Reclamation: A beEmboldened Initiative

What does the Bible mean by “the fear of the Lord”? And how can a right understanding of it protect against spiritual abuse instead of enabling it? In this conversation, Lee Anderson and Naomi Wright discuss how abusive leaders misuse spiritual authority, why fear of the Lord should lead to humility and accountability, and the red flags Christians should watch for in unhealthy church leadership. #...

What does cover-up culture in churches actually look like—and how can survivors recognize it? In this conversation, 3 of beEmboldened's mentoring team – Naomi Wright, Anna Kitko, and Therese Grieco – come together to discuss the warning signs of spiritual bypassing, NDAs in ministry settings, rushed “restoration” responses, and the real impact these patterns have on survivors. They also share...

Can a church or an organization become a narcissistic system? This eye-opening episode dives into how to recognize, confront, and heal from spiritual and emotional abuse inside communities that control, manipulate, and harm in the name of faith or “purpose.” Together with Josh Berger, we explore: What a narcissistic system really is and how it operates Red flags many people overlook until it’s too...

Should Christians Keep the Torah? In this episode of Reclamation, Naomi talks with apologist and professor R. L. Solberg about the Hebrew Roots Movement (Torahism)—what it teaches, why it’s spreading, and how it can slip into high-control or spiritually abusive patterns. Together, they consider: - What Hebrew Roots / Torahism actually is - Why some Christians find it appealing - The five-stage pro...

In this powerful conversation, Naomi sits down with licensed counselor Josh Berger from Rivers Edge Counseling and Wellness to unpack narcissism, spiritual abuse, and the path toward healing. Together, they explore how narcissism develops, the difference between traits and diagnosable NPD, the impact on relationships, and practical steps for setting boundaries. If you’ve experienced manipulation,...

Deliverance ministries promise freedom—but at what cost? In this eye-opening conversation, Naomi sits down with clinical apologist Anna Kitko to unpack the real damage caused by deliverance ministries and the flawed theology behind them. Anna shares insights from her UK-based master's research, where she developed a groundbreaking clinical tool to assess the spiritual and psychological harm ca...

Is forgiveness without repentance biblical? What if someone never says they’re sorry? What if you’re told to “just forgive” and move on? In this bold and deeply clarifying conversation, Naomi sits down with author and Bible teacher Vee Chandler to discuss what Scripture actually teaches about forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation—especially in the aftermath of harm or abuse. This is the conv...

In this deeply personal survivor story, Naomi Wright sits down with Blake, who opens up about his journey through spiritual abuse, cult dynamics, and finding freedom after leaving a high-control religious group. From his upbringing in the Worldwide Church of God to a more radical offshoot with charismatic manipulation, Blake shares how faith, fear, loyalty, and trauma shaped his experience—and how...

Bobby Conway has been a voice in apologetics for years, but did you know he also prioritizes mental health in his church? In this conversation, we discuss his journey, the role of mental health in the church, and the misconceptions many have—especially for those who have experienced spiritual abuse. How can the church better support those struggling? Let’s dive in. ----------------- Support this w...

Join Founder & Executive Director Naomi Wright and Board Chair Natasha Fish as we share about the impact of 2024 and vision for 2025. ----------------- Support this work by visiting  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beemboldened.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to make a tax-deductible donation (formerly Naomi Wright Minist...

Join Found & Executive Director Naomi Wright, author/apologist Lindsey Medenwaldt, and Board Chair Natasha Fish as we discuss the systemic failing of David Platt and McLean Bible Church, recently exposed in a free two-part documentary. This documentary explores the currently active, influential, and strategic systems of deceitful leadership, showing just how far they will go to cover for thems...

Did you know that cults and unhealthy religious groups intentionally target college campuses to recruit followers? If you are a college student or have students going to college this fall, join Founder and Executive Director, Naomi Wright, and author/apologist, Lindsey Medenwaldt, for this back to school edition. We will discuss concerns for students going off to/back to college, including rules o...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we explore the powerful story of leaving a cult through the eyes of a former leader. Charles, a leader who has shown remarkable courage and integrity, steps forward to share his journey of truth and transformation. His story offers hope, illustrating the profound change that’s possible when leaders choose a new path. ----------------- Support this work b...

Join me in a follow-up conversation with Nakita to delve deeper into the theology of the Word of Faith movement. Nakita joined us to discuss the abuse she experienced in a hyper-charismatic church, where Word of Faith theology is common. Explore with us how this belief system impacted her and others. ----------------- Support this work by visiting  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beemboldened....

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we will talk in-depth about a topic that has been on my mind for some time: prophecy. After reflecting on the subject and ongoing conversations with clients, mentoring participants, and course members, I realized there is much confusion about prophecy and its purpose. To address this issue, I have invited Holly to join me in a discussion to offer clarity...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Robert Dahl for part two of our discussion on the intersection of physical and mental health! 🧠💪 This time, we're diving into the crucial roles of diet and exercise. 🍏🏋️ ----------------- Support this work by visiting  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beemboldened.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this insightful two-part series, Dr. Robert Dahl joins us to explore the deep connections between physical and mental health. In this episode, we delve into the critical role of sleep in emotional regulation and discuss essential sleep hygiene practices, especially in our digitally driven world. As many grapple with the lingering effects of spiritual abuse, recognizing the signs of burnout and...

Today, we're diving into a unique and compelling story that merges faith and business. Our guest shares her experience with a multi-level marketing (MLM) organization intertwined with her church community. 🕊️💼 This conversation illuminates those intersections and offers insights into potential challenges and concerning flags to watch out for. Let's learn together and be better informed ab...

In this episode of Reclamation Podcast, Naomi is joined by Erin, a courageous survivor sharing her deeply personal story of spiritual abuse within a Christian organization. In this conversation, Erin opens up about the unique aspects of enduring abuse in a faith-based workplace, offering insight and hope to others navigating similar paths. Tune in to hear Erin’s impactful journey and find solidari...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we switch things up for a fun and insightful conversation where Naomi will be the interviewee. Join us for this critical discussion on how to effectively and respectfully support survivors of spiritual abuse. We’ll share practical advice and deepen our understanding, providing valuable insights for anyone in a similar situation. Don’t miss out on this im...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we dive into Laura Lee's recent presentation on the theology of trauma. This conversation is essential for anyone exploring the complexities of defining trauma and understanding it through a biblical lens. It's a key topic for our work at bE, and we’re grateful to have Laura-Lee join Naomi to explore how she approaches this subject. Join us for a...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we delve into Nakita's journey within the hyper-charismatic church movement. Join us to explore and learn about the profound ramifications of misguided doctrines, shedding light on their high cost on an individual's mental and spiritual well-being. Some resources for you: https://denverjournal.denverseminary.edu/ https://www.beemboldened.com/reso...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, Melanie Beerda graciously shares her journey of healing from abuse as a child and the sequels that it brought to her life. Through this conversation, Melanie reveals how acknowledging and embracing God's goodness amidst life's darkest seasons has catalyzed a profound transformation for her. Be sure to listen to the insightful reflections shared b...

In this new episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we're honored to host Tim Barnett (@redpenlogic) and Alisa Childers (@alisachilders), authors of the book, The Deconstruction of Christianity. Join our conversation to learn more about the complexities of doubt, examine the nuanced definitions of deconstruction and evangelicalism, and offer insights on supporting loved ones in the deconstruction...

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, Josh Klein tells his story of the spiritual abuse he saw and experienced in his position as a youth pastor, which ended in his termination. Don't miss this conversation where he shares his experiences, warning signs, and his thoughts in retrospect. ---------------- Support this work by visiting  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beemboldened.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...