I spent about a week in Finland this summer, visiting my host sister from when I was an exchange student there in 1978. Our family structures are completely different: I was a SAHM to three kids, very close in age, now grown, while my husband worked full-time. I'll never forget the exhaustion I felt when the kids were toddlers and the lack of support I received from my own church (Catholic) when one of the kids was having some problems. I was completely alone until I found a preschool that accepted special needs and non-special needs kids. My host sister is one of the matriarchs (with fair power to the men in the family) of a large extended/blended family of her own children, the children of her partner, her step-children and step-grandchildren, and so on. We talked about all these issues at length, and it was clear that she and the other moms in the family always had support while raising their kids. Because of the fluid nature of their family structure, there was ALWAYS someone they could call to step in when things got rough, someone got sick, etc. We could stand to learn from the Finns and similar cultures if we'd be willing to open our minds to other ways of doing things.
What a wonderful interview! In addition to Tia's book (which I'm very interested in checking out), I highly recommend the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets in which she and a number of other survivors of Bill Gothard's teachings bravely share their horror stories living under the indoctrination he promoted. Moreover, it's shocking to see how much of it has seeped into more mainstream Christianity and American culture in general thanks to the Duggars' TV specials and series.
Yes! Tia was one of the people interviewed in Shiny Happy People! I was a secular homeschooler, starting in the early 2000s, so was familiar with Gothard and the quiverful ideology (though not directly in my circle of homeschoolers) and recognized it in the Duggars. It’s been scary to watch it become more mainstreamed and but heartening to see it implode the more sunlight is shined on it. Tia is truly doing life-saving work.
Life-saving and (hopefully) democracy-saving work! The final episode that talks about the plan to infiltrate the government is terrifying, and I hope that the sunshine that's been forced on that proves to be an effective disinfectant.
The paragraph about “invisible prisons” was heartbreaking. I’m so glad I was able to flee mine, and raise my son by myself, to be open minded and caring. Terrific and terrifying interview. Brava to both of you.
Some of the best writing -wow. Thank you. I woke up at 5 am and went straight to this deep dive of journalism at its best. I have shared shared and shared again. A must read. Thank you
I love a giveaway! I listened to Jo Piazza talk to Tia Levings this week as well, I am so interested in the women who were able to leave. Co-sign on endlessly fascinating and depressing. I’ve still been watching the Good Luck Babe BF tiktok from a few weeks ago that was so emotionally affecting and I keep wondering about the BTS element of it all.
I spent about a week in Finland this summer, visiting my host sister from when I was an exchange student there in 1978. Our family structures are completely different: I was a SAHM to three kids, very close in age, now grown, while my husband worked full-time. I'll never forget the exhaustion I felt when the kids were toddlers and the lack of support I received from my own church (Catholic) when one of the kids was having some problems. I was completely alone until I found a preschool that accepted special needs and non-special needs kids. My host sister is one of the matriarchs (with fair power to the men in the family) of a large extended/blended family of her own children, the children of her partner, her step-children and step-grandchildren, and so on. We talked about all these issues at length, and it was clear that she and the other moms in the family always had support while raising their kids. Because of the fluid nature of their family structure, there was ALWAYS someone they could call to step in when things got rough, someone got sick, etc. We could stand to learn from the Finns and similar cultures if we'd be willing to open our minds to other ways of doing things.
What a wonderful interview! In addition to Tia's book (which I'm very interested in checking out), I highly recommend the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets in which she and a number of other survivors of Bill Gothard's teachings bravely share their horror stories living under the indoctrination he promoted. Moreover, it's shocking to see how much of it has seeped into more mainstream Christianity and American culture in general thanks to the Duggars' TV specials and series.
Such a hard watch - the child abuse specifically. But SO important.
Yes! Tia was one of the people interviewed in Shiny Happy People! I was a secular homeschooler, starting in the early 2000s, so was familiar with Gothard and the quiverful ideology (though not directly in my circle of homeschoolers) and recognized it in the Duggars. It’s been scary to watch it become more mainstreamed and but heartening to see it implode the more sunlight is shined on it. Tia is truly doing life-saving work.
she really really is
Life-saving and (hopefully) democracy-saving work! The final episode that talks about the plan to infiltrate the government is terrifying, and I hope that the sunshine that's been forced on that proves to be an effective disinfectant.
I was trying to remember if she was in that documentary, her name sounded familiar. It was such a good series (although hard to watch at times)
The paragraph about “invisible prisons” was heartbreaking. I’m so glad I was able to flee mine, and raise my son by myself, to be open minded and caring. Terrific and terrifying interview. Brava to both of you.
Thank you for introducing us to Tia. What a haunting interview and how important to hear her insider’s perspective. So many lines highlighted
Some of the best writing -wow. Thank you. I woke up at 5 am and went straight to this deep dive of journalism at its best. I have shared shared and shared again. A must read. Thank you
thank you for sharing!
Amazing interview, amazing woman.
What an interview. Wow. Wow. Wow.
I love a giveaway! I listened to Jo Piazza talk to Tia Levings this week as well, I am so interested in the women who were able to leave. Co-sign on endlessly fascinating and depressing. I’ve still been watching the Good Luck Babe BF tiktok from a few weeks ago that was so emotionally affecting and I keep wondering about the BTS element of it all.
I also love giveaways and have been watching that TikTok a lot- it’s so moving!
I recently heard an interview with Tia on Julie Bogart's podcast. So fascinating--and a story people need to hear.
Fascinating and horrifying, would love to read her book.
Great interview, I must get the book. This topic is endlessly fascinating (and depressing).
This was amazing!
What an excellent interview. Read it two days ago and keep thinking about it! Looking forward to the book.
Fascinating interview. Would love to read more from Tia.
I *need* this book!!
Such a great interview! Thanks for this.