Best WCG Podcasts (2025)

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Health Literacy in Action: The Impact of Plain Language Communication in Clinical Research 28:22

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22d ago28:22

28:22

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Sandy Smith, Sylvia Baedorf Kassis, and Dr. Donna Snyder discuss the critical role of health literacy in clinical research. They explore how clear communication can enhance patient understanding and engagement, the importance of a common language in research, and the introduction of the MRCT Center’s Clinical Re…

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Advancing Access: How SaaS is Transforming Clinical Trials 23:22

2M ago23:22

23:22

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Cristin MacDonald, Doug Mayer, and Tyler Bye discuss how Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are democratizing the clinical trial landscape. Learn how SaaS platforms are enabling organizations of all sizes to leverage cutting-edge technology, improving collaboration, standardization, and data security through…

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Advancing Imaging in Clinical Trials Using AI 21:12

3M ago21:12

21:12

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, and Bryan Wayne, vice president of imaging operations, both of WCG, explore the critical role of imaging in clinical trials. Together, they break down industry acronyms, unpack the process of independent image review, and discuss how WCG is contributing to the vali…

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Future-Ready Research: Optimizing Sites for Continued Success 20:42

4M ago20:42

20:42

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Sandy Smith, senior vice president, clinical solutions & strategic partnering, WCG, is joined by Tiffany Pierce, director, clinical trials core, Henry Ford Health System, to discuss resilience in clinical research. As the landscape of clinical trials faces evolving challenges, they explore how organizations and …

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Harnessing Generative AI in Clinical Research 23:42

5M ago23:42

23:42

Dive into the world of generative AI with Silvio Galea, chief data analytics officer, WCG, and Kyle Miller, lead data scientist, WCG. In this compelling episode of WCG Talks Trials, we explore how Generative AI can improve clinical research workflows from meticulous data entry to efficient data validation. Uncover the technology behind AI’s ability…

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AI in Clinical Trials: Unlocking the Potential 27:54

8M ago27:54

27:54

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, join Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, WCG, and Melissa Hutchens, vice president of research and benchmarking, WCG, as they discuss the transformative role of AI in clinical trials. Discover how generative AI and other AI technologies are enhancing the quality of clinical trials, reducing cycle tim…

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Breaking Down Site Complexities and Start-Up Barriers in Clinical Trials 25:44

8M ago25:44

25:44

Join us for "Breaking Down Site Complexities and Start-Up Barriers in Clinical Trials" as we uncover the complexities of site management and the barriers to effective study start-ups. Discover the top issues impacting research sites and strategies to overcome them, including trial complexity, start-up hurdles, and long initiation timelines. Learn h…

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From Patient Care to Discovery: A Clinician's Journey into Research 19:45

11M ago19:45

19:45

Join us for a compelling episode of WCG Talks Trials where we take a look into the rewarding world of clinical trials and clinical development. In this episode, George Cokenakes, director of clinical services, review solutions, WCG, speaks with Dr. James Januzzi, a renowned cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and chief scientific office…

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Inside MAGI: Innovation, Education, and Industry Trends 29:19

11M ago29:19

29:19

In this episode of "WCG Talks Trials," host Geoffrey Schick, director of strategic site partnerships, WCG, is joined by fellow MAGI@home 2024 speakers Sandy Smith, Jess Thompson, and Wesley Warren. They share their unique perspectives and key takeaways from this year's virtual conference, including discussions on contract negotiations, the evolving…

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Revolutionizing Clinical Research Through Collaboration and Innovation 28:54

12M ago28:54

28:54

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Sandy Smith, senior vice president of clinical solutions and strategic partnering at WCG, dives into the highlights of the Florence Healthcare Research Revolution event. Sandy is joined by industry experts Andrea Bastek, vice president of innovation at Florence, and Lauren Sobocinski, senior vice president …

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Have a Safe Trip: Clinical and Patient Alignment in Research with Psychedelics 23:27

