I’m happy to share that my spouse, Andrew, myself and our friend Jeff are hosting a podcast review of each episode of the new Prime Duggar documentary Shiny Happy People. The documentary was released on Amazon Friday, June 2, 2023, and is a four-part series looking into not only the Duggar family, but the underlying theology of their show and the influence of conservative, Christian leaders such as Bill Gothard.
Like any documentary, there is always more to the story than the filmmakers can cover in a 4-part series. So, as someone who researches this topic (and published the first peer-reviewed research on the Duggar family), we’re discussing what’s covered in each episode and more! Check out the Shiny Happy People Podcast page on Free Methodist Feminist for additional reading suggestions and a link to Spotify to subscribe/listen to the podcast.
As someone who grew up in a church where Gothard type teachings and beliefs reigned supreme, I can only say after watching the series that I am not surprised. In fact… I actively expected it to be worse than what they reported, which I think says enough on its own about the church environment I grew up in.
I’ve really been enjoying your coverage! I was fortunate enough to miss the teen years in conservative church, but I still managed to hit the Satanic Panic. (According to one event I attended, I’m going to hell after worshipping Satan, getting addicted to drugs and alcohol, committing murder, and then doing myself in, because DnD. Any day now, I’m sure…)
I do have friends who were Fundie, including some IBLP-light. I’ve been aware of the evils of it for a few years, and I’m so glad it’s coming into the light.
By the way, Jen of Fundie Fridays isn’t responsible for any of the snark subreddits; I don’t think she’s even a mod. She lurks on a couple (and I think occasionally posts), but has called them out when they go after kids or are just mean.
She’s done a lot of research on the various fundie movements, though she isn’t a scholar. You should check out some of James’ content on the channel sometime—he worked full time as a social worker until recently. (I think he has a masters, but I’m not 100% sure on that.) That’s why he’s often the one talking about the social impact of the various practices.
By the way, I’m also a Christian who identifies as non-evangelical after having been conservative and evangelical. Thanks for covering this!
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying the podcast. I’ve checked out Jen’s YouTube channel; I do appreciate how many pop culture topics they cover. It’s a good way to illustrate how widespread fundamentalism is in mainstream pop culture. I think a lot of people are unaware of that.