The player is loading ...
Join the Difference Makers community for exclusive content!
Discover the shocking truth about toxic work environments and the defense mechanism that keeps us blind to the abuse. Join host Lori Adams-Brown as she interviews whistleblower Amy Fritz, who exposes the dark underbelly of a faith-based organization, leaving you questioning who you can trust and what lies beneath the surface of your own workplace.
In this episode, you will be able to:
My special guest is Amy Fritz
Meet Amy Fritz: a champion for people who have found themselves wrapped up in toxic work environments and a tireless advocate for the exposure of complicated coping mechanisms like betrayal blindness. Drawing from her personal journey and deeply-rooted faith, Amy has turned the lessons from her experiences into a brave and confronting podcast, “Untangled Faith”. Here, she illuminates the pervasive issues often hidden in the background of workplaces, offering understanding, solidarity and hope to those battling similar demons. Amy personifies the transformative power of speaking out, keeping her faith at the heart of all she does.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Betrayal blindness can prevent us from recognizing toxic work environments and the harm they can cause. - Amy Fritz
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
00:01:19 - Amy's Background and Podcast,
00:07:46 - Betrayal Blindness,
00:12:36 - Impact on Relationships and Community,
00:14:57 - Amy's Experience with Ramsey Solutions,
00:16:49 - Volunteering Information and Admin Duties,
00:18:35 - Gossip and Negative Feedback,
00:20:00 - Toxic Culture and Cover-ups,
00:22:25 - Resignation and Lies,
00:27:06 - Image Management and Abuse,
00:32:56 - Dave's Endorsement of Timeshare Exit Team,
00:35:29 - Untangling Faith and Trust in Institutions,
00:37:47 - Permission to Question and Leave Institutions,
00:39:42 - Navigating Toxicity in Faith Institutions,
00:42:24 - Amy's Contact Information,
Seeing hard things requires making difficult decisions and facing the high costs that come with it. - Amy Fritz
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
This episode features guest Amy Fritz, host of the Untangled Faith Podcast. Amy shares her experience of being married to someone who worked in a toxic work environment and how it led her to start her own podcast. She discusses the concept of betrayal blindness and the challenges of speaking out against abuse and toxic environments.
00:01:19 - Amy's Background and Podcast,
Amy talks about her podcast, Untangled Faith, which provides a community for those who have had difficult experiences with their faith. She shares her own journey of disillusionment with the church and the impact of toxic pastors and plagiarism in sermons. Amy emphasizes her passion for speaking out against unhealthy practices in faith-based spaces.
00:07:46 - Betrayal Blindness,
Amy explains the concept of betrayal blindness and how it can prevent individuals from recognizing toxic situations. She shares her own experience of betrayal blindness and the fear of losing income and community if she spoke out against her husband's toxic work environment. Amy expresses empathy for others in similar situations and acknowledges the complexity of making difficult decisions.
00:12:36 - Impact on Relationships and Community,
Amy discusses the impact of toxic work environments and faith organizations on relationships and communities. She highlights the loss of friendships and community that can occur when individuals choose to leave. Amy emphasizes the importance of considering the multiple factors tied to these environments, such as income, friendships, and mutual involvement.
00:14:57 - Amy's Experience with Ramsey Solutions,
Amy shares her experience
00:16:49 - Volunteering Information and Admin Duties,
The guest explains how she volunteered personal information and became an admin in a Facebook group for employees and spouses. She describes her role in planning events, meeting new people, and shutting down negative conversations about the company.
00:18:35 - Gossip and Negative Feedback,
The guest discusses how the company had a policy of firing employees for gossip and only allowing positive feedback. She shares examples of people being fired for raising concerns or posting negative comments on social media.
00:20:00 - Toxic Culture and Cover-ups,
The guest reveals a situation where a friend of hers was cheated on by a high-ranking company member. The company covered up the infidelity and continued to support the cheater, showing a toxic culture and double standards.
00:22:25 - Resignation and Lies,
The guest's husband resigns after expressing concerns about the unethical behavior within the company. The company lies to him and implies that his friend, who was cheated on, is not trustworthy. The guest highlights the lies and false narratives perpetuated by the company.
