The GRACE Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church
The GRACE Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church explores the complex and often hidden dynamics of abuse and power within the church. Join the GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment) team as we tackle tough questions and interview leading experts, journalists, and thinkers to dissect and navigate systemic issues and recurring patterns of harm in Christian contexts.
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Ep 19: When "I'm Sorry" Isn't Enough: What Makes a Meaningful Apology?
In this episode, we have an all NEW interview with author and GRACE Editor in Chief of Institutional Response, Wade Mullen. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as we talk with Wade about what makes an apology meaningful, why self-protection is so tempting, and how Wade's SCORE framework can serve as a guide for authentic apologies. Plus, why click-in flooring is so infuriating and an examination of some real-life apologies.
Guest: Wade Mullen
In this episode, we have an all NEW interview with author and GRACE Editor in Chief of Institutional Response, Wade Mullen. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as we talk with Wade about what makes an apology meaningful, why self-protection is so tempting, and how Wade's SCORE framework can serve as a guide for authentic apologies. Plus, why click-in flooring is so infuriating and an examination of some real-life apologies.
Resources Mentioned:
Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse—And Freeing Yourself Its Power by Wade Mullen.
Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice by Judith Lewis Herman
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 18: Behind the Red Flags: What the Research Says About Grooming
In this all NEW interview, we discuss grooming behaviors and warning signs with clinical psychologist and internationally renowned researcher Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic. Join Robert, Zane, and Hannah, as we talk with Dr. Jeglic about common CSA myths, red flag behaviors, different forms of grooming, and what the research has to say about female offenders. Plus, a debate on time travel as a plot device, the merits of Christopher Nolan, and what it means to wrestle with complex situations.
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic
In this all NEW interview, we discuss grooming behaviors and warning signs with clinical psychologist and internationally renowned researcher Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic. Join Robert, Zane, and Hannah, as we talk with Dr. Jeglic about common CSA myths, red flag behaviors, different forms of grooming, and what the research has to say about female offenders. Plus, a debate on time travel as a plot device, the merits of Christopher Nolan, and what it means to wrestle with complex situations.
Resources Mentioned:
Child Safeguarding Policy Guide by Basyle Tchividjian
GRACE Independent Investigations: Netgrace.org/independent-investigations
GRACE Policy Review & Development: Netgrace.org/policy-review
Red Flag Grooming Behavior Chart from Dr. Jeglic: https://www.elizabethjeglic.com/post/identification-of-red-flag-sexual-grooming-behaviors
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 17: Courage in this Cultural Moment: Moving from Sensationalism to Meaningful Action
Welcome back to Season 2 of the GRACE Awakening! In this episode, we have a NEW interview with psychologist, speaker, & author Dr. Diane Langberg. Join Hannah and Laura as we talk with Dr. Langberg about denialism in the Church and what it takes to have courage in this cultural moment. Plus, Hannah and Laura give a sneak peak into this season's topics, guests, and all the things we are excited about for The GRACE Awakening!
Guest: Diane Langberg
Welcome back to Season 2 of the GRACE Awakening! In this episode, we have a NEW interview with psychologist, speaker, & author Dr. Diane Langberg. Join Hannah and Laura as we talk with Dr. Langberg about denialism in the Church and what it takes to have courage in this cultural moment. Plus, Hannah and Laura give a sneak peak into this season's topics, guests, and all the things we are excited about for The GRACE Awakening!
Resources Mentioned:
Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Churchby Diane Langberg
Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores by Diane Langberg
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 16: SPECIAL: Truth, Bias, & Independent Investigations: Common Questions About GRACE Independent Investigations
In this special release podcast, Robert sits down with GRACE Executive Director Laura Thien and Executive Editor Wade Mullen to pull back the curtain on our Independent Investigations. Tune in to learn how the GRACE team handles bias, what it means to be trauma-informed, and common questions we get asked by churches and indviduals about the investigative process.
Guests: Laura Thien & Wade Mullen
In this special release podcast, Robert sits down with GRACE Executive Director Laura Thien and Executive Editor Wade Mullen to pull back the curtain on our Independent Investigations. Tune in to learn how the GRACE team handles bias, what it means to be trauma-informed, and common questions we get asked by churches and indviduals about the investigative process.
