POPULARITY
Categories
“Deceived” is a memoir of Detective Mike King's investigation and ultimate take-down of a deviant polygamous cult called the Zion Society. For over a decade, gossip swirled around the secretive group of religious zealots who were buying up homes to take over a developing neighborhood in northern Utah. This true crime story examines the cult's leader, a well-known landscaper in the city who had proclaimed himself to be a prophet of God. But he was no man of God. Leaning on hoaxes & deceptions, these extremists were stockpiling weapons as part of their doomsday beliefs. His polygamist doctrine attracted over a hundred followers who soon accepted his ideologies that led to some of the most repugnant crimes against women and children ever seen in the state. The hidden atrocities of the cult may never have been discovered if not for the courage of one of its members. Thirty years later, victims reconnected with each other and with the lead investigator to address the shortcomings of the criminal justice system regarding child victims. With global experts, the author explores why people join cults, how cult leaders keep them engaged and what it takes to investigate crimes against children.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.
Joshua 9:1 – 10:43 | February 22, 2026 | Hanley Liu
Do not be deceived by trials and temptations by Light House Harlow
“You want to read this book. It is chilling and compelling at the same time.” – Dr. Phil McGraw.“I can think of no more important book at this moment in our history than Profiling Evil: An Investigative Memoir of the Zion Society Cult. Mike King has made a superb and vitally important contribution by exposing the abuse of women and children in that heinous cult. And this still happens far too often in the multitude of harmful groups around the world. If you want to understand coercive influence and control, then read this book.” -Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Professor“This book has it all – intellectually scintillating deep dives into the investigation for the true crime buffs, relatable character portrayals of people who joined the cult looking for love and community, and heartwarming stories of hope and redemption after trauma. Mike is an expert author, having penned several books in his illustrious career, and this latest volume is one you won't be able to put down. It is a book you'll want to tell your friends about; a book that will leave a lasting impression with you long after you've finished it.” Dr. Judy Ho, Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, Author of Stop Self-Sabotage.I've known Mike King for many years, at least long enough to become a close friend. He is an example of what law enforcement is truly about. He was involved in the solution of a great problem that took place in Ogden, Utah many years ago. I won't try to tell you about the book as the story goes far beyond any description. I will say that the book contains intimate details of the solution to one of the most bizarre cases I've ever heard of. As a result of his research and absolute dedication to his profession, Mike has very effectively told this story. As I began to read it, I became aware that my friend is a great storyteller. As you read this book, the scripture to keep in mind is Mark 9:42 which says: “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”-Wilford Brimley, actor (1934-1920)“Deceived” is a memoir of Detective Mike King's investigation and ultimate take-down of a deviant polygamous cult called the Zion Society. For over a decade, gossip swirled around the secretive group of religious zealots who were buying up homes to take over a developing neighborhood in northern Utah. This true crime story examines the cult's leader, a well-known landscaper in the city who had proclaimed himself to be a prophet of God. But he was no man of God. Leaning on hoaxes & deceptions, these extremists were stockpiling weapons as part of their doomsday beliefs. His polygamist doctrine attracted over a hundred followers who soon accepted his ideologies that led to some of the most repugnant crimes against women and children ever seen in the state. The hidden atrocities of the cult may never have been discovered if not for the courage of one of its members. Thirty years later, victims reconnected with each other and with the lead investigator to address the shortcomings of the criminal justice system regarding child victims. With global experts, the author explores why people join cults, how cult leaders keep them engaged and what it takes to investigate crimes against children.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.
