Explore every episode of the podcast Aldo B. Martin Presents: The Reclamation
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Conclusion... | 26 Feb 2023 | 01:06:21 | |
"An audience is in some sense timeless...an artist must trust his audience, and know that his audience trusts him and he cannot cheat that invisible one or two or multitude of people. Between him...and that audience, there is an unspoken bond, an unspoken promise not to betray..." - James Baldwin Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| The Cult of Personality | 20 Feb 2023 | 00:27:13 | |
My thoughts on the word cult. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Just My Thoughts | 07 Jan 2023 | 00:32:46 | |
It's been a long week. This is what I think... Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Season 2 Trailer | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:03:59 | |
Season 2 premiers on April 3, 2022 Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 15 - Season 1 Finale - The Reunion | 06 Mar 2022 | 01:00:00 | |
Dr. Melton, Liz, Christina, Elena from 3B, Cousin Eddie, and Aldo reunite and converse about the season that was. Join us as we discuss the importance of honesty, self awareness, and the importance of forgiving your self. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 14 with Elena from 3B | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:20:24 | |
In Elena's final recap, she tells us her thoughts on Christina's episode. Elena also shares with us her final thoughts on her opinions regarding this organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 14 - My Perspective - Conversation with Christina (pt III) | 27 Feb 2022 | 00:26:14 | |
In our conclusion with Christina, she and Aldo discuss topics that they feel remorseful about regarding this cultish experience. Christina and Cousin Eddie discuss how the various iterations of this organization are reminiscent of George Orwell's "Animal Farm." Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 13 with Elena from 3B | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:18:28 | |
Elena from 3B discusses how Christina's most recent episode brings her back to when she left the church. Elena begins to tell us about what made her finally leave after 9 years of being with the organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 13 - Do You Regret Any of It? - Conversation with Christina pt II | 20 Feb 2022 | 00:26:10 | |
Being part of a community was a huge factor in Christina joining and staying with the organization. Christina, Cousin Eddie and Aldo discuss how the church had created its own sub-culture that enabled the church to create such a community. Members of the church were under a lot of pressure to recruit new converts on a daily basis. Despite it all, Christina discusses how maintaining and establishing relationships with her friends in the church helped her to maintain a sense of normalcy. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 12 with Elena from 3B | 16 Feb 2022 | 00:20:18 | |
Join Elena and Aldo as they sit down and discuss Christina's first episode. Shout out to the $2 move theater and more! Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 12: I Was Looking For A Friend Group; Conversation with Christina (pt I) | 13 Feb 2022 | 00:22:32 | |
In this episode we meet Christina. Like the guests before her, she too came to New York City in pursuit of academic dreams. While in NYC she came across a group of people that met her need of wanting to be a part of a friend group in this new city that she called home, for the time being. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 11 with Elena from 3B | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:20:20 | |
Elena from 3B gives her insight and thoughts to this past weeks episode. Join Aldo and Elena as they discuss DPI books, getting restored, and other terms used by the ICOC Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 11: Not Much Different From a Corporation or a Gang... | 06 Feb 2022 | 00:19:28 | |
Conversation with Aldo (pt 5 of 5) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Pending... | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:53:23 | |
Michele Roland and Senator Joseph Dunn sit down with us today to discuss pending litigation that has been filed against the International Church of Christ, the International Christian Church, HOPE World Wide, MERCY World Wide, and the City of Angels International Christian Church. Both Ms. Roland and Senator Dunn are a part of the case and speak to us about how this came about and why. They talk to us about their involvement with the case and discuss what to expect in the coming days and weeks as it pertains to the pending lawsuit. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 10 with Elena from 3B | 02 Feb 2022 | 00:22:01 | |
Elena and Aldo recap episode 10 by discussing the topic of mental health. Aldo tells Elena and the audience about his battle with depression and how being kicked out of the church made his battle with depression even more difficult. Join them for honest conversation, reflection, laughs, and the occasional "shout out." Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 10: "What Was Your Level of Commitment?" Conversation with Liz, pt III | 30 Jan 2022 | 00:25:29 | |
(pt 2 of 3) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 9 with Elena from 3B | 26 Jan 2022 | 00:23:18 | |
