Untangled Faith

Amy Fritz

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.

  1. The Psychology of Deception and Blindness. Guest: Dr. Alan Godwin

    5D AGO

    The Psychology of Deception and Blindness. Guest: Dr. Alan Godwin

    In 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

    1h 1m
  2. Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026

    JAN 13

    Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026

    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

    16 min
  3. Inside the Megachurch Machine: Abuse, Accountability, and Christian Nationalism with Scott Latta

    2025-10-28

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

    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: 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

    54 min
  4. 2025-10-14

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

    49 min
  5. What You Don't Know About Domestic Violence. Guest: Neil Schori

    2025-10-07

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

    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

    53 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

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