00:27:06 - Image Management and Abuse,
The guest discusses the toxic culture of image management within the company. She mentions the creation of a sexist trope of a "crazy wife" and how the company fired an employee for being pregnant while covering up infidelity by others. The guest exposes the lies and hypocrisy of the company's values.
00:32:56 - Dave's Endorsement of Timeshare Exit Team,
Dave endorsed Timeshare Exit Team on his show, claiming they could help people get out of their timeshares. However, it was revealed that the company took people's money without delivering results. Dave continued to endorse them as long as they paid for advertising, raising questions about his credibility and adherence to FTC rules.
00:35:29 - Untangling Faith and Trust in Institutions,
Amy acknowledges the disappointment and loss of trust that comes from uncovering toxic practices within faith institutions. She encourages listeners to hold institutions accountable and explore alternative communities that align with their values, while still recognizing the importance of being in community with fellow believers.
00:37:47 - Permission to Question and Leave Institutions,
Amy gives listeners permission to question institutional loyalty and to choose not to become a member of a church. She emphasizes the importance of finding community and learning theology in alternative settings, rather than adhering to traditional structures.
00:39:42 - Navigating Toxicity in Faith Institutions,
Amy acknowledges that faith institutions across different religions can become toxic and oppressive. She encourages individuals to find pastors and communities that accept their doubts and uncertainties, while still recognizing the love of Jesus.
00:42:24 - Amy's Contact Information,
Amy can be found online through her podcast, Untangled Faith, and her website. She welcomes further questions and engagement with her work, particularly for those who have experienced toxic workplace environments or want to learn more about whistleblowing
Empathy is crucial when understanding why individuals stay in toxic work environments due to the fear of losing not only income but also their community. - Amy Fritz
**********
The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.
Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective.
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to review
Become a Difference Maker, and enjoy free exclusive content. Join other Difference Makers at Patreon.
Mentioned in this episode:
Join our Difference Makers membership club for exclusive content and a deeper dive
Are you a fan of A World of Difference? Do you want more content and a chance to discuss exclusive episodes with others around the world? Join our membership club Difference Makers for monthly exclusive episodes, a chance to share your perspective and more. It gets wild and it gets deep, and Lori would love to have you show up and chime in. Join for as little as $5 at our Changers tier today.
Join Difference Makers!
For as little as $5 USD/month, you can join our exclusive membership club Difference Makers where you'll get access to exclusive video episodes, and a chance to interact with other listeners and our host, Lori Adams-Brown. You can speak into episodes, vote on content and make a difference with your perspective.
Follow the podcast at:
Join our Difference Maker membership community for a ton of exclusive content for as little as $5/month. (The price of your a latte at your local coffee shop to enjoy a whole month of content.) Lori's Travel Tips are included as well as exclusive minisodes with our guests not available anywhere else. Join for deeper conversations and a little fun today at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference
Keep making a difference wherever you are!
Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer
A World of Difference Podcast
Here are some great episodes to start with.
If you're feeling bewildered and unsure about how to navigate the influence of white male voters in the US election, then you are not alone! The current political landscape can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost, especially when it seems …
Have you ever heard these myths about voting as a Christian woman? 1) You have to vote a certain way to be a good Christian. 2) Your vote doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. 3) Politics and …
Do you want to join a movement that's changing the face of American democracy and empowering women of color like never before? Imagine being part of electing the first woman of color as the President of the United States. I've …
Are you ready to uncover the unexpected connection between racial justice and Christianity in US history? Get ready to be inspired and engaged as we reveal the surprising insights from this powerful conversation. Stay tuned to discover how this unexpected …
If you're feeling the weight of past trauma and struggling to heal, then you are not alone! The journey to healing from abuse and trauma is often filled with challenges, and finding the right tools to navigate this journey can …
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to work harder, take on more tasks, and just push through those workplace challenges, but the pain of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and undervalued still lingers. It's time for a different approach to handle …
An Immigrant's Journey of Purpose with Dr. Esther Zeledón
A Lawyer's Perspective with Robert Callahan
From Slave Ships to Freedom Roads
Are you ready for the unexpected? Dive into the world of adoptee-centered approaches with Cameron Lee Small, a licensed clinical counselor and transracial adoptee. Get ready to be moved as we unravel the layers of grief, loss, and empowerment in …
Groomed for Submission, Desperate to Escape
Unlearning silence isn't just about finding your voice; it's about recognizing the ways we've all been complicit in silencing others. And the surprising insights from a Harvard lecturer will have you rethinking the impact of silence in your world. Join …
Hey, have you ever felt like you're trying to do the right thing in your business, but it just feels like too much? Like you want to merge profit with purpose, but it seems overwhelming. You're not alone. Many leaders …
Uncover the unexpected impact of the Trump campaign on the evangelical community as NPR journalist Sarah McCammon shares her personal journey. Her book delves into the complex experiences of those navigating a transition away...
