Atonement: The John Paulk Story
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Podcast Overview
<p>John was an ex-gay, ex-drag queen and an evangelical Christian. He married an ex-lesbian, had three children and became the poster boy for “conversion therapy” for over 15 years, traveling across the world to preach the idea you can ‘pray away the gay’.</p> <p> </p> <p>John Paulk was living proof that they could change, that God would love them, and that they could live a “normal” heterosexual life. </p> <p> </p> <p>But John was living a lie: he was still gay. </p> <p> </p> <p>Now, he’s ready to tell his story.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/6/2026
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Recent Episodes
February 17, 2026
6. To Hell and Back
<p>John comes out for the third - and final - time. <br><br>In this final chapter, hear John’s journey from shame to accountability, and the hard-won freedom of living authentically. <br><br>—<br><br>Atonement: The John Paulk Story is a production of iHeart Podcasts and Goldhawk Productions in association with Marks Media Co.<br><br>It was presented by John Paulk. The producer was Kate Holland.</p> <p>The Programme Consultant was Patrick Strudwick.</p> <p>Sound design and audio mix was by Femi Oriogun-Williams.</p> <p>The executive producer for Goldhawk was Alex Hollands. <br><br>For Marks Media, the executive producer was Lyndal Marks.</p> <p>Thank you to Taylor Chicoine, Anna Stumpf and Kate Mansberger at iHeart.<br>—</p> <p>If you’ve been affected by any of the issues covered in this series, you can find help and support at the following links:<br><br><a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a><br><br>The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988 or chat online. <br><br><a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/">Crisis Text Line</a><br><strong><br></strong>If you are in crisis, text CONVO to 741741 in the US for free, confidential, 24/7, support.<br><br><a href="TheTrevorProject.org">The Trevor Project</a><br><br>The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via the website or by texting START to 678678.<br><br><a href="https://rainn.org/">RAINN</a><br><br>RAINN - the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - provide free, confidential, 24/7 help. Call 1-800-656-4673 or the website to chat with a support specialist.<br><br>If you’re in the UK, please find a range of <a href="https://platformmedia.uk/helplines/">helplines and support networks here</a>.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
February 10, 2026
5. A House of Cards
<p>When John Paulk slips into a D.C. gay bar, everything he’s built looks set to collapse. <br><br>Caught, exposed, and suffocated by shame, he clings to a lie that fools no one - not even himself. <br><br>—<br><br>Atonement: The John Paulk Story is a production of iHeart Podcasts and Goldhawk Productions in association with Marks Media Co.<br><br>—</p> <p>If you’ve been affected by any of the issues covered in this series, you can find help and support at the following links:<br><br><a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a><br><br>The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988 or chat online. <br><br><a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/">Crisis Text Line</a><br><strong><br></strong>If you are in crisis, text CONVO to 741741 in the US for free, confidential, 24/7, support.<br><br><a href="TheTrevorProject.org">The Trevor Project</a><br><br>The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via the website or by texting START to 678678.<br><br><a href="https://rainn.org/">RAINN</a><br><br>RAINN - the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - provide free, confidential, 24/7 help. Call 1-800-656-4673 or the website to chat with a support specialist.<br><br>If you’re in the UK, please find a range of <a href="https://platformmedia.uk/helplines/">helplines and support networks here</a>.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
February 3, 2026
4. The Gospel According to John
<p>John looks back at the spiritual wreckage the ex-gay movement leaves behind - and the lives it destroys. <br><br>Publicly, he’s its polished poster boy. But behind the public halo, he’s drowning.</p> <p><br>—<br><br>Atonement: The John Paulk Story is a production of iHeart Podcasts and Goldhawk Productions in association with Marks Media Co.<br><br>—</p> <p>If you’ve been affected by any of the issues covered in this series, you can find help and support at the following links:<br><br><a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a><br><br>The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988 or chat online. <br><br><a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/">Crisis Text Line</a><br><strong><br></strong>If you are in crisis, text CONVO to 741741 in the US for free, confidential, 24/7, support.<br><br><a href="TheTrevorProject.org">The Trevor Project</a><br><br>The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via the website or by texting START to 678678.<br><br><a href="https://rainn.org/">RAINN</a><br><br>RAINN - the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - provide free, confidential, 24/7 help. Call 1-800-656-4673 or the website to chat with a support specialist.<br><br>If you’re in the UK, please find a range of <a href="https://platformmedia.uk/helplines/">helplines and support networks here</a>.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
7 total episodes available
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- What is Atonement: The John Paulk Story?
<p>John was an ex-gay, ex-drag queen and an evangelical Christian. He married an ex-lesbian, had three children and became the poster boy for “conversion therapy” for over 15 years, traveling across the world to preach the idea you can ‘pray away the gay’.</p> <p> </p> <p>John Paulk was living proof that they could change, that God would love them, and that they could live a “normal” heterosexual life. </p> <p> </p> <p>But John was living a lie: he was still gay. </p> <p> </p> <p>Now, he’s ready to tell his story.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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