Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Walter Chaw @mangiotto.bsky.social · 10/10/2026I think it's fun and funny that a religion that wears a public execution device around to signal their righteousness is upset about a public execution. Is it a competition thing? 0697
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 09/10/2026everyone with a narcissistic parent knows the drill here. time to buckle up. 0140
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 08/10/2026I'm exploring how to get over my extreme fear of public speaking after having a bunch of terrible experiences over the past decade (mostly in white evangelical spaces where men ended up screaming at me). What are your best tips for this stuff? 210
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 08/10/2026ha! I was reading the quote and nodding my head vigorously and then I realized . . . 😂 140
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Evan Derkacz @evanderkacz.bsky.social · 08/10/2026Incredibly creepy, because, as a wise person once observed: religiondispatches.org/2026/05/07/j... 1102
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Tim-my Eat World 😋🌏🎶 @t2thacoops.bsky.social · 08/10/2026evangelical parents: ok but what if instead of listening to our children we downloaded this gaslighting machine that looks like a pastor that will tell us we, the authorities, are definitely NOT the problem, ad infinitum?! 2207
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 08/10/2026Every time you see a headline about a conservative Christian pastor, elder, public figure or missionary arrested for child sexual abuse I want you to remember that the vast majority get away with it. The ones who are caught are just a small percentage of those committing these kinds of crimes. 1182
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Kenneth Ethan Frantz @kennethefrantz.bsky.social · 08/10/2026 2143
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Madolyn Henderson @madolynhenderson.bsky.social · 08/10/2026‘James Dobson chatbot’ is not a phrase I ever expected to encounter in my lifetime. 1113
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 08/10/2026I can't wait for this AI endeavor to gobble up whatever money this place has left. 080
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 08/10/2026The James Dobson Family Institute is creating an AI app that helps parents get wisdom from -- you guessed it -- James Dobson. Presumably it will be dispensing a lot of advice to parents wondering why their adult children are now going no-contact with them . . . www.drjamesdobson.org/featured/dr-...drjamesdobson.orgDr. Dobson’s Legacy: A New Chapter. The Same Mission. - Dr. James Dobson Family InstituteA special letter from Jon Gibson, a longtime friend of Dr. Dobson and the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, about JDFI’s exciting future and God’s calling for the ministry in this important new ... 6355
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/10/2026We are now under contract to publish a physical book on this same subject, but I wanted to remind people that you can read 20+ chapters and listen to our podcast episodes for freeeeeeeee right now. Just google strongwilled project and find our website and our podcast :) 0113
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/10/2026You are exactly correct that so many of these pieces are interviewing the parents about why *they* think estrangement is happening . . . instead of asking the adult children of these parents. So that's what our project does. Our podcast episodes on estrangement are by far our most popular. 0192
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Thank you so much for shining a light on this topic! I write and podcast about issues in homes that utilize religious authoritarian parenting methods (think James Dobson and Focus on the Family) and estrangement is a natural outcome in these families : www.strongwilledproject.com/chapter-12-e...strongwilledproject.comChapter 13: Estrangement in Religious Authoritarian FamiliesIt's a predictable outcome of authoritarian parenting practices and enmeshed families, not a "trend" that will be easily reversed. 1172
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 06/10/2026Trump shouts out Russ Vought and then says, ominously, "we have some big surprises coming up in a few weeks, right Russ? He's gonna be one of the important people in the history of our country." 56031981129
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 06/10/2026The concept of hell isn’t just used to terrorize little children into a lifetime of religious devotion . . . It also works well to desensitize people to the suffering of other humans and enable them to ignore or even cheer on genocidal actions. 1186
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 06/10/2026If you believe everyone outside of your little cult is going to be tortured for all of eternity in hell it doesn’t bother you if your president publicly talks about bombing entire cities in your country. In fact, you might just cheer it on as deserved punishment for what you perceive as sin. 1142
