Best 2x2s Podcasts (2025)

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156 | Chatting with a 4th Generation Member of "The Way" 2x2s 46:04

10d ago46:04

46:04

In this week's special podcast episode, Phylicia interviews Angelika Rasper, former 4th generation member of "the Way", also known as the 2x2 sect. In this interview Gel shares what the 2x2s are, what her experience was like growing up in the group, why she left and how she has healed since then. This interview is included in our new Freedom from L…

1
155 | Do Christians Need to Obey Old Testament Law? 25:45

17d ago25:45

25:45

Salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ alone—a truth that stands in contrast to a growing movement in the West of “Torah Observant Christians” who argue that Gentile believers must follow Old Testament laws to secure salvation. Phylicia, however, emphasizes a key distinction: while Jewish Christians may observe these laws as part of their…

1
154 | How Believable Ideas Lead to Dangerous Beliefs - Unmasking Marcionism 29:22

25d ago29:22

29:22

⭐️In this episode Phylicia explores Marcionism's heretical views on the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in light of personal biases and promoting the Old Testament's foundational role in Christianity. Mentioned in this episode: ⭐️ 10 Myths About the Old Testament: https://everywomanatheologian.myflodesk.com/oldt…

1
Amanda Rae - The Kingston Clan and Escaping Polygamy 1:24:45

27d ago1:24:45

1:24:45

Today our guest is Amanda Rae, host of YouTube channel by the same name and former member of the Kingston Clan, or the Order, a polygamist group in Utah, not to be confused with the FLDS. Some of you may remember our previous guest Priscilla from the same group - both of these gals were on Escaping Polygamy. Amanda’s going to tell us who the Kingst…

1
153 | Understanding Lent: Traditions, Sacrifices, and Spiritual Growth 6:33

1M ago6:33

6:33

Join us in this enlightening mini-episode as we delve into the rich history and profound spiritual meaning of Lent! In this video, you'll discover the origins of Lent, what makes up it's three pillars, and more about the traditions that surround this annual event leading up to the highest of Holy Holidays. Join us as we prepare our hearts for the c…

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Maggie Rowe - Sinning Bravely and Moral Scrupulosity 1:21:05

1M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Today our guest is Maggie Rowe, former writer on Arrested Development and author of Sin Bravely, a book about her experiences with moral scrupulosity, or sin-focused OCD. We talk a lot about OCD on this show, so here’s a guest who wrote an entire book about growing up with religious obsessions! She’ll tell us about her first obsessions about what w…

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Caleb Ward, Part 2 - Disneyland for Christians and Exiting the Church 55:45

1M ago55:45

55:45

Former evangelical Christian and pastor's son Caleb Ward continues his story of growing up in evangelical culture in the early 2000s. We discuss some of the touchstones of his youth including Heritage USA (Disneyland for Christians) and Christian rock event Creation Festival, as well as his fear of losing his virginity before marriage, what hell to…

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152 | How Gnosticism Contradicts Christian Teaching 30:54

2M ago30:54

30:54

Join us as we explore the intriguing doctrine of Gnosticism, one of the early church's most significant heresies, and its impact on Christianity today. Discover how Gnostics viewed matter as evil and sought salvation through mystical knowledge, challenging traditional beliefs about the body and spirit. We'll also reflect on contemporary parallels t…

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Caleb Ward, Part 1 - Kingdom Life Ministries and Evangelical Youth Culture 1:00:35

2M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Former pastor's son Caleb Ward joins Lola and Meagan to share his experience about the height of evangelical culture in the early 2000s in a church called Kingdom Life Ministries. Caleb discusses growing up in an environment where everyone was speaking in tongues and having loud prophecies in the middle of church, the pressures that come with being…

1
Uriah Wesman, Part 2 - Growing Up in Three Cults (The Hearts Center and The Ideal Society) 1:08:24

2M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Today is part 2 with Uriah Wesman, former member of THREE different cults. This week he’ll talk to us more about cult #2, the Hearts Center (which was an offshoot of cult #1 from last week), what it was like being a rebellious emo kid slowly starting to realize inconsistencies in the church, and how his dad discovered cult #3 in Canada, the Ideal S…

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151 | Understanding the Ancient False Doctrine Behind Jehovah's Witness and LDS 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

Phylicia Masonheimer delves into the historical heresy of Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ, highlighting its unexpected resurgence in the theologies of Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter-Day Saints. You'll explore a detailed examination of how these groups subtly alter biblical scripture and reinterpret key passages to portray J…

