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Healthy Faith Episodes

164
July 14, 2026

164: Birdie Mae Has Something to Say: What Faith Looks Like from the Back Row

In this episode, Birdy Mae shares her journey of faith, authenticity, and using her voice to challenge church norms. We explore themes of church hurt, gender roles, faith deconstruction, and the power of sitting in the back row while loving Jesus. Featured Guest Birdie Mae Resources mentioned The Back Row Substack 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 m...
Guest: Birdie Mae
163
May 19, 2026

163: How A Relational Vision of Church Can Revolutionize our Faith Communities. Guest: Toni Daniels

In this conversation Toni Daniels from the Luke 10 ministry joins Amy to talk about a what she believes is the best way to approach building faith communities. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: Toni's ministry Luke 10. How salvation is the ultimate expression of secure attachment. How Jesus modeled a discipleship that wasn't about pointing out errors and correcting his disciples. How the CEO Business model has failed fa...
162
May 12, 2026

162: The Sacredness of Ordinary Connection with Matt Mattson

In this conversation, author Matt Mattson talks with Amy Fritz about the sacredness of ordinary connection in our everyday lives. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: The story behind Matt's new book Cathredrals of Connection The power of everyday encounters How to find connection even when you're not an extrovert First Watch and The West Wing Our need for both the institutional church and more nontraditional spaces for...
161
April 21, 2026

161: Escaping The High Control World of the Duggars and the IFB Church

About 10 years ago, the news came out that Joshua Duggar had abused two of his sisters. And then just a few years ago, Josh was arrested and convicted of possessing and distributing CSAM. Fast forward to last month. Josh Duggar's younger brother, Joseph, was arrested on suspicion of molestation. The pattern is horrifying. In today's episode, Amy Fritz shares a conversation she had with Ryan George. Ryan escaped the Independant Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) church world that's adjacent to the c...
160
April 14, 2026

160: Expanding The Abortion Conversation Beyond Life Versus Choice. Guest: Angela Weszely

In this conversation, Angela Weszely talks about expanding the abortion conversation beyond life versus choice and why many Christians are feeling uncomfortable with the current discourse. This episode explores some better ways to approach this topic and what we might be missing. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: Taking off our team jerseys Measure success as becoming more like Jesus John 8 and the way it's been misrepresented Wha...
158
March 31, 2026

158: Bible Truth About Women. Guest: Lydia Kaiser

Lydia Kaiser joins Amy Fritz for a conversation on what the Bible says about women. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: Lydia's new book, Bible Truth About Women: What They Don't Tell You. Titles v. Roles in Scripture How different Bible transitions change over the years Women in the New Testament Misconceptions about what Scripture says about women Featured Guest Lydia Kaiser Website: https://LydiaKaiser.com Facebook.com/LydiaG...
157
March 17, 2026

157: What To Do When the World Feels Heavy. Guest: Shannan Martin

In this conversation, Shannan Martin shares her framework of "counterweights" for balancing life's heaviness. This episode explores how balancing the hard things with intentional moments of joy can get us through. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: The story behind Shannon Martin's new book, Counterweights: An Essential Practice for Holding Hope in a Heavy World Practical ways to identify and gather counterweights in daily life The i...
154
Feb. 17, 2026

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, em...
153
Feb. 10, 2026

153: 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 communit...
152
Feb. 3, 2026

152: Old Hymns and Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith. Guest: Andrew Osenga

Musician 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 ...
150
Jan. 20, 2026

150: Understanding Intimate Partner Betrayal, Guest: Tammy Gustafson

Therapist 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 ...
149
Jan. 13, 2026

149: 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 Co...
147
Oct. 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 devotiona...
145
Sept. 30, 2025

145: Holy Hurt: Spiritual Trauma and Paths to Restoration, Guest: Hillary McBride

Hillary McBride joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to unpack spiritual trauma, healing, and how we can create faith communities that avoid replicating unhealthy patterns. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore who McBride's new book, Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing, is for and how different groups relate to spiritual trauma. Define spiritual abuse and spiritual trauma, and unpack the common m...
142
June 20, 2025

