I was raised in the secretive 2x2 church and then in the ministry of that church for 25 years before a huge scandal in March 2023 led to an ongoing FBI investigation. This podcast is born from those experiences and focuses on organic, real, candid conversations to help process, deconstruct, heal, learn, grow and, ultimately find the true love, joy and peace in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let Love Lead is my motto.
Candid Conversation. Religion and more. Hard Questions. Real Talk. Honest exploration.
Claim This Podcastby Andy
8 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
I was raised in the secretive 2x2 church and then in the ministry of that church for 25 years before a huge scandal in March 2023 led to an ongoing FBI investigation. This podcast is born from those experiences and focuses on organic, real, candid conversations to help process, deconstruct, heal, learn, grow and, ultimately find the true love, joy and peace in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let Love Lead is my motto.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/24/2026
1 verified contact email on file for Candid Conversation. Religion and more. Hard Questions. Real Talk. Honest exploration.
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 8, 2026
Psychotherapist reflects on being raised in a high control religion.
<p>- Candid Conversation Part 3 with Erik Larson. Unedited. Real talk. Real questions. Honest exploration</p><p>- Erik tells his story, some for the first time publicly. We build off his story to circle back around and address how the the 2x2 church affected his life and discuss his personal and professional perspective and analysis </p><p>- Erik Larson reached out to me to do a podcast. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working for Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, as a Licensed Armed Private Investigator, and now specializing in private therapy with high pressure men. He reached out to me as he wants to “come out of the shadows” after 26 year to share his story of being raised in the high control 2x2 Church. We are two guys who know each other from way back through the common experience of being raised in the church. I was in the ministry for 25 years and he left being active in the church 30 years ago at 19 years old. The upheaval in the church three years ago recently deceased overseer in the church, Dean Bruer was guilty of led to an ongoing FBI investigation. The catalyst for the upheaval was the revelation that the recently deceased overseer in the church, Dean Bruer was guilty of child and adult sexual assault/rape. Erik is a distant cousin to Dean and he was often in his family home as a young minister when Erik was a young boy. Dean was also in my home as a young boy and then I later worked with him as a co-worker in the ministry.- We will be focused on the good things we gleaned from the church, but perhaps more significantly discuss the high control, secretive, false doctrine aspects that have contributed to abuse, covered abuse and ignored it due to fear, shame, intimidation, and emotional control. We are two guys who will talk candidly from our experiences and knowledge. We don’t claim to say everything right, but we are trying to get things right!</p><p>- My purpose in the Candid Conversation Podcast is not necessarily to exclusively interview a person as many podcasts do, but to have a genuine, unedited, real conversation about real topics in a way that can help all of us find the courage, faith and love to live our authentic self that God so beautifully created as uniquely you!<br></p>
May 18, 2026
Discovering Authenticity. From fear and suffocation to freedom of LETTING LOVE LEAD. My Journey.
<p>Candid Conversations Podcast. The Genesis. The Beginning. Why did I start this podcast? It was born out of my journey being raised in the secretive 2x2 church (high control religion), going into the ministry, or becoming a "worker" for over 25 years. The church often calls itself "The Truth" and the members "friends." In 2023 revelations of widespread CSA led to an ongoing FBI investigation into the church. I began writing a book about my life and experiences (120 pages in now) after starting life all over again three years ago when I left the volunteer ministry I had given my life to. I have seen and felt a great need in myself and countless others, to move beyond and through fear and discomfort. How? Lean INTO the uncomfortable. Express your doubts, questions, and fears. I have always craved candid conversations as they stimulate growth. That's what I want this podcast to be. I look forward to more guest/visitors contributing to these conversations that lean into the uncomfortable with Love leading the way. I want to help stimulate growth in all of us.</p>
May 5, 2026
Raised in a High Control Religion. One left. One stayed and ministered. Reconnecting after 30 years.
<p>- Candid Conversation Part 2 with Erik Larson. Unedited. Real talk. Real questions. Honest exploration</p><p>- This was recorded the same day immediately following Part 1. Yes, I readily acknowledge I talked too much, but Erik and I decided to go ahead and publish as is. This is a learning process for me and we plan a Part 3 with more Eric air time! My purpose in the Candid Conversation Podcast is not necessarily to exclusively interview a person as many podcasts do, but to have a genuine, unedited, real conversation about real topics in a way that can help all of us find the courage, faith and love to live our authentic self that God so beautifully created as uniquely you!Erik Larson reached out to me to do a podcast. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working for Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, as a Licensed Armed Private Investigator, and now specializing in private therapy with high pressure men. He reached out to me as he wants to “come out of the shadows” after 26 year to share his story of being raised in the high control 2x2 Church. We are two guys who know each other from way back through the common experience of being raised in the church. I was in the ministry for 25 years and he left being active in the church 30 years ago at 19 years old. The upheaval in the church three years ago recently deceased overseer in the church, Dean Bruer was guilty of led to an ongoing FBI investigation. The catalyst for the upheaval was the revelation that the recently deceased overseer in the church, Dean Bruer was guilty of child and adult sexual assault/rape. Erik is a distant cousin to Dean and he was often in his family home as a young minister when Erik was a young boy. Dean was also in my home as a young boy and then I later worked with him as a co-worker in the ministry.We will be focused on the good things we gleaned from the church, but perhaps more significantly discuss the high control, secretive, false doctrine aspects that have contributed to abuse, covered abuse and ignored it due to fear, shame, intimidation, and emotional control. We are two guys who will talk candidly from our experiences and knowledge. We don’t claim to say everything right, but we are trying to get things right!</p>
8 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Candid Conversation. Religion and more. Hard Questions. Real Talk. Honest exploration.
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Candid Conversation. Religion and more. Hard Questions. Real Talk. Honest exploration.?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.