When I was born, it was prophesied that I would move out and get a job at 18. I did everything I could to avoid it, but fate cannot be denied.

I believe L Ron Hubbard said, "if you want to make millions of dollars start a religion". How about an analysis of Hubbard?

They often ask you to send money to the Lord, but they give you their address. Talk about narcissism!

They are all like "I'm Christian so you should send me money....." The more pious they are, the more corrupt they are. Omg Falwell said Bakker was the worst and he should know because he is the 2nd worst.

Great insight “Con artists who are not discovered can cheat people based on the idea of hope, but when they are exposed, they have to defraud on the basis of fear.” I’ve seen this with telemarketers and mail fraud who fleece old people out of their money until they are broke. This is a billion dollar industry.

Prophecy,” he would go somewhere no one else would!” ..... like federal prison....Oh doc, you are sassy

His bucket of Apocalypse mac and cheese with a shovel ladle is the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Jim Bakker. What a despicable human being that guy is holy cow.

"People will believe almost anything to alleviate fear." I've been making lots of posts and things about how conspiracy theorists and victim blamers are just scared people. Everyone wants a formula that will stop the big bad thing from happening to them. Or a reason why no one is safe rather than accepting bad stuff sometimes happens. That really resonated with us.

"Fear blocks logical reasoning" - that explains a lot of the craziness in the world that perplexes me. Stoke the fear and have money and control. Ew.

Here for the most intelligent and hilariously delivered “dry” burns on youtube. Was not disappointed...

"It was predicted that he would go someplace no one had never gone before. It's funny because people have gone to federal prison before..." LOL!

In the 1980s, we'd joke that PTL meant "Pass the Loot." A grad school classmate who had attended/works at North Central University in Minneapolis, where the Bakkers met while attending, told me that the Bakkers had embezzled money from NCU, and the restitution money helped pay for the skyways at the college.

Dr. Grande I just found your channel and have not been able to stop watching since. It is obvious how much effort you put into your videos. Thank you!

I think we are corrupting Dr. Grande with our looove of his sarcasm and dark humour: first joke within the 1st minute 🤣

I love your sense of humor and dry wit, Dr. Grande. How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? None. The light bulb has to be willing to change itself. hahaha.

People have spiritual needs but instead of reading by themselves, they totally rely in someone else to tell them what to do. Even when we are in situations that require others help, God tells us to be careful and always examine our sources

Wow, I hadn't thought about Jim Bakker for years. How nice he could use his time in federal prison to read the bible....for the first time. 🙄 Thank you for your analysis and humour Dr Grande!! 🙏 My day doesn't start rolling until I watch your video!! xo

My era once again. That despicable man. We may have laughed at him and Tammy, but who got rich? Why did he want to leave prison SO short of the term he deserved - all those souls he could have saved. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

"Frightening and Repulsive: The Jim Bakker Story"

"The greatest scab and cancer on the face of Christianity in 2000 years of Church history." That is, the single greatest insult I have heard in the entirety of my life.

"People will believe a lot in order to maintain hope, but they'll believe almost anything to alleviate themselves of the feeling of fear." Good statement, Dr. Grande. Goes well with the classic "Nothing to fear but fear itself."

I would love to hear your analysis of Kate Gosselin.

Dr Grande's very last statement: "Fear blocks logical reasoning more effectively than a desire for a promising future". " People will believe a lot in order to maintain hope, but they'll believe almost anything to alleviate themselves of the feeling of fear." BRAVO

Jim and Tammy got married on April Fools Day?! That says a lot, when there are 364 other days to pick from! Thank you Doctor! Always a pleasure tuning in to normalcy and brilliance! Hope all is well with you and yours! 🌷😊

Will you please share your thoughts on the Duggers. The family from 19 kids and counting on.

I'm addicted to this show.

Oh, please, please, please do Joel and Victoria Osteen!