1y ago23:27

23:27

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Kelly FitzGerald sits down with Dr. Currien MacDonald, Medical Chair Director at WCG, and Sara Reed, a participant in two psychedelic clinical trials, to explore the evolving landscape of psychedelics research. Dr. MacDonald shares his expertise on the growing acceptance of psychedelics in clinical settings…

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Breaking Barriers: Reasons to Expand Site Cancer Trial Portfolios 28:53

1y ago28:53

28:53

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Geoff Schick, director of strategic site partnerships, joins our host Sandy Smith, senior vice president of clinical solutions and strategic partnering, to discuss the expansion of research site cancer portfolios.By WCG

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Patient Advocacy Advancing Breakthrough Science and Community Engagement 28:54

1y ago28:54

28:54

Join Desiree Underwood-Williams, director of project management organization at WCG and guest Steve Smith, CEO of SteveSmithPlans LLC and facilitator of the WCG Patient Forum, as they recap the latest Patient Forum Focus Session on breakthrough science and community engagement. Discussion highlights include: The impact of medical diagnoses on famil…

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Guarding Research Integrity: The IRB's Essential Role 27:27

1y ago27:27

27:27

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by host Joanne Thomas, clinical reviewer and patient advocate at WCG, along with our guest Currien MacDonald, medical chair director at WCG. This episode covers the roles of IRB in ethical clinical research, frequently asked questions, and a general overview of the IRB’s role in clinical trials.…

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Addressing Challenges in Site Feasibility 20:14

1y ago20:14

20:14

This episode of WCG Talks Trials addresses site feasibility challenges impacting the clinical trials industry. Join Michelle Yu, associate director of clinical strategy at WCG, and our guest Trevor Cole, director of client delivery, site and strategic operations for WCG, as we discuss approaches to adopt innovative feasibility and site start-up sol…

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Ethical Review and AI in Clinical Trials 39:43

1+ y ago39:43

39:43

Join our Chief Analytics Officer Silvio Galea, along with Dr. Donna Snyder & Dr. Barbara Bierer to discuss opportunities on the ethical and regulatory challenges regarding artificial intelligence in clinical trials. The discussion is focused through the lens of the IRB review, and how a multi-stakeholder task force led by the Multi-Regional Clinica…

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Addressing Measurement Challenges for PTSD Trials with Technology 21:40

1+ y ago21:40

21:40

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by WCG clinical science experts as they discuss traditional measurement challenges for PTSD trials and how the use of an electronic CAPS-5 scale is improving administration and scoring errors. Tune in as we discuss the CAPS-5 scale, the opportunities and benefits of using an electronic version to h…

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What Is E-Consent? Interview with Erin Brower 9:35

1+ y ago9:35

9:35

By WCG

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Creating Partnerships: Aligning Vendor Support for Success in Clinical Research 20:56

1+ y ago20:56

20:56

In the most recent episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by three industry experts, Amy Thue and Shelby Ward from WCG, and Russell Lampman from Merck to discuss the topic of optimizing vendor support, and ultimately the success, of clinical trials. Listen in as we dive into feedback and perspectives from both the sponsor and vendor side of the…

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WCG's IRB Policy Change: Harmonizing Consent (Part 2) 8:06

1+ y ago8:06

8:06

In Part 2 of this discussion, Currien MacDonald, MD, CIP Medical Chair Director for WCG's IRB, discusses new FDA regulations for waiver of consent with Kelly Fitzgerald, PhD, WCG's IRB Executive Chair and VP IBC Affairs.By WCG

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WCG's IRB Policy Change: Harmonizing Consent (Part 1) 6:06

1+ y ago6:06

6:06

In Part 1 of this discussion, Currien MacDonald, MD, CIP Medical Chair Director for WCG's IRB, discusses a policy change that is going into effect for WCG IRB with Lindsay Abrahams, Regulatory Chair Director. Lindsay and Currien discuss the concise summary and its application to consent forms, especially for WCG.…

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The Ethical and Safety Considerations of Accelerating Oncology Trials 43:16

