Libsyn Directory

129: Searching For Safety After Abuse and Harm. Guest: Melissa J. Hogan

Release Date: 02/25/2025

148: Inside the Megachurch Machine: Abuse, Accountability, and Christian Nationalism with Scott Latta

Untangled Faith

Journalist and author Scott Latta joins Amy Fritz to discuss Scott’s new book, Gods of the Smoke Machine: Power, Pain, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Megachurch, sharing stories of power, accountability, and the changing landscape of American megachurches. Subscribe to my newsletter: In this episode we: Explore why megachurches are growing even as overall church attendance in America declines. Examine the evolution from traditional “big box” churches to franchise-style, multi-site megachurch models. Discuss the impact of megachurch growth on small churches,...

147: Finding Freedom Through Surrender: Mary DeMuth on Letting Go, Healing, and Joyful Faith

Untangled Faith

Author and speaker Mary DeMuth joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about the practice of surrender, what it looks like in the midst of personal trials, and the story behind her newest devotional book, The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ. Subscribe to my newsletter: In this episode we: Hear the origin story behind Mary’s newest book, including how she combined her writing and original art in a 40-day devotional on surrender. Discuss what it means to surrender reputation, finances, relationships, aging, and even inner cynicism—and...

146: What You Don't Know About Domestic Violence. Guest: Neil Schori

Untangled Faith

This episode contains content that may be difficult for those who have experienced violence or who are sensitive to mentions of abuse or intimate partner violence. Please take care when listening. In 2007, Pastor Neil Schori sat down with a woman who had come to him for marriage counseling. You probably recognize her name: Stacy Peterson. Not long after that conversation, Stacy when missing and still has not been found. Her husband, Drew Peterson, is serving time in prison for being convicted of murdering his previous wife. Pastor Neil joins the Untangled Faith podcast to share his thoughts on...

145: Holy Hurt: Spiritual Trauma and Paths to Restoration, Guest: Hillary McBride

Untangled Faith

Hillary McBride joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to unpack spiritual trauma, healing, and how we can create faith communities that avoid replicating unhealthy patterns. Subscribe to my newsletter: In this episode we: Explore who McBride’s new book, Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing, is for and how different groups relate to spiritual trauma. Define spiritual abuse and spiritual trauma, and unpack the common misconceptions surrounding these terms. Discuss how curiosity and hope can bridge the gap between those who have and haven’t...

144: Why Christians Need History: Lessons from Napoleon, Misleading Historians, and Our Cultural Myths

Untangled Faith

Chris Staron, host of the Truce podcast joins Amy to talk about the importance of looking at history to make sense of this current moment. Subscribe to my newsletter: In this episode we: Talk about the origin story of the Truce podcast and Chris’s approach to using history to illuminate today’s faith questions. Discuss the power of curiosity and humility in addressing gaps in our knowledge. Reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with experts—and being open to their feedback. Examine how historical context can reshape our assumptions about gender roles,...

143: Ramsey Solutions Lawsuit Happenings and a Summer Update

Untangled Faith

Amy Fritz shares an update on what's happening with the Amos v. Lampo Group and O'Connor v. Lampo Group lawsuits and a brief summer update. Subscribe to my newsletter: Resources mentioned https://untangledfaith.substack.com/p/finding-my-podcast-rhythm https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/61614266/amos-v-lampo-group-llc-the/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17372107/oconnor-v-the-lampo-group-llc/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc You can find...

142: Recovering From Purity Culture. Guest: Dr. Camden Morgante

Untangled Faith

Dr. Camden Morgante joins Amy Fritz to talk about all the awful metaphors and false promises of purity culture, and a better way forward. If you grew up reading Josh Harris and Elisabeth Elliot, you're going to love this one! Subscribe to my newsletter: Featured Guest Dr. Camden Morgante Resources mentioned Dr. Camden's site: Dr. Camden's Substack: Recovering From Purity Culture Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow...

141: Healing and Navigating the Pitfalls of the Advocacy Space. Guest: Lori Anne Thompson

Untangled Faith

Have you been told to (or seen others) push through personal pain and trauma while engaging in advocacy for the health of the Church without being given the tools to manage your (or their) own emotional wellness? Are you often feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Meet Lori Anne Thompson: a compassionate survivor, storyteller, and student. Lori Anne is a devoted wife, mother, and enthusiastic cook who loves to share her passion for sustainable rhythms and healing for those who have survived trauma. This episode was initially shared in April 2023, but with the heartbreaking loss of Jennifer Lyell,...

140: Navigating Awkward Church Transitions and Avoiding Accidental Heresy. Guest: Aaron Armstrong

Untangled Faith

Aaron Armstrong joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to explore the nuances of leaving a beloved church community, navigating the awkwardness of joining a new church, and the motivations and process behind his new book, Faith Simplified: What We Believe and Why We Believe It. The conversation moves from personal stories of faith transitions to honest insight into Christian publishing, endorsements, and what it means to thoughtfully engage with the important theological tenants of the Christian faith. Subscribe to my newsletter: In this episode we: Hear Aaron’s...

139: Posture Over Position: Transforming How We Engage LGBTQ+ Folks in Our Congregations: Guest Bill Henson, Posture Shift Ministries

Untangled Faith

Bill Henson, founder and director of Posture Shift Ministries, joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about cultivating a posture of radical love and hospitality toward LGBTQ+ individuals and families within the church, regardless of theological position. Subscribe to my newsletter: In this episode we: Explore the difference between a church’s theological position and its posture toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Hear why Posture Shift was founded in the midst of the culture wars around LGBTQ+ rights and the church’s response. Discuss the importance of...

More Episodes

Melissa J. Hogan joins Amy to talk about a talk she gave at the Restore conference in Feb 2025.

What does it look like to search for safety after abuse?

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com

What we talk about: