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Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we again dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our segment titled "We Were In a Cult?"
In this eye-opening episode of Clemenz with a Z, I sit down with former member Joselyn to discuss her experience with the International Churches of Christ (ICOC), a church that we all know has sparked both devotion and controversy. Jocelyn shares how she was first invited into the church, the sense of community that initially drew her in, and the moments that led her to question whether she had become involved in something far more controlling than she had initially realized. Together, we explore the blurred lines between faith, community, and control, offering an honest look at how these dynamics can shape — and sometimes manipulate — personal beliefs. Whether you’re familiar with the ICOC or simply curious about the complexities of faith-based organizations, this episode provides valuable insights into Jocelyn’s lived experiences and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be part of a religious group that some might label a cult.
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
Peace!
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Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we again dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our segment titled "We Were In a Cult?"
In this episode. I sit down with writer and former actor Shari Simpson, who shares her story of being drawn into the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Shari recounts how a chance encounter on the streets of Manhattan led her into the church, and how her time there shaped her life in unexpected ways. Through her experience, we explore the challenges of breaking free from a controlling environment, reclaiming personal identity, and healing from the manipulation she faced. It’s a powerful conversation about rediscovering yourself and redefining faith beyond the confines of the ICOC.
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
Peace!
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Fehlende Folgen?
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In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of anxiety among men. Joined by former guest here on the podcast Miles, we candidly explore how anxiety has affected our lives, from childhood experiences to the ongoing challenges we face as adults. We discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in men, and how breaking the silence can lead to healing. Whether it’s managing daily stress or dealing with panic attacks, we share personal stories, coping strategies, and the importance of finding support. This conversation is a reminder that while anxiety may be common, talking about it shouldn’t be rare.
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 check out Miles' DADTALK you can check it out here: https://clemenzwithaz.podbean.com/e/dadtalk-with-miles/
If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524
Peace!
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In this episode of *Clemenz With a 'Z'*, we dive deep into the profound and often challenging journey of grief with our special guest, Liz. Together, we explore the emotional landscape that accompanies loss, the process of healing, and the ways in which grief reshapes our lives and perspectives. Liz opens up about her personal experiences, offering insights into the different stages of grief, the importance of support systems, and how to find meaning and resilience amidst the pain. Whether you've experienced loss yourself or are supporting someone who has, this conversation is a poignant reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the power of shared stories.
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
Peace!
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Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we again dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our segment titled "We Were In a Cult?"
In this episode I was joined by former member Drew, who shares his powerful story of leaving the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and the emotional turmoil that came with it. We’ll discuss the painful realization that the church’s promise that 'anyone could lead' was a lie—a promise reserved only for those who fit a rigid mold. For those who didn’t, there was no place of value, only isolation. Drew opens up about the deep emotional impact of breaking away, the long road to healing, and the struggle to redefine faith and family life after leaving such a controlling environment. We’ll also explore the cult-like manipulation tactics used within the ICOC, the rigid gender roles imposed on men, and the mental health challenges that arose from trying to conform to unrealistic expectations. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about the courage it takes to leave, the strength required to heal, and the journey of rediscovering one's true self beyond the church’s confines."
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
Peace!
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Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our episode titled "We Were In a Cult?"
In this episode, we explore a story that spans five decades with our guest, Kathi, who began her journey in the 14th Street Church—later known as the Crossroads Church of Christ, the genesis of the ICOC.
Kathi was baptized at an early age, but as she got older, she felt the pressure to be baptized again—something many members faced as the church's expectations evolved. In the beginning, Kathi found the church to be an amazing community that she truly loved. It was a place of belonging and spiritual growth. But as time went on, the cracks started to show.
Kathi opens up about how the church's culture of control became stifling, where simply asking questions was viewed as an act of rebellion. She shares the pain of being labeled and ostracized by church leaders, and the heartbreak of seeing her own children turned against her.
After leaving the ICOC for 10 years, Kathi returned—this time to the ICC. However, to her dismay, she saw the same issues that plagued the ICOC resurfacing in the ICC as well. In this episode, we delve into the difficult emotions of witnessing the church's changes over the years and confronting the same problems in a new environment.
Join us for an eye-opening conversation about faith, control, and resilience as Kathi shares her powerful and deeply personal 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
Peace!
