Heaven Bent

What can history, anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience, teach us about the spiritual practice of speaking in tongues? Join Tara Jean Stevens for her conversation with Josh Brahinsky, author of the new book Tongues of Fire: How Charismatic Prayer Changes Evangelical Brains and Inspires Spirit-Filled Activism.*This episode was first available to Apple subscribers and patrons on Patreon on May 25th, 2026. *If you're a subscriber, make sure to check "UNKNOWN SEASON" at the very start of the feed for early & sometimes exclusive access to one-off episodes like this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is an insatiable sexual appetite something to be afraid of? Tara Jean believes purity culture made her think so. On the final episode this season, hear her intimate conversation with Lisa Diamond, professor of developmental psychology at the University of Utah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Tara Jean lost her faith, she says there's an empty void that she tries to fill with other explanations for why there's anything. But why does that frighten her so much? And what does it have to do with the US government's release of the UFO files last week? On this episode, Tara Jean's interview with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb. He's a theoretical physicist who works on astrophysics and cosmology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Jean unpacks her fear of the rapture with Dr. Amy Frykholm, the author of "Rapture Culture: Left Behind In Evangelical America." https://www.amyfrykholm.com/rapture-culture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retching. Snarling. Supernatural strength. Tara Jean deconstructs the exorcism ritual with psychological anthropologist Tayna Marie Luhrmann.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At one youth group night in 1993, a church leader taught Tara Jean about the 'witching hour'. Why does this ominous time of night still haunt her decades after she left the church and where does this concept come from? On this episode, retired professor Sabina Maglioccom, author of "Witching Culture: Folklore and Neo-Paganism in America.."*The first 3 episodes of S11 are temporarily available under S9, for Apple subscribers and patrons on Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing up in the church, Tara Jean was instilled with a spirit of fear that has stayed with her decades after she stopped calling herself a believer. On this season, she'll lean on expert guests to help demystify some of these specific fears, like exorcisms, the female body, and on this episide the antichrist. Her guest is reknowned scholar Bernard McGinn, author of "Antichrist: 2 Thousands Years of the Human Fascination With Evil."*For now, Apple Podcast subscribers can still access the first 3 episodes, under S9. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Demons. The Antichrist. Witches. Tara Jean says she was instilled with a spirit of fear, in her childhood church. But it's now been decades since she was a believer, why is she still afraid? Join her as she attempts to recontextualize the concepts that haunt her with the help of scholars and other experts in religious history, mythology, sociology, and more.*STARTS MONDAY, APRIL 13th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once upon a time, Brittany gave 6 years of her life to IHOPKC's 24/7 prayer room. Today, she's turned her experience in this high-control religious group into art. Join Tara Jean for her conversation with Brittany Hart on her debut poetry collection Surviving Wonderland: A Journey Beyond Control.Brittany also supports survivors through creative writing and healing resources.tinyurl.com/survivingwonderlandbook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prophet Patricia King is being scrutinized for her handling of abuse & misconduct, how has her board just reacted to the most recent example of this from her past? Tara Jean provides a brief update on this development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 2000's, Kelowna's New Life Church was attracting charismatic Christians from all over the world, including Daniel from Australia. But why did prophet Patricia King send him away so quickly after arriving? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After hearing Kat’s story, a man who lived with prophet Patricia King in 2002 reaches out. What do his memories reveal about Pat's ministry, her marriage, and her late-husband Ron? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Charismatic movement has shown a systemic failure in dealing with clergy sexual abuse, and prophet Patricia King thinks the Kingdom Accountability Project can help. On this episode, church leader and victim-advocate, Ron Cantor, tells Tara Jean about the development of the KAP document. Over 114-pages, it outlines how churches should respond to allegations, and for months Patricia was listed as a co-author. But why has her name been removed? Why do some advocates think KAP is dangerous? And could it's guidelines help with Kat's claim that Patricia mishandled her alleged sexual assault in 2001? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patricia King says it was an inappropriate boundary violation. Kat says it was sexual assault. On this episode, Kat reacts to Patricia's formal statement regarding her allegations. Also, in 1994, how did Pat's ideologies on handling sexual abuse make headlines? Tara Jean shares what she's uncovered in BC newspaper archives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2001, Kat moved from Germany to Canada to become a prayer warrior, under the guidance of trusted prophetic minister Pat Cocking (known today as Patricia King). Kat now says the experience involved a sexual assault, a shunning, and a total loss of her faith. But 25 years later, does Patricia King remember it the same way? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Bethel Church prophet Kris Vallotton do that led to him making an emotional apology this week? And what does it have to do with S10 of Heaven Bent? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Headlines: Ice Protestors Storm St. Paul Church, the latest developments on the cover-up of fraudulent prophet Shawn Bolz, and an important programming note. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been 32 years this week since strange & unusual things started happening at Toronto Airport Vineyard Church. To mark the occasion, a former insider shares his experience being a youth & worship leader during the Toronto Blessing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Heaven Bent Headlines: Renee Good's former father-in-law shares his Christian-perspective on her death. Also, James Talarico's take on Christian nationalism, faith-based church in British Columbia denies woman medically assisted death, and news of S9. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time for another week of Headlines, a weekly feature where Tara Jean brings you news from the Heaven Bent universe. This week: Rob Reiner Warned of Christian Nationalism, Justin Bieber Breaks out in Worship, First IHOPKC Lawsuit Settled. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Heaven Bent Headlines: Prestenwood Baptist Church is back with their Christmas spectacle, Canada considers removing religious protections from hate-speech laws, and news of a new pure gold Menorah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benny Hinn is now divorced from his wife for a second time, but what's next for his prophetic healing ministry? Also on this week's edition of 'Headlilnes', did Samantha Fulnecky have her freedom of religion rights violated, or did she just write a bad essay? As well, an update on the backlash to worship music made by AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Heaven Bent 'Headlines', Lisa Bickle Stribling from Hopecity KC has a few things to say about this podcast, trouble is none of it is true. In Sean Feucht news, he's suing Quebec City for cancelling his worship event last summer. You'll also hear this week's development with disgraced pastor Robert Morris and Gateway Church. Plus, is it okay that the #1 Chriistian music artist on Spotify this week is AI? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Heaven Bent Headlines: pastor calls Kentucky woman who pranked churches a witch, worship breaks out on the street after the closure of Manhattan's Planned Parenthood clinic, and an IHOPKC whistleblower gets a big surprise in Dallas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tara Jean to revisit P2 of the most listened to episode in the Heaven Bent archive. Hear an alleged victim of clergy abuse tell sher story about Mike Bickle, leader of the International House of Prayer, in Kansas City, Missouri. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the 2-year anniversary of S4, and Tara Jean marks it by revisiting the 2-part bonus episode that became the most-listened to in the Heaven Bent archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Heaven Bent 'Headlines': Christian Nationalists reaction to Zohran Mamdani's election win, Kelowna Harvest Church gets kicked out of its worship space, and a million women no-show at a prayer event in Brazil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does one go from being a Christian fundamentalist to an atheist? On this episode, Janice Selbie takes us on her faith journey and how its led to her work today. She is a registered professional counsellor, religious trauma recovery coach, and the host of the 'Divorcing Religion' memoir & podcast.*See Tara Jean on the 'Divorcing Religion' podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vEYstxWYIM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Heaven Bent get caught up in one of the most-shocking scandals in American religious history? What's the latest on Mike Bickle and the International House of Prayer, in Kansas City, Missouri? How are the whistleblowers doing?? Find out on this bonus episode marking the 2nd anniversary of the release of S4. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tara Jean for this week's Headlines from the Heaven Bent universe. This week: Jesus to Attend World Series, A Million Women Gather In Brazil, and IHOPKC Scandal Marks 2-Year Anniversary., Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Heaven Bent 'Headlines': -Maga doesn't like the NFL's plans to have Bad Bunny play the Super Bowl Halftime Show, find out what they're going to do about it.-Trump wants to go to Heaven but is he going about it the wrong way?