Podcast
Untangled Faith
Hosted by Amy Fritz · EN
A podcast for anyone who has found themself disillusioned or discouraged in their faith journey and who wants to hold on to their faith while untangling it from all that is not good or true.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
154: Navigating Burnout in Ministry. Guest: Matt Alexander, Kineo Center
Feb 1700:59:53Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Amy Fritz and Matt Alexander discuss the mission of the Kineo Center, which provides resources and support for pastors experiencing burnout. They explore the complexities of burnout, including its causes and the importance of preventative care. Matt shares personal experiences with burnout and highlights the significance of community support and healthy leadership in ministry. The discussion also touches on the need for sabbaticals and the journey of renewal for pastors, emphasizing the importance of self-care and discernment in leadership roles.Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.comSome topics covered:Introduction to Kineo Center and Its Mission Personal Experiences with Burnout in Ministry The Spectrum of Burnout and Support Needs Causes of Burnout in Ministry Four Key Components of Burnout The Role of Expectations in Burnout Navigating Vocational Disappointment The Importance of Sabbaticals Loneliness and Relational Injuries in Ministry Supporting Pastors: Practical Strategies Authenticity in Healing and AccountabilityFeatured GuestMatt Alexander, Director of Kineo CenterResources mentionedKineo Center The KINEO Center | Renew the Soul of Your Leadership TodayTell 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 podcastsFollow on Apple podcastsSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on SpotifyFollow on Podcast AddictWant to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show?Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.comFollow me on InstagramFollow me on ThreadsFollow me on BlueSky
Transcribe →
153: The Psychology of Deception and Blindness. Guest: Dr. Alan Godwin
Feb 1001:00:57Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Alan Godwin discusses his book 'Ties That Blind,' exploring the themes of individual and collective deception, cognitive dissonance, and the importance of attachment and identity in relationships. He shares personal experiences and insights from his practice as a psychologist, emphasizing the need for humility and compassion in understanding the complexities of human behavior and belief systems. The discussion also touches on the role of the church in fostering community and justice, and the challenges of navigating relationships with differing beliefs. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Topics: Introduction to Ties That Blind Understanding Blindness in Relationships The Shift from Individual to Collective Deception The Role of Attachment and Identity Navigating Painful Realizations Cognitive Dissonance Explained The Power of Cognitive Dissonance Five Reasonabilities for Healthy Relationships The Church's Role in Community and Justice Featured Guest Dr. Alan Godwin Resources mentioned The Ties The Blind https://amzn.to/4tswxk4 The Barn https://amzn.to/4a7qwll 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
Transcribe →
152: Old Hymns and Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith. Guest: Andrew Osenga
Feb 300:43:40Tap to summarizeMusician and author, Andrew Osenga, joins Amy to talk about the forgotten pathways to an authentic faith, his work with developing artists, and the Anchor Hymns project. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode, we talk about Amy meeting Andrew Andrew's work in finding and developing new artists Sara Groves and Joel Hanson, both musicians from Minnesota Which Hymns are timeless and why Faith and doubt as companions Fighting cynicism Featured Guest Andrew Osenga Resources mentioned How to Remember: Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith https://amzn.to/3MlYNEm Andrew's Substack (2) Andrew Osenga | Substack Anchor Hymns Anchor Hymns 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
Transcribe →
151: Ramsey Solutions O'Connor Lawsuit Update
Jan 2700:53:27Tap to summarizeMelissa Hogan joins Amy Fritz to give an update on the O'Connor v. Lampo Group lawsuit. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Featured Guest Melissa Hogan, (2) Res Ipsa with Melissa J. Hogan | Substack Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling Lawsuit Documents Previous Ramsey episodes 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
Transcribe →150: Understanding Intimate Partner Betrayal, Guest: Tammy Gustafson
Jan 2000:53:17Tap to summarizeTherapist 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
Transcribe →
149: Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026
Jan 1300:16:02Tap to summarizePodcast 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
Transcribe →
148: Inside the Megachurch Machine: Abuse, Accountability, and Christian Nationalism with Scott Latta
Oct 2800:53:40Tap to summarizeJournalist 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: https://untangledfaith.substack.com 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, including the cannibalization of congregations and properties. Explore the profound loss experienced by members when megachurch scandals or abusive leaders come to light, and how that pain is multiplied by scale. Hear firsthand stories from those harmed by toxic church systems and why amplifying survivor voices is critical. Unpack the phenomenon of faux accountability and restoration processes for fallen pastors in megachurch networks. Discuss Boz Tchividjian's insights on the legal landscape, the role of financial consequences in church accountability, and why civil litigation is sometimes the only path to justice. Investigate how megachurches cultivate soft political power, their influence on Christian nationalism, and the increasing willingness of pastors to openly engage in politics. Offer practical wisdom for those seeking healthy faith communities, what real accountability looks like, and how to rethink church engagement after disillusionment. Featured Guest Scott Latta Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Scott Latta's Substack Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack Scott Latta on Bluesky Scott Latta (@scottlatta.bsky.social) — Bluesky 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
Transcribe →147: Finding Freedom Through Surrender: Mary DeMuth on Letting Go, Healing, and Joyful Faith
Oct 1400:49:17Tap to summarizeAuthor 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
Transcribe →
146: What You Don't Know About Domestic Violence. Guest: Neil Schori
Oct 700:52:30Tap to summarizeThis 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
Transcribe →Celebrities For Jesus. Guest: Katelyn Beaty (RERUN)
Mar 25, 202500:55:06Tap to summarizeKatelyn Beaty joins Amy Fritz for a conversation about what Katelyn learned as she was writing her upcoming book, Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: How did Katelyn decide who to reach out to for endorsements for a book like this? Proximity as an antidote to implosion. An update on my former pastor who plagiarized most of his sermons and personal stories. Ghostwriting Plagiarism What is the role of the consumer? Featured Guest Katelyn Beaty https://katelybeaty.com Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Buy Katelyn's book: https://amzn.to/3AaCGaY 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
Transcribe →