86: (Part 1) Shiny Happy People: The Impact of IBLP and Bill Gothard on the Evangelical Church. Guests: Kristina Kallman and JJ Merrick

Going First with Amy Fritz

Just a quick note at the beginning of this episode to let you know that today’s content is not safe for young children. We cover some heavy topics and I’m certain a few cuss words survived the final edit. I also wanted to let you know we cover the topic of abuse and understand this could be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

In early June, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets debuted on Amazon Prime.

It reached more viewers in its first 9 days than any Amazon docuseries.

Journalist Selome Hailu reported in an article for Variety, that “measured over the same nine-day period, the series has been responsible for the acquisition of more new Prime Video costumers than any other Amazon docuseries.

While many have been drawn to watch this docuseries because of interest in the Duggar family, once they turn in, they get an education on an organization the Duggars have been closely tied to.

And that organization was founded and led for many years by a man we now know to have been credibly accused of the sexual assault of multiple young women among other abusive behaviors.

On today’s episode I’ll share some of the history of that organization and some stories from those who participated in one way or another in this community.

JJ Merrick and Kristina Kallman join Amy to share about their experiences with the IBLP and ATIA world.

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Host/Creator: Amy Fritz

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