I very much enjoy your videos. In the world of fundamentalist Christian televangelists there is nothing their audiences love more than a preacher who has strayed from the path of righteousness, then repents and then returns to commit himself even more intensely to doing God's work. For people who still trusted him after his stint in prison (a big plus on his resume) it shows them that no matter what you do God will still forgive you and still use you to further his (the Lord's) kingdom. For them this is confirmation that God really does love them and really does save people. Clearly this is not a rational thought system, but Pretentious Terrible Liars like Jim Bakker know how to take advantage of that kind of belief system.

“People will believe almost anything to alleviate themselves of the feeling of fear” Dr. Grande. This phrase is extremely insightful, in general to rationalize and “not believe” is not very comforting. Almost at 400k Dr. Grande!!!! I am happy but I am already targeting the half a million, I think that will happen very soon!❤️👏🏼👏🏼

He is 80. His end times are much more near.

25 years of mediocre counseling and along came Dr. Grande and simplified it all. Your witty and on point and extremely relevant. 💋

Jim Baker should have served more time, he has no remorse for all of the money he stole.

I was living in Minneapolis when the Bakkers came crashing down. Someone at the time (who'd become a pastor) told me he'd been in school with the Bakkers and that neither had graduated Bible college. I thought this was very interesting and mentioned this to others. Surprisingly, no one believed me....and it wasn't really mentioned in the news. I wonder why? We did hear about their dog's air conditioned dog house and selling the same apartments to multiple people. When Bakker was arrested they made a big deal about finding him "crying and laying in a fetal position on the floor". Everyone thought he was setting up a mental illness defense. It didn't work, of course. More interesting than Jim was his wife, Tammy Faye Baker. She would be an interesting one for a video. She did everything to keep herself attractive for Jim but that meant continuing to look 16 and talking like a baby. People made fun of her make up - especially her eye lashes which were super caked with mascara. It was so, so sad. She stood by him then he dumped her.

Evil never dies. He will find a way to scam people from the grave.

Was? He's still out there spewing hatred and defrauding people.

You are consistently my favorite KZfaq channel. Thank you for your humor mixed with great insight.

Dr. Grande, you have helped me so much in keeping a daily routine during the lockdown. Your videos help me relax and laugh after studying all day (MSN program at UT), thank you.

Thank you Dr. Todd Grande for your brilliant analysis 👏!! You nailed it! Jim and Tammy Faye Baker started their ministry in my hometown in Virginia. I grew up watching PTL and 700 club. It was reported that people were sending Jim Baker their social security checks and he threw out their prayer letters. Jim Baker lived extravagantly in the 1980s. Even his dog had an air conditioned dog house 🏠 All a money 💰 game!

Narcissism is an understatement. Bakker is THE megalomaniac king of narcissists. Omg this subject truly is a trigger for many people. Might as well throw in the Grahams, too. I effing LEFT NC because of the religious manipulation....and moved to Washington state where all the serial killers are LOL and it is a POSITIVE move! LOL

2/2/22: I am a 61 year old retired Catholic priest with mental health issues (Avoidant Personality Disorder to name one) on a minimal fixed income. If one becomes a multimillionaire (remember the air conditioned dog house?) in “ministry,” one is NOT preaching the Word of God, but rather the word of SELF. The problem with some “preachers” (one can purchase a certificate of ordination one line for the minimum cost - I studied in two seminaries for nine years to get mine) they appeal to people who want easy, minimal effort assurance into heaven. Whereas, St. Paul tells us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). That takes a daily relationship with J3sus. More than just sending money to someone on TV. (Anyway, sorry for the sermon). Your humor is so dry and spot on every time - like the cactuses 🌵 in your current studio! ☺️☺️☺️

I remember the year 1987 clearly when Saturday Night Live was lampooning Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. I also remember Dana Carvey as the church lady interviewing one of the cast members playing Jessica Hahn.

I'm a Christian. Why would I need to plan for the end times? Isn't God going to take care of me?

Dr. Grande I think you would do well on U.K. tv. Your dry sense of humor is extremely funny in a low key way..👍🏻

Thank you, Dr. Grande! This case is truly incredible. I have a strong urge to laugh upon hearing your description and analysis. I just can't stand to think about the people defrauded, what happened to Tammy Faye.

