The Plain People's Podcast

Meet Tamara Part Two Apr 29, 2026 55:24 In part two of this powerful conversation, Tamera continues sharing her story of being brought into the Grandin, Missouri Nationwide Mennonite church and learning to survive within a high-control religious environment she did not choose. We explore coercive control, belonging, faith, gender roles, survival, and the complicated process of questioning and leaving insular systems. Through Tamera's st

Meet Tamara Apr 19, 2026 01:00:06 This week, we're shifting locations and perspective. Instead of Ohio, we're heading to Missouri, where I sit down with a former member of the Grandin church. Raised by a single mother, she shares her story of being brought into the church as a young girl—navigating a world she didn't choose, and learning how to survive within it. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we explore the complexity o

law enforcement weigh in on the amish restoration team Apr 7, 2026 51:29 Picking back up where we left off in the last recording, I sat down with a law enforcement officer out of Ohio to hear his perspective on The Amish Restoration Team. You'll hear his real-time reactions to the answers the RT has been giving Amish women within their communities—and what that actually looks like from the outside looking in. Law enforcement often gets a bad reputation in these conve

The Amish Restoration Team Mar 31, 2026 50:04 Last year, over 300 abuse cases were documented by what is known as the "Restoration Team" in Holmes and Wayne County, Ohio. Fewer than 10 of those cases ever made it to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. So what's happening in between? In this episode, Jasper brings you into the beginning of her investigation into the Restoration Team—an Amish-led intervention group presented to churches as a saf

Meet K Mar 23, 2026 01:29:24 In this episode of The Plain People's Podcast, we continue our look into Amish and Mennonite mental health systems—specifically, what are known as "the facilities," or residential treatment centers for those struggling within plain communities. This episode focuses on Hoffnung Heim, a facility widely known among the Amish as a trusted place for women to receive help. But what is the reality inside

People Helpers and Plain Run Facilities Mar 15, 2026 01:10:07 For years, Mennonite and Amish women have quietly spoken about "the facilities" — residential programs where church members are sent for restoration, discipline, or mental health support. But what exactly are these places? In this episode of The Plain People's Podcast, Jasper Hoffman begins unpacking one of the most complex and hidden barriers facing Amish and Anabaptist survivors: a network of un

Why is Amish Crime Happening? Mar 8, 2026 53:10 For years, conversations about abuse in Amish and other plain communities began with denial. Survivors, advocates, and researchers were forced to answer the same basic question again and again: is abuse actually happening? But something has shifted. In this episode, Jasper shares recordings that began in August of 2023 after a group of current Amish women from Holmes County, Ohio reached out askin

WE ARE SO BACK Mar 2, 2026 15:20 The Ruth Miller trial begins in Ohio this week, and I'm heading there for full bench trial coverage. Before we get into courtroom testimony, this episode lays some groundwork — the work happening quietly inside Amish and Mennonite (Plain) communities, the barriers women face when trying to seek help, and the ongoing conversations with local and federal agencies who are often navigating cultural nu

The Liberty Ridge Lawsuit Jan 14, 2022 01:00:00 Renee Franchi and Nathanial Foote from Andreozzi & Foote are currently representing two former Mennonite men suing the Eastern PA Mennonite Church, Martin Nelson doing business as Liberty Ridge Farm. Together they sit down with Jasper to discuss labor trafficking, the Liberty Ridge case and how Amish and Mennonites are not above the law.

Breaking Amish with Dawn Martin Jun 8, 2021 32:59 From Groffdale Conference Mennonite to Black Bumper (Horning) to Breaking Amish season 5, Dawn has been on a momentous journey. We were fortunate to sit down and spend some time talking about what is real in the process of shooting reality tv and find out where she is today.

Behind Blue Curtains with Lizzie Hershberger Jun 1, 2021 42:28 Lizzie Hershberger is a former Swartzentruber Amish member , which is largest and most conservative subgroups of Old Order Amish. Her recent memoir titled Behind Blue Curtains was published this spring and she sits down with us to talk about what it is like to write, and walk within, your trauma story.