2y ago43:16

43:16

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, our expert panel discusses various ethical, safety, and logistical challenges in accelerating clinical trials for gene and cell therapies in oncology. The conversation explores the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), Endpoint Adjudication Committees (EACs), and …

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Embarking on a Research Revolution – A Conversation with Florence Healthcare 30:37

2y ago30:37

30:37

In episode 10 of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by Catherine Gregor, the Chief Clinical Trial Officer at Florence Healthcare, to discuss Florence’s recent Research Revolution event and the importance of site enablement in clinical research. Listen in as we recap Research Revolution, share insights on emerging clinical trial trends and innovations,…

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The CRA’s Evolving Role in a Postpandemic Industry 36:47

2y ago36:47

36:47

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by Elizabeth Weeks-Rowe, CCRA, author of The CRA’s Guide to Monitoring Clinical Research, 6th Edition. Led by WCG Director of Publications and Content, Leslie Ramsey, the discussion will delve into the ways the clinical trials industry has become more complex and technologically focused and the cha…

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MAGI@home: Practical Intelligence, Real-life Examples, Actionable Information 29:26

2y ago29:26

29:26

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by MAGI@home Steering Committee members, Jennifer Peterson, Director, Head of Clinical Quality at M3 Wake Research, and Geoffrey Schick, Director, Strategic Site Partnerships at WCG. Led by Carmin Gade, Chief Marketing Officer at WCG, the discussion will delve into the insights and value MAGI event…

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Diversity & Inclusion with Technology in Decentralized Trials 1:05:05

2y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

This episode of WCG Talks Trials, hosted by Kelly Fitzgerald, Executive IRB Chair and Vice President of IBC Affairs at WCG, dives into the topic of diversity and inclusion with technology in decentralized clinical trials (DCTs). The episode explores the transformative opportunities that DCTs present for addressing diversity gaps in clinical researc…

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Amplifying Patient Voices to Advance Clinical Research: The Importance of Patient Advocacy 29:38

2y ago29:38

29:38

Listen to the latest episode of WCG Talks Trials to hear from experts on the importance of patient advocacy in clinical research and key takeaways from WCG's 2023 Patient Forum. We'll summarize how the patient forum elevates the voices of those changing drug development for the better and recap breakthroughs and best practices shared during the mos…

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The Importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Intersectionality in Clinical Research 36:48

2y ago36:48

36:48

Listen to the latest episode of WCG Talks Trials to hear from experts on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research and how intersectionality plays a role in promoting DE&I. We'll discuss why diversity is pivotal for comprehending the full spectrum of clinical care mechanisms and review effective DE&I strategies being d…

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Delve into the World of Psychedelic Research and Ethical Inquiry 25:48

2y ago25:48

25:48

Join WCG Talks Trials podcast host Kelly Fitzgerald, PhD, in a riveting dialogue with guest expert Currien MacDonald, MD, as they unravel the nuances of "Psychedelics in Research: Ethical and Medical Perspectives." Dr. MacDonald, with a solid foundation in family medicine and clinical trials administration, guides listeners through a grounded explo…

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A 360-degree View on Motivators and Deterrents to Clinical Trial Participation 30:32

2y ago30:32

30:32

In episode three of WCG Talks Trials, two WCG experts discuss key findings from the 2023 Avoca State of the Industry Report, which provides a 360-degree view on motivators and deterrents to clinical trial participation. Listen in as we dive into feedback from perspectives across all clinical research stakeholders — sponsors, providers, sites, and p…

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Breaking Down Enrollment Barriers: How DE&I, Technology, and Protocol Design Impact Enrollment Success 18:28

2y ago18:28

18:28

In episode two of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by two WCG experts to discuss overcoming common enrollment challenges and how DE&I, technology, and protocol design factor into enrollment success. Listen in as we delve into the critical topic of common enrollment barriers in clinical trials, how to improve enrollment by focusing on DE&I efforts, t…

