Untangled Faith

Podcast Host, Amy Fritz, reflects on 2025 with lessons learned, articles she's shared, favorite books and musicians, and some things she's thinking about for 2026 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: Working on a memoir Articles from 2025 Musicians I love News stories I'm still thinking about Resources mentioned Untangled Faith Substack Suzy Flory, One Year Memoir Get the Hell Out of Dodge Open When You Drop Your Daughter Off At College For the First Time That Time Dave Ramsey Said He Might Possible Owe My Husband an Apology On Celebrations and Landmines and Reminders of the Places we Had to Leave Reckoning With Reports that Someone In Your Community Has Harmed Someone I Was Warned About the World, But Not About This Jon Guerra Sarah Kroger Becca Jordan Michael Tait allegations The Glass House The Tell Perversion of Justice Ordinary Time Remarkably Bright Creatures Becoming the Pastor's Wife Dinner for Vampires The Quiet Damage Theo of Golden Peril Some of these links are affiliate links that give me a small percentage at no extra cost to you. 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 Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Scott Latta, a religion journalist and author of 'Gods of the Smoke Machine,' dives deep into the dynamics of megachurches. He discusses their surprising growth amid declining overall church attendance and the impact on smaller churches, including the troubling trend of cannibalization. Latta highlights the emotional toll scandals have on congregants and the importance of centering survivor voices. He unpacks issues of accountability in these massive institutions, critiquing faux systems while emphasizing how megachurches are increasingly engaging in politics, shaping the landscape of Christian nationalism.

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: https://untangledfaith.substack.com 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 how Mary has personally wrestled with these themes. Talk honestly about vulnerability, church hurt, and the ongoing journey of healing from trauma and moral injury. Explore the tension between discernment and cynicism, especially when coming out of abusive faith communities. Share practical encouragement for those feeling isolated or stuck in their faith, and ways we can invite Jesus into our everyday struggles. Reflect on the power of community and honesty in the process of spiritual growth. Featured Guest Mary DeMuth Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Church Hurt Checklist Bookstore - Mary DeMuth The Freedom of Surrender: https://amzn.to/4q8Nn63 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 Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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 the Steven Crowder video, what he wishes he had known about intimate partner violence and what friends and faith community leaders need to know to be safe places for those who may not even know they are in danger. In this episode, we talk about: The multiple facets of abuse go beyond bodily injury. The necessity of pastors to possess the right skills to manage abusive scenarios. Red flags the signal abuse situations. Empowering victims How incorrect theology is harming those being abused. Links: Document the Abuse website: https://documenttheabuse.com Neil Schori on Twitter: https://twitter.com/neilschori Neil Schori coaching: https://www.facebook.com/SchoriCoaching Sign up for Amy's email list and get her weekly podcast updates and monthly newsletter: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/05/11/43-what-weve-gotten-wrong-about-divorce-guest-gretchen-baskerville/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Where you can find me: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz

Hillary McBride, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Holy Hurt,' dives deep into the concept of spiritual trauma. She explores the complexities of defining spiritual abuse versus trauma, revealing how systemic issues can perpetuate harm. Hillary emphasizes the importance of curiosity and recognition in healing, while addressing the challenge of sharing survivor stories ethically. The conversation highlights generational differences in processing spiritual pain, and how new communities can foster safety without replicating past harms.

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: https://untangledfaith.substack.com 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, especially in the context of "biblical womanhood." Challenge the idea that "this is the worst it's ever been" by exploring history's patterns and precedents. Talk about identifying trustworthy sources—and red flags—in historical writing, including the importance of bibliographies and the dangers of consuming information solely from those who share our theological or political biases. Analyze the work (and controversy) surrounding figures like David Barton and the misinterpretation of America's Christian roots. Highlight the value of reading outside our usual bubbles and expanding our knowledge beyond World War II or familiar American history. Encourage listeners to approach new information, especially history, with a willingness to be challenged and changed. Featured Guest Chris Staron website: www.trucepodcast.com x: https://x.com/trucepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trucepodcast Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/trucepodcast.bsky.social instagram: www.instagram.com/trucepodcast Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trucepodcast Resources mentioned Robert Caro's "The Years of Lyndon Johnson" series Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns" 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 Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Resources mentioned Substack Update https://untangledfaith.substack.com/p/finding-my-podcast-rhythm Amos v. Lampo Group filings https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/61614266/amos-v-lampo-group-llc-the/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc O'Connor v. Lampo Group filings 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 more Ramsey Episodes here: https://www.untangledfaithpodcast.com/categories/ramsey-solutions-dave-ramsey/ 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 Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Featured Guest Dr. Camden Morgante https://drcamden.com/press/ Resources mentioned Dr. Camden's site: https://drcamden.com/press/ Dr. Camden's Substack: https://drcamden.substack.com/ Recovering From Purity Culture https://amzn.to/4kQmSPN 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 Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

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, I wanted to share it again. You can find more information on Jennifer Lyell here: Died: Jennifer Lyell, SBC Abuse Survivor and Former Lifeway Executive - Christianity Today Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Lori Anne and Amy talk through these topics in this episode of the Untangled Faith podcast: Who is Lori Anne Thompson? The Three Phases of Recovery How trauma can't be your whole life Chronic activation Finding sustainable ways to give back Red flags to look for Becoming what we're against The power of saying no. Resources: Victim Impact Statement from Lori Anne Thompson regarding Ravi Zacharias: https://loriannethompson.com/2021/02/08/lori-anne-thompson-victim-impact-statement/ https://loriannethompson.com https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/cpac-trump-transgenderism-oscars.html Truth & Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice by Judith Herman: https://amzn.to/3mxzx0W Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled

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: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Hear Aaron's story of leaving a church he loved and the emotional and practical realities of church closure—reflecting on how endings don't always mean failure. Discuss the strange and sometimes awkward season of being new in a church, resisting the urge to jump right in, and learning to simply "be." Delve into the complexities of book endorsements in Christian publishing, including why they matter (or don't), how they're decided, and the landmines authors and publishers face. Talk about how reducing people to social media snippets can distort real-life relationships, and why discernment is important when choosing where to show up and engage. Wrestle with common theological distractions and accidental heresies. Explore Aaron's new book, Faith Simplified: What We Believe and Why We Believe It, including his approach to foundational theology, why he wrote it, and who it's for. Featured Guest Aaron Armstrong Aaron Armstrong: Author, Speaker, Canadian Resources mentioned Aaron's web site https://aaronarmstrong.co Faith Simplified https://amzn.to/43PxkzT 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 Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky