Podcast Host, Amy Fritz, reflects on 2025 with lessons learned, articles she's shared, favorite books and musicians, and some things she's thinking about for 2026

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com

In this episode we talk about:

• Working on a memoir
• Articles from 2025
• Musicians I love
• News stories I'm still thinking about

Resources mentioned

• Untangled Faith Substack
• Suzy Flory, One Year Memoir
• Get the Hell Out of Dodge
• Open When You Drop Your Daughter Off At College For the First Time
• That Time Dave Ramsey Said He Might Possible Owe My Husband an Apology
• On Celebrations and Landmines and Reminders of the Places we Had to Leave
• Reckoning With Reports that Someone In Your Community Has Harmed Someone
• I Was Warned About the World, But Not About This
• Jon Guerra
• Sarah Kroger
• Becca Jordan
• Michael Tait allegations
• The Glass House
• The Tell
• Perversion of Justice
• Ordinary Time
• Remarkably Bright Creatures
• Becoming the Pastor's Wife
• Dinner for Vampires
• The Quiet Damage
• Theo of Golden
• Peril

Tell Your Friends!

If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.

Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts

Follow on Apple podcasts

Subscribe on YouTube

Follow on Spotify

Follow on Podcast Addict

Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show?

Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com

Follow me on Instagram

Follow me on Threads

Follow me on BlueSky

Journalist and author Scott Latta joins Amy Fritz to discuss Scott's new book, Gods of the Smoke Machine: Power, Pain, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism in the Megachurch, sharing stories of power, accountability, and the changing landscape of American megachurches.

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com

In this episode we:

• Explore why megachurches are growing even as overall church attendance in America declines.

• Examine the evolution from traditional "big box" churches to franchise-style, multi-site megachurch models.

• Discuss the impact of megachurch growth on small churches, including the cannibalization of congregations and properties.

• Explore the profound loss experienced by members when megachurch scandals or abusive leaders come to light, and how that pain is multiplied by scale.

• Hear firsthand stories from those harmed by toxic church systems and why amplifying survivor voices is critical.

• Unpack the phenomenon of faux accountability and restoration processes for fallen pastors in megachurch networks.

• Discuss Boz Tchividjian's insights on the legal landscape, the role of financial consequences in church accountability, and why civil litigation is sometimes the only path to justice.

• Investigate how megachurches cultivate soft political power, their influence on Christian nationalism, and the increasing willingness of pastors to openly engage in politics.

• Offer practical wisdom for those seeking healthy faith communities, what real accountability looks like, and how to rethink church engagement after disillusionment.

Featured Guest

• Scott Latta Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack

Resources mentioned

• Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today

• Scott Latta's Substack Gods of the Smoke Machine | Scott Latta | Substack

• Scott Latta on Bluesky Scott Latta (@scottlatta.bsky.social) — Bluesky

Tell Your Friends!

If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.

Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts

Follow on Apple podcasts

Subscribe on YouTube

Follow on Spotify

Follow on Podcast Addict

Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show?

Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com

Follow me on Instagram

Follow me on Threads

Follow me on BlueSky

Author and speaker Mary DeMuth joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about the practice of surrender, what it looks like in the midst of personal trials, and the story behind her newest devotional book, The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ.

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com

In this episode we:

• Hear the origin story behind Mary's newest book, including how she combined her writing and original art in a 40-day devotional on surrender.

• Discuss what it means to surrender reputation, finances, relationships, aging, and even inner cynicism—and how Mary has personally wrestled with these themes.

• Talk honestly about vulnerability, church hurt, and the ongoing journey of healing from trauma and moral injury.

• Explore the tension between discernment and cynicism, especially when coming out of abusive faith communities.

• Share practical encouragement for those feeling isolated or stuck in their faith, and ways we can invite Jesus into our everyday struggles.

• Reflect on the power of community and honesty in the process of spiritual growth.

Featured Guest

• Mary DeMuth

Resources mentioned

• Faithful Counseling BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today

• Church Hurt Checklist

• Bookstore - Mary DeMuth

• The Freedom of Surrender: https://amzn.to/4q8Nn63

Tell Your Friends!

If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media.

Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts

Follow on Apple podcasts

Subscribe on YouTube

Follow on Spotify

Follow on Podcast Addict

Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show?

Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com

Follow me on Instagram

Follow me on Threads

Follow me on BlueSky