Thank you for such a clear and interesting analysis of the relationship between a religious conman and his followers, especially how he changes his message from hope to fear once he is exposed as a fraud. I always look forward to your videos knowing I will be entertained and gain new knowledge and understanding. Thanks for all your hard work, it’s very much appreciated.

I've seen you do analysis of Dr. Phil, could you do an analysis of Dr. Drew? I once had a lot of respect for Dr. Drew but it has definitely dwindled in the last decade or so.

Thank you for this analysis! As someone familiar with being fear mongered by so called "Men of God" like JB, your assessment is right now. Even now 30 years removed from ppl like JB, it is good to be reminded of to be aware of the snare such manipulation.

I’m so grateful for this analysis. I’m writing an essay on “Delusional Faith”. It has nothing to with reasonable faith, but as Dr. Grande describes, some take advantage of faith and claim false prophecies, “false prophets”. I’m impressed how Dr. Grande examines the history and places it in the current context. It makes the analysis more understanding. The problem I see is that there are several ministers still out there with the same type of behaviors .

why look down on people who drive ice cream trucks?

I grew up in the 80s and cannot hear Jim and Tammy Faye’s names without thinking of Phil Hartman and Jan Hooks’ portrayals of them on SNL. The mascara 😂😂

This is so fascinating! I've always been curious about the psychology of religious "leaders." Have you heard of pastor Jane Whaley at Word of Faith Fellowship in North Carolina? She and her "church" have been accused of a variety of crimes, running a cult, and they also subscribe to the "prosperity gospel." It would be AMAZING if you did a profile on her. She's so fascinating...and scary.

Recently I found a Cheeto that strongly resembles Dr. Grande

It's like opening a present,thanks Dr GRANDE for the never ending content...what an eye opener these types ARE!

PASS THE LOOT club!!!!

Always well researched, scripted and edited with perfect delivery, Dr. Large. Kudos and well wishes from Germany!

I would love to see an analysis of Joel Osteen.

Jim spent 1/3 of his money from PTL for his wife's hair, and makeup! NO, WAIT , 1/2 HIS MONEY!!!😳🤡

Amazing. This is so timely. You are saving my life. No joke. The personality traits of a cult leader. OMG. Before Dr Grande I didn't have the knowledge or strength to deal with the situation. You have hit the nail on the head. Now I am a survivor. What can I say? .... Thank you.

What goes on in the head of woman who stay with these kind of men? Speculate on Tammy Faye's personna.

The professional shade is impeccable, doctor.

I'd love to see an analysis of the Will and Jada "entanglement" interview.

“Which is interesting because other people have gone to Federal Prison “ I almost choked on my water laughing. 😂 😂 😂

Con man. He should be in jail with Bernie Madoff. He had a stroke? Hopefully, that'll keep in down and unable to cause anymore grief.

My mom watched the PTL show in the 70's. She had no idea what Jim Baker really was back then. To this day she listens to almost any TV evangelist without discrimination. Which seems very scary to me, because if she believes a cult leader she'll follow them blindly. She's part of a very fundamental church and was telling my sisters and me when we were 7 years old and younger, that Jesus would come back before we turned 20, and we would have our heads chopped because we were "believers". And that she loved Jesus more than us and she would leave us in heartbeat if she felt god told her to. (Sometimes I wished she would have left), I wouldn't have been raised going to her church that had extreme beliefs and strict rules. I had no life outside church, Christian school and the immediate family. I was so jealous of my friends who normal parents and normal lives that actually did things like bowling. I would love to see more of these shows, addressing fraud in TV evangelists and other famous fraudulent and cult-ish religious leaders, and the spell they hold over people.

“Other people have gone to federal prison” 😂😂😂😂

Hey Doc. I noticed you don't use your introduction anymore at the begining. It was a unique intro to your videos and your brand. Just wanted to put that out there.

I was raised all up in the church. Fear is a great motivator and they will make you verrrry, verrry afraid.