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Oh: I really can’t emphasize enough how useful it is to check — literally right now, do it. Likely, it’s peace of mind in a couple of minutes. At worst, you still have time (barely) to remedy it. 5477200
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 03/10/2026It appears that the National Guard shot and killed an unarmed man (in the back). www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comAutopsy shows National Guard fatally shot Memphis man in the backThe report conflicts with the authorities’ initial account, which said Tyrin Johnson had been shot in the chest. 7723661272
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 03/10/2026as a parent of two incredibly smart kids, one of whom is 16, I can confirm it's a fucking nightmare. So much of the work I do is fueled by my rage that my children deserve so, so much better than this 0143
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)tamara @milquetoast7.bsky.social · 29/09/2026i look forward to being equally enlightened & triggered by this book 😟🙃😭😭🙃😟 052
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Zach Malm @muzach.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Imagine all our parents short-circuiting from a conversation about this book.static.klipy.comAsh's Painful Demise: That Probably HurtAlt: Ash from Alien, after sputtering around the room, leaking robot fluid. 291
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Ben Emerson @jbemerson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Anyone remotely curious about what the hell is going in with this country absolutely needs to check out D.L. and Krispin’s work. 041
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 29/09/2026big news for the autistic non-binary exvangelical crowd! We got a book deal baby (and it's at an academic-minded press!!!!) 85710
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Zach the Autumn Lord @maximumrider217.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Christians really need to be more willing to talk about stuff like this. Avoiding it or acting like it’s not that big of a deal has done real damage. 0114
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 28/09/2026I have my own theories about this, mostly boiling down to the idea that as MAGA makes life so awful for us all with their abusive policies and beliefs, people are more willing than ever to think about their experience as vulnerable children in these religious systems. 0210
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 28/09/2026I have posted about these topics before and have never had people respond like this. Over the past few years we have seen some resistance to people labelling what happened to them in childhood as abuse or trauma. But right now it's like the floodgates have opened up. 1180
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Interesting anecdotal evidence: I posted on threads + instagram about how we were recording an episode on the religious terrorization of children (focusing on hell, the rapture, demons, and the crucifixion). I got over 1,000 comments from people sharing their own stories of being terrified as kids. 1265
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 28/09/2026If you want to hear me talk about the process of shopping a book (demoralizing) and finally signing a contract (exciting) we talk about it all on our newest STRONGWILLED patreon only episode! www.patreon.com/strongwilled...patreon.comBook News, Failed Series Ideas and More! | STRONGWILLEDBook News, Failed Series Ideas and More! by STRONGWILLED on Patreon. Join STRONGWILLED's community for exclusive content and updates. 030
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 27/09/2026What are the developmental impacts of being born in a high-control religion? My partner is a therapist currently obsessed with this question, and this is turning out to be one of our most-downloaded episodes, so I think others are wondering too: www.strongwilledproject.com/growing-up-i...strongwilledproject.comGrowing Up in the Fold: Being Born into a High Control ReligionGrowing Up in the Fold0:00/3950.05387755102041× What’s the difference between experiencing religious trauma in the church — and being born into it? This episode, we begin to explore what kinds of lon... 060
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)Patrick Chovanec @prchovanec.bsky.social · 22/09/2026That scene where the comic book villain addresses the United Nations has finally come true. 221203150
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 21/09/2026If you want to deep-dive the wretched impacts of Babywise and Gary Ezzo, I highly recommend this site: ezzo.infoezzo.infoEzzo. Info - Babywise & Other Ezzo Programs - Ezzo.infoInformation on Babywise and other parenting programs by Gary Ezzo 010
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 21/09/2026We also unpack the impact and legacy of sleep and feed training manuals like Babywise and Growing Kids God's Way by Gary Ezzo . . . and fun fact, Ezzo is now estranged from all of his children and grandchildren (but churches keep paying him for abusive parenting advice) 151
