Lawsuits are a common intimidation tactic when powerful figures are accused of wrongdoing, especially in churches. Threatening legal action can silence survivors, whistleblowers, and journalists.

But Sarah Young, a citizen journalist and founder of Check My Church, is refusing to bow to the pressure of a lawsuit brought by Apologia Church in Mesa, Arizona. And Sarah joins Julie in this episode to discuss how defamation lawsuits are used to intimidate critics and how those efforts sometimes collapse in court.

Hanukkah is traditionally one of the most joyful seasons on the Jewish calendar—a time of light, hope, and remembrance. But this year, that joy has been overshadowed by a horrific act of antisemitic violence.

Fifteen people—including two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a child—were killed in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday. While its scale and horror are shocking, the attack is not an isolated incident.

Megachurches are booming and it’s no wonder. These churches of 2,000 people or more offer many things Christian consumers want, like compelling worship, inspirational sermons, and kids programs.

But they also come with trade-offs.

You likely won’t know your pastor. You have almost no power to shape how the church governs or the pastor behaves. And if you’re hurt in some way — abused, lied to, or trampled over — you’ll likely have no recourse but to leave and try to find healing for what are often profoundly deep wounds.

Recently, Willow Creek Community Church—one of the most influential churches in modern evangelical history—celebrated its 50th anniversary. For five decades, the Chicago-area megachurch has shaped how churches look, lead, and measure success through its seeker-sensitive model and corporate-style leadership.

But as Willow Creek marks this milestone, its story is no longer just one of innovation and influence; it’s also one of profound damage.

After stepping down for “undisclosed sin,” Tony Evans has returned to public ministry, raising questions about repentance, restoration, and transparency. Author and longtime pastor Lance Ford joins Julie to discuss.

A decade after resigning from Mars Hill Church for arrogance and abuse of power, Mark Driscoll is rising once again, buoyed by his reinvention as a MAGA pastor with close ties to Turning Point USA (TPUSA).

In the wake of the assassination of TPUSA’s founder Charlie Kirk, Driscoll is trending on several platforms. He’s appeared on The Charlie Kirk Show.