Dr. James Dobson is a clinical psychologist, founder of Christian media empire Focus on the Family, a spiritual advisor to every Republican President since Reagan, and a paragon in the Evangelical Christian movement. And he's a massive dick. Join therapists Jake (a former Evangelical) and Brooke (who knows almost nothing about Evangelical culture) as they read and tear apart Dobson's works. Get ready to laugh, cry, and rip your hair out as we explore the very many reasons why I Hate James Dobson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're unfortunately back, back, back, again with another Dobson novel. It's a sequel to his first novel, "Fatherless", and it's somehow even hornier than last time. It's also a poorly written mystery, and entirely ineffective social critique - all in 1! Wow! Check out our patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Or go to ihatejamesdobson.com for all our links Ill-Conceived Podcast can be found at https://www.illconceivedpodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: W13H7KUENAVGWSLM https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/get-that-thing License code: NY6GML3MWBPKFY87 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I feel like the title really says it all on this one, folks. Dobson wrote a novel about eugenics. It's wildly horny. It's pretty bad. Jake and Brooke will tell you all about it - and also a lot about sandwiches. That's mostly unrelated. Check out our patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Or go to ihatejamesdobson.com for all our links Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/get-that-thing License code: CLTQBJCDSM2QEAWO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wowza! We have guests! Today, Jake is joined by Kevin and Kelly to talk about what comes after James Dobson. You know, ironically, James Dobson did bring my family closer together - through shared hatred. Talk about family values. Check out our patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Or go to ihatejamesdobson.com for all our links Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy Pride part 2! Today, Jake and Brooke dive back into the tragic world of Bringing Up Boys to talk about the rot under the hood. While they tear apart conversion therapy and its proponents, there are also big laughs and lots of silliness. The two genders. Check out our patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Or go to ihatejamesdobson.com for all our links Some medical organizations statements against conversion therapy: American Medical Association: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/evidence-against-conversion-therapy American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: https://plus.aamft.org/chiles-v-salazar-faq/ References: The Patrick Custer Show. (2025, December 12). Michael Passons (Pt 1) Breaks Silence: His Truth About Avalon, Christian Music & 20‑Year Return [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmWXtnECYP0 The Patrick Custer Show. (2025, December 23).Michael Passons' Full Story (Pt 2): Forced Out of Avalon, Out of The Closet & Conversion Therapy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ9ctLW-2Yo Skinner, J. (Host). (2020, September 22). Michael Passons [Audio Podcast Episode]. In Jonah and the Whale . Lasting Media Group. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jonah-and-the-whale/id1396748811 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy Pride, Readers! This is an episode Jake has been waiting to make for a second now, so get ready as Jake and Brooke talk about the story of John Paulk, first told in Bringing up Boys and then re-examined 25 years later in the podcast "Atonement: The John Paulk Story". It's a story of pain, redemption, and c*nty letters from TV producers - it really is everything you'd want from a Pride episode. Check out our patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Or go to ihatejamesdobson.com for all our links Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Howdy ho, readers! On this episode, Jake and Brooke discuss the finale of the Focus on the Family Film series, a movie with a title so obnoxious it was one of the first running jokes of the blog: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women. Brooke and Jake discuss the content, as well as just why Dobson is so bad at all of this. And now, we never have to talk about this terrible title ever again. Check out our Patreon! www.patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi there readers! Ready to hear James Dobson talk about the birds and the bees? No? Too bad, that's what today's episode is. Jake and Brooke (and very special guest Josh Boerman from The Worst of All Possible Worlds) to talk about the next two videos in Dobson's classic "Focus on the Family" film series. And if I put what the conversation is about, I will ruin all SEO opportunities so you'll have to listen and find out what happens! Check out Josh's work: https://joshboerman.com