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. 154: Navigating Burnout in Ministry. Guest: Matt Alexander, Kineo Center

    5D AGO

    154: Navigating Burnout in Ministry. Guest: Matt Alexander, Kineo Center

    In 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.com  Some 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 Accountability Featured Guest Matt Alexander, Director of Kineo Center   Resources mentioned Kineo Center The KINEO Center | Renew the Soul of Your Leadership Today   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

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

    FEB 10

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

    10/28/2025

    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
  5. 10/14/2025

    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
4.5
out of 5
243 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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