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Ep. 2.6. Host It or Toast It 1:12

2y ago1:12

1:12

Want to support Worldwide? Visit buymeacoffee.com/worldwidepod and tell us whether you'd rather "host it or toast it" - or both! You can also support the show by leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or other directories, and sharing it with your friends, family and followers.By Tricia Jenkins

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Ep. 2.5. Another Murder and the Jim Thompson Legacy (Worldwide: The Disappearance of the Thai Silk King) 12:17

2y ago12:17

12:17

In this last episode, we examine the story of Jim’s associate, who swears he spotted Thompson in a hotel lobby in Tahiti weeks after he disappeared, as well as the still unsolved murder of Jim Thompson’s sister, Katharine, five months after Jim vanished. We'll also explore the legacy of Jim Thompson and how it continues today. Join us for the final…

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Ep. 2.4. “We Had to Eliminate Him:” An interview with the CIA's Barry Broman (Worldwide: The Disappearance of the Thai Silk King) 25:06

2y ago25:06

25:06

In 2013, former CIA officer Barry Broman received a phone call from someone claiming to know who killed Jim Thompson. Join us as we follow that lead from Thailand to Singapore and evaluate whether Jim was killed by a communist plot to eliminate him. To watch Broman's short film, Who Killed Jim Thompson The Thai Silk King?, visit: https://www.youtub…

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Ep. 2.3. Retracing Fading Steps: An interview with Dr. Lew Toulmin (Worldwide: The Disappearance of the Thai Silk King) 27:43

2y ago27:43

27:43

In the mid-2010s, Dr. Lew Toulmin, a search and rescue operations specialist, went to Malaysia and Thailand to research the Jim Thompson case extensively and to evaluate the possible causes of his death. Was Jim Thompson the victim of foul play? Was he attacked and eaten by a tiger? Was he caught up in a communist conspiracy? Or did he simply stumb…

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Ep. 2.2. Peter Hurkos and The Dangers of Psychic Detectives: An Interview with D.J. Grothe (Worldwide: The Disappearance of the Thai Silk King) 30:31

2y ago30:31

30:31

When the police fail to turn up leads in missing persons cases, families sometimes get desperate and ask psychic detectives to “help.” In the case of Jim Thompson, his sister, Eleanor, hired the world’s most famous psychic celebrity at the time – Peter Hurkos – to locate her brother when the police could not. But psychic detectives are rarely helpf…

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Ep. 2.1. Vanished in the Highlands: The Mystery of Jim Thompson (Worldwide: The Disappearance of the Thai Silk King) 21:38

2y ago21:38

21:38

In 1967, well-known fashion tycoon Jim Thompson went on vacation in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and vanished without a trace. His disappearance resulted in the largest manhunt ever conducted on land in Southeast Asian history. But who exactly was Jim Thompson? In this episode, we will walk you through the life and legacy of this charismatic m…

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Ep. 2.0. Getting Out and Moving On (Worldwide: The Disappearance of the Thai Silk King) 7:08

2y ago7:08

7:08

In this brief introduction to season two of Worldwide, host Tricia Jenkins and guest Glynn Washington (host of the Snap Judgement podcast) explain how travel helped lead them out of the Worldwide Church of God. Tricia also shares how her travels led her to the subject of our next series – a multi-layered mystery that she can't put to rest. Welcome …

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Unlocking Site Potential: Reducing Site Burden and Enhancing Clinical Trial Efficiency 35:53

2+ y ago35:53

35:53

In the first episode of our new podcast series, WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by three industry experts, Lisa Ballance from Virginia Commonwealth University, John Musser from Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, and Dan Otap from Genentech, to discuss the topic of overcoming site challenges and addressing site burden. Listen in as w…

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Ep 1.11: The End Times and Final Revelations (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 26:00

3y ago26:00

26:00

In this series finale, we hear from listeners about their own WCG experiences, what listeners took away from the series, and how listeners can share their own stories through www.igotout.org. Worldwide: The Unchosen Church is hosted, written and produced by Dr. Tricia Jenkins; sound design and editing is done by Thirteen Media; and music is license…

