This week on the podcast, I am joined by Tiffany Yecke Brooks, author of the book, "Holy Ghosted", to discuss the ways in which spiritual anxiety can be caused by the various methods churches and authoritarian leaders use to gain control. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   The Crumpled Papers Podcast now has a...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Aldo B. Martin, host of "The Reclamation" Podcast, to discuss why it can be difficult coming to terms with our involvement in a high control religious environment, as well as recognizing the validity of our experiences and the inherent value of sharing our stories. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   The Crumpled Papers Podcast now has a...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Mei Luo, who shares her experiences being groomed to be the poster child of her church's youth ministry, and the model of a perfect Christian, despite her church's simultaneous attempts to brush over and ignore her abusive home life. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   The Crumpled Papers Podcast now has a...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Rachel Joy Welcher, author of the book, "Talking Back to Purity Culture", to discuss the roots and harmful effects of a shame and fear based approach to sexuality, as well as how we can change the narrative around purity and our sexual nature. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   The Crumpled Papers Podcast now has a...

In this episode of the podcast, Austin and Lian, the show's first returning guest, discussing the docu-series "Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Children's Television", which gives a behind the scenes look into the abusive, toxic, and sometimes even heinous experiences of child actors on the sets of some of Nickelodeon's most popular tv shows in the 90s/2000s. The conversation delves into the similarities between the toxic elements of children's entertainment and that of abusive churches and...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Liz Mall, host of the "Deconstructing The Myth" podcast, to discuss the role and value of deconstructing and questioning your beliefs, as well as discussing the characteristics and tenets that define a "responsible faith". The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Mary Jo Sharp, a professor of apologetics and author of the book, "Why I Still Believe", to discuss the ways both church's and Christian's hypocrisy and neglect of essential characteristics of God end up misrepresenting who he is.  The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Mason Thomas, a longtime friend from our shared childhood church, who shares his experiences dealing with the adverse effects of being one of the few church kids who decided not to get baptized and become what our church deemed a "true Christian". The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Natalie Edmonson, co-founder and executive director of the organization "Berean Holiness", who shares about the damaging effects of growing up in a church culture defined by its members' stringent adherence to its extra-biblical standards and practices. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by longtime worship leader, author, and founder of "Confessions of A Worship Leader" Branon Dempsey, to discuss the importance of confronting the lies that abuse tries to make us believe, as well as understanding just how truly valuable each of our personal stories are.  The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Ryan and Carla Grubb, former leaders in my childhood church organization, who delve into some of the damaging beliefs and practices that eventually led them to leave their church, including wrestling with the idea that their church was the only "true" church. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by spiritual consultant, pastor, and author Remy Diederich, to discuss the ten biggest reasons why people don't leave their spiritually abusive churches, as well as how to navigate a spiritual community or church that promotes toxic faith. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by my childhood friend and fellow church kid Bella Flores, who shares her experiences dealing with the repercussions of growing up in a legalistic youth and college ministry, including her battle with doubts, mental health, and her perception of God and herself.  The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by spiritual director, therapist, and author Chuck DeGroat, to talk all about narcissism, including its defining traits and characteristics, as well as ways both churches and individuals can heal from and prevent abuse from narcissistic leaders. The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Crumpled Papers Podcast! For the premiere episode of the season, I am joined by my very first youth leader, Tori Dozier, to talk all about... you guessed it... youth group! We cover it all, including the hilarious and meaningful memories and experiences during our time in the youth ministry, our input on the dynamics of authority between youth leaders and parents, and the elements that we see as pillars of what youth ministry should be all about. The conversation in...

This week on the podcast, its the finale episode of season 1, and to celebrate, the tables are being turned, as I look back on all the episodes this season and answer some questions about the things I've learned, season 1's most memorable aspects, as well as what's to come in the future. Stay tuned to the end, as this conversation will be followed by a compilation of responses sent in by you guys sharing your own personal crumpled papers. Thank you for a FANTASTIC season 1! I'll see you in...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Coltin Rohn, a former ministry leader in a sister church organization, who shares his experiences standing up for, and facing the repercussions of his dissenting views of his church's practices, and many of the amazing things he has learned since leaving.  This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 22, "Know What You Believe, And Know What You Don't", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers”...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by my friend and fellow church kid Lian Mitchell, to discuss her experiences growing up that eventually led her to decide to leave her childhood church, as well as how to navigate the times when our life goes a different direction than what we had planned.  This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 21, "Tell Me To Come", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Marilyn Kriete, to discuss her personal journey with grief, the way her church community navigated her trials, and how a letter written to address their church's problems affected her grief and made her family's name notorious worldwide. This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 20, "The Chance to Say Goodbye", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by my dad, Robert Noll, to talk about the vitalness of the Holy Spirit's role in our spiritual communities and our personal faith journeys, as well as the damaging repercussions that can result when a church's foundation is not built upon the Holy Spirit. This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 19, "The Million Dollar Question", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Jonathan Martin, author of the book "The Road Away From God", to talk about navigating the loneliness and uncertainty that many find themselves experiencing after leaving the safety and security of a spiritual community behind.  This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 18, "A Lonely Road", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here:...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Jenn Moeller, who shares her experiences growing up in the church, and gives us personal examples from her own story of the ways our negative experiences can leave us with unwanted cynicism.  This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 17, "Cynics and Sponges", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BCD5PMX5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Kat Wordsworth, author of "Let's Talk About Doubt", to... well... talk about doubt!  In our conversation, we discuss the misconceptions we can have about doubt, the way it is perceived and navigated by many spiritual communities, and the opportunity it offers us for growth.  This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 16, "Seeking The Uncertainty", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers”...

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Karl and Laura Forehand, co-authors of the book "Out Into The Desert" and co-hosts of "The Desert Sanctuary" podcast. We talk all about the aftermath of leaving the safety and security of your spiritual community, and venturing into "The Desert", where you may just find an unexpected freedom in the uncertainty. This episode follows the topics and themes of Chapter 15, "Sleeping In On A Sunday", in my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy...