Clemenz With a ”Z” Podcast

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!  

EP 115 We Were In a Cult? Shari'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 episode. I sit down with writer and former actor Shari Simpson, who shares her story of being drawn into the International Churches of Christ (ICOC). Shari recounts how a chance encounter on the streets of Manhattan led her into the church, and how her time there shaped her life in unexpected ways. Through her experience, we explore the challenges of breaking free from a controlling environment, reclaiming personal identity, and healing from the manipulation she faced. It’s a powerful conversation about rediscovering yourself and redefining faith beyond the confines of the ICOC.
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 114 Talking About Anxiety With Miles

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of anxiety among men. Joined by former guest here on the podcast Miles, we candidly explore how anxiety has affected our lives, from childhood experiences to the ongoing challenges we face as adults. We discuss the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in men, and how breaking the silence can lead to healing. Whether it’s managing daily stress or dealing with panic attacks, we share personal stories, coping strategies, and the importance of finding support. This conversation is a reminder that while anxiety may be common, talking about it shouldn’t be rare.
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 check out Miles' DADTALK you can check it out here:  https://clemenzwithaz.podbean.com/e/dadtalk-with-miles/
If you would like to support the podcast financially please follow this link: https://gofund.me/7ebb0524
Peace!  

EP 113 Grief Talk With Liz

In this episode of *Clemenz With a 'Z'*, we dive deep into the profound and often challenging journey of grief with our special guest, Liz. Together, we explore the emotional landscape that accompanies loss, the process of healing, and the ways in which grief reshapes our lives and perspectives. Liz opens up about her personal experiences, offering insights into the different stages of grief, the importance of support systems, and how to find meaning and resilience amidst the pain. Whether you've experienced loss yourself or are supporting someone who has, this conversation is a poignant reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the power of shared stories.
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 112 We Were In a Cult? Drew #2'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 episode I was joined by former member Drew, who shares his powerful story of leaving the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and the emotional turmoil that came with it. We’ll discuss the painful realization that the church’s promise that 'anyone could lead' was a lie—a promise reserved only for those who fit a rigid mold. For those who didn’t, there was no place of value, only isolation. Drew opens up about the deep emotional impact of breaking away, the long road to healing, and the struggle to redefine faith and family life after leaving such a controlling environment. We’ll also explore the cult-like manipulation tactics used within the ICOC, the rigid gender roles imposed on men, and the mental health challenges that arose from trying to conform to unrealistic expectations. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about the courage it takes to leave, the strength required to heal, and the journey of rediscovering one's true self beyond the church’s confines."
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 111 We Were In a Cult? Kathi'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 dive deep into a compelling and often heartbreaking topic with our episode titled "We Were In a Cult?"
In this episode, we explore a story that spans five decades with our guest, Kathi, who began her journey in the 14th Street Church—later known as the Crossroads Church of Christ, the genesis of the ICOC.
Kathi was baptized at an early age, but as she got older, she felt the pressure to be baptized again—something many members faced as the church's expectations evolved. In the beginning, Kathi found the church to be an amazing community that she truly loved. It was a place of belonging and spiritual growth. But as time went on, the cracks started to show.
Kathi opens up about how the church's culture of control became stifling, where simply asking questions was viewed as an act of rebellion. She shares the pain of being labeled and ostracized by church leaders, and the heartbreak of seeing her own children turned against her.
After leaving the ICOC for 10 years, Kathi returned—this time to the ICC. However, to her dismay, she saw the same issues that plagued the ICOC resurfacing in the ICC as well. In this episode, we delve into the difficult emotions of witnessing the church's changes over the years and confronting the same problems in a new environment.
Join us for an eye-opening conversation about faith, control, and resilience as Kathi shares her powerful and deeply personal story.
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 110 Answering Your Questions With Nadine

What is up everyone?  I have got a new episode here for you all.  In this episode, we're joined once again by Nadine, who previously shared her experiences both in and out of the ICOC. After our last conversation, Nadine received an overwhelming number of questions from listeners eager to learn more about her journey. Today, she’s back to answer those questions and to provide deeper insight into a significant part of her story.
Also, Nadine was named in the infamous Henry Kriete letter, a document that shook the ICOC community to its core. She'll be sharing her personal perspective on being mentioned in the letter, the impact it had on her life, and how she has navigated the aftermath.  It was great to get to talk with her again and to hear all the questions you all had.  I was another insightful conversation and I hope you all get as much out of it as I did.  
If you have any questions for me, please reach out and let me know.  
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!