My Transformative Journey Into and Out of the Charismatic Christian Church

I have a question for you.

Here’s the situation: You’re an ambitious, twenty-three year-old performing arts school grad. Trained by the best and bursting with dreams, you’re poised for greatness. Gonna take Hollywood and take her all the way. What would you do next? It’s obvious, right? 

You’d join a cult. Wouldn’t you?

This episode features an interview with me by Allison Santana, host of Memoir Lane podcast. We discuss my memoir, Born Again, Again: That time I fell down a rabbit hole and spent twenty-two years as a Bible thumping, tongue speaking, Gospel preaching Born Again Christian. And then I woke up. We explore my decades-long deep dive into the Charismatic Christian church, the impact it had on me and my family, and how we eventually made our way out. The conversation explores the subtle manipulations that some religious institutions employ, the importance of questioning and challenging control masked as righteousness, and the powerful role that love and genuine connection should play in our relationships and community. My chat with Allison further underscores the relevance of self-actualization, being in tune with oneself, and listening to the innate wisdom within. Born Again, Again was a finalist for both the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards.
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• Listen to Allison's podcast, Memoir Lane, on Apple, Spotify,  or any of your favorite podcast platforms. 
• Find all Allison's links here: https://linktr.ee/AllisonSantana

My book, Born Again, Again: That time I fell down a rabbit hole and spent twenty-two years as a Bible thumping, tongue speaking, Gospel preaching Born Again Christian. And then I woke up. is available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/BornAgainMemoir

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Chapters

• 0:00 Show Intro
• 0:00 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse
• 0:49 Show Synopsis: My Interview with Memoir Lane Podcast About My Memoir: Born Again, Again
• 1:51 Start of Memoir Lane Interview
• 1:57 Wherein We Talk About My Crazy Subtitle
• 3:06 On Childhood Trauma & My Innate Curiosity About God
• 6:07 On Seeking the Answers Outside of Ourselves
• 7:38 My Encounter with God
• 11:39 On Raising Our Kids in the Church & Their Eventual Rejection of Religion
• 16:00 How My Marriage Somehow Survived the Journey
• 29:58 On Friendship & Forsaking All for the Kingdom of God
• 35:52 On Superhero Christians Saving Us from Church
• 46:00 Churches Aren't the Only Cults
• 47:27 Advice for Others Who Feel Trapped
• 51:52 A Little Word Association Game
• 59:06 Where to Find Kathy's Books & Podcast
• 59:37 Allison's Thoughts About My Book
• 1:00:30 Show Close