I love these. You've already covered so many people, but I have a few suggestions that you (and surely others) might find interesting! - Keith Rainere (NXIVM sex cult leader), he was arrested a few years back if I recall correctly and I believe he has yet to be sentenced - Shawn Grate (Ohio serial killer, took advantage of mentally ill women he mostly met in bible study groups if I recall correctly) - Jason Dalton (Kalamazoo Michigan uber driving shooter) - Televangelist Robert Tilton (involved in many scandals) - Shoko Asahara (Aum Shinrikyo cult leader) - Grigori Rasputin - L Ron Hubbard Thanks for your consideration and all your hard work in delivering this category of videos. I know a lot of time and effort has to be going into it!

I remember watching them on the big hair channel when I was little (nickname for the Christian station they were on was the big hair channel.) jerry fahlwell and pat robertson are also terrible. They also committed fraud.

Again!! Dr G! Lol 😂. I have to learn not to drink my coffee while watching your videos 😂😂. You had me cracking up when you said place no ones gone before- like federal prison 🤣🤣

The first time I ever saw Jim and Tammy Jo Baker, I was in Texas…one of our stopovers on a National Tour I was doing. We’d had a long flight. I was exhausted and once we’d checked in I immediately went to bed…with the television on. The next morning I woke up to the sound of gospel (ish) singing and a minister shouting praise the lord…etc. I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was Tammy Baker and her extraordinary eye makeup. I thought it was a comedy skit on the order of Saturday Night Live. It took about ten minutes to realize that it was real. Our show was only in town for a week and every single day I would watch it. I was curious as to how the two of them were able to get people to “Pass the Loot” with such an obvious “ dog and pony” act. Like The Emperor’s New Clothes. Jim Baker was a straight up hustler whereas Tammy Fay (in my humble opinion) actually believed what she was selling …. just a bit “out of touch”. After watching the documentary on her…I felt even more so. By then her cancer was terminal…her eye makeup grotesque and she her mental state had grown even more fragile.

My late mother loved the original PTL club. She wasn’t religious, but just enjoyed it as a talk show. She lost interest not because of any of the fraud stuff but because of the Hann affair. She couldn’t think of Bakker the same way after that. I recall her being so disappointed.

Dr. Grande, how is it that someone can be simultaneously a conspiracy theorist, or some other flavors of goofy, and be a fairly intelligent person in almost every other way? Could you explore further your comments on fear? And how does an emotion like fear, overwhelm logical thinking in an adult. We can all worry and have fear, but not unreasonably.

I was in the courtroom when Jim was sentenced. It was pure drama. Tammy was a beautiful soul. No one remembers how she embraced gay men with AIDS. It was very brave if her at that time.

Haha I love Dr Grande! “Other people have gone to Federal Prison..” Thanks for such great content. Can’t stop watching! He’s so well spoken and educated!

My mom bought a time share; when they declared bankruptcy, she received a letter stating that Jim and Tammy bankrupted everything -I still have the paperwork. My dad passed away and she had a pension check and SSA to live on. She worked her entire life. When I asked mom why she sent money to those “people”? I will never forget her response. “I love to watch “Dino” and their guests. When GOD’s words are said, Christians will hear the words. GOD will take care of the rest.” SO, I was wrong; she was always frugal but she donated to certain Christian groups but she gave mostly by tithing to our church and visiting moms/dads at home (other parent was in prison or MIA) who let their children come to church. Our pew looked like a scene out of, “The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever”.

Hi Dr. Grande, Could you do a case study on Light, a character from the show Death Note, on Netflix? its a very psychological show and and very short. Thank you!

OK, I thought that this guy was dead. PTL equaled "Pay The Leader."

The choice to use specific thumbnail of Baker at 6:45! Genius Dr G!

I saw him on a Christian talk show shortly after he got out of prison. His story was he had a religious experience in prison and God spoke to him through a black prison guard, telling him he was forgiven. So, he used the story of redemption, and most likely lied about the guard. Using a POC as a spokesperson for God probably gave him an added edge in the redemption theme. I could see the struggle in the interviewer, who most likely was a genuine Christian, as thousands of people became converted to Christianity through Bakker's tv show. How do you reconcile your faith with this type of con, it makes you susceptible to the redemption story. Very interesting the difference between hope and fear, and how one is more gullible than the other. Recently, my husband has had an increased interest in end times literature, and I've seen a rapid increase of belief in conspiracy theories from friends. This pandemic is doing a real number on people's mental health. I'm not sure I wanted to know this, sometimes I learn too much from your videos, lol.