Bob and Ali interview retired law enforcement investigator and criminal profiler Mike King about his new podcast Gardens of Evil: Inside the Zion Society Cult, releasing as Season 5 of American Nightmares on the Gamut Podcast Network. Mike led the 1991 investigation that brought down the Zion Society — a secretive cult of over 100 members hiding in plain sight in Ogden, Utah, where children were groomed for abuse under the direction of self-proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. With 40+ years in law enforcement, FBI ViCAP advisory board experience, and his book Deceived as the foundation, Mike takes us inside the investigation, the raid, the prosecution, and why survivors reconnected decades later to tell their story. Mike is donating all proceeds from Gardens of Evil to child advocacy charities.Subscribe to Gardens of Evil wherever you listen. New episodes every Tuesday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bob and Ali interview retired law enforcement investigator and criminal profiler Mike King about his new podcast Gardens of Evil: Inside the Zion Society Cult, releasing as Season 5 of American Nightmares on the Gamut Podcast Network. Mike led the 1991 investigation that brought down the Zion Society — a secretive cult of over 100 members hiding in plain sight in Ogden, Utah, where children were groomed for abuse under the direction of self-proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. With 40+ years in law enforcement, FBI ViCAP advisory board experience, and his book Deceived as the foundation, Mike takes us inside the investigation, the raid, the prosecution, and why survivors reconnected decades later to tell their story. Mike is donating all proceeds from Gardens of Evil to child advocacy charities.Subscribe to Gardens of Evil wherever you listen. New episodes every Tuesday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Steve and the crew react to Texas Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico's most recent delve into blasphemy and why his twisting of Scripture is malicious. Then, the crew plays a game of Buy, Sell, or Hold on numerous topics. Daniel Horowitz joins the show for his weekly message of woe and lamentation. TODAY'S SPONSORS: MY PATRIOT SUPPLY: https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/pages/special-offer?hid=22&utm_source=StvDeace&utm_id=Direct&utm_medium=DB.End-PPW&utm_content=podc&utm_term=0-0&utm_campaign=Mktg_DB.End-PPW_StvDeace_podc__0-0 JASE MEDICAL: https://jasemedical.com/ and enter code “DEACE” at checkout for a discount on your order MASA CHIPS: https://www.masachips.com/pages/deace use promo code DEACE MIRACLE MADE SHEETS: https://try.miraclebrand.co/sheets/ksp-v15?utm_source=Podcast_deace&utm_medium=Podcasting&utm_campaign=deace&color=stone GEVITI: https://www.gogeviti.com/deace BIRCH GOLD: Text STEVE to 989898 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matthew 24:1-14 24 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple.2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”Signs of the End of the Age3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.10 And then many will fall away[a] and betray one another and hate one another.11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Introduction: Why This Passage Matters TodayHistorical Background (Matthew 24:1–3)The First and Greatest Warning: Do Not Be Deceived (Matthew 24:4–5)Wars and Rumors of Wars: Do Not Be Alarmed (Matthew 24:6–7)Famines and Earthquakes: The Meaning of Birth Pains (Matthew 24:7–8)Pressure on Believers (Matthew 24:9–10)Gospel Advance in the Midst of Chaos (Matthew 24:14) Endurance, Not Panic (Matthew 24:13) Application: How Jesus Calls Us to Live Conclusion
(This podcast was previously published on April 9, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... I Corinthians 15:33-34 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I'm very careful to review ways of God after I hear a person speak contrary to the Bible. Often on TV concepts are presented that are opposite to the ways of God. And when we visit with people, they often say things which we know to be in variance to the Word of God. What I try to do is this: Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, Contrary words can go into our hearts and end up leading us in another way unless we uproot that which the world speaks by reviewing that which the Bible says. Their words eat as doth a canker (cancer) ... Later we will find ourselves speaking things that shock us unless we uproot the words spoken by the world. Jesus says: Matthew 12 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Stepfanie is best known for her lead role as the tough-minded detective Sgt. Dee Dee McCall on the NBC police drama series Hunter. Her professional acting career started in the late 1970s, while she was still in school. She guest-starred in several television shows, such as Starsky & Hutch, Dynasty, Bosom Buddies, and Knots Landing. After her departure from Hunter, she continued her work as an actress appearing in several TV shows and movies. Her most notable movie projects include Coins in the Fountain (1990), Twin Sisters (1992), Beyond Suspicion (1994), Deceived by Trust (1995), Abducted: A Fathers Love (1996), Thrill (1996), and The Dogwalker (1999). She also reprised her role as Dee Dee McCall in the two Hunter television movies. In 2015 Kramer was invited to the 55th Monte-Carlo Television festival where she was honored as an "Icon of Television". She returned to the 56th Festival in 2016 as a member of the Fiction Jury of the Festival. In 2025 she was invited to the 35th Shanghai Television Festival where she was honored for her work in Hunter, which was one of the most successful and popular television shows in China.
