John Verner

Before AJO, John Verner (he/him) attended Bible college, witnessed scandal after scandal, and lived through multiple traumatic events that led him to leave Christianity. He wrote “The Cult of Christianity,” launched a podcast of the same name, and began investigating cults, churches, and religious systems full-time. He came to AJO to sharpen his reporting skills, turning raw experience into rigorous journalism. Now, John is the Publishing Editor at VOX ATL, a teen-led outlet committed to “uncensored, not unedited” storytelling — helping young people report, create, and lead. He continues exposing cults, churches, and systems of control with sharper writing and stronger sourcing on his substack.