In this episode of We Were In a Cult?, I’m joined by Lian, who shares her story of growing up within the ICOC after being adopted into a family devoted to the church. Raised with the ICOC’s strict beliefs and expectations, Leanne opens up about her journey from childhood innocence to an intense struggle with guilt and self-worth under the church's pressures. From confronting the demands of ‘sin studies’ to redefining her faith, she reveals the courage it took to walk away from the only life she knew. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and the freedom of self-discovery beyond control.

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 clemenzwithaz@gmail.com 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!

In this latest episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I take listeners along on my journey through the contemporary evangelical church landscape. Having grown up in both the ICOC and traditional Church of Christ, I’ve seen church as a place of deep engagement, community, and connection. But now, after visiting multiple churches over the past few months, I’m questioning if modern church culture has shifted from a space of spiritual participation to a consumer-driven experience. With concert-like worship, brand-heavy atmospheres, and meticulously orchestrated services, are churches today more about what we consume than how we connect? Join me as I unpack these observations, diving into the heart of what church and faith mean in a world that often feels more polished than personal.

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!

"In this latest episode of Clemenz With a Z, I dive into a powerful piece by Stephen Taylor called The Mask. This poem, which explores the protective façades we wear, is part of an ongoing segment where I share poetry that has helped shape my journey. Inspired by Robert Frost’s words, 'Poetry is when emotion has found its thought and the thought has found the words,' this reading invites us to reflect on the masks we carry and the freedom that can come from setting them aside. Join me as I explore the deeper connections that are possible when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and real. This episode is an invitation to drop the mask and discover the richness of life beyond the barriers we build."

If you would like to purchase the book, here's a link:

https://a.co/d/aSll2Va

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!

In this episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I sit down with Dwan, a former member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). As part of our series, ‘We Were in a Cult?’. Dwan shares how a chance reconnection with a high school friend led her to join the ICOC, at a time when she was searching for a sense of belonging and connection. As she opens up about the subtle ways people are drawn into the church, we explore the emotional impact of this journey, the moments of self-reflection, and the motivations that pulled her in as well as the motivations that solidified in her the need to leave this group. This conversation sheds light on the vulnerabilities that cult-like organizations often exploit and challenges us to think critically about the meaning of community, connection, and faith."

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 clemenzwithaz@gmail.com 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!

In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, we’re unpacking one of the most challenging and transformative journeys many of us face: healing. Inspired by our recent conversation with former ICOC member Alan Allard, who shared his path from spiritual trauma to self-recovery, this episode delves into what it truly means to heal. Healing isn't a straightforward process, and there's no universal approach or quick fix. Here, I share personal reflections, experiences from others, and practical insights on navigating the messy, often non-linear road to recovery. Whether you’re grappling with the weight of past beliefs, personal losses, or just the complexities of life, this episode offers support, understanding, and hope for anyone on their own healing journey.

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, a father and want to share your story on a DADTALK, or anyone who wants to come on and just share your story please contact me via email at clemenzwithaz@gmail.com 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!

In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, I dive into the concept of “The Pressure to Do,” exploring how relentless demands impact our well-being. Drawing from Steve Taylor's poignant poem in The Calm Center, I reflect on how this pressure to always be "doing" invades our quiet moments and fuels a cycle of perpetual activity. This isn’t just about productivity; it's about questioning the need to fill every moment and redefining what “enough” truly means. Join me as we uncover the grace of simply being and the strength in letting go.

If you would like to purchase the book, here's a link:

https://a.co/d/aSll2Va

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!

"Welcome to Clemenz with a Z, where we explore the powerful stories of those who’ve broken free from high-control religious groups. This latest episode is a kind of We Were in a Cult? segment as well as talk on healing from spiritual trauma. I was able to speak with Alan Allard, a former member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Alan shares how his experiences within the ICOC shaped his journey of spiritual abuse recovery and inspired him to become a coach dedicated to helping others heal. Through his story, Alan offers insight into the resilience needed to rebuild and the transformative power of reclaiming one’s identity. Through his website, AlanAllard.com, he provides resources, coaching, and support for individuals seeking freedom from the psychological and emotional scars left by spiritual trauma. This episode sheds light on the strength required to overcome spiritual trauma and the hope that healing can offer to others on similar paths."

If you would like to reach out to Alan for more information on what he does or to get guidance, you can reach him at his website: AlanAllard.com.

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 clemenzwithaz@gmail.com 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!

Welcome back to Clemenz With a Z! In today’s episode, we dive into a special poem that found me when I needed it most—The Laughing Heart by Charles Bukowski. This piece has been a constant source of light for me, especially during darker times. As we continue our exploration of poetry, I want to take a moment to reflect on its power to help us slow down, connect, and find meaning in life’s toughest moments. Whether you're new to Bukowski or familiar with his wild life and words, this poem speaks to something universal: the quiet resilience within us all. I dedicate this episode to the incredible guests and listeners who have shared their stories and struggles on this platform, specifically in the "We Were In a Cult?" series. Here's to holding on to that little bit of light, no matter how dim it may seem.