-Season 4 turns 2 this month, we'll revisit one of the most outrageous claims from that season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Narcissism. Bipolar Disorder. Jedidiah Hartley confronts the role mental illness played in his father’s rise & fall as a prophetic leader. And also on this final episode, how has his relationship with his dad influenced who he is as a young man and former believer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on 'Heaven Bent Headlines': Bethel worship leader Kalley Heilgenthal releases a new album, Associated Press releases new report on claims of financial fraud against worship leader Sean Feucht, and IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle permanently disqualified from ministry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Jedidiah Hartley realized that his Dad was a false prophet, what did he do about it? On this second episode of 'Son of a Prophet', Jed confronts his Dad, and Bethel Church and IHOPKC - two influential organizations that backed him for years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on 'Heaven Bent Headlines': Jesus Fails To Return, Charlie Kirk Memorial Ignites Christian Nationalists, Christians Rally To Stop Ostrich Cull. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jedidiah Hartley grew up with a prophet for a Dad. If you think that must've been weird, it was. On this first episode of 'Son of a Prophet', Jedidiah reminisces about his childhood and slowly coming to the realization that his father, Bob Hartley, might not be who he says he is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, on 'Heaven Bent Headlines': Evangelicals Mobilize After Charlie Kirk Death, Growing Pains Star Kirk Cameron Ires Zionists, and Prophets Say 'Jesus' Will Return Tuesday'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Jezebel Magazine hire Etsy witches to curse Charlie Kirk? And, Trump Family Bible Enters Bible Museum. Join Tara Jean for this new weekly feature where she unpacks some of this weeks' headlines from the Heaven Bent Universe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it like to grow up with a Dad who claims to be a prophet? Jedidiah Hartley tells us on this new season, as he takes us behind the scenes of the Prophetic Movement’s inner-circle. Plus, what it’s been like as an adult to expose his father as a fraud, and confront the church leaders who backed him. *Starts Monday, September 22nd. but available ad-free, starting Monday, September 15th for Apple Podcasts subscribers and patrons on Patreon:https://lnk.to/heavenbentpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Art Lucier apologizes for butt-selfie, evangelist Gabriel Storm calls Burning Man demonic, and a preview of the next Heaven Bent mini-series 'Son of a Prophet'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forrest Frank. Art Lucier. Sean Feucht. Join Tara Jean for this week's headlines from the Heaven Bent universe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Friday, so here's another edition of 'Headlines'. This week: Sean Feucht Calls Canada Demonic-Stronghold, Gubernatorial Candidate Promises Prayer & Fasting Day, Trump Has Plan To Get To Heaven, Focus On The Family Founder Dead At 89. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He helped rally pastors behind Trump’s 2024 campaign and now he’s a key figure inside the White House Faith Office. On this new episode, Tara Jean's conversation with Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer. He'll share his vision for America, defend Christian nationalism, and unpack the spiritual battle he believes is unfolding at the highest levels of government. He's also the author of a new book, Chasing After The Wind: Why Nobody Is Catching What Everybody Is Chasing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the Heaven Bent universe: Christian popstar Forrest Frank says God has supernaturally healed his broken back, a jaw-dropping S4 development involving IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle, and, an update on Sean Feucht's cross-Canada worship tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tara Jean as she unpacks this week's headlines from the Heaven Bent universe. This week: Sean Feucht vs. Canada, here comes Kenneth Copeland, and was Ozzy Osbourne a Christian when he died? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tara Jean as she unpacks this week's headlines from the Heaven Bent universe. New episodes every Friday. This week: Sean Feucht's cold reception in Canada, Art Lucier's new public statement, and the new documentary series about 'Teen Mania'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tara Jean as she unpacks this week's headlines from the Heaven Bent universe. New episodes every Friday. This week: evangelical fans turn on Chip & Joanna Gaines, Che Ahn says God told him to run for governor, and Mathew Tait scandal exposes the dark underbelly of the Christian music scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first edition of Heaven Bent Headlines, where Tara Jean unpacks headlines from the Heavent Bent universe: New episodes every Friday.This week: 'That ChatGPT Tongues Thing,' 'Historic Christian Camp Swept Away by Texas Flood,' 'Jimmy Swaggart, Dead at 90.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Prater married into a family with roots going back to the very start of the Foursquare Gospel Church. That's how he came to learn about its founder Aimee Semple McPherson. What did his wife's grandfather tell him about Aimee's 1926 disappearance? On this final episode of the Rise of Sister Aimee, Bob shares his story publicly for the first time.*Custom donation link: https://paypal.me/TaraJeanStevens?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She fed the poor, healed the sick - and mingled with the KKK. On this episode, Tara Jean will explore the connections between Aimee Semple McPherson and Christian Nationalism. Also, how did Aimee influence some of the most powerful women preachers of the future? Paula White, Tammy Faye Bakker, and Kathryn Kuhlman will all come up.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.