Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse.You’ve seen them — maybe at the airport with pamphlets, or quietly shopping at a farmer’s market. Dressed in starched shirts, tie-back bonnets, pressed skirts. Singing in gentle harmonies. Smiling softly. The Holdeman Mennonites, they’ll tell you, are just humble people of faith. Quiet. Nonviolent. Pure.But purity can be a costume. And obedience, a weapon.Today’s guest, Billy Holdeman-Bass grew up in that world.And there were things that didn’t get sung about.Doors that stayed locked.And a question his mother never answered: “Why do you always follow me to the bathroom?”Behind the hymnals and homemade apple pies lies a truth that can’t stay buried forever. In this episode, that truth begins to speak.________Follow Us for More Culty Content:Instagram & TikTok: @wasiinacultSupport the Show:This show is listener-powered. If Billy’s story moved you—please rate, review, and share. Thank you to our Patreon members!! We appreciate you. And if you would like ad-free episodes and exclusive content, consider joining our Patreon.Share Your Story:Have a cultic experience of your own? We want to hear it.Email us at [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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