Bio

Hi there, friend.

I'm John Verner — editor, podcaster, writer, and journalist passionate about uncovering the subtle manipulations within religious and political spheres, particularly in Christianity. My on journey through faith and deconstruction fuels my commitment to distilling complex histories into engaging narratives.

In 2019, while living in a van and reflecting on my experiences, I penned "The Cult of Christianity: How Churches Control, Contain, and Convert." This work began my mission to confront the problematic nature of white evangelicalism in the United States. To continue this dialogue, I launched "The Cult of Christianity" podcast, where I delve deeper into these issues and engage with a diverse range of guests.

Beyond this, I've hosted "Amateur Religious Trauma Therapy" and "Parsing Propaganda," and co-host "Lisa Joins a Cult," exploring contemporary cult dynamics. As the Publishing Editor at VOX ATL, I guide Atlanta's teens in creating uncensored, professional-level content in digital and print media. My investigative journalism has shed light on scandals from leadership abuses within Hillsong to Title IX violations at Christian colleges.

While I publicly critique systemic issues, I acknowledge my own personal flaws and ongoing mental health journey. I believe in striving for authenticity over idealization. Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in football, spending time with my cat Louis, and composing music. 

Empowering diverse teens to lead through uncensored self-expression