Everyday Sunnah is a podcast that aims to help individuals tackle the challenges of the modern world from an Islamic perspective. We kindly request you to support this podcast by making a small monthly donation to ensure the sustainability of future episodes and continued availability of free Islamic content. Your contribution will be highly appreciated.
Pay close attention for the reason they have released these files.. it may be plain as the nose in your face but still hidden…
Send a textIn Joshua 9, Israel wins battles on the battlefield but stumbles in the conference room. The Gibeonites don't defeat Israel with swords or strength, but with worn clothes, stale bread, and a convincing story. And the most dangerous line in the chapter may be this: “They did not ask counsel from the Lord.”In this episode of The Pursuit of Manliness, we wrestle with why deception so often works on us as men. Why do we trust appearances, rush decisions, and rely on our own judgment—especially after seasons of victory? Joshua 9 exposes how spiritual confidence can quietly turn into self-reliance, and how failing to slow down and seek the Lord can lead to long-term consequences.This episode challenges men to examine where they may be operating on assumption instead of prayer, instinct instead of obedience, and confidence instead of humility. True strength isn't found in quick decisions—it's found in dependence on the Lord who sees what we cannot.Learn more about The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/ Subscribe to Recalibrate, the daily podcast from The Pursuit of Manliness: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recalibrate/id1797551549Join The Herd: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/join-the-herd Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreatSupport the show
Lesson preached by Clay Woodside on Sunday, 02/08/2026
Do Not Be Deceived examines recent crises and controversies in the Western Church through a deeply biblical lens, asking how deception grows, why warning signs are often ignored, and what faithful Christians must do moving forward. Grounded in Scripture, church history, and Anabaptist convictions about holiness and accountability, this episode explores false teaching, compromised leadership, spiritual discernment, and the urgent need for purification within God's people. Through sobering biblical case studies and practical reflection, listeners are challenged to return to Scripture as the highest authority, value character over charisma, and pursue a Church culture shaped by truth, repentance, and faithful obedience to Christ.Our Website:Teleiostalk.caText us now. Let us know if you have questions about what this show is about.Support the showSupport the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/817693/support Thanks for listening! Join the conversation on Our website, https://teleiostalkpodcast.buzzsprout.com Twitter, @TeleiosT Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/GF5fdop8prDoKfx5/ Or, email us at teleiostalk@gmail.com Our Podcast is on YouTube and Rumble too! Please consider supporting our ministry. Donate using PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=N54GRDE34VUDY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Donations+help+us+expand+and+maintain+the+ministry+of+Teleios+Talk.¤cy_code= Our website: teleiostalk.ca
Holding Out HELP Gala: https://holdingouthelp.networkforgood.com/events/95798-2026-igniting-hope-galaCheck out Gardens of Evil: Inside the Zion Society Cult, premiering February 3. Based on Mike King's book, Deceived, a story of coercive control, abuse, and cult influence. Proceeds support children's advocacy and criminal justice scholarships.Find it here or on your preferred platform: https://go.gamutpodcasts.com/americannightmareseriesIn the Season 20 Tell-All Finale of Sister Wives, we take a step back and reflect on the past, the beliefs that shaped the family, and how everything has led to this moment. This episode revisits the foundations of plural marriage, the idea of “enduring to the end,” and the paths that brought the Browns together in the first place.With apologies seemingly off the table and everyone saying they're ready to move on, this finale feels like a closing chapter. We break down what was revealed, what was left unsaid, and why Season 20 feels less like a pause—and more like an ending.What do you think… is there really more story left to tell, or did this finale quietly wrap it all up?If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.orgAt Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been misunderstood, marginalized and/or abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/growing-up-in-polygamyInsta: @growingupinpolygamyNew website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.comTheme Song created by @artcowles Please feel free to reach out to us!growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com
A message from Pastor Matt!