The cosmetic industry made millions of Tammy.

"Being targeted by the government or other evil groups", haha good one.

Well put Dr. Grande. That video is excellent. I have a better understanding of why Jim Baker had a following on TV even after his history of criminal behavior they still stood by him! Now I understand why.

I worked for a community bank in Michigan at the time Baker was popular. SOOO many customers CANCELLED their monthly checks to Bakers' ministry during the scandal (Heritage USA). Being a young woman who worked in customer accounts, and a fervent Christian, I was pleased. People had seen through this awful man's ruse...

*_Religion poisons everything_* - Christopher Hitchens

American Christianity is just...bonkers.

An excellent review of a very disturbed individual. Reminds one of being mindful of the psycopathy that motivates individuals to do harm in the wake of 'being a saviour'.

For cult leaders, it's always talk of convenient prophesies and rarely obligations. Some people seem to live for laud and applause. When I'm complimented I can randomly become awkward, but also my thoughts become fuzzy. It doesn't compute. I will question my feelings and even my actions to obsession - it can sometimes throw me off for days when I'm dealing with a lot of troubles and depending how personal it is. Is this as simple as a self esteem issue? How can one work on a problem like this? It can be embarassing and damaging sometimes. Can even rarely send me into depression. It's very difficult for me to understand what the cause is. And my vulnerability does change throughout life. I feel it could be worse when I was codependent with toxic people. Fascinating discussion and very funny on point jokes. I genuinely laughed a lot, your humour really shines when you talk about distasteful things. I believe to prey on the weak minded just shows the strength of mind of the man, or limits of. I may be naive but I still believe there are many ways to be highly successful without creating a net negative in the world. There is a grey area closer to middle ground though which I can appreciate Thank you again for your thoughts. Always such interesting topics and discussions. Your videos always get me thinking in beneficial ways

Hey what’s wrong with stamp collecting? 😏

RIGHT-WING is as RIGHT-WING does.

Excellent analysis - love your approach to various topics and enjoy your dry sense of humor - you are truly the Bob Ross of psychological thinking and report.

These comments are killing me. I think what worries me most is that Tammy Faye was such a beautiful beautiful young girl , then she turned out to look like Dragon lady in red lipstick. Where does the time go?

Has dr Grande reviewed the “apostle David Taylor “ from JMMI Ministry? It’s hysterical you tube google search worth every minute

Love your videos

Tell us how you really feel, Dr. Grande! Thanks for this. Been enjoying your channel.

I’m a new subscriber but already I have learned to have a coffee handy because this whit is so dry I could choke on this subtle yet hilarious humour. Low key conditioning by the way. Watch Dr. Grande+ coffee. Hear Dr. Grande’s voice....boil kettle then delayed gratification. It’s a whole mood on this channel.

I’ve been binging your videos for three days because they’re so intriguing and well researched - thanks! Could you please look into the Lori Vallow case?

Dr., I appreciate how you just, tell the truth.

I was raised in a cult. I left the cult at age 17 but it still exists. They teach that they are not a cult, but they are. Several of my family members remain in this cult and it has strained my relationship with them off and on over the years. I'm convinced that they remain out of fear. My mother joined when she was pregnant with me and she joined out of fear and remained until she died out of fear. I have a hard time dealing with future thinking, guilt and fear but meditation and education has helped. I remember watching Jim Baker as a child, we would laugh at him, not recognizing our own fear and ignorance. I don't trust any religion or evangelists. I feel that they are all frauds and fear mongers.

Someone really needs to come out with a book of "Mundane Prophesies." Where things like the love of baking, gardening, being disappointed by your favorite show at the end (looking at you GOT) and getting great deals at Marshall's are all prophesied well in advance. "This book nailed me!" 🤣