Deb's Story, Pt 2 May 24, 2021 47:31 Last week we introduced you to the incredible Deb....also known as Moxie. This week we pick back up in the story and learn how Deb hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and the fierce tenacity that drove her to finish.

Deb's Story, Part 1 May 18, 2021 47:03 Deb, who fondly goes by Moxie, grew up in the Beachy Amish church, but never quite fit in. In this two part story series, she opens up about her great adventure of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, and who she became along the way. All music featured in these episodes are played for you by Deb.

A Grooming Case with Stephanie Krehbiel May 11, 2021 48:36 In February of this year Mennonite Abuse Prevention published an investigation into the ''ministerial sexual misconduct" of co-pastor at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Tom Harder. Dr. Stephanie Krehbiel, executive director of IntoAccount.org prepared the analysis for MAP's post, and spoke with us about her findings. To read the MAP post, click here. https://www.themaplist.org/the-map-list/tom-

I Was Never A Good Girl with Anna Mae May 4, 2021 48:46 Following along from last week's conversation with Anna Mae, she and Jasper talk more about what it's like to be labeled a bad girl by the church, as well as the differences between their own church upbringings as ex-Amish and ex-Mennonite.

Therapy, Trauma and Thriving with Anna Mae and Chris Hancock Apr 26, 2021 43:59 Anna Mae grew up within the Old Order Amish community, where therapy was not even a concept. After leaving the church and wrestling with depression, she decided to Google for the "best therapist in Nashville", which lead her to Chris Hancock, LCSW, ACMHP. As the owner of Therapy Outside The Box, Chris opens up about his experience working with Anna Mae, and Anna Mae shares how therapy has helped h

But I Must Go.... Austin's Story Apr 19, 2021 42:43 "This is where I spent most of my Sundays the past three years. This was my home. And I fully believed that I had to be here or I would go to hell. It was beautiful. It was spiritual. It was also misery. It was repressive. It was legalistic. And I am so proud to say that I am free now. Free to be me. Free to worship the way I choose. You never know true freedom until you've been constrained. I lov

Gaslighter, Gaslighter, Send Audrey On Over Apr 12, 2021 40:22 In early 2019, shortly after sharing what we then believed to be the entirely of Audrey's horrific abuse story, the floodgates opened when it was discovered that her ex husband had brutally sexually assaulted her children for years. Through yet another battle of unbelievable odds, Audrey was back in court, but not with just her ex-husband, but her ex-father in law, an Amish Bishop. But whatever fo

Wife Swapping, A Marital Pastime with DeLite Apr 6, 2021 34:39 Tighten your Hushpuppies and lay out the Sunday Pfaltzgraft, because we are back with a bang for our first episode of Season Five. DeLite sits down with Jasper and Marc and opens a can of worms by sharing her first hand experience with "wife swapping".... better known as non consensual swinging. Did you know the Plain People have their own phone sex line? Jasper didn't, but quickly posed the quest

Meet Laura, Pt 2 Apr 29, 2020 50:46 Laura shares her experience adjusting to life outside of her family and where she is today.

Meet Laura, Pt 1 Apr 28, 2020 52:39 Laura is a therapist specializing in trauma therapy that is inspired from her time within an independent Mennonite church. In this episode we discuss her family's struggle with mental health while fitting into the plain culture.

Meet Michelle, Pt 2 Apr 11, 2020 01:11:54 Michelle shares her experience within the strict Elmo Stoll community, the struggles with a mentally ill father, spousal rape and life after the church.

Meet Michelle, Pt 1 Apr 10, 2020 59:33 Michelle found herself at a young age suddenly joining into a Hutterite community when her parents decided to for-go the quiet suburban lifestyle. Not satisfied with the community, her family then continued to pursue various cults, finally ending up at the Elmo Stoll community in Cookeville, Tn.

Meet Josh Pt 2 Mar 5, 2020 31:22 We pick up with Josh explaining the details behind the Mennonite and Amish facility, Fresh Start and find out where he is today.

Meet Josh, Pt 1 Mar 4, 2020 44:38 Adopted into a Mennonite family after years in the foster care system, Josh shares his story of growing up and becoming a counselor at a men's facility known as Fresh Start in Indiana.