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Ep 1.10: From the Fringe to the Fold: An Interview with Joseph Tkach Jr (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 41:38

3y ago41:38

41:38

Cults almost never admit error or de-radicalize themselves, but that is exactly what happened in the Worldwide Church of God. Hear our interview with Joseph Tkach Jr - the last pastor general of the WCG - who helped take this doomsday cult from "the fringe to the fold" at great economic, emotional and personal costs. Worldwide: The Unchosen Church …

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BONUS: Host It or Toast It 1:13

3y ago1:13

1:13

Want to support Worldwide: The Unchosen Church? Visit buymeacoffee.com/worldwidepod and tell us whether you'd rather "host it or toast it" - or both! You can also support the show by leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or other directories, and sharing it with your friends, family and followers. Tune in August 3 for the two part finale…

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1.9 “Not Many Wisemen Now are Called:” An Interview with Pastor Dave (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 33:03

3+ y ago33:03

33:03

Church hurt, women’s roles in ministry, and pastor worship are all topics that we discuss with Pastor Dave on this week’s episode. Dave grew up in a legalistic, authoritarian church that preached you had to earn your salvation by works. Today, he’s a non-denominational pastor at the Life Church in Texas that preaches salvation by grace. Learn why, …

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Ep. 1.8. Church Candy: An Interview with LaNisa Frederick (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 33:21

3+ y ago33:21

33:21

LaNisa Frederick is a comedic actress with credits in The Goldbergs, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Young Sheldon. In this episode, she describes what it was like to be raised in a high demand group with one parent in the church and one outside of it and why cults are not just a white people thing. LaNisa also talks about her efforts to develop a singl…

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Ep 1.7: Finding Bobby Fischer: Lost Interviews with the World Chess Champion (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 36:22

3+ y ago36:22

36:22

Bobby Fischer was the Muhammad Ali of chess. He became the youngest person to ever win the US chess championship at the age of 14 and the only American-born player to ever win the World Chess Championship. But after defeating the Soviet Boris Spassky in 1972, Bobby Fischer never played another professional match for over twenty years. Instead, he b…

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Ep. 1.6. "Sound the Trumpet": An Interview with Restored Church of God Whistleblower Kevin Denee (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 40:34

3+ y ago40:34

40:34

In 2022, Armstrongism isn't dead. It's alive and well, and in Wadsworth, Ohio, it's on steroids. Meet The Restored Church of God, headed by new cult leader Dave Pack. In this explosive episode, we talk with Kevin Denee, Pack's son-in-law and a former high-ranking member in the RCG who left the church in 2016. He talks publicly for the first time ab…

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Ep. 1.5 The Closet, the Cult and the College: An Interview with DJ Grothe (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 34:53

3+ y ago34:53

34:53

DJ Grothe is the former host of the Point of Inquiry and For Good Reason podcasts and the past president of the James Randi Educational Foundation. While he has interviewed hundreds of skeptic and scientific leaders, he rarely tells his own story of how he attended a little Bible college in the piney woods of East Texas, called Ambassador Universit…

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Bonus: An Interview with Dr. J Gordon Melton (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 5:52

3+ y ago5:52

5:52

In this brief bonus interview, we're joined by American religion scholar Dr. J. Gordon Melton.By Tricia Jenkins

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Ep. 1.4. "Blessed And Happy is the Man," But What About the Woman? (Worldwide: The Unchosen Church) 39:58

3+ y ago39:58

39:58

In this episode, we talk with Heather, Dawn and Lisa about how the expectations set for women by the WCG and its offshoots affected their future careers, marriages, parenting, and relationship to sex. An honest and authentic look at how conservative churches often affect women, this show is not to be missed. While this podcast is a labor of love, i…

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Bonus: "Oh Give Thanks" 1:00

3+ y ago1:00

1:00

A special message for our listeners.By Tricia Jenkins