Jim Bakker's Rolls-Royce and private plane might seem like obvious reasons to question a ministry. John Wigger offers a different view of what followers saw, helping you understand how extravagance could reinforce faith rather than undermine it.

PTL began in a former furniture store with six employees and a mission they believed in. What turned that operation into an international television empire? The answer involves a broadcasting breakthrough, a flood of money and a change in who had Jim's ear.

Yet people who worked there didn't remember only the excess. Almost everyone John interviewed called PTL both the best and worst thing they had ever done. What could make the same experience deserve both descriptions, even after they learned what lay underneath?

Topics: Jim Bakker, Tammy Faye Bakker, PTL, satellite television, prosperity gospel

GUEST: John Wigger | http://history.missouri.edu

Originally aired on 2026-10-16

Jim Bakker's Rolls-Royce and private plane might seem like obvious reasons to question a ministry. John Wigger offers a different view of what followers saw, helping you understand how extravagance could reinforce faith rather than undermine it.
PTL began in a former furniture store with six employees and a mission they believed in. What turned that operation into an international television empire? The answer involves a broadcasting breakthrough, a flood of money and a change in who had Jim's ear.
Yet people who worked there didn't remember only the excess. Almost everyone John interviewed called PTL both the best and worst thing they had ever done. What could make the same experience deserve both descriptions, even after they learned what lay underneath?
Topics: Jim Bakker, Tammy Faye Bakker, PTL, satellite television, prosperity gospel
GUEST: John Wigger |<a href="http://history.missouri.edu"> http://history.missouri.edu</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-16

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.