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What is up everyone? I have got a new episode here for you all. In this episode, we're joined once again by Nadine, who previously shared her experiences both in and out of the ICOC. After our last conversation, Nadine received an overwhelming number of questions from listeners eager to learn more about her journey. Today, she’s back to answer those questions and to provide deeper insight into a significant part of her story.
Also, Nadine was named in the infamous Henry Kriete letter, a document that shook the ICOC community to its core. She'll be sharing her personal perspective on being mentioned in the letter, the impact it had on her life, and how she has navigated the aftermath. It was great to get to talk with her again and to hear all the questions you all had. I was another insightful conversation and I hope you all get as much out of it as I did.
If you have any questions for me, please reach out and let me know.
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
Peace!
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Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our episode titled "We Were In a Cult?"
Our guest today is Joabis, who stands out as the first member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) to join us while still being an active member of the church. Joabis's journey is truly international—born in Africa, he moved to India where he was introduced to the ICOC and quickly ascended into leadership
In our conversation, we delve into some deeply personal and challenging topics. Joabis shares his experience with arranged marriages within the church, including his own at a young age. We explore the struggles he faced to maintain both his marriage and his leadership position, and ultimately, how he made the difficult decision to step down from leadership in order to save himself and his marriage.
What struck me most about Joabis is his unwavering positivity, his capacity for forgiveness, and his hopeful outlook on life and its endless possibilities. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit, and I believe you'll find his perspective both enlightening and inspiring.
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
Peace!
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Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our episode titled "We Were In a Cult?" Our guest this week is a brave former member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) Rachel who also grew up in the church.
Rachel opens up about her life both inside and outside the church, shedding light on the struggles she faced, including the 'toxic diet culture' that was prevalent in the ICOC. We also explore the complex gender issues within the church and the unique challenges she encountered as the daughter of an elder.
Rachel shares what ultimately led her to the decision to leave the church and offers an inspiring account of her healing and growth since her departure. This episode is a testament to resilience and the power of reclaiming one's own 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
Peace!
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Trigger Warning: This episode discusses body shaming, anorexia, and mentions sexual abuse allegations.
Hey everyone! I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our episode titled "We Were In a Cult?" Our guest this week is a brave former member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) Justine who grew up under our church's stringent control.
In this episode, we explore the profound impact of living in an environment where conformity was not just encouraged but enforced. Our guest shares her personal journey, revealing how the church's oppressive standards dictated her appearance and personality, going so far as to demand she re-dye her pink hair before her baptism to appear "godly."
More than just a spiritual authority, the church acted as a surrogate parent, often overshadowing the influence and guidance of her actual parents. This dynamic further intensified the pressure to conform and exacerbated the struggles she faced as she navigated her identity.
This discussion sheds light on the severe consequences of such control, including her struggles with mental health and anorexia. Join us as we uncover the emotional and psychological toll of her life in the ICOC and her courageous path to healing and self-acceptance.
Tune in and be inspired by this powerful story of resilience and the quest for true identity and freedom.
Justine is actively involved in the lawsuits against the ICOC and the ICC, supporting survivors in writing their plaintiff statements. She has also co-founded a nonprofit with Chele Roland called Free2B, which helps survivors of spiritual abuse find the resources they need to process their experiences in high-control groups. If you are a victim, you can reach out to Justine or Chele through the Free2B website: www.free2b.org.
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
Peace!
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What is up everyone?! I got a new episode here in the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" Podcast. I was able to speak to former member of the ICOC Anabel about her life in the church and out of the church. Anabel was a "kingdom kid" who grew up in the church. We discussed what it was like growing up in the church and how it influenced her view of god and knowing from a very young age that she had a debt that needed to be paid back. Some of the big topics were that Jesus was the first kingdom kid, so many adults were allowed to be involved in your life, being the first teens in the church that dated and how it was viewed by adults. It's always great to connect with former "kingdom kids" and you all better be careful you don't get those haughty eyes!
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
Peace!
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What is up everyone?! I got a new episode here in the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" Podcast. I was able to speak to former member of the ICOC Nadine about her life in the church and out of the church. Nadine's story spans nearly 40 years and multiple countries and continents and she has only been out of the church for about 6 months.