If you mess with spirits, it invites them to mess with you! It's a fact! No matter what you say or do, you can't control a spirit and when you open the door to them, they will come in, and you can't stop them! You seeking them out to communicate with them is their invitation to come in.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/relationships-and-relatable-life-chronicles--4126439/support.
Matthew 24:1-14
Stop blaming the devil for everything! Take accountability and responsibility for your own actions. The devil has the power you give him just like anyone or anything else.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/relationships-and-relatable-life-chronicles--4126439/support.
Daily Soap Opera Spoilers by Soap Dirt (GH, Y&R, B&B, and DOOL)
Click to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Youtube-Subscribe-SoapDirt Bold and the Beautiful spoilers for the two weeks spanning January 26th through February 6th reveal a whirlwind of drama and intrigue. Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) deceived while Ivy Forrester (Ashleigh Brewer) reacts strongly to an unexpected development. One of the major plot points involves a tense dynamic between Dylan (Melissa Dylan) and Electra Forrester (Laneya Grace). Dylan swears to Electra that she won't overstep boundaries with Will Spencer (Crew Morrow). However, circumstances lead to them spending time together, much to Electra's chagrin. B&B spoilers indicate Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) expresses his future plans to Daphne Rose (Murielle Hilaire), hinting at a possible wedding and family. Simultaneously, the Forrester Creations jewelry line sees a change in plan with Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) heading to San Francisco with Electra. Spoilers for old and Beautiful suggest tension builds when Dylan is caught in a compromising position with Will by Ivy, leading to a confrontation. Ivy's actions could spell trouble for Dylan when Electra returns from her trip. Meanwhile, wealthy socialite Dottie Bright, played by guest star Morgan Fairchild, makes an appearance, and Spencer Pratt guest stars, contrary to earlier inaccurate reports suggesting a return of the character Rich. More Bold and Beautiful spoilers see Ivy ordering Dylan to leave Los Angeles, and a potential romantic moment between Taylor Hayes (Rebecca Budig) and Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan). Eric Forrester (John McCook) and Katie Logan (Heather Tom) are also gearing up for a fashion launch while Sheila begins to suspect something amiss with Taylor and Deacon's relationship. Soap Dirt has grown to the most subscribed to YouTube soap opera channel. Visit our Bold and the Beautiful section of Soap Dirt: https://soapdirt.com/category/bold-and-the-beautiful/ Listen to our Podcasts: https://soapdirt.podbean.com/ Check out our always up-to-date Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers page at: https://soapdirt.com/bold-and-the-beautiful-spoilers/ Check Out our Social Media... Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoapDirtTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoapDirt Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soapdirt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soapdirt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soapdirt/
Paulgives us a sober warning in Ephesians 5:6: “Let no one deceive you withempty words.” That tells us two things right away. First, deception isreal—even among believers in the church at Ephesus. And second, deception oftencomes wrapped in words that sound appealing, reasonable, or comforting, but areultimately empty—void of truth, power, and life. The enemy has always workedthis way. From the very beginning, Satan has used empty words to deceive God'speople.Thinkback to Genesis 3. Satan did not come to Eve with obvious lies or threats. Hecame with words that sounded harmless, even enlightened. He said, “You willnot surely die… you will be like God.” Those were empty words. They werelies without substance, promises without truth. Eve believed them, and theresult was sin, separation, and death entering the world. Paul is warning usthat the same tactic is still at work today. Empty words promise freedom butlead to bondage. They promise pleasure but deliver destruction. They promiselife, but they produce death.Thatis why Paul says, “Let no one deceive you.” This is a call fordiscernment. It is a call to measure every message—whether it comes from theworld, culture, false teachers, or even our own hearts—against the truth ofGod's Word. The book of Proverbs gives us many warnings about deceptive words. Proverbs14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end isthe way of death.” That verse perfectly captures the danger of empty words.They seem right. They feel right. They appeal to our desires. But they lead usaway from God.Anotherpowerful warning is found in Proverbs 7, where Solomon describes a