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  • What happens when everything you once believed starts to fall apart?

    In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, I dive into the difference between cynicism and skepticism—and why one keeps you stuck while the other helps you move forward. I share my personal journey through faith deconstruction, religious trauma, and healing, drawing from Richard Rohr’s Wisdom Pattern (Order → Disorder → Reorder) to explore how faith and life aren’t meant to be static. Along the way, I reflect on how my lifelong struggle with ear infections and surgeries became a metaphor for my evolving faith, the risks I took to stay open, and why a growth mindset is essential for healing.

    Whether you’ve left a faith system, are questioning what you’ve been taught, or are just trying to figure out what’s next, this episode is about keeping the door open to growth. Because faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to keep moving.

    If this episode resonated with you, or if you’ve been wrestling with your own faith, healing, or the journey from Disorder to Reorder, I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can reach me at [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    And if you’ve ever felt like you had to stay in something just because that’s what you were taught—whether it’s faith, a belief system, or a way of thinking—I hope you walk away from this episode knowing that you are free to ask, to search, and to knock on new doors.

    As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories. And remember: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time—stay open, keep asking, and keep walking. Peace!

  • Empathy and compassion should be the foundation of faith, right? So why are they suddenly treated like liabilities? In this episode, I break down the growing fear around "toxic empathy" and ask the bigger questions: Why are so many people—especially in religious spaces—acting like caring too much is dangerous? Why does faith seem to be turning into a fortress instead of a bridge? And if following Jesus is supposed to make us more compassionate, more willing to see the humanity in others, why is so much of modern faith rooted in fear and control instead?

    We’ll dive into the parable of the Good Samaritan, unpack why Jesus made the most hated person the hero of the story, and ask—if he told this parable today, who would be the Samaritan? Immigrants? The LGBTQIA+ community? People from different faiths? And most importantly, if your faith is making you less willing to love, less willing to connect, and more focused on protecting yourself from the ‘wrong people’—then is it even faith at all? Buckle up for a deep, unfiltered conversation on what it really means to love your neighbor.

    If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about faith, about empathy, about what it really means to follow Jesus—I see you. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they matter. And if this episode made you think, challenged you, or maybe even unsettled you a bit, I encourage you to sit with that. Wrestle with it. Ask yourself, Who is the Samaritan today? And what does that mean for me?

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or ICC and would like to share your story about life in and out of the church, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue exploring the question, “We were in a cult?”—and perhaps find some healing along the way. You can reach me via email at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories. And don’t forget: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, stay open, stay connected, and don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. Peace!

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  • Purity culture wasn’t just a set of rules—it was a full-blown system of fear, shame, and control that dictated everything from dating to what we wore to whether or not we could even think about smashing without disappointing God. In this episode, I take a deep dive into how purity culture shaped my childhood, warped my understanding of relationships, and made me legitimately believe I was going to hell for shucking the corn at 13. From forced confession sessions to the bizarre ways we were taught to see each other as “brothers and sisters in Christ,” this episode unpacks the weird, uncomfortable, and straight-up damaging ways the church tried to keep us "pure."

    But this isn't just about the past—purity culture’s grip doesn’t just disappear overnight. Even today, I catch myself fighting against the messages drilled into me as a kid, and I know I’m not the only one. Whether you grew up in this world or you’re just here for the wild ride, this episode breaks down how purity culture ultimately benefits men, how it oversexualizes women, and how we can start to unlearn the shame we were never meant to carry. Buckle up—this one’s a doozy.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means everything to me and helps keep these conversations going.

    Purity culture left so many of us with shame, guilt, and confusion—but talking about it? That’s how we take our power back.

    If you were a part of the ICOC, ICC, or any high-control religious group and purity culture shaped your experience in ways you’re still unpacking, I’d love to hear from you. You’re not alone in this, and together, we can continue exploring the question, ‘We were in a cult?’—and maybe even start to heal from it.

    You can reach me via email at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    And if this episode resonated with you, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories.

    And remember: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, trust your gut, and unlearn the shame you were never meant to carry. Peace!"

  • "Everyone Wants the Lollipop" isn’t just about church—it’s about the deep human need for certainty, belonging, and reward. We all want to believe we’re on the right path. We want to feel like we’re doing life the right way. And when faith gives us a system, a structure, and a sweet little reward at the end? It’s hard to walk away. In this episode, I dive into the church boom, the business of belief, and why we keep showing up—even when things don’t feel quite right. So, does anyone even care? Or are we all just here for the lollipop?

    This episode wasn’t about tearing down—it was about asking the hard questions. About looking at what we’ve believed, what we’ve built our lives around, and wondering: Does anyone even care? Maybe they do. Maybe they don’t. But I know I do. And if you’ve made it this far, I’m guessing you do, too.

    If you’re someone who’s been in these churches, who has wrestled with these same questions, or just has a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    And as always, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories. And don’t forget: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • For the first time in the We Were In a Cult? series, I’m sitting down with a married couple who both experienced the pressures of purity culture, mission work, and the relentless push toward marriage inside the International Churches of Christ. In this episode, they share how dating was never about personal connection—it was about proving your spirituality and being deemed "worthy" to move forward. We dive into the concept of "weasel dates," the expectation to fast-track relationships toward marriage, and the exhaustion that came with constantly trying to meet the church’s demands. From mission team burnout to the cult-like language of being "souled out," this conversation is a raw, unfiltered look at what happens when a church controls every aspect of your personal life—including who you love and when. Listen now to hear their powerful story.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or the ICC and would like to share your story of your life in and out of the church and help us maybe get closer to answering the question "we were in a cult?", and maybe find some healing please contact me via email at [email protected] or you can DM via Instagram at the "Clemenz With a "Z" podcast" Instagram page.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • For generations, fathers were expected to provide, protect, and keep their emotions in check. Love was often shown, but rarely spoken. But does it have to be that way? In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, we dive into the generational expectations of fatherhood, the unspoken rules around masculinity, and why words—especially words like "I love you"—carry more weight than we realize.

    I share personal stories, explore the impact of silence, and unpack how simple words can change everything. We’ll talk about why dads often find it easier to express love to their daughters than their sons, and how cultural norms have shaped the way men navigate emotional connection.

    But this isn’t just about reflection—it’s about action. I’ll offer practical ways for dads to start breaking the cycle, to show up differently, and to create a new legacy where love isn’t just assumed, but heard.

    Because love ain’t gonna say itself.

    🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going.

    If you’re a dad, if you had a dad, or if you’re thinking about what fatherhood really means—I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s about breaking cycles, figuring out how to show up for your kids, or just sharing your experience, this space is open. Let’s talk about what it means to raise the next generation, to challenge old patterns, and to redefine what being a father looks like. You can reach me via email at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    If you would like to read or purchase "Raising Cain", you can purchase it here: https://a.co/d/giLLqpX

    Here is the link to the Raising Cain documentary: https://youtu.be/y9k0vKL5jJI?si=7inlpkFLzGtZLNhn

    As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories. And don’t forget: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, tell your kids you love them, and keep growing. Peace

  • Leaving isn’t always a clean break—sometimes, it takes a few tries. In this deeply personal episode of Clemenz With a Z, I share my journey of walking away from the ICOC... three times. From the pressure-packed Bible studies to the weight of guilt, shame, and trying to fit into a mold that never felt like me, this is the story of what it took to finally say enough. I talk about the fear of leaving, the hope that maybe things would change, and how stepping away felt like wandering into the wilderness—terrifying, but ultimately freeing. Whether you’ve wrestled with leaving a community, questioned your place in something you thought would be home, or just want to hear an honest journey of self-discovery, this episode is for you. Sometimes walking away isn’t quitting—it’s the start of something real.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was part of the ICOC or ICC and would like to share your journey in and out of the church, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep exploring that question, “We were in a cult?”—and maybe, in sharing these stories, we’ll find some healing along the way. You can reach me at [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    If this episode spoke to you, please consider leaving a rating or review—it really does help more people find these conversations. And don’t forget: I’m just a channel—I ain’t the source.