Nadine was met in London and after joined the church quickly became a leader. She and her husband led churches in India, London, and became the geographical region leaders for Southeast Asia. She also became heavily involved in the church's outreach program in Nepal. She discusses what kept her in the church and leadership for so long and what got her to the point of finally leaving the church. It was such a great conversation and shed such insight for me on our church's global reach.
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
Peace!
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What is up everyone?! I got a new episode here in the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" Podcast. I was able to speak with former member and kingdom kid Marissa to discuss her life growing up in the church, all the good bad and ugly as well as what led her to needing to exit the church in college. I do need to give a trigger warning for this episode as she discuss instances of self harm.
We talked about growing up in this system, the pressure put on people, and the big topic we discussed is the lack of support for mental health in the church and how that lead her and people like her to grow up with little or no coping mechanisms for the struggles of life.
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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What is up everyone! Got a new episode here in the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" Podcast. I was able to sit with former guest on the show Alex who was also a member of the ICOC. Our conversation centered mostly on what it was like as a "kingdom kid" in the church and how much our view of reality and life was through the lens of the church and it's teaching. Some of the big topics were the feeling of guilt after baptism and continually trying to earn it, and how as you grew up in the church you learn little by little that you cannot trust yourself. I know that I can relate to that a lot. I am grateful to have had this conversation and you all should check this out!
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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What is up everyone! I got a new episode for the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. I was able to chat with former member of the ICOC Amy about what got her in the church, her life in the church, and the how's and why's of why she left. We touched on many topics in this 2 and 1/2 hour conversation. We talked about her family life, the love for a god that she had and why she felt the need to join not just the ICOC but a church in general. She discussed the workload that was put on her in college by the church, what it was like when she became a campus leader and no matter what she did she always felt at the bottom of ladder. She also was able to discuss what led her to help and serve with the charity organization "Hope Worldwide" abroad in Cambodia. I am so grateful to have had the chance to listen to her story and to add it to the growing conversation we all are having.
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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What is up everyone! Got a new DADTALK episode here for all of you. I had the pleasure of speaking with an old friend Todd about all things fatherhood. Todd is a rad dad of a little boy and what was especially great about this conversation for me is that Todd is a stay at home dad and I have been a stay at home dad for almost a year now. It was great to hear about how it is for him and for us to share all we go through in this space.
If you are a dad and would like to share your story here on the podcast you can reach out to me via email at [email protected] or you can DM me 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, just remember, I'm just a channel, I ain't the source.
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What is up everyone! Episode 100 here! Can you believe it? In this episode I talk about how I always seem to forget the day my dad died and its due to the fact that the gorilla Harambe died that day as well. Yes, you read that right.
This has shown me though something important about how we process grief and has helped me move on and live my life a little bit lighter.
As always, thank you for your continued support and thank you for 100 episodes! I could not do it without all of you. 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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What is up everyone! In this episode of the Clemenz With a "Z" Podcast I was able to interview Jennifer Green. Jennifer Green is a licensed certified professional midwife and owner of Seven Cities Midwifery Care here in Virginia Beach. Jennifer is passionate about informed consent, medical freedom, and supporting mothers and families with their birth choices. On a personal note, she was one of the midwives there at my son's home birth.
We had a wonderful discussion on home births, medical freedom, the power of having agency in births and the history of midwifery care. I was able to share more about my love for home births and our birth story as well. It was a wonderful and educational conversation that you all should check out.
If you are here in the seven cities and are thinking about having a home birth or want more information about midwifery you can reach out to her at Seven Cities Midwifery Care at (757) 740-0197 or through the all social media channels.
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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What is up everyone! Got a part 2 to Tania's story of her life in the church. I asked her back to discuss deeper what she meant by the idea of the "colonization of faith". I also wanted her to share further about her experience as a woman in the church and in leadership as well as being a person of color in the church when she moved to the U.S. I am grateful that she came back to shed more light on these things. This conversation about our lives in the church keeps growing and expanding! It's awesome.
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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What is up everyone! Got a new episode up for the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz with a "Z" podcast. I was able to chat with former member of the ICOC Tania. Tania was a member of the Mexico City Church, a missionary that planted one of our churches in Cuba, and a leader in the Boston Church. In our conversation we discussed topics such as the colonization of faith, how much work was required of members, the toxic nature of missionaries, and how women were viewed in the church and leadership.
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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