Clemenz With a ”Z” Podcast

EP 146 Hold My Apple, I’m Finding Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t always easy, and it’s definitely not always obvious. Life moves fast, responsibilities pile up, and before we know it, we forget the small miracles holding us up every day. In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, I reflect on a poem by James A. Pearson (The Wilderness That Bears Your Name) that reminded me to pause and see what’s been there all along: the rising sun, the steady ground beneath my feet, and the strength we gain when we let ourselves be held by life’s quiet gifts. Join me as I explore what it means to slow down, stay grateful, and find light even when the world feels overwhelming
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Clemenz With a Z. Your support means the world to me and helps keep these important conversations going. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review—it really helps more people find these stories and be part of this journey.
And remember: I’m just a channel, I ain’t the source.
If you liked the poem I read today, it’s by James A. Pearson and comes from the book The Wilderness That Bears Your Name.  If you would like to purchase it, here's a link: https://a.co/d/2nF8Djr
If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524
Until next time, take care of yourself, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP 145 Black Coffee, Camo Bibles, and Sissy Sticks: Faith, Fragile Manhood, and the Things That Shouldn’t Matter

In this latest episode of Clemenz With a "Z":  "Black Coffee, Camo Bibles, and Sissy Sticks: Faith, Fragile Manhood, and the Things That Shouldn’t Matter", I dive into the unspoken (and often ridiculous) rules about masculinity that churches and culture push on men. From black coffee and camo Bibles to the fear of looking "soft," I explore how these narrow definitions shape our identities and why they fall apart under real scrutiny. Through personal stories, faith, and a search for a fuller, healthier masculinity, this episode challenges what it really means to be a man—and asks: what if we let go of the performance and embraced something real?
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP 144 We Were In a Cult? Ann's Story

In this latest episode of Clemenz With a "Z", part of our ongoing We Were In a Cult? series, we sit down with Ann to explore her remarkable story. Born in Northern China and later moving to Singapore, Ann’s path eventually led her to the ICOC, a church she believed would offer community and purpose but instead brought manipulation and control. Through courage and vulnerability, Ann shares the emotional and spiritual journey of her life within the ICOC and the pivotal moments that helped her break free. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding your voice. Whether you’re seeking understanding, connection, or healing, Ann’s story will leave a lasting impression.
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP 143 The Price Of Worship

In this episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I dive into a subject that sparks heated discussions and deep reflections: the relationship between churches and money. From the high production value of Sunday services to the tax-exempt status that many churches enjoy, this episode peels back the layers to examine how finances influence the modern church experience. Drawing from my personal visits to various churches over the past year, I share insights and ask tough questions about how money shapes the way faith is practiced and presented. Tune in as we explore whether these financial practices uplift communities—or cross ethical boundaries.
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP 142 We Were In a Cult? Liz's Story

In the latest episode of Clemenz With a Z, we continue our series, We Were in a Cult?, with a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation featuring Liz, a former member of the International Church of Christ (ICOC).
Liz shares her journey of being drawn into the church as a college student and the lasting impact it had on her life. This episode delves into the ICOC’s influence on marriage dynamics, including rigid roles and expectations that shaped her relationships and personal growth. With honesty and resilience, Liz reflects on her path to healing and self-discovery after leaving the church. Tune in for a compelling exploration of faith, control, and the courage it takes to reclaim your identity.
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP. 141 Baptism or Branding? Reflecting on Sacred Acts in Modern Churches

In this latest episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I dive deep into the evolving practice of baptism in modern churches and ask some hard questions: Has something sacred turned into a spectacle? Drawing from my own baptism experience, which was meant to be transformative but left me feeling exposed and disconnected, I explore how baptisms are often presented as high-production events with promotional t-shirts, branded backdrops, and curated social media moments. Together, we’ll reflect on how these trends may overshadow the intimate, spiritual essence of baptism and discuss ways to bring back the focus on personal faith and transformation. Let’s start a conversation about honoring the sacredness of these moments in a way that truly uplifts the individual and their journey.
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP 140 We Were In a Cult? Diana's Story

In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, we continue our powerful series, We Were In a Cult?, with a compelling conversation featuring Diana. Diana shares her story of being introduced to the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) during her college years in Boston. What began as a chance encounter at a grocery store turned into years of involvement in a high-control religious group. Diana reflects on how her initial search for connection and faith led her to the ICOC, the subtle pressures that kept her engaged, and the journey of self-discovery and healing that followed. Her insights shed light on the complexities of seeking meaning, belonging, and the courage it takes to break free. This is an episode filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and hope.
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!

EP 139 We Were In a Cult? Nat's Story

In the latest episode of the We Were In a Cult? series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast, I was able to speak with former member of the International Church of Christ, or ICOC, Nat to explore her journey of self-discovery and healing after leaving the high-demand religious group. Together, we unpack the emotional toll of manipulation, the challenges of reclaiming personal identity, and the transformative power of reflection and resilience. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on the subtle ways control can masquerade as faith and offers hope to those navigating their own paths to freedom and healing.
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
Until next time, take care, stay grateful, and keep growing. Peace!