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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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

Ep 22: What’s In a Name: Exploring Clergy Power Awareness

In this all-new interview, we discuss the ins and outs of clergy power awareness with Tiffany Zamora, a researcher and the Editor of Clergy Sexual Misconduct Research Insights. Join Robert and Hannah as we talk with Tiffany about adult clergy sexual abuse, how language shapes our cultural and individual understanding of abuse, and how we can use our power for good. Plus, we break down the Netflix Documentary "Death of the Pastors Wife" and wax eloquent on the nostalgia of VHS tapes.

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

Ep 21: Building a Safer Church: Assessing Spiritual Safety

In this episode, we are joined by Lianna Chong and Abram Kielsmeier-Jones of The Spiritual Safety Center to discuss the impact of moral injury, what consititutes spiritual safety and spiritual abuse, and the research behind their all new Spiritual Safety Survey. Plus, Robert and Laura talk about how they know they've found "their people" and the importance of lament.

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

Ep 20: Empathetic Witness: Compassionate Care in the Catholic Church

In this all-new interview, we discuss compassionate care in the Catholic Church with Sr. Danielle Victoria of The Sisters of the Little Way and Sara Larson of Awake Communities. Join Laura and Hannah as we talk with Sara and Sr. Danielle about moral injury, the importance of an empathetic witness, and the powerful healing that can happen when someone has access to compassionate community. Plus, a glimpse into what brings us joy and a discussion on how to stay centered amid trauma work.

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

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.

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

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.

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

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!

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

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.

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Hannah Fordice Hannah Fordice

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.

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