142: Recovering From Purity Culture. Guest: Dr. Camden Morgante

Dr. Camden Morgante joins Amy Fritz to talk about all the awful metaphors and false promises of purity culture, and a better way forward. If you grew up reading Josh Harris and Elisabeth Elliot, you're going to love this one! Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Featured Guest Dr. Camden Morgante https://drcamden.com/press/ Resources mentioned Dr. Camden's site: https://drcamden.com/press/ Dr. Camden's Substack: https://drcamden.substack.com/ Recovering From Purit...
141
June 11, 2025

141: Healing and Navigating the Pitfalls of the Advocacy Space. 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...
140
June 4, 2025

140: Navigating Awkward Church Transitions and Avoiding Accidental Heresy. Guest: Aaron Armstrong

Aaron Armstrong joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to explore the nuances of leaving a beloved church community, navigating the awkwardness of joining a new church, and the motivations and process behind his new book, Faith Simplified: What We Believe and Why We Believe It. The conversation moves from personal stories of faith transitions to honest insight into Christian publishing, endorsements, and what it means to thoughtfully engage with the important theological tenants of the C...
139
May 21, 2025

139: Posture Over Position: Transforming How We Engage LGBTQ+ Folks in Our Congregations: Guest Bill Henson, Posture Shift Ministries

Bill Henson, founder and director of Posture Shift Ministries, joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about cultivating a posture of radical love and hospitality toward LGBTQ+ individuals and families within the church, regardless of theological position. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore the difference between a church's theological position and its posture toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Hear why Posture Shift was founded ...
136
April 22, 2025

136: What Happens When You Have Conflicting Information About Someone's Character?

Amy Fritz shares a brief reflection on what it's like to reckon with there being two versions of someone. What would it cost to believe a person could be kind and generous sometimes and cruel and abusive other times? Are you allowed to consider that, and what does it mean if you aren't? Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com 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 ...
134
April 8, 2025

134: Pushing Back Against Spiritual Anxiety. Guest: Tiffany Yecke Brooks

Tiffany Yecke Brooks joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss her book Holy Ghosted and searching for a less anxious faith Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode, we: Explore the concept of spiritual anxiety as a trauma response and its impact on individuals raised in legalistic religious environments. Discuss the influence of religious teachings and cultural pressures on Gen X and millennials' spiritual experiences. Examine how contr...
133
April 1, 2025

133: Building Safe Sanctuaries. Guest: Dr. Diane Langberg

Dr. Diane Langberg joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss her insights on abuse within the church and her latest book, "When the Church Harms God's People." Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode, we: Explore the evolution of understanding abuse and trauma over the past five decades with Dr. Langberg. Discuss the misconceptions surrounding abuse and domestic violence within Christian communities. Examine the bravery required for vic...
March 25, 2025

Celebrities For Jesus. Guest: Katelyn Beaty (RERUN)

Katelyn 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 sto...
131
March 11, 2025

131: Exploring Women's Historical Roles in Ministry. Guest: Dr. Beth Allison Barr

Dr. Beth Allison Barr joins Amy Fritz to talk about the how women's roles in church ministry have changed throughout history. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Dive into the origins and unexpected reactions to Barr's previous work, "The Making of Biblical Womanhood." Explore how Barr's experiences as both a historian and pastor's wife influenced her latest work. Unpack the historical context of ordination and the roles women played in early c...
129
Feb. 25, 2025

129: Searching For Safety After Abuse and Harm. Guest: Melissa J. Hogan

Melissa J. Hogan joins Amy to talk about a talk she gave at the Restore conference in Feb 2025. What does it look like to search for safety after abuse? Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com What we talk about: Finding safe community Establishing stability The cocoon stage Reckoning with imperfect communities The risk of truly living Featured Guest Melissa J. Hogan (1) Res Ipsa with Melissa J. Hogan | Substack Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, lea...