Elena sits down with us, as she usually does, to expound on topics that Liz brought up, such as dating in the church, and the concept of being "sharp." Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 9 - "Yeah, But...Are They Sharp?" - Conversation with Liz, pt II | 23 Jan 2022 | 00:23:00 | |
(pt 2 of 3) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 8 with Elena from 3B | 19 Jan 2022 | 00:25:05 | |
Elena from 3B sits down with us to give her views on this weeks past episode. Elena discusses topics such as purity culture as it pertains to the organization, Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 8 - Conversation with Liz (pt I) | 16 Jan 2022 | 00:25:15 | |
(pt 1 of 3) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 7 with Elena from 3B | 12 Jan 2022 | 00:21:03 | |
Elena from 3B joins us as she shares with us her thoughts on episode 7. Aldo and Cousin Eddie brought up the idea of the "con man" and this subject triggered Elena to discuss the early days of her recruitment as a 12-13 year old girl. Join us for some laughs and conversation with Elena from 3B. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 7: "I Thought I Was Ready To Answer That" | 09 Jan 2022 | 00:24:06 | |
(conversation with Aldo pt 4 of 5) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 6 with Elena from 3B | 05 Jan 2022 | 00:22:18 | |
Prayer nights and separatism. Join us as Elena from 3B recounts her thoughts on the 3rd part of our interview with Dr. Melton. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 6 - The Full Range of Humanity - Conversation with Dr. Melton pt III | 02 Jan 2022 | 00:20:15 | |
We conclude our conversation with Dr. Melton as she begins to tell the beginning of what made he want to leave the organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Accept...Except... | 01 Jan 2023 | 00:55:58 | |
**Some of the content of this episode deals with suicidal ideations and self injury. If you or anyone you now is need of support in that area, please contact the suicide and crisis lifeline** Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 5 with Elena from 3B | 29 Dec 2021 | 00:19:29 | |
Elena from 3B gives her thoughts on episode 5. She describes how the interview with Dr. Melton resonated with her in terms of forging relationships with fellow church members and how the church played a roll in her mental health. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 5 - Bodies in the Seats - Conversation with Dr. Melton pt II | 26 Dec 2021 | 00:25:05 | |
Our conversation with Dr. Melton continues as she now begins to describe how she was introduced to the organization and gives reason for why she joined. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 4 with Elena from 3B | 22 Dec 2021 | 00:18:15 | |
Elena from 3B and Aldo sit down to recap and discuss episode 4. Join us as Elena, also a former member, shares her thoughts. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 4 - Conversation with Dr. Melton, pt I | 19 Dec 2021 | 00:26:28 | |
Part 1 Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Unpacking Episode 3 with Elena from 3B | 14 Dec 2021 | 00:18:18 | |
Aldo speaks with former ICOC member, Elena, about her reaction to episode 3. Listen as Elena recounts how the discussion and topics brought up in episode 3, jogged her memory about her time in the church. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 3: "Your Social Life Revolves Around this Church" | 12 Dec 2021 | 00:22:48 | |
(conversation with Aldo pt 3 of 5) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 2: "The Beginning of the Rest of My Life" | 05 Dec 2021 | 00:22:57 | |
(conversation with Aldo pt 2 of 5) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Episode 1: The Making of a Cult Member | 29 Nov 2021 | 00:18:34 | |
(conversation with Aldo pt. 1 of 5) Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Coast to Coast | 25 Dec 2022 | 00:58:29 | |
Hugh became a member of the Church of Christ in 1982. He then made a cross country drive, from California to Massachusetts to join the Boston Movement in 1985. Hugh has spent time as a teen worker and eventually joined the full time ministry and became a leader with the movement. Hugh speaks with us about establishing a marriage, raising a family, while being a leader with the church. Like many people that have already appeared on the podcast, Hugh defines himself as being a committed member at one point in his life. His commitment is evidenced by the fact that he moved over 30 times for the purpose of attempting to meet the needs of the church. Hugh also talks to us about what his views are now regarding his time spent with the organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| R.E.V.E.A.L. | 18 Dec 2022 | 00:47:37 | |
Today we speak with Chris Lee. Chris is the curator of REVEAL.org. Since the 1990's, REVEAL has been a source of information and solace for the community of former members. I use the term "curator" to describe Chris because REVEAL is source where one can find a variety of articles, testimonies, and other documents that pertain to the ICOC experience. The ICOC has referred to REVEAL and it's contents as "spiritual pornography." However, thousands of former members have used REVEAL as a place to help them understand what they were a part of. Chris tells us about how he became a member and then a former member. He also talks to us about how he got on board with REVEAL.org. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Losing My Religion | 11 Dec 2022 | 00:52:26 | |
