Untangled Faith

Melissa Hogan, attorney and commentator known for legal analysis of religious abuse cases, provides an update on the O'Connor v. Lampo Group/Ramsey Solutions lawsuit. She outlines delays and discovery battles. She discusses evidence strength, disparate treatment and the role of confidentiality in settlements. She also considers reputational risk, deposition tactics, and why plaintiffs often choose to settle.

Therapist and author Tammy Gustafson joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about intimate partner betrayal and healing. Whether you are a survivor of betrayal or want to be a good friend to someone who has walked through this, this is an important episode. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about Phases of healing Misconceptions of the Bible and revovering from betrayal What "successful" healing looks like Featured Guest Tammy Gustafson Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling The Life Saving Divorce https://amzn.to/3YPkn6Z Tammy Gustafson Tammy Gustafson | Betrayal Healing Betrayal healing conference Betrayal Healing Conference | Tammy Gustafson 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

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