A Life, A Loss, A Story That Matters

Matt Hempel entered the Community of Jesus at just 12 years old—and within weeks, he knew something wasn’t right.

In this episode, Matt shares what it was like to grow up inside a highly structured, controlled environment where questioning wasn’t welcomed and conformity was expected. While parts of his experience included structure and opportunity, he also witnessed practices that felt confusing, unsettling, and deeply dysfunctional.

Looking back, Matt describes those years through a powerful lens: survival, evasion, resistance, and ultimately, escape.

Listen to former sister, Dianne Wentworth, reflect on her years inside the Community of Jesus.

When the storyteller becomes the story. Listen to your host, Bonnie Zampino, tell her story on Let's Get Real, a podcast by Glenda Kroll.

Today is the 2-year anniversary of Aaron Bushnell's act of extreme protest, and of his death. Today we aren't discussing the specifics of his final act. Instead, we are remembering the person that Aaron was. Listen to letters and stories from his friends, his teachers, and those who grew up with Aaron and his family at Grenville Christian College and the Community of Jesus. Thank you to Beth, Mel, Madeleine, Hannah and Erin. Aaron's family loves him and misses him very much.

Hear Susan Wilkins' story of becoming a nun and then leaving 20 years later

Listen to Dan Burnham share his story

Meet Christina, hear her story and learn about the rare apology she received.