1
Uriah Wesman, Part 1 - Growing Up in Three Cults (Church Universal and Triumphant) 59:14

2M ago59:14

59:14

Creator of the one man show 3 Cults Walk Into a Bar, Uriah Wesman, shares about his FIRST cult experience in Church Universal and Triumphant, how they combined Christianity and New Age ideas, the paranoia that was created by beliefs surrounding demons, his mom's mental deterioration that led her to accuse his father of being a demon, and his parent…

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150 | Protect Your Faith: Learn to Discern False Teachers 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

In this episode, we kick off a series that will teach us how to discern false teachings within Christianity. Discover the key scriptural principles and practical strategies to identify deception, focusing on the character of teachers and the truth of Jesus Christ. Join us this week as we emphasize the importance of humility, prayer, and a deep reli…

1
Philip Deslippe & Stacie Stukin - 3HO, Kundalini Yoga, & Yogi Bhajan 1:42:16

2M ago1:42:16

1:42:16

Today our guests are historian Philip Deslippe and writer Stacie Sutkin, who together have done investigative reporting on 3HO (“happy, healthy, holy organization”), Kundalini yoga, and Yogi Bhajan. They’re going to tell us how they got started writing about 3HO, both interacting with Kundalini yoga in different ways, who Yogi Bhajan was and whethe…

1
149 | Wrestling with Faith: Can I Trust The Bible? 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

This episode explores the question of the Bible's trustworthiness. Phylicia delves into the historical context of the Old and New Testaments, examining the evidence for their authorship and compilation. She address the "JEDP theory" regarding the Torah, highlighting the importance of considering both divine inspiration and historical accuracy. Phyl…

1
REWIND: Frank Lyford - Heaven's Gate, Part 2: Breaking Away 38:50

3M ago38:50

38:50

Episode 23: Lola Blanc & Meagan Elizabeth continue to interview Frank Lyford, former member of Heaven's Gate. In part 2, they discuss the growing number of red flags he began to notice after one of the leaders died, including talk of castration, and what led to his decision to finally, after 18 years, break away. He also tells the girls what it was…

1
REWIND: Frank Lyford - Heaven's Gate, Part 1: The Nomadic Lifestyle 48:00

3M ago48:00

48:00

Episode 22: Lola & Meagan interview Frank Lyford, survivor of Heaven's Gate who left after 18 years--just a few years before discovering his friends and loved ones in the group had died by suicide. In part 1, he tells the girls how he began following the leaders Ti and Do, what it was like living a nomadic lifestyle with his "check partner," and wh…

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Ashlen Hilliard - The Evolution of Cult Intervention Practices 1:29:37

3M ago1:29:37

1:29:37

Cult interventionist and founder of People Leave Cults, Ashlen Hilliard, talks about her path to working in cult intervention and recovery, her personal religious experience that led her to this work, how interactions with Mormons in Utah affected her worldview, how she defines what a cult is, why accusing a group of being a cult isn't always helpf…

1
REWIND: Joann Vaega: Waco Survivor and Former Branch Davidian 1:12:11

3M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

You're a child living on a remote compound in West Texas. One day authorities show up at your front door and an exchange of gunfire breaks out. Just as you expected would happen. Survivor of the Branch Davidians and the Waco massacre, Joann Vaega, discusses her earliest memories of living on the compound, what cult leader David Koresh was like in p…

1
Carolyn Costin - The Link Between Cults and Eating Disorders 1:24:49

4M ago1:24:49

1:24:49

FOR OUR 200th EPISODE, we are joined by eating disorder therapist, author, and expert Carolyn Costin to discuss her own experiences that led to her starting her practice, why so many cults control the eating habits of their members, why having an eating disorder is like having a little cult leader in your brain, and how Carolyn helped Meagan with h…

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148 | Don't Fall for DANGEROUS Interpretations of Scripture | Do this Instead 21:55

4M ago21:55

21:55

➡️ Join the Bible in a Year Club: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/bible-in-a-year/ In this video, Phylicia arms you with a five-step process—context, claim, condition, consequence, consistency—for accurately interpreting and applying Biblical promises in our lives. ----- 👩‍💻 Watch the entire Beginner Believer Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlis…

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Yoni Shrira, Part 2 - Hard Labor, Isolation, Running Away, and a Dark Legacy 1:06:00

4M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Today is part 2 of our interview with Yoni Shrira, former student at the Family Foundation School, also known as Allynwood, the remote troubled teen program known for a series of lawsuits brought against it as well as over a hundred deaths from overdose or suicide by its former attendees. Last week, we talked about how and why Yoni ended up in the …

1
147 | If I'm Saved, Why Does My Behavior Matter? 17:38

4M ago17:38

17:38

In this episode of the Verity podcast, we delve into the significance of good works for believers, highlighting that our actions are an expression of gratitude for salvation rather than a means to attain it. This understanding fosters a more profound relationship with Christ and has a positive impact on the world. ----- Verity Podcast is an Every W…