    When did worship music start to feel more like a concert than a connection? In this episode of Clemenz With a "Z," I dig into the weird, wild world of modern worship and Christian music—where flashing lights, fog machines, and booming bass lines often take center stage. I’m not here to tell you what’s right or wrong—I don’t have the answers. I just know something about it makes me uncomfortable, and I wanted to talk about it. From childhood memories of reverent hymns led by my dad to walking into churches that look more like concert arenas, I’m exploring how we got here... and what it supposed to be. Tune in, sit with the questions, and maybe even laugh a little as we unpack the line between heartfelt praise and full-blown production.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going.

    If this episode resonated with you, challenged you, or just made you think differently about worship and Christian music, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Conversations like these aren’t about being ‘right’—they’re about being honest.

    You can reach me via email at [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    If you enjoy the podcast, please consider rating and reviewing—it helps more people find these stories and join the conversation. And remember:

    I’m just a channel... I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Walking away can be scary. Trusting yourself can be terrifying. But it can also be the beginning of something honest. So until next time—take care of yourself, stay grateful, and keep growing.

    Peace.

  • When did worship music start to feel more like a concert than a connection? In this episode of Clemenz With a "Z," I dig into the weird, wild world of modern worship and Christian music—where flashing lights, fog machines, and booming bass lines often take center stage. I’m not here to tell you what’s right or wrong—I don’t have the answers. I just know something about it makes me uncomfortable, and I wanted to talk about it. From childhood memories of reverent hymns led by my dad to walking into churches that look more like concert arenas, I’m exploring how we got here... and what it supposed to be. Tune in, sit with the questions, and maybe even laugh a little as we unpack the line between heartfelt praise and full-blown production.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going.

    If this episode resonated with you, challenged you, or just made you think differently about worship and Christian music, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Conversations like these aren’t about being ‘right’—they’re about being honest.

    You can reach me via email at [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    If you enjoy the podcast, please consider rating and reviewing—it helps more people find these stories and join the conversation. And remember:

    I’m just a channel... I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Every bit helps me keep bringing you these conversations.

    Until next time—take care of yourself, be kind to your story, and keep asking the hard questions.

    Peace.

  • After everything I have heard, after recounting my own life and the lives of others, I can finally say it—yes, this was and is a cult. It’s hard to say, and for some, it’s hard to hear. But naming it gives me power over it. It makes healing possible. This is just the beginning. In Clemenz With a Z, I will continue unpacking my experiences in the ICOC through a new series of episodes titled This Was Supposed to Be the Place. In these, I’ll dive deep into purity culture, fear-based control, and the lasting impact on identity, faith, and trust. If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. You’re not alone. Let’s keep this conversation going.

    I reference Steve Hassan's BITE model in this episode. If you would like to learn more, you can check out a couple of his books here:

    https://a.co/d/5RQ3Vbl

    or here:

    https://a.co/d/7kFVPXs

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going.

    I know that for some, this was hard to hear. It was hard to say. But the truth matters, and naming our experiences matters. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen alone.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or ICC and would like to share your story about life in and out of the church, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue exploring the question, “We were in a cult?”—and perhaps find some healing along the way. You can reach me via email at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories. And don’t forget: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, be kind to your story, and keep growing. Peace!

  • Was I in a cult? That’s the question I’m exploring in this episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', but this time, I’m not answering it alone.

    For this conversation, I’m sitting down with someone who has had a front-row seat to my entire journey—my wife, Carly. Unlike me, Carly didn’t grow up in a high-control religious group. She never had to question whether leaving a church meant leaving God. But she did witness me navigate that journey. In this episode, we talk about those first couple of years in our relationship—when I was fresh out of the ICOC, still carrying the weight of my past, still sorting through what I believed, and still surrounded by friends who were very much still in the church.