Before there was a Reclamation Podcast there was the YouTube channel called “Losing My Religion.” The creator and host of the program joins us today. Her name is Helen and she too is a former member of the ICOC. She speaks to us about the idea and inspiration behind the creation of her YouTube channel. Helen also talks to us about her experience in the church. She tells us how she joined. She explains to us why she left. She gives the reasons as to why she does what she does today. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Much Unsaid | 04 Dec 2022 | 00:41:16 | |
Today we speak with Chris T. Chris joined the church as a college student in the early 1990s. He remained a member for the better part of that decade. He talks about his upbringing and how it played a factor in his joining the church. Chris talks to us about his personality and how it did not necessarily fit into the culture of the section of the church that he was a part of. While Chris’ story is unique, there are elements of his experience that are parallel to the experiences of others regardless of time and physical space. Chris' story is about a man who has had to grapple with much in life. After many years and much work, he is now in a place where he is able to put words to his experiences and can make sense of it all. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Like A Berean? | 27 Nov 2022 | 00:48:37 | |
People leave the ICOC for a variety of reasons. Some leave because their personal believes no longer mesh with the practices of the organization. Not everyone who has left leaves with a furry of negativity. Sometimes, people leave because they simply have outgrown the organization. Today we speak with Alejandra. She was a member of the organization for 20 years. She joined as a member of the campus ministry. She was a part of the singles ministry. She then became a part of the marrieds ministry. She has experienced this church through out the different phases of her adulthood. She talks to us about why she joined and talks to us about why she left. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| ...The More They Remain the Same. | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:34:45 | |
In our second and final segment of our conversation with Melissa, she tells us more about being a student in the ICCM. She talks to us about the financial sacrifice that was expected of her and the type of effect that it had on her. She talks about feeling trapped by the ICC and their methods and how this feeling of being trapped made her feel that she had to escape from the organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| The More Things Change... | 20 Nov 2022 | 00:30:44 | |
The ICOC is birthed from the COC and the Crossroads Movement. The ICC is birthed from the ICOC. Today we meet Melissa who joined the ICC in 2019 and left recently. Melissa tells the story of a young person who was in search of belonging and community and found it in the ICC. Her story is not different from the various stores that we have heard already. She also talks about her experience as a student with the ICCM. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| The Truck Driver and the Gas Pump | 19 Feb 2023 | 00:49:47 | |
Today we speak with Dr. Patrick Knapp, PhD who, along with is wife, Heidi Knapp, CLC, runs an organization called Becoming Free where they "assist people to better understand and recover from their unique harmful religious or spiritual experiences and the painful relational dynamics of family estrangement." Their goal is "to support people to process their abusive experiences for improved insight, emotional growth, relational healing and spiritual development." They believe that this can be "accomplished through life-recovery coaching, periodic support and recovery groups, and various online and in-person educational resources.” Dr. Knapp is also the author of “Understanding Religious Abuse and Recovery: Discovering Essential Principles for Hope and Healing” where he discusses different perspectives on how people best understand and recover from religious abuse. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Read the Terms and Conditions | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:24:19 | |
Ini tells us how the church helped him to get his life together. Despite this, Ini left. He begins to tell us why. Ini mentions the term “spiritual abuse” and explains why this phrase is troublesome to him as it pertains to the ICC. In states that his time with the church was very positive for the most part. However, as he witnessed the manner in which others were treated, he began his movement away from the organization. Ini had to make a decision as his relationship with the church was having an effect on his relationship with his family. Despite leaving the organilzation several years ago, Ini states that he has begun his healing process fairly recently. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Brother From Another... | 13 Nov 2022 | 00:25:38 | |