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146 | Why Do I Need Jesus if I Am Already Good? 26:12

4M ago26:12

26:12

What is good? Can you be "good" and not be a Christian? Why do I need Jesus if I am already a good person? ----- Referenced in this episode: ⦿ Who the Son Sets Free - Galatians Bible Study? | https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/galatians-bible-study/ --- Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a t…

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Yoni Shrira, Part 1 - The Family Foundation School, Troubled Teens, and Snitching Culture 54:36

4M ago54:36

54:36

Today our guest is Yoni Shrira, friend of the show and survivor of the Family Foundation School, a troubled teen sobriety school that became notorious for how many of its former students died after going through the program. In part one today, he’s going to talk about what he was like as a teenager, how he was genuinely out of control when it came …

1
Tory Hess - From Second Life to Wilderness Commune 1:26:26

5M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Today our guest is Tory Hess, former member of a small rural group in upstate New York she calls Crazyland. She tells us about how she always loved reading and fantasy growing up, never went to public school, and didn’t connect easily with folks in real life when she was young, and how she found connection in the online gaming community Second Life…

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145 | ANSWERED! Why Did Jesus Have to Die? (And Other Important Questions!) 38:09

5M ago38:09

38:09

Phylicia dives into some of YOUR questions on this weeks episode of Verity Podcast! From questions about Baptism to Understanding Salvation and many in between these Bible based answers are set to help guide you to the scripture as you grow in faith. ----- Referenced in this episode: ⦿ Bible Study Guides | https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/our-books/…

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REWIND: Jay Van Bavel - Groupthink, Social Identity, and Cult Psychology 1:10:44

5M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Groups!... I did it again. Jay Van Bavel, NYU Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, Director of the Social Identity and Morality Lab, and co-author of The Power Of Us, discusses how our social identities change depending on our environment and context, how the groups we identify with affect our decisions and perception, and the impo…

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Bethany Joy Lenz - One Tree Hill, a Secret Cult, and Living a Double Life 1:22:50

5M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

Today our guest is actor, musician, and now author Bethany Joy Lenz, whom we will just call Joy. Joy was the star of hit TV show One Tree Hill, and today she’s going to talk to us about how she was in a Christian cult the whole time she was filming the show. She’ll tell us about her upbringing and her career as a young actor, living in LA on her ow…

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BONUS | The BEST Way to Combat Fear and Anxiety in Election Week 25:58

5M ago25:58

25:58

Election season in the United States has dominated the daily news cycle for years. No matter where you go you are bombarded with a never ending stream of fear, anger, and even hate. So is it possible to find true peace when everyone tells you that the future of your country hangs in the balance? In this video, Phylicia Masonheimer discusses finding…

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144 | Can I Beat Anxiety? 23:22

5M ago23:22

23:22

Anxiety is a common struggle for Christians, but it should not define them; Christ offers peace and freedom from it. This video explores how Christians can overcome anxiety by shifting their focus from self-reliance and worry to prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, trusting in God's sovereignty and care. Referenced in this episode: ⦿ The Emotion…

1
143 | How do I Know it's God's Will 18:46

5M ago18:46

18:46

In this episode Phylicia explores the concept of discerning God's will. She emphasizes the importance of renewing one's mind through Scripture to avoid conforming to worldly values. You will also be encouraged to to trust in the Lord and remember that true wisdom comes from acknowledging God in all aspects of life. The episode provides practical st…

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Anne - Psychosis, Delusions, & the Cult of Your Own Mind 59:31

5M ago59:31

59:31

Today, our guest is a friend who we'll call Anne. We discuss the connection between psychosis and cults, the mental changes Anne experienced when her episode started, the delusions that grew stronger, how she felt like she was communicating with spirits, the paranoia that grew inside her, and how a psychiatric mental health professional helped pull…

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REWIND: Jitarth Jadeja - Former QAnon Believer 1:22:09

6M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

Episode 15: Lola and Meagan interview Jitarth Jadeja, former QAnon believer. He tells the girls about how, despite being Australian, he first was a Bernie supporter, then shifted his support to Trump before becoming obsessed with conspiracy theories. They discuss the two years of his life in which he believed in Q, the moment he realized it was all…

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Gareth Gore - Opus Dei, Human Trafficking, & Project 2025 1:15:31

6M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Today our guest is Gareth Gore, journalist and author whose new book Opus is about Opus Dei, an ultra-conservative Catholic sect, its harmful practices, its history of dark money, and its connections to modern day right-wing American politics. Gareth shares how he came to this story while investigating the shady practices at a bank in Spain, the hi…

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