Clemenz With a ”Z” Podcast

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!

EP 138 Follow Up With Kesha

In this special episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', we welcome back Keisha, the very first guest of our "We Were In a Cult?" series. Keisha's initial interview sparked a movement, inspiring 50 episodes that have reached listeners across six countries. In this follow-up conversation, we reflect on the impact of her story, the growth of the series, and the healing journey we've embarked on together. Join us as we dive deeper into the question that started it all: Were we in a cult? This is a must-listen for anyone exploring life after high-control environments and seeking hope and understanding.
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 137 We Were In a Cult? Max's Story

In the latest episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', we bring you a powerful conversation from our series We Were In a Cult?. This week, Max shares his unique perspective as someone who grew up within the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and remains a member today. Despite his deep ties to the church, Max opens up about the challenges of recognizing the trauma and manipulation many have experienced in this environment. His story sheds light on the complexities of maintaining faith while approaching difficult truths with an open heart and mind. Join us as we explore Max's journey and the delicate balance between belief and questioning, offering hope and understanding for those navigating similar experiences.
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 136 We Were In a Cult? Chris' Story

In this segment of the "We Were In a Cult?" series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast, we’re joined by former member of the ICOC Chris, who shares his deeply personal journey through and beyond the International Churches of Christ. In this conversation, Chris opens up about the psychological remnants of his time in the ICOC, from internalized guilt to the challenges of embracing his own story.
We’ll explore the concept of "little t" traumas—those subtle yet profound experiences that leave lasting marks—and discuss how the church's teachings, like the idea of "denying oneself," shaped Chris’s sense of self-worth and identity. This episode is an honest reflection on healing, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative after leaving a high-control environment.
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!