https://www.patreon.com/cw/WorstOfAll https://illconceivedpodcast.com Check out our Patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson References: Kerner, I. (8 December 2016). Press Release on Sex Addiction. American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. https://www.aasect.org/sites/default/files/AASECT_Press_Release_on_Sex_Addiction.pdf n.a. (n.d.) AASECT Position on Sex Addiction. American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. https://www.aasect.org/position-sex-addiction Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi! Today, Jake and Brooke conclude their conversations on "The Strong-Willed Child" a series that feels like it's been going on since these books were first published. They talk about the 2004 reprint, how Dobson's views did (not) evolve over time, and what the legacy of this collection of trash has meant for so many. Check out our patreon! www.patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome back, readers, to another installment in everyone's least favorite Dobson work, the one that just won't end - The Strong-Willed Child. Today, Jake and Brooke watch Dobson's 2-part lectures on raising the so-called Strong-Willed Child and take a walk down memory (traumatic flashback) lane as they revist all the worst parts. However frustrated you are, just imagine how much moreso Brooke is at the thought of going back to this garbage pile of source material. Check out our Patreon! www.patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson References: n.a. (February 2019). Resolution on Physical Discipline of Children By Parents. American Psychological Association . https://www.apa.org/about/policy/physical-discipline.pdf Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Break out your tie dye shirts and make sure your latch key kids have snacks in the fridge because today, Jake & Brooke travel back to the 1980s to discuss the life and legacy of Harold Morris - and how that legacy was coopted by James Dobson to... mixed results. We talk about prison, DARE, and Punky Brewster, among other salacious topics. Check out our patreon! patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello! Welcome and welcome back! Today, Jake and Brooke discuss an early Dobson work, back when he was still a working psychologist. What a horrifying thought. There's time to talk about Freud, Middlemarch, and too many checklists. Check out our Patreon! www.patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Howdy readers! Today, Jake and Brooke start with an extra-exciting announcement: the launch of the official I Hate James Dobson Patreon ! Then they get into less exciting things, like the rise of Christian Nationalism and so-called "counter-terrorism" directives. Important and interesting, but less exciting. This episode has it all! Check out our Patreon! www.patreon.com/ihatejamesdobson References: Hundley, M. (2021). A Moral Crusade: The Preservation fo Segregation by Southern Baptists in Alabama. The Crimson Historical Review. University of Alabama. https://crimsonhistorical.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Moral_Crusade_Final.pdf Klippenstein , K. (2025). Trump's NSPM-7 Labels Common Beliefs As Terrorism "Indicators". KenKlippenstien.com . https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/trumps-nspm-7-labels-common-beliefs n.a. (2025). New immigration Crackdown: Where Americans Stand. Public Religion Research Institute. https://prri.org/research/the-new-immigration-crackdown-where-americans-stand/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi! Today, Jake and Brooke discuss one of Dobson's very first films "What Dads Need to Know About Fatherhood", a movie that is truly... nothing. At least we will always have Cats in the Cradle, I suppose. This is a silly one, readers. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Put on your best Elle Woods cosplay, readers, because today Jake and Brooke discuss the legal organization called the Alliance Defending Freedom. This Dobson creation continues to wreak havoc on all of our lives in big and small ways. Even if you've seen the John Oliver segment on it, you still don't hate them enough. References: Bragman, W. (2026, Jan 5). Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans. ImportantContext.com . https://www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-warn-us-in-early-stages-of Last Week Tonight. (2025, May 12). Alliance Defending Freedom [Video]. HBO & YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCAuHH5EYnE LIttlefield, A. (2021, November 30). The Christian Legal Army Behind the Ban on Abortion in Mississippi. The Nation . https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/alliance-defending-freedom-dobbs/ Ward, I. (2024, march 25). The Group Behind Dobbs Does Not Want to Talk About What Comes Next. Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/03/25/head-of-alliance-defending-freedom-Kristen-Waggoner-speaks-on-mifepristone-00148565 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Put on some scrunchies and hairspray with CFCs because today Jake and Brooke time travel back to 1993 to talk about a VHS classic: "Sex, Lies & ... The Truth!". You'll be shocked to hear that this film is full of lies. Misleading? I prefer to think of it as irony. Mostly because that makes me feel better about humanity. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this very special start to 2026, Jake is joined by their parents to talk about healing and reconciliation. Eat your heart out, Esther Perel (We love you, Esther Perel). Stick around til the end for a special word from Tyler. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Merry Secular Holidays, readers! Today, Brooke is in charge and we actually get to have fun! Join us for some Q&A, some gift giving, some surprise guests, and plans for 2026 :) Check out our friends! The Worst of All Possible Worlds Lessons from the Couch Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thank goodness we don't care about being demonitized because this episode goes places advertisers wouldn't go anywhere near. Jake and Brooke talk about the toxic sludge that is Love Must Be Tough, another book that defines his legacy. At least you can hear Brooke's cat purring at points - that counts for something! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/get-that-thing License code: CJC8J8D177SDPEA3 https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Step into the imagination station and rewind all the way back to 2006 to join Jake and Brooke as they talk about the definitional documentary "Jesus Camp" - as well as the legacy of it now almost 20 years later. If you're playing IHJD Bingo at home, I think this episode gets you a full run. References: Fundie Fridays. (2021, May 14). Jesus Camp | A Post 9/11 Evangelical Fever Dream [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gam6PfrW4ZA&t=1s Hesse, J. (2016, July 6). The kids of Jesus Camp, 10 years later: 'Was it child abuse? Yes and no'. The Guardian . https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/06/jesus-camp-christian-documentary-kids-10-years-later JeGaysus - THE Gay Jesus. (2023, November 5). Jesus Camp Where Are They Now? | Levi from Documentary - Interview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF2SqG8aQQI&t=5s Samuel Young. (2012, June 4). Jesus Camp -- Levi five years later [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLUSK_hrAI Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We've read the book, now it's time to look at the world around Dare 2 Share. In this episode, Brooke and Jake talk about Greg Stier, Dare 2 Share events, Promise Keepers, Skillet, and (as a treat) Propaganda. Trigger Warning for depictions of hell 31:00 - 33:15 Check out Propaganda's work: @prophiphop on social media and wherever you get your music References: Anthony, D. & Reynolds, G. (2020, August 4). 441 - Promise Keepers [Audio Podcast]. Onmy Studio. Ashely, F. Interrogating Gender-Exploratory Therapy. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2023 Mar;18(2):472-481. doi: 10.1177/17456916221102325. Epub 2022 Sep 6. 36068009; PMCID: PMC10018052 Dare 2 Share Ministries. (2021, April 27). The Greg Stier Ministry Podcast - The Power of the Gospel with Skillet's John Cooper. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3EUm-F2XcI&t=790s Focus on the Family. (2022, November 16). How a Dysfunctional Street Kid Became a Radical Disciple of Jesus (Part 1) - Greg Stier. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GFh2h6pgUg Graham, R. (2024, August 11). The All-Male Christian Group Seeking a Resurrection in the Trump Era . New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/us/promise-keepers-evangelical-christians.html Matt Clayberg Ministries. (2013, August 24th). A Letter from Hell. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oGXPRjk1HI&t=325s Nameless Christian. (2013, October 19). Dare2Share 2013 . [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0SavotwEZ0&t=33s n.a. (2023). Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). https://archive.org/details/httpsstore.samhsa.govsitesdefaultfilespep22-03-12-001/page/n21/mode/2up Petty, J. (2021, May 21). ALLOW ME TO REINTRODUCE MYSELF [Audio Podcast]. Cool Zone Media Stier, G. (2016, September 1). 25 milestones during 25 years of Dare 2 Share. GregStier.com . https://gregstier.org/25-milestones-during-25-years-of-dare-2-share Stier, G. (2024, July 23). The Power of the Gospel and the Potential of Teens. Dare2Share.org. https://www.dare2share.org/blog/the-power-of-the-gospel-and-the-potential-of-teens Widaman, D. (2020, August 29). Skillet lead singer John Cooper armed self to protect family against Kenosha rioters. Metro Voice News. https://metrovoicenews.com/skillet-lead-singer-john-cooper-armed-self-to-protect-family-against-kenosha-rioters Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 9OT2MTBHWWSRZP5S Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
