Going First with Amy Fritz

87(AUDIO FIX): Shiny Happy People: The Impact of IBLP and Bill Gothard on the Evangelical Church. Guests: Kristina Kallman and JJ Merrick

(If you downloaded this previously, there was a glitch with the audio. Hopefully, it's fixed now!)   Just a quick note at the beginning of this episode to let you know that today’s content is not safe for young children. We cover some heavy topics and I’m certain a few cuss words survived the final edit. I also wanted to let you know we cover the topic of abuse and understand this could be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In early June, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets debuted on Amazon Prime. It reached more viewers in its first 9 days than any Amazon docuseries. Journalist Selome Hailu reported in an article for Variety, that “measured over the same nine-day period, the series has been responsible for the acquisition of more new Prime Video costumers than any other Amazon docuseries. While many have been drawn to watch this docuseries because of interest in the Duggar family, once they turn in, they get an education on an organization the Duggars have been closely tied to. And that organization was founded and led for many years by a man we now know to have been credibly accused of the sexual assault of multiple young women among other abusive behaviors. On today’s episode I’ll share some of the history of that organization and some stories from those who participated in one way or another in this community.   JJ Merrick and Kristina Kallman join Amy to share about their experiences with the IBLP and ATIA world.   Episodes you might enjoy: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/10/13/17-our-ramsey-story-part-1-hoping-to-be-chosen/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/10/26/58-untwisting-scriptures-guest-rebecca-davis/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

86: (Part 1) Shiny Happy People: The Impact of IBLP and Bill Gothard on the Evangelical Church. Guests: Kristina Kallman and JJ Merrick

Just a quick note at the beginning of this episode to let you know that today’s content is not safe for young children. We cover some heavy topics and I’m certain a few cuss words survived the final edit. I also wanted to let you know we cover the topic of abuse and understand this could be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In early June, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets debuted on Amazon Prime. It reached more viewers in its first 9 days than any Amazon docuseries. Journalist Selome Hailu reported in an article for Variety, that “measured over the same nine-day period, the series has been responsible for the acquisition of more new Prime Video costumers than any other Amazon docuseries. While many have been drawn to watch this docuseries because of interest in the Duggar family, once they turn in, they get an education on an organization the Duggars have been closely tied to. And that organization was founded and led for many years by a man we now know to have been credibly accused of the sexual assault of multiple young women among other abusive behaviors. On today’s episode I’ll share some of the history of that organization and some stories from those who participated in one way or another in this community.   JJ Merrick and Kristina Kallman join Amy to share about their experiences with the IBLP and ATIA world. Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

83: Dave Ramsey’s Legal Nightmare: Time Share Exit Team Class-Action Lawsuit Deep Dive with Melissa Hogan

Dave Ramsey's Legal Nightmare: Time Share Exit Team Class-Action Lawsuit Deep Dive with Melissa Hogan Dave Ramsey is facing a class action lawsuit from invested fans who trusted his endorsement of Timeshare Exit Team, a company accused of committing fraud. The case raises questions about what Ramsey knew or should have known, and whether he did due diligence before endorsing the company. This episode covers: The controversial partnership between Ramsey Solutions and Timeshare Exit Team. The legal implications surrounding the class-action lawsuit filed against Dave Ramsey. The importance of transparency and thorough evaluation in business interactions. The power of class-action lawsuits in promoting a responsible corporate culture. My special guest is Amy Fritz, Melissa Hogan Melissa Hogan is an accomplished lawyer with a career spanning over two decades. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the legal world, which she shares with listeners on the Untangled Faith podcast. Host Amy Fritz invites Melissa to discuss the recent class-action lawsuit against Dave Ramsey. Melissa simplifies the complex legal issues surrounding the case, helping listeners to better understand its implications. The key moments in this episode are: How the Lawsuit was Discovered Allegations Against Timeshare Exit Team Endorsed Local Provider Program Expectations for Ramsey's Response Class Action Lawsuit Timeline  Resources: Melissa Hogan's article on the Time Share Exit Team Class Action Lawsuit against Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. https://melissajhogan.medium.com/breaking-dave-ramsey-sued-by-former-fans-in-class-action-lawsuit-3b92d3cb60d8 Sign up here for a resource with easy access to Ramsey Solutions related lawsuit records, podcasts, articles, employee reviews. . . https://untangledfaithpodcast.aweb.page/p/7c5e76a1-f0a4-4310-a4ea-9a94144c2a97 Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/02/22/71-in-the-dark-spiritual-and-ethical-implications-of-ramsey-solutions-updated-employee-agreement/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/07/20/48-former-ramsey-solutions-employees-reflect-on-their-experience-with-ramsey-meetings/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

79: Domestic Violence & Evangelical Churches. 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 Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

75: Surviving, Healing, & The Pitfalls of Advocacy. Guest: Lori Anne Thompson

  Have you been told to (or seen others) push through personal pain and trauma while engaging in advocacy for the health of the Church without being given the tools to manage your (or their) own emotional wellness? Are you often feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Meet Lori Anne Thompson: a compassionate survivor, storyteller, and student. Lori Anne is a devoted wife, mother, and enthusiastic cook who loves to share her passion for sustainable rhythms and healing for those who have survived trauma. Lori Anne and Amy talk through these topics in this episode of the Untangled Faith podcast:   Who is Lori Anne Thompson? The Three Phases of Recovery How trauma can't be your whole life Chronic activation Finding sustainable ways to give back Red flags to look for Becoming what we're against The power of saying no.   If you want to submit a question for the 2nd-anniversary episode, you can submit a question here: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/anniversary   Links: Victim Impact Statement from Lori Anne Thompson regarding Ravi Zacharias:  https://loriannethompson.com/2021/02/08/lori-anne-thompson-victim-impact-statement/ https://loriannethompson.com https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/cpac-trump-transgenderism-oscars.html Truth & Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice by Judith Herman: https://amzn.to/3mxzx0W Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/01/25/67-the-secret-to-being-courageous-guest-kj-ramsey/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/09/14/55-a-curious-faith-guest-lore-wilbert/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor  

72: Unraveling Abuse in the Church: Pete Singer on Third-Party Investigations & Trauma-Informed Practices

Pete Singer, executive director of GRACE, shares about grooming, hidden trauma, being "overly" sensitive to abuse, and the importance of third-party investigations. “Perpetrators put a lot of effort into being the kind of person who would never do that.” "Being more sensitive may be the product of having more knowledge."   Pete Singer is the Executive Director of GRACE: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment and an expert on third-party investigations, trauma, and trauma-informed practice.   GRACE: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment is a nonprofit organization that specializes in safeguarding initiatives to guard against church abuse, sexual abuse in the church.   In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What misconceptions about perpetrators of abuse do people have, and how can we ensure we are more informed? 2. How does trauma-informed practice apply in churches, and why is it important? 3. How can churches protect possible victims and be transparent and trustworthy in their response to allegations of misconduct? Links: https://netgrace.org SAMHSA’s Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care – Post-Secondary Peer Support Training Curriculum (opentextbc.ca) Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/11/03/20-our-ramsey-story-part-4-the-got-your-six-meeting-1-of-2-episodes/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/11/03/21-our-ramsey-story-part-5-the-got-your-six-meeting-2-of-2-episodes/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

71: Why You Should Reconsider A Ramsey Solutions Job

Here's why you should reconsider a Ramsey Solutions job. "If telling the truth is risking the business, you've got a truth problem, not a business problem."- Melissa J. Hogan Melissa Hogan is an attorney and fan favorite of the Untangled Faith Podcast. She joins Amy Fritz to discuss the implications of new requirements for employees of Ramsey Solutions, and to shine a light on the ethical and spiritual issues surrounding the policies. Here's what I cover with Melissa Hogan in this episode: Unethical, spiritual and practical issues surrounding a Christian company's new policies. Fear tactics and how they are used to control and manage an image, instead of promoting truth and Jesus. Potential legal challenges and rights surrounding non-disclosure agreements, works-for-hire and non-solicitation clauses, and forced arbitration. Dave Ramsey's unhealthy work environment has implications for employee rights.  Episode transcript: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/transcription-3.docx-1.pdf Links: Ramsey Solutions Reviews: https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Ramsey-Solutions-Reviews-E355423.htm https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/board-rules-that-employers-may-not-offer-severance-agreements-requiring https://melissajhogan.medium.com/dear-churches-stop-using-ndas-and-other-silencing-strategies-b45b7c8d297c https://danwatt.org/2022/09/comparing-the-non-disparagements-of-a-christian-workplace/ https://religionnews.com/2022/09/08/ndas-are-a-tool-for-toxic-church-cultures/ Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/08/31/54-silencing-techniques-used-by-churches-and-faith-organizations/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/07/20/47-impression-management-ramsey-solutions-guest-dr-wade-mullen/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/07/20/48-former-ramsey-solutions-employees-reflect-on-their-experience-with-ramsey-meetings/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2022/05/04/42-boz-tchividjian-answers-your-questions-on-g-r-a-c-e-caring-well-churchtoo-ndas/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