manseduced by flattering speech. Proverbs 7:21 says, “With her enticingspeech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.”Words were the weapon. The result was ruin. King David also fell victim todeception—this time not from Satan directly, but from his own uncheckeddesires. When David saw Bathsheba, he allowed himself to believe empty words inhis heart: “I deserve this.” “I can get away with this.” “This won't costme.” Those lies led to adultery, deceit, and murder. The pleasure wasbrief, but the consequences were long-lasting. Sin always overpromises andunderdelivers.Thatis why the writer of Hebrews tells us about Moses in Hebrews 11:24–26. Mosesfaced the same temptation—the allure of empty promises. Egypt offered pleasure,power, and prestige. But Hebrews says Moses “chose rather to sufferaffliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for aseason.” Why? Because Moses saw through the emptiness. He understood thatsin's pleasures are temporary, but God's reward is eternal.Emptywords always minimize sin and ignore judgment. That's exactly what Paulconnects in Ephesians 5:6: “For because of these things the wrath of Godcomes upon the sons of disobedience.” The world says, “God doesn't care.”“God won't judge.” “Everyone lives this way.” Those are empty words. God's Wordsays otherwise. Jesus warned about this as well. In Matthew 7:15, He said, “Bewareof false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they areravenous wolves.” Their danger is not obvious because their words soundspiritual, compassionate, and inclusive—but they lack truth.Paullater warned Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3–4 that people would gather teachers whotell them what they want to hear, turning away from the truth. That isdeception fueled by empty words. So how do we guard ourselves? First, we staygrounded in God's Word. Truth exposes emptiness. Jesus said, “You shall knowthe truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Second, we walk in thelight, as Paul has already taught us earlier in Ephesians 5. Light reveals whatdarkness tries to hide. Third, we listen to the Holy Spirit, who guides us intoall truth and convicts us when something is not right.
In this "identity" episode, Dr. Patty dives into what it looks like to reflect true Biblical Christianity as compared to the counterfeit worldviews of the Pharisees of the Bible or the modern-day self-righteous religious spirit and the New Age belief system. She is referencing what she learned from the book Am I Being Deceived? by Drs. Mark and Patti Virkler. No one counterfeits anything that is not real or valuable. True Biblical Christianity combines the Word of God with the Holy Spirit with His interpretation and power. the New Age belief system is Lie number one which espouses the belief in the spiritual realm apart from God as its source and leader. So it is spirit without the Bible as a guide. This lie opens participants to dark spiritual forces that can damage the soul and keep them from eternal life. Pharisaicalism or the self-righteous religious spirit believes in the Word of God apart from the Holy Spirit. This worldview as people begin with their own minds to understand the Bible, with an emphasis on the rules of the Bible, being known more for what they are against than what they are for. Leaving out the Holy Spirit and His nature and character causes them to reflect an unloving, distant, and punishing God. Dr. Patty summarizes an interesting Barna Research study on the worldview of American Christians that reveals the costs of believing and living according to the counterfeits. Jesus shares His heart on this subject and leads you on a path to discover His will for you in the Experience Jesus encounter time. Links references in this episode: New to the Podcast? Check out the Trailer Episode for the Biblical Foundation for Experiencing Jesus! https://PattyEJ.Podbean.com/e/trailer-episode-experience-jesus-with-dr-patty-sadallah The Special Place Encounter Exercise https://bit.ly/3cEkYBC Am I Being Deceived by Drs. Mark and Patti Virkler https://www.cwgministries.org/store/am-i-being-deceived-ebook Are Christians More Like Jesus or Pharisees Barna Study https://www.barna.com/research/christians-more-like-jesus-or-pharisees/ Check out the NEW Spirit Life Journey App. Click on the QR Code to play around with it. Get Two Free Chapters of the Experience Jesus Book Series https://pattysadallah.com/free-gift/ Check out all of Dr. Patty's books, journals, and downloadable resources at her bookstore, and don't forget to use the code EJPOD to receive 10% off everything, even the things on sale. https://PattySadallah.com/shop/ Check out Dr. Patty's latest book- Encountering the POWER of God: Experience Jesus Book 4 https://pattysadallah.com/product/encountering-the-power-of-god-experience-jesus-book-4/ And please make sure you share this podcast and share how you were blessed by this episode by commenting below! THANKS!
Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast With Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Imagine realizing the person you trusted was intentionally deceiving you the entire time. This episode pulls back the curtain on how con artists operate and the psychological devastation left in their wake. You'll learn how deception works, why even smart, capable people fall victim, and the lasting emotions from stress and anger to deep regret. Most importantly, you'll learn how to increase your awareness, find the right professional support, and begin to move on safely. It's a heavy but important conversation that may help you recognize danger before it's too late. In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success, I'm joined by Johnathan Walton, an Emmy-winning former TV reporter and current reality TV producer, who became a leading voice on the psychology of the con artist after surviving a deeply destabilizing betrayal himself. He's also the host, writer, and executive producer of the hit podcast Queen of the Con, and the author of Anatomy of a Con Artist. Together, we talk about how con artists manipulate emotions (not intelligence), why “I'm just trying to help” can be an early warning sign, and what happens to your brain and body when the relationship you thought was real turns out to be built on lies. We also get practical: the red flags that show up across scams, romance cons, and long-game manipulation, plus steps you can take to protect yourself—and what to do if you realize you've already been pulled in. A gentle note: This conversation includes explicit language and frank discussion of trauma responses, including intrusive revenge fantasies. Please take care of yourself while listening, and skip this one if you're not in the right headspace today. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Moment You Realize Someone Isn't Who They Say They Are 01:05 Con Artists, Betrayal Trauma, and Why This Conversation Matters 02:05 Trigger Warning and How To Listen Safely 07:04 Johnathan's Story: The “Irish Heiress” Con Artist Case 11:20 How a Con Artist Hooks You Through Emotional Manipulation 30:33 The Red Flags of a Con Artist and How Patterns Form 41:27 The Trauma Aftermath: Shame, Rage, and Losing Trust in Yourself 46:38 Protecting Yourself After a Con Artist Betrayal 52:35 Dr. Lisa's Guidance on Betrayal Trauma Support If you're listening and realizing this episode connects to your own life, whether through a relationship, a financial loss, or the unsettling sense that something once trusted wasn't real, I want you to have support, not just information. As a gift, I'd like to invite you to schedule a free consultation with my team at Growing Self. You'll answer three quick questions, and we'll help you book a private, secure consultation with the right counselor or coach for what you're navigating right now. This is a thoughtful, low-pressure way to get clarity, feel supported, and take a steady next step forward. You don't have to navigate this alone. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self
Why do so many white evangelicals still support Donald Trump—even after all the lies, cruelty, and corruption? It's not because they've been fooled. It's because they've chosen the lie. In this episode, we hear from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian who resisted Hitler and wrote powerfully about the moral danger of what he called folly—a willful, self-protecting ignorance that chooses comfort over truth, and power over integrity. Other call it his Theory of Stupidity.