    Beyond my own story, we also discuss the role that partners play in supporting their loved ones through deconstruction, healing, and rebuilding a life outside of a controlling religious group. Carly’s perspective as someone who wasn’t indoctrinated but walked alongside me as I untangled my beliefs adds a whole new layer to the conversation. What does it look like to be there for someone without fully understanding what they’ve been through? How can partners provide space, validation, and support while also maintaining their own perspectives?

    What was it like for Carly to watch me process all of this in real time? What did she notice that I couldn’t see for myself? And from her perspective… was I in a cult?

    Let’s talk about it.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or ICC and would like to share your story about life in and out of the church, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue exploring the question, “We were in a cult?”—and perhaps find some healing along the way. You can reach me via email at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review—it helps more people find these stories. And don’t forget: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • For most of my life, I believed I was a calm person—until a therapist told me otherwise. This episode is about my journey with anger: from growing up in an environment where anger was seen as a sin, to suppressing it until it exploded, to finally learning how to sit with it, listen to it, and find healthier outlets. I talk about childhood, therapy, teaching boys about emotional space, and the things that help me process anger today—whether it’s working out, cold plunges, or mosh pits. If you’ve ever struggled with anger or felt like you weren’t allowed to express it, this episode is for you. Maybe anger isn’t the enemy. Maybe it just wants to be heard.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going.

    If this episode resonated with you, if you’ve wrestled with anger, or if you’ve found your own way to navigate it, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me via email at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram at the Clemenz With a Z podcast page.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it really helps more people find these stories and be part of this journey.

    And remember: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, take care of your emotions—anger included—and keep growing. Peace!

  • In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, I dive into the powerful metaphor of glass and rubber balls to explore how we prioritize what matters most in life. I share personal reflections on how my passion for teaching, rigid routines, and inability to say “NO” left my family as the forgotten rubber balls—when they should have been my top priorities.

    Through hard conversations, emotional wake-up calls, and the painful realization that I was spreading myself too thin, I learned that intentionality and honest reflection are key to protecting the fragile, irreplaceable parts of life. Join me as we discuss how to identify your own glass balls, reframe “NO” as a tool for protection, and continuously realign your life with what you truly value.

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it really helps more people find these stories and be part of this journey.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    And remember: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    Until next time, take care of yourself, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • Gratitude isn’t always easy, and it’s definitely not always obvious. Life moves fast, responsibilities pile up, and before we know it, we forget the small miracles holding us up every day. In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, I reflect on a poem by James A. Pearson (The Wilderness That Bears Your Name) that reminded me to pause and see what’s been there all along: the rising sun, the steady ground beneath my feet, and the strength we gain when we let ourselves be held by life’s quiet gifts. Join me as I explore what it means to slow down, stay grateful, and find light even when the world feels overwhelming

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it really helps more people find these stories and be part of this journey.

    And remember: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.

    If you liked the poem I read today, it’s by James A. Pearson and comes from the book The Wilderness That Bears Your Name. If you would like to purchase it, here's a link: https://a.co/d/2nF8Djr

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care of yourself, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In this latest episode of Clemenz With a "Z": "Black Coffee, Camo Bibles, and Sissy Sticks: Faith, Fragile Manhood, and the Things That Shouldn’t Matter", I dive into the unspoken (and often ridiculous) rules about masculinity that churches and culture push on men. From black coffee and camo Bibles to the fear of looking "soft," I explore how these narrow definitions shape our identities and why they fall apart under real scrutiny. Through personal stories, faith, and a search for a fuller, healthier masculinity, this episode challenges what it really means to be a man—and asks: what if we let go of the performance and embraced something real?