Meet Misty Pt 2 Feb 27, 2020 53:21 Misty Griffin made national news in 2019 when her story of survival went viral. Her memoir, Tears of the Silenced, opens readers eyes to the amount of betrayal and abuse Misty and her sister endured at the hands of those who should have protected them. You can find Misty's book at https://www.amazon.com/Tears-Silenced-Childhood-Betrayal-Ultimate-ebook/dp/B07FTQDN38 and her Twitter at https://twi

Meet Misty, Pt 1 Feb 26, 2020 44:23 Misty Griffin made national news in 2019 when her story of survival went viral. Her memoir, Tears of the Silenced, opens readers eyes to the amount of betrayal and abuse Misty and her sister endured at the hands of those who should have protected them. You can find Misty's book at https://www.amazon.com/Tears-Silenced-Childhood-Betrayal-Ultimate-ebook/dp/B07FTQDN38 and her Twitter at https://twi

Meet Clara and Jimmy Pt 2 Feb 19, 2020 35:29 In 2011 Clara and Jimmy Hinton were struck with life altering news when they discovered Clara's husband and Jimmy's father was accused of sexually abusing two of Jimmy's sisters. Shockingly, this pastor later admitted to assaulting more than 20 children and is now serving life in prison - after his family turned him into the authorities. To find more about Jimmy and Clara's work, you can find the

Meet Clara & Jimmy Feb 19, 2020 46:04 In 2011 Clara and Jimmy Hinton were struck with life altering news when they discovered Clara's husband and Jimmy's father was accused of sexually abusing two of Jimmy's sisters. Shockingly, this pastor later admitted to assaulting more than 20 children and is now serving life in prison - after his family turned him into the authorities. To find more about Jimmy and Clara's work, you can find the

Meet Peter Pt2 Nov 7, 2019 51:58 We pick back up with Peter and he discusses where he is today after leaving the Mennonite Church. Connect with us: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com Facebook: The Plain People's Podcast Instagram: The Plain People's Podcast Support us: patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast

Meet Peter, Pt 1 Nov 7, 2019 52:43 Peter is a former illustrator for Rod and Staff Publishing Co based out of Crockett KY. From non-Mennonite background origins, Peter shares his stories of finding difficulty conforming as his interests were not aligned with most Mennonite young men. Peter's illustrations touched almost every Mennonite home and he recollects his days drawing for church approved material. STAY IN TOUCH: email: th

Meet Elam Pt 2 Nov 3, 2019 47:26 We pick up with Elam Zook and discuss the bigger questions of how we can create change within the churches.

Meet Elam Pt 1 Oct 28, 2019 56:48 Has recent Amish history created Amish identity, and is it closely tied to an extreme privilege bestowed on them by the US government? Elam opens up about engagement within the culture, or lack thereof.

Meet Oriana Oct 20, 2019 01:08:59 In this episode Oriana opens up about her family's trek from California and the cults they were in, to the Charity Christian Fellowship Church in PA.

Meet Michele, Pt 2 Oct 9, 2019 38:35 We pick up with Michele, a former Mennonite woman and hear how her family is divided today.

Meet Michele, Pt 1 Oct 9, 2019 49:58 You can't spell piety without pie, and in this episode Michele opens up about her metamorphosis from being a homeschool mother into a member of the Nationwide Mennonite Church in northern CA.

Wisconsin v Yoder, Pt 2 Jul 8, 2019 54:31 Torah Bontrager from the Amish Heritage Foundation sits down with Jasper and discusses the need for overturning Wisconsin V. Yoder to bring a fair education to The Plain People. Ways to donate and help: www.amishheritage.org Support us: patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast Connect: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com

Wisconsin V. Yoder with Torah B. Jul 8, 2019 01:06:39 Torah Bontrager from the Amish Heritage Foundation sits down with Jasper and discusses the need for overturning Wisconsin V. Yoder to bring a fair education to The Plain People. Ways to donate and help: www.amishheritage.org Support us: patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast Connect: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com

Meet Harvey Pt2 Jul 2, 2019 01:08:22 Harvey shares with us a family secret in hopes of someone being able to help. Support Us: patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast Connect: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com FB: The Plain Peoples Podcast IG: The Plain Peoples Podcast

Meet Harvey, Pt 1 Jul 1, 2019 01:20:24 We sit down with Harvey in this series and talk candidly about his struggle as a missionary child in the jungles of Paraguay, and adaptation to "regular" life. Support us: patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast Connect: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com FB: The Plain People's Podcast IG: The Plain People's Podcast

Meet James Jun 22, 2019 01:03:05 James grew up Old Order Amish in the state of Michigan, and the youngest of his family. We sit down and talk about his path from growing up Amish and gay, and where James is at today. SUPPORT US: patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast CONNECT WITH US: FACEBOOK: The Plain People's Podcast INSTAGRAM: The Plain People's Podcast EMAIL: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com

Sexual Abuse in Haiti: A Conversation with Hope Anne Jun 20, 2019 44:37 We sat down with Hope Anne Dueck, co-founder of A Better Way Organization, to discuss Christian Aid Ministries and the Jeriah Mast sexual abuse case. CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK: The Plain People's Podcast CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM: The Plain People's Podcast SUPPORT US ON PATREON: www.patreon.com/theplainpeoplespodcast EMAIL US: theplainpeoplespodcast@gmail.com

Meet Nikki Jun 3, 2019 59:05 After experiencing a deep loss at a young age, Nikki went on to hide her sexuality as a teenager, struggling to make sense of who she was. Raised in a conservative Christian home, Nikki discusses how she kept her faith while embracing who she is. CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK: The Plain People's Podcast CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM: The Plain People's Podcast SUPPORT US ON PATREON: www.patreon.co

Meet Kenneth, Pt 3 May 22, 2019 59:03 In our final installment of Kenneth's story, we discuss his journey from Amish to Atheism and his reflections on his path to where he is now today. Music credits belong to Dan Barker

Meet Kenneth, Part 2 May 21, 2019 51:42 Let's talk about sex, baby! Part 2 picks up and we dive into the taboo topic of sex outside of procreation purposes and the ultimate price Kenneth paid for curiosity.

Meet Kenneth, Pt 1 May 21, 2019 52:29 Part 1 of a 3 part series, Kenneth shares his experience of attending various plain churches, from Holdeman to the Tennessee sects, ultimately leading him to a horse and buggy lifestyle.

Meet Joel, Pt 2 Apr 23, 2019 40:48 Joel grew up under the teachings of Bill Gothard known as the Institute of Basic Life Principles. Hear how those teachings have had a lingering effect on his life today.

Meet Joel, Pt 1 Apr 15, 2019 44:10 This episode we discuss Bill Gothard's basic life principles teachings and how the effects of this upbringing have changed Joel's personal and professional life.

Meet Lori, Pt 2 Mar 19, 2019 51:17 We pick back up with in Illinois where Lori shares her experiences after being institutionalized. Sadly, abuse was still in her future and we discuss her current state of mind after finally sharing her story.

Meet Lori Pt 1 Mar 18, 2019 53:32 Lori Ann was adopted into the Mennonite Church as a young girl and spent the majority of her young adult life locked away, institutionalized, drugged and abandoned.

Meet Sharon Feb 12, 2019 01:03:32 Sharon speaks out on the extreme abuse suffered as an adopted child in the Mennonite church. Her family were missionaries and mother a well known author, meanwhile at home, her life was a living hell.

Meet Meg, Pt 2 Jan 31, 2019 46:57 We pick up where we left off with Meg struggling to overcome the loss of her family member, and dig into her relationship with her father, as well as hear Meg's beautiful letter to herself.

Meet Meg, Pt 1 Jan 30, 2019 44:32 "I've been running from pain since I was in my mother's womb". Today's episode is with Meg Delagrange, chief marketing officer of Urban Southern Bags, former Old Order Amish turned entrepreneur. You can shop at www.urbansouthern.com to see more how Meg has turned pain into beautiful products with her former Amish cousins.

Meet Justin Jan 22, 2019 53:48 On this episode Marc and Jasper sit down to talk about the ongoing uncovering of the ranches and farms for "troubled" boys with Justin Sweeney. Justin was in the Mennonite foster care system as a young man until he was sent away to a ranch in MO that is still running today. The song at the end of the episode is Justin's request and is sung by The Hoppers, called Jerusalem. We do not own the ri

Meet Joanna Pt 2 Jan 11, 2019 31:18 We pick up where we left off with Joanna Yoder when she is caught by the ministry with a radio in her room.

Meet Joanna Pt 1 Jan 10, 2019 43:33 Joanna Yoder from TLC's Return to Amish shares her past experiences within the TN churches, some of the most rigid and conservative of all churches in the US. Trigger warning, extensive discussion on child abuse in this episode.

Pt 3 Meet Audrey Dec 24, 2018 46:52 The third and final installment of Audrey's story, she speaks candidly about her multiple miscarriages and her struggle to hold fast to her faith while her marriage crumbled underneath her.

Pt 2 Meet Audrey Dec 22, 2018 39:46 Part 2 of Audrey's story picks up in the beginning of her journey into the conservative Amish church along with her abusive family. Audrey discusses her rape at 17 (*trigger warning for abuse*) and her struggle to survive within the culture.

Pt 1 Meet Audrey, Bonus Episode Dec 18, 2018 01:06:22 Audrey Kauffman was raised Amish, farming with horses, without electricity or running water and struggled her entire life to find her place within the culture. This episode she and Jasper sit down and have a heart to heart about just how difficult it is to relive some of our stories and memories, and share with you our insight on pain points along the way towards freedom.

Meet Robert Dec 7, 2018 35:27 Robert was adopted into the Mennonite Church as a young boy, where he was shuffled around until finally being shipped off to a boys farm in PA called Liberty Ridge.

Meet Ruthy Dec 5, 2018 55:15 Ruthy grew up in a home as a child of one of the greatest evangelists for the Eastern PA Mennonite church, yet always knew she didn't fit in. Hear about how she broke away to create the life she loves.

Meet Kelsye Dec 2, 2018 01:12:00 On today's episode we discuss the teachings of Bill Gothard and the Institute of Basic Life Principles, along with postpartum psychosis, mental breakdowns and how the church fails to help those who are in need of medical attention.

A Message From Marc Nov 24, 2018 37:27 Our host Marc Masoner gives a brief synopsis of his background for listeners.

Meet Becca Nov 23, 2018 39:52 Becca Martin was adopted at the age of 6 years old and spent her years living in abuse until she committed herself to a Mennonite approved "counseling center" Rest Haven. After spending several months there and a short stint in the Amish run psychiatric home Green Pastures in PA, she returned to the west coast overly medicated without a proper diagnoses and was forced to cut all of her medication

Meet Laura Nov 18, 2018 53:51 This episode is a jaw dropping story of Laura's survival from a horrific abusive childhood. You can connect with Laura on facebook at Laura Teichroeb to hear more on her coaching.

Pt 2: Meet Ashley Nov 16, 2018 51:23 The Mennonite Housewife that walked out. On this episode we pick up where we left off and dive head on into some dark waters to discuss sexual addictions, corrupt " leaders" and give a heartfelt message to all women still trapped in the church.

Pt. 1 Meet Ashley Nov 16, 2018 44:54 the housewife that never came back, Ashley discusses topics of abuse cover-ups, the anxiety of sharing her story and life as a Mennonite woman.

Meet R Nov 12, 2018 01:07:28 " Something inside of you breaks when you're raped". On today's episode our guest shares her struggles of being adopted and never feeling like she belongs within her church culture. After being sexually abused at a young age by her sibling, and later on raped after her 19th birthday, R was made to publicly confess "her" crimes in front of her church by making confession and has since then struggle

Meet Marsela Nov 6, 2018 01:10:24 Marsela's family joined the Mennonite Church in the late 90s when she was a young girl, along with several other siblings. Her story is one that involves years of childhood beatings, molestation and the church covering everything up under the teachings that Jesus teaches forgiveness. She was sent off in the middle of the night by the ministry to live with the Bishops as she was considered a rebell

Meet Brenna Oct 29, 2018 01:01:17 The story of an Ex-Mennonite woman that left the church to become educated and create her own life despite the odds.

Episodes

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