Send us a textWhat if the very trouble you're begging God to remove is the bridge he's using to answer your prayer? We dive into Job 12:16 and pull apart the reflex to equate comfort with favor and pain with failure. With Scripture at the center and honest stories at the edges, we trace how God's strength and wisdom hold both the deceived and the deceiver, the righteous and the rebellious, without ever compromising his goodness.We unpack how visible success can be a poor metric for divine approval, and why the prosperity of the wicked doesn't unsettle God's rule. From Genesis to Ecclesiastes, breath becomes a thread—given, sustained, and returned—reminding us that every life is held by a sovereign hand. A hospice worker's testimony brings theology close, letting us hear the first and last breaths that whisper the name of God. Along the way, we challenge a common dodge: turning hard doctrines into speculation. If God's counsel is perfect, then the ends and the means belong to him, and our plans bow to his direction.The conversation gets practical and vulnerable: confession of past errors, the sting and relief of correction, and the quiet power of reading Scripture with family. We explore why affliction often answers prayers for patience and nearness, how humility opens the door to wisdom, and why arguing about sovereignty without worship leads to pride. Job's logic stands tall—if comfort is proof of favor, what do we do with the flourishing of fools? Instead, we learn to trust a God who can ordain weakness for the righteous and still work it for good.If this resonates, share it with a friend who's wrestling with suffering and sovereignty. Subscribe for more grounded, Scripture-first conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. What has affliction taught you that comfort never could?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us a textWhat if the hardest seasons are the places where love proves unbreakable? We set out to wrestle with suffering and came face to face with sovereignty—God's steady hand over every rise and fall. Through honest testimonies, a fresh look at Job, and the luminous comfort of Psalm 139, we trace how discipline, delay, and loss can become refinement rather than ruin. The claim is bold yet deeply pastoral: nothing can separate us from the love of God, not the long night, not the unanswered question, not even our stumbling words.You'll hear how years of illness became a garden of unexpected fruit, how being “held back” kept a life from running into traffic, and why humility matters when we're tempted to put God on trial. We open the text and find nearness in every line—searched and known, hemmed in behind and before, darkness lit like day. Then worship carries the weight that words can't, with a live saxophone performance that turns pain into praise and “Oceans” into a prayer of deeper trust. It's not denial; it's defiance against despair, the sound of faith learning to breathe under pressure.Walk away with a sturdier hope: assurance grows when affliction meets providence. If God is sovereign over our affliction, he is sovereign over our restoration. If he knows the end from the beginning, he also knows how to make this moment serve your good. Tune in for teaching, testimony, and worship that point to one reality—he holds us fast. If this speaks to you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to tell us where you've seen purpose appear in the middle of pain.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us a textWhat if the shortest line in Job 12 carries the heaviest weight of your faith? We sit with verse 16 and let it press on our assumptions: “With Him are strength and wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are His.” From there, we trace how Job pushes back against his friends, not with slogans, but with a robust vision of God's sovereignty that refuses to leave anything—suffering, schemes, or misunderstandings—outside His rule.Together we unpack the tension many feel: if God governs all, does that cancel human responsibility? We argue the opposite. Agency is real, but it lives inside providence. That's why promises hold and why evil can be confronted without panic. We revisit the opening scenes of Job where Satan must ask permission, drawing a clear line between creature and Creator. Along the way, we correct common myths about the devil's power, highlight Pascal's insight on power, intellect, and goodness, and show how Job's integrity under pressure becomes a case study in endurance. Suffering doesn't become pleasant, but it becomes purposeful—discipline, refinement, and a platform for glory.By the end, the verse that unsettles becomes the anchor that steadies. If even deceivers are not outside God's hand, then deception cannot derail truth, promises cannot fail, and judgment will be impeccably just. We offer practical takeaways for prayer, repentance, and courage in a noisy world that often mistakes confidence in God for cold fatalism. Listen to strengthen your theology of sovereignty, sharpen your sense of responsibility, and recover a durable hope that can live through the storm.