Does the experience of abuse within religious communities sound familiar to you? Have you been told to simply pray it away and forgive without addressing the pain and trauma you've endured? The weight of carrying this burden alone can be …
Cordell Carter, II, the visionary advocate, ignites a revolution of inclusion as he rallies leaders to create a professional learning community, challenging the status quo and dismantling barriers in the pursuit of a fair and...
Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that in order to advance in your tech leadership career, you need to simply work harder and prove yourself? But despite your efforts, you still feel like you're hitting a glass cei...
In the depths of despair, Naghmeh Panahi's story holds an unexpected twist that will leave you breathless. From the war-torn streets of her homeland to the foreign shores of America, she battled not just with oppression, but with her own …
Do you long for a renewed sense of strength and self-discovery in the face of life's challenges? Are you seeking inspiration and guidance to navigate major transitions with resilience? Look no further! In this episode, we hav...
Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. A recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, his analysis and opinions have been featured on MSNBC,
Join our Patreon community of Difference-MakersJo Saxton is a speaker, author, podcast host, and leadership coach who has dedicated her career to investing in women leaders own their voice and find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership.
Corey Nathan, host of the podcast Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other! is on the show this week talking about, you guessed it, politics and religion. Buckle up because this conversation goes deep fast.
Dave Johnson is a lawyer, teacher and writer. He has served as general counsel for several tech companies in Silicon Valley across the last twenty years. For the last decade he has held teaching and research posts at Stanford Law …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Dr. Paul D. Miller (PhD, Georgetown University) is a Christian scholar, political theorist, veteran, and former White House staffer,
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of abuse especially in a faith-b...
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so they can share their stories …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so they can share their stories …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********JESSICA STONE’S WORK HAS APPEARED IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, YAHOO FINANCE, STANSBERRY RESEARCH, PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL, USA TODAY,
Experience the power of overcoming pain and discovering purpose through Angela’s inspiring journey."It's not about the stuff, and it's not about all these luxury things. People spend $5 million on a wedding, and I'm like,
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so the...
Allyson McKinney Timm, a global justice advocate and founder of Justice Revival, leads an interfaith campaign to support women's rights, gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, despite the culture war drama, religious resistance and financial …
In this episode of the World of Difference podcast, Dr. Nijay Gupta, a Hindu background Christian and seminary professor, uses his privilege to uncover the hidden female figures in the New Testament and challenge the long-sta...
Gillian Tietz is the host of the Sober Powered podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can …
Celebrate the courage to explore, learn and grow with empathy, as TCKs show us how to thrive with multiple dimensions of belonging. "The biggest tool in our tool bag is something that we're good at, but we need to focus …
Lori and Jason Adams-Brown share their story of spiritual abuse, emotional abuse and psychological abuse at Echo.church in San Jose, CA at the hands of Andy Wood and Filipe Santos. Their story is by no means the worst story of …
Tahmima Anam is an award-winning novelist, anthropologist, and author of The Startup Wife . She is a Contributing Opinion Writer for the International New York Times and Board Director at ROLl , a tech startup. Her latest Ted...
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of...
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of ...
Sheila Wray Gregoire on She Deserves Better: Redefining Women's Worth Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of sex, marriage, and the impact of messaging on girls' lives in this episode of A World of Difference. Host ...
