Talking Dateline: Broken Circle
- Aug 14, 2024
- 17:39
- Full Episode
<p>Andrea Canning catches up with Keith Morrison and Dateline producer Liz Brown about their episode, “Broken Circle.” In 2020, a 21-second video filmed secretly at Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch, a religious reform school in Missouri, went viral on TikTok. Soon after, the local sheriff launched an investigation into possible abuse, and the school closed. Surprisingly, the person who posted the video was none other than Amanda Householder, the daughter of the school's owners. Keith and Liz discuss Amanda’s choice to go against her parents and how she joined forces with former Circle of Hope students to change Missouri laws regulating religious schools. Plus, Keith shares two podcast-exclusive clips from his interviews with former students from Circle of Hope and a similar nearby boys’ school, Agape Ranch.</p><p> </p><p>Listen to the full episode of “Broken Circle” on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/3ZOBV4v">https://apple.co/3ZOBV4v</a></p><p>Listen to the full episode on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v4iYz2f7397wujbvOZw59">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v4iYz2f7397wujbvOZw59</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
A TikTok video reveals abuse at a Missouri reform school, leading to investigations and legal action against its owners.
Key points
- The Power of 21 Seconds. A viral TikTok video exposes abuse at a religious reform school, prompting investigations.
- Parents' Guilt and Misguided Trust. Parents believed they were doing the right thing by sending their children to the school.
- Amanda's Brave Stand. Amanda Householder risks everything to expose the truth about her family's school.
- Legal Consequences for Abusers. Boyd and Stephanie Householder face numerous felony charges for child abuse.
- Change in Missouri Law. New regulations require religious schools to register with the state for oversight.
Episode highlights
- The Power of 21 SecondsA viral TikTok video exposes abuse at a religious reform school, prompting investigations.“It's amazing how 21 seconds can be so powerful.”2:05Aug 14, 2024
- Parents' Guilt and Misguided TrustParents believed they were doing the right thing by sending their children to the school.“It would crush you to know that you sent your child into harm's way.”4:58Aug 14, 2024
- Amanda's Brave StandAmanda Householder risks everything to expose the truth about her family's school.“Making the decision to turn on your own parents... was just remarkable.”11:58Aug 14, 2024
- Legal Consequences for AbusersBoyd and Stephanie Householder face numerous felony charges for child abuse.“We're talking more than 70 felonies for Boyd, including abuse of a child.”12:44Aug 14, 2024
- Change in Missouri LawNew regulations require religious schools to register with the state for oversight.“So now religious schools have to register with the state.”16:09Aug 14, 2024
