were spanked as a kid. And oh boy, Dobson comes out swinging in this one.

Content warning for: child abuse, violence, and overly long explanations of operant conditioning.

References and further reading:

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Episode 1: Who is James Dobson?

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 06:34:09 GMT

On this premiere episode, Jake and Brooke travel through the sordid history of Dr. James Dobson, clinical psychologist turned Evangelical figurehead. Join us as we begin to discover all of the many reasons why I hate James Dobson.

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