Clemenz With a ”Z” Podcast

EP 123 "Is church just an accepted cult?" Why can't we listen to Landslide?

"Hey everyone, it’s Roy, and welcome back to Clemenz With a Z! Today’s episode kicks off a new series I’ve been working on, asking a big question—Are churches cults? In this exploration, I’ll be diving into the similarities between churches like Hillsong and Mars Hill and the ICOC, which has often been labeled a cult. This week, I’m sharing my experience at a local church, where the preacher’s sermon took an unexpected turn. He warned the congregation against listening to the song Landslide by Stevie Nicks, framing it as spiritually dangerous. The way he used this example to manipulate fear in the audience really got to me. I'll break down his tactics and talk about why discouraging critical thought and open exploration like this can be harmful. Join me as we look at the power dynamics and manipulative strategies some preachers use, and ask the question—is church just an accepted cult? 

EP 122: "Trees" and "It's Time To Stop Striving"

In the latest episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I’m excited to embark on a new journey into the world of poetry. This episode is the first in a series where I’ll be sharing poems that have deeply resonated with me, starting with Joyce Kilmer’s Trees and a powerful piece from Steve Taylor’s The Calm Center. Poetry has a unique ability to connect us, helping us pause, reflect, and find meaning in everyday life. Whether you're a longtime poetry enthusiast or just curious, I invite you to listen as we explore the insights these poems offer. Join me in this contemplative space, and let’s discover together how words can touch the heart and soul.
If you would like to purchase Calm Center, follow this link:
https://a.co/d/6axLslJ
If you would like to read more Joyce Kilmer poems:
https://a.co/d/1y9PIwv
 
Thanks for all of yall's support of this platform!
Peace

EP 121 We Were In a Cult? AnneMarie's Story

In this episode of Clemenz With a 'Z', I sit down with AnneMarie, a former member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). As part of our series, ‘We Were in a Cult?’, AnneMarie shares her personal journey from being drawn into the ICOC to the life-changing decision to leave. Through her candid reflections, we explore the emotional, spiritual, and psychological effects of being part of a high-control group. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about faith, identity, and personal transformation.
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!  

EP 120 A Bit of a Reintroduction

Welcome back to Clemenz With a 'Z'! In today’s episode, we’re doing things a bit differently with a reintroduction—both to myself and this podcast. Over the past five years, this platform has evolved in ways I never anticipated, especially with the incredible response to the "We Were in a Cult?" series. From its beginnings as the Balanced Male Podcast, this show has grown into a space where we explore deep and meaningful stories, offering healing and understanding for people from all walks of life. Today, I’ll reflect on the podcast’s journey, my motivations, and where we’re headed next. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just joining, I’m excited to share the lessons learned and the path forward. Let’s dive in!
You can check out my very first episode here:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-psru9-a98217
If you are a dad and would like to share your story here on the podcast you can reach out to me via email at clemenzwithaz@gmail.com or you can DM me at the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast Instagram page. 
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!  
 

EP 119 We Were In a Cult? Asha's Story

In this episode of Clemenz with a Z, we continue the series “We Were in a Cult?”  We continue our discussion with a conversation featuring Asha.  Asha shares their incredible journey of being drawn into the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) back in 1993, all the way from Kerala, India. We discuss the emotional complexities of life within the ICOC, the controlling tactics used by the organization, and how Asha eventually found the strength to break free. Tune in for an insightful, raw, and ultimately inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery.
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!  

EP 118 We Were In a Cult? Jakob's Story

In this episode of Clemenz with a Z, we continue the series “We Were in a Cult?” with a compelling conversation featuring Jakob. First introduced to the International Church of Christ (ICOC) in Russia and the Ukraine, Jakob later relocated to the Middle East, where his journey with the organization continued. He and his wife have spent years unraveling the complexities of their time in the ICOC, and in this episode, Jacob opens up about the challenges of leaving, the process of healing, and the impact the group had on his life. Tune in as we explore his personal story of finding clarity and reclaiming 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!  

EP 117 We Were In a Cult? Jennifer's Story

In this latest episode of Clemenz With a 'Z' Podcast, we continue our series “We Were in a Cult?” with a conversation featuring Jennifer, a former member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Jen shares her early memories of growing up in the church, attending services in unique locations, and the lasting impact of that experience. From humorous anecdotes about “lipstick-shaped” hotels to deeper reflections on community and faith, Jen’s story is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Tune in to hear how these experiences have shaped her outlook on life beyond the ICOC. Don’t miss this insightful addition to our ongoing exploration of life inside and outside high-demand religious groups.
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!  

EP 116 We Were In a Cult? Joselyn's Story

Hey everyone!  I got another episode here for the "We Were In a Cult?" Series here on the Clemenz With a "Z" podcast. Today, we again dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our segment titled "We Were In a Cult?"
In this eye-opening episode of Clemenz with a Z, I sit down with former member Joselyn to discuss her experience with the International Churches of Christ (ICOC), a church that we all know has sparked both devotion and controversy. Jocelyn shares how she was first invited into the church, the sense of community that initially drew her in, and the moments that led her to question whether she had become involved in something far more controlling than she had initially realized. Together, we explore the blurred lines between faith, community, and control, offering an honest look at how these dynamics can shape — and sometimes manipulate — personal beliefs. Whether you’re familiar with the ICOC or simply curious about the complexities of faith-based organizations, this episode provides valuable insights into Jocelyn’s lived experiences and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be part of a religious group that some might label a cult.
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!