Today we speak with Ini. Ini is a former member of the International Christian Church, or ICC for short. Ini tells us why he wanted to lend his voice to the collective that is the Reclamation Podcast. Ini was a part of the ICC in London, England. He was a member from 2009 up until 2013. Upon joining, he wasn’t aware of the ICC’s previous history or relationship to the ICOC. Ini recounts and retells the unorthodox manner in which he first came in contact with the organization. At this point in the program, we have heard many stories and many of the themes are similar and bleed into one another in some form or fashion. What’s interesting about Ini’s story is that, despite a lapse in time and a difference in organization, the experience is similar if not the same to those that have appeared on the program before him. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Regardless of Time | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:24:20 | |
As we recap the previous set of episodes, Elena tells us about her experience as a member of the teen ministry. She explains some of the positive and negative moments of that time in her life. She then asks Aldo on what his experience on doing this podcast has been like for the past 12 months. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| "Just A Number" | 06 Nov 2022 | 00:37:27 | |
Jenn from LA rejoins us. This time, she joins us with her daughter, Amanda. Amanda, at the time of this recording is, 18 years old. Amanda wanted to join us because she wanted to discuss the teen ministry experience. Amanda, was never baptized into the church, but she was a part of teen ministry nonetheless, as she attended all of the meetings, etc. Amanda was asked if there was a pressure placed upon her to get baptized, and she gives us her take on that. Amanda talks to us about exclusion and relationships. Jenn, speaking as the parent, indicated that the relationship that the church had with her children was a tipping point for her and her family. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| "It Wasn't Well Received" | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:27:50 | |
*Trigger Warning* Some of the content of this episode might be disturbing to some listeners. Listener descretion is advised Carter tells us more about his experience with the church. Carter explains, in graphic detail, some of the things that he was taught. It should be noted that what Carter was taught, was not common practices through out the ICOC. However, the liberty that those who lead him took in creating such graphic teachings, may speak to the nature of the organization as a whole. In other words, if the teachings ensured that Carter would remain a faithful member, then, his leaders might argue that the ends justifies the means. Carter’s story, like all of the other stories, is the story of an individual and it may or may not resonate with the experiences of others. Carter states that he does not think that he has recovered from his experience with the organization. He tells us more about his experience with the teen ministry. He also talks about having complex PTSD. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| "A Culture of Works, and Not Grace" | 30 Oct 2022 | 00:24:04 | |
Today we meet Carter. Carter referes to himself as a kingdom kid. I explains what this term means to him and how it was applied within the ICOC. Carter got baptized as a teenager and became a part of the teen ministry. He reflects on his time with the church and recounts the pressure that he felt. Carter describes himself as introverted and how this characteristic was not welcomed in the part of the organization that he congregated with. Carter speaks to us about what the discipling partner relationship looked like between a teenager and an adult. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| "Legalistic" | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:26:01 | |
In our second and final segment of our interview with Nick, he begins to tell us about some of the red flags that he's noticed from time to time. Nick describes himself as a totally committed member. Despite his history of commitment, grace was not afforded to him when he decided act in his own best interest. Nick recounts instances where the culture of imitation presented itself. He also tells us about his process of finally leaving the organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| "It Was Work" | 23 Oct 2022 | 00:23:23 | |
Today we speak with Nick. Nick joined the organization in 1995 and left around 2020. During his time with the church he was a teen worker and eventually became a member of the full time ministry. Being a teen worker with the ICOC, was an exhaustive task. As a teen worker, one must dedicate the majority of their time and energy to help guide and support the teenage members of the organization. He also talks to us about his training and expectations as a full time member of the staff. Nick's experience with the church was filled with a variety of moving parts, much like the experience of many members of the organization. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||
| Sue Condon's Diary (pt II) | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:23:08 | |
Christina and Aldo continue their discussion around Sue Condon's Diary. Christina shares how her views on the church have changed from the beginning of appearing on the podcast, up until now. Although the document was written many years ago, and from the perspective of one person, some of its' elements apply and seem to give validity to the experiences of many other former members. Stay updated on Aldo's current and future projects by signing up for his Newsletter | |||