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)🏳️⚧️ valissa, elvira’s sister @valisdheart.bsky.social · 21/09/2026ooof i just wrote an album about growing up in that world, including a little jab at focus music.apple.com/us/album/foc...music.apple.comFocus on the Family by valissa on Apple MusicSong · 2026 · Duration 3:38 331
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 21/09/2026When your parents believe you are full of sin that needs to be punished out of you, even normal developmental things like crying to get your needs met becomes moralized. This is why the doctrine of original sin is so important to religious authoritarians. 271
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 21/09/2026If you want to unpack what it's like to be born into a high control religion and the developmental impacts that can occur - plus listen to someone periodically yell "fuck you, Augustine" - then boy do I have the podcast episode for you: www.strongwilledproject.com/growing-up-i...strongwilledproject.comGrowing Up in the Fold: Being Born into a High Control ReligionGrowing Up in the Fold0:00/3950.05387755102041× What’s the difference between experiencing religious trauma in the church — and being born into it? This episode, we begin to explore what kinds of lon... 1108
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Krispin turns 40 this week and in a few months the podcast we co-host together turns 10 . . . this means he spent his entire 30s making content with MEEEEEEEEEEE and I have loved every second of it. 0110
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 16/09/2026I'm obsessed with that book because my mother was obsessed and it ruined my childhood!!! Did you talk about how Hal Lindsey was investing in real estate in socal while also hawking this book? What a grifter. 020
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Who gets to decide if parenting methods are abusive or not? The person who utilized those methods or the child who bore the brunt of them? 170
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/09/2026If you don't have the capacity to financially support us (and get this extra-nerdy deep dive) don't worry, I wrote about Popenoe in 2024 and you can read/share it here: www.strongwilledproject.com/chapter-9-ch...strongwilledproject.comChapter 9: Children of the Positive Eugenics MovementThe hidden roots of white evangelical parenting manuals 051
Reposted by D.L. Mayfield (they/them)D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/09/2026To celebrate the one-year anniversary of James Dobson's death, I recorded a podcast all about his mentor and boss, Paul Popenoe. Shit gets real deep and real weird -- and it's like Project 2025, but in 1930s American Klan style. Support my work and listen in here: www.patreon.com/strongwilled...patreon.comA Deep Dive on James Dobson's Mentor, Eugenicist Paul Popenoe | STRONGWILLEDA Deep Dive on James Dobson's Mentor, Eugenicist Paul Popenoe by STRONGWILLED on Patreon. Join STRONGWILLED's community for exclusive content and updates. 1124
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/09/2026If you don't have the capacity to financially support us (and get this extra-nerdy deep dive) don't worry, I wrote about Popenoe in 2024 and you can read/share it here: www.strongwilledproject.com/chapter-9-ch...strongwilledproject.comChapter 9: Children of the Positive Eugenics MovementThe hidden roots of white evangelical parenting manuals 051
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 07/09/2026To celebrate the one-year anniversary of James Dobson's death, I recorded a podcast all about his mentor and boss, Paul Popenoe. Shit gets real deep and real weird -- and it's like Project 2025, but in 1930s American Klan style. Support my work and listen in here: www.patreon.com/strongwilled...patreon.comA Deep Dive on James Dobson's Mentor, Eugenicist Paul Popenoe | STRONGWILLEDA Deep Dive on James Dobson's Mentor, Eugenicist Paul Popenoe by STRONGWILLED on Patreon. Join STRONGWILLED's community for exclusive content and updates. 1124
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Azariah was the person who helped bring to light the horrific abuses by Michael Tait of the Newsboys. This is a really grim timeline y'all. 081
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 03/09/2026the weirdest part about growing up evangelical was being given the image and words of Jesus but the principles and actions of eugenics for decades -- and being told the cognitive dissonance was YOUR fault. 071
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 29/08/2026Anyways now would be a great time to support your favorite writers who clawed their way out of that money/time suck! The best way to support me and my work are on STRONGWILLED's patreon or our website. Thank you so much!!!! 050
D.L. Mayfield (they/them) @dlmayfield.bsky.social · 29/08/2026I still remember being so excited about Substack in the beginning and then watching it become this platform enriching horrid people has been so sad for me. In my heart I am just a weird little writer who wants to connect with other readers and instead I am funding Nazis (evergreen writer skeet). 140