Resources Mentioned:
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 15: Turning the Page: What’s Next for GRACE
That's a wrap! In the final episode of Season 1, we speak with the new GRACE Executive Director, Laura Thien, about her journey in abuse and trauma work and what she sees coming for GRACE in 2026. Plus, Robert, Zane, Hannah, and Laura talk about the tension of holding hope and accountability for the Church, resiliency in the face of trauma, and the limited edition Selena Gomez Oreos.
Guest: Laura Thien
That's a wrap! In the final episode of Season 1, we speak with the new GRACE Executive Director, Laura Thien, about her journey in abuse and trauma work and what she sees coming for GRACE in 2026. Plus, Robert, Zane, Hannah, and Laura talk about the tension of holding hope and accountability for the Church, resilience in the face of trauma, and the limited edition Selena Gomez Oreos.
Resources Mentioned:
GRACE Live Conversation on Lament
To support the ongoing work of GRACE, visit NetGrace.org/donate
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 14: It Isn’t An Affair: Let’s Talk Adult CSA
In this episode, Robert has attorneys Amy Stier and Emily Petrie back to recap a GRACE Live Conversation they had over the summer on adult clergy sexual abuse and answer the many questions you asked during the live webinar. You won't want to miss it!
Guests: Amy Stier & Emily Petrie
In this episode, Robert has attorneys Amy Stier and Emily Petrie back to recap a GRACE Live Conversation they had over the summer on adult clergy sexual abuse and answer the many questions you asked during the live webinar. You won't want to miss it!
Resources Mentioned:
Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church by Diane Langberg
Research by Dr. Diana Garland
Consultations with GRACE
To support the ongoing work of GRACE, visit NetGrace.org/donate
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 13: Silence is Deadly: Image Management & The 4 Walls of Defense
In this episode, we have a NEW interview with author and GRACE Editor in Chief of Institutional Response, Wade Mullen. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as we talk with Wade about image management, the slippery slope of self-promotion, and the 4 walls of defense used by institutions and offenders when confronted with allegations of abuse/misconduct. Plus, why Wade hates acronyms but uses them anyway, and the antidote to the 4 walls of defense.
Guest: Wade Mullen
In this episode, we have a NEW interview with author and GRACE Editor in Chief of Institutional Response, Wade Mullen. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as we talk with Wade about image management, the slippery slope of self-promotion, and the 4 walls of defense used by institutions and offenders when confronted with allegations of abuse/misconduct. Plus, why Wade hates acronyms but uses them anyway, and the antidote to the 4 walls of defense.
Resources Mentioned:
• Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse—And Freeing Yourself Its Power by Wade Mullen.
• The Weaponization of Perceptions: Part I and II by Wade Mullen.
To support the ongoing work of GRACE, visit NetGrace.org/donate
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.
Ep 12: SPECIAL: Theological Engagement on Child Abuse & the ELCA’s Special Message on Child Protection
In this special release podcast, Robert speaks with GRACE Board Member and Chief Program Officer for Education & Research for Zero Abuse Project, Victor Vieth, live at the 16th annual Virginia Crimes Against Children Conference. Victor and Robert discuss what the Bible has to say about corporal punishment, the necessity of theological engagement on the issue of child abuse, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's (ELCA) groundbreaking social message on child protection that was adopted in November of 2025. And as an added bonus, hear about Victor's encounter with Johnny Cash.
Guest: Victor Vieth
In this special release podcast, Robert speaks with GRACE Board Member and Chief Program Officer for Education & Research for Zero Abuse Project, Victor Vieth, live at the 16th annual Virginia Crimes Against Children Conference. Victor and Robert discuss what the Bible has to say about corporal punishment, the necessity of theological engagement on the issue of child abuse, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's (ELCA) groundbreaking social message on child protection that was adopted in November of 2025. And as an added bonus, hear about Victor's encounter with Johnny Cash.
Resources Mentioned:
On This Rock by Victor Vieth
Here We Stand: A Lutheran Response to Child Abuseedited by Craig Nessan and Victor Vieth
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.