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In this latest episode of Clemenz With a "Z", part of our ongoing We Were In a Cult? series, we sit down with Ann to explore her remarkable story. Born in Northern China and later moving to Singapore, Ann’s path eventually led her to the ICOC, a church she believed would offer community and purpose but instead brought manipulation and control. Through courage and vulnerability, Ann shares the emotional and spiritual journey of her life within the ICOC and the pivotal moments that helped her break free. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding your voice. Whether you’re seeking understanding, connection, or healing, Ann’s story will leave a lasting impression.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or the ICC and would like to share your story of your life in and out of the church and help us maybe get closer to answering the question "we were in a cult?", and maybe find some healing please contact me via email at [email protected] or you can DM via Instagram at the "Clemenz With a "Z" podcast" Instagram page.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In this episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I dive into a subject that sparks heated discussions and deep reflections: the relationship between churches and money. From the high production value of Sunday services to the tax-exempt status that many churches enjoy, this episode peels back the layers to examine how finances influence the modern church experience. Drawing from my personal visits to various churches over the past year, I share insights and ask tough questions about how money shapes the way faith is practiced and presented. Tune in as we explore whether these financial practices uplift communities—or cross ethical boundaries.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In the latest episode of Clemenz With a Z, we continue our series, We Were in a Cult?, with a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation featuring Liz, a former member of the International Church of Christ (ICOC).

    Liz shares her journey of being drawn into the church as a college student and the lasting impact it had on her life. This episode delves into the ICOC’s influence on marriage dynamics, including rigid roles and expectations that shaped her relationships and personal growth. With honesty and resilience, Liz reflects on her path to healing and self-discovery after leaving the church. Tune in for a compelling exploration of faith, control, and the courage it takes to reclaim your identity.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or the ICC and would like to share your story of your life in and out of the church and help us maybe get closer to answering the question "we were in a cult?", and maybe find some healing please contact me via email at [email protected] or you can DM via Instagram at the "Clemenz With a "Z" podcast" Instagram page.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In this latest episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I dive deep into the evolving practice of baptism in modern churches and ask some hard questions: Has something sacred turned into a spectacle? Drawing from my own baptism experience, which was meant to be transformative but left me feeling exposed and disconnected, I explore how baptisms are often presented as high-production events with promotional t-shirts, branded backdrops, and curated social media moments. Together, we’ll reflect on how these trends may overshadow the intimate, spiritual essence of baptism and discuss ways to bring back the focus on personal faith and transformation. Let’s start a conversation about honoring the sacredness of these moments in a way that truly uplifts the individual and their journey.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, we continue our powerful series, We Were In a Cult?, with a compelling conversation featuring Diana. Diana shares her story of being introduced to the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) during her college years in Boston. What began as a chance encounter at a grocery store turned into years of involvement in a high-control religious group. Diana reflects on how her initial search for connection and faith led her to the ICOC, the subtle pressures that kept her engaged, and the journey of self-discovery and healing that followed. Her insights shed light on the complexities of seeking meaning, belonging, and the courage it takes to break free. This is an episode filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and hope.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or the ICC and would like to share your story of your life in and out of the church and help us maybe get closer to answering the question "we were in a cult?", and maybe find some healing please contact me via email at [email protected] or you can DM via Instagram at the "Clemenz With a "Z" podcast" Instagram page.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

    If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524

    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

  • In the latest episode of the We Were In a Cult? series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast, I was able to speak with former member of the International Church of Christ, or ICOC, Nat to explore her journey of self-discovery and healing after leaving the high-demand religious group. Together, we unpack the emotional toll of manipulation, the challenges of reclaiming personal identity, and the transformative power of reflection and resilience. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on the subtle ways control can masquerade as faith and offers hope to those navigating their own paths to freedom and healing.

    If you are a member, were a member, or know someone who was a member of the ICOC or the ICC and would like to share your story of your life in and out of the church and help us maybe get closer to answering the question "we were in a cult?", and maybe find some healing please contact me via email at [email protected] or you can DM via Instagram at the "Clemenz With a "Z" podcast" Instagram page.

    As always, thank you for your continued support and if you like what you hear please rate and review! If you don't remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.

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    Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!