70: Whistleblowing On The Record: Lori Harding & Lori Adams-Brown’s Experience

What happened when Lori Adams-Brown and Lori Harding courageously revealed the truth about abuse of power in the church? Lori Adams-Brown shares more about speaking on the record with Julie Roys about her experience with Pastor Andy Wood, successor to Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. Lori Harding shares about speaking on the record with Julie Roys about her experience with Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. "We do what we can with what we know, and that is a courageous act of faith." -Lori Adams-Brown Lori Adams-Brown and Lori Harding are two courageous women who have gone on the record with a journalist to share their experiences with abusive and unhealthy leaders in the church. They both have a deep love for Jesus and a desire to bring justice and healing to those who have been hurt. Lori Adams-Brown and Lori Harding found the courage to speak out despite the personal risk. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What was it like to wait for their stories to be shared? 2. What they would have done differently. 3. Advice to those considering speaking out. Links: Lori Harding's story- https://julieroys.com/podcast/survivor-claims-spiritual-abuse-at-coral-ridge-presbyterian-part-1/ https://julieroys.com/podcast/survivor-claims-spiritual-abuse-at-coral-ridge-presbyterian-part-2/   Lori Adams-Brown story- https://julieroys.com/alleged-victims-challenge-report-clearing-rick-warren-successor-abuse/ https://julieroys.com/former-staffers-expose-bullying-rick-warren-successor-andy-wood/   Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/02/08/69going-on-the-record-with-lori-adams-brown-lori-harding-trust-trauma-telling-your-story/ https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/12/15/26-what-about-bob-an-interview-with-religion-journalist-bob-smietana/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz   Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor  

69:Going On The Record with Lori Adams-Brown & Lori Harding: Trust, Trauma & Telling Your Story

"We did this out of love to protect sheep. Exposing the darkness to the light is how it happens." - Lori Adams-Brown Some of you have a story to tell that you’ve never told anyone. And some of you are wondering if that story should find it’s way to a journalist. Where would you go? How does that even work? What all goes into the process and what do you need to know to make it out on the other side? Today I’m joined by two friends who answer those questions as we pull back the curtain to show you what it’s like to go on the record for a journalist. Lori Adams-Brown and Lori Harding are two courageous women who have gone on the record with journalist Julie Roys to share their stories of abuse in the church. In this episode: 1. How they decided to go public with their story of abuse. What was the process like? What were their concerns? How did they navigate the process? 2. The role of investigative journalism in exposing the darkness and restoring the church: How did they choose a reporter? What were the expectations? What was the interview process like? 3. The consequences of speaking out: How did they prepare for the backlash? What were some of the criticisms they faced? Links: Lori Harding's story- https://julieroys.com/podcast/survivor-claims-spiritual-abuse-at-coral-ridge-presbyterian-part-1/ https://julieroys.com/podcast/survivor-claims-spiritual-abuse-at-coral-ridge-presbyterian-part-2/ Lori Adams-Brown story- https://julieroys.com/alleged-victims-challenge-report-clearing-rick-warren-successor-abuse/ https://julieroys.com/former-staffers-expose-bullying-rick-warren-successor-andy-wood/ Related Episodes: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2021/12/15/26-what-about-bob-an-interview-with-religion-journalist-bob-smietana/ Support the show: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith 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: Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith  https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producers: Michele Pjanic Phil and Susan Perdue Pam Forsythe Chelle Taylor

54: Silencing Strategies Used by Churches and Faith Organizations

Melissa J. Hogan joins Amy to share from Melissa's legal background insights on NDAs, confidentiality agreements, and other forms of silencing techniques that churches or faith-adjacent communities might use. Links: https://melissajhogan.com https://melissajhogan.medium.com https://twitter.com/melissajhogan https://twitter.com/melissajhogan/status/1361716852964151304 Leave a review: https://podcasts.app.com/us/podcast/untangled-faith/id1561001170 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Join us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/untangledfaith Where you can find me: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com https://instagram.com/untangledfaith https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz https://twitter.com/faithuntangled https://twitter.com/amyfritz https://facebook.com/untangledfaith This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling here: https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Host/Creator: Amy Fritz Producer: Michelle Pjanic