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves the wisdom books, and leave a review with your biggest question about Job 12:16—we'll feature a few in a future episode.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us a textWhat if the near-misses in your life weren't luck, but mercy on a timer? We open with a raw story of two fatal nights narrowly avoided and the shocking realization that survival wasn't just a second chance at life—it was a second chance at eternity. That wake-up call leads us straight into the fear of the Lord, not as a scare tactic, but as the beginning of wisdom that anchors a wandering heart.From there we wrestle with the mystery that God ordains both ends and means. Predestination doesn't cancel urgency; it creates it, because God chose the “foolishness” of preaching to carry grace into human ears. We explore why proclamation still matters, how the Spirit uses truth to open hearts, and why faith thrives when we humble ourselves under the word rather than boast in our own insight. Along the way, we address the hard questions: Does God govern calamity? Can He limit evil without authoring sin? What does it mean that the deceiver and the deceived are still in His hand?Drawing on Job and Romans 9, we find surprising comfort. The Potter has rights over the clay, yet He bears long with vessels of wrath to display the riches of mercy on vessels of mercy. For the sufferer, this isn't a cold system—it's a warm assurance that pain is measured, deceivers are leashed, and no lie can outflank God's purpose. For the proud, it's a bracing warning that human cleverness can't outtalk providence. We call for humility, careful handling of Scripture, and a return to the fear that steadies the soul when everything else shakes.If your heart is stirring, don't wait. Press play, share this with someone who needs courage today, and if it helps you see God more clearly, subscribe and leave a review so others can find it too.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Revelation 9 ESV 1 And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. 3 Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8 their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; 9 they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10 They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11 They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.12 The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire[c] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. For more information about Redeemer Church Lubbock visit our website at redeemerlubbock.org.
Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away!
This episode introduces the idea of a “deceived dopamine”—the way human desire, motivation, and pursuit have been chemically and spiritually misdirected. The conversation reframes dopamine not as a mistake or flaw in human design, but as a God-given mechanism that has been hijacked by culture, entertainment, trauma, and counterfeit rewards. From social media and pornography to food, money, and success, dopamine spikes are shown to be the hidden driver behind distraction, addiction, detours, and delayed purpose.Jesus' teachings are presented as a reset and detox—a “red rehab” that recalibrates desire back to its original intention. Commands that often sound extreme or restrictive are reinterpreted as emergency interventions meant to interrupt deeply embedded deception. Through prayer, fasting, and renewing the mind, the episode points toward a restoration where dopamine is no longer driven by artificial highs but redirected toward the will of God. The result is not deprivation, but clarity, freedom, and what the episode calls “divine dopamine”—joy and motivation sourced from alignment rather than addiction. Get full access to REDIN30 at redin30.substack.com/subscribe
It's so important that we, as Christian women, exercise discernment so that we aren't deceived by false teachers or false doctrine. In this episode, we’ll take a look at four deceptive pop false doctrines that evangelical women are being wooed by right now, and how you can avoid being deceived by them.
Click here to send Ryan a text message!Episode #379Are you prepared to stand firm in your faith, even if you have to stand alone? In this episode, Ryan shares about Romans 12:1-2 and what it means to be a living sacrifice, set apart for God, and led by the Holy Spirit. We need practical ways to renew our mind, discern truth, and avoid deception in the coming challenging times. God is about your transformation into the image of Jesus Christ, and we need to partner with Him every day.Watch this episode on YouTubeHowToGrowYourFaith.com >> Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Christians Make In Their Walk With God (and how you can avoid them!)Sharable Episode Links (scroll down or search for this episode):Ryan's Website Buzzsprout Link MORE FROM RYAN:FREE DOWNLOAD: 21 Days to a Spirit-Led Life Subscribe on YouTubeTwitter | Instagram | LinkedInSubmit a question or topic for the podcast at ryanshoward.com/contactGet Ryan's eCourse & Coaching ProgramsSupport the show
Mike McCoy 12-21-2025 AM No one likes to be deceived, or do they? In this message Brother Mike warns against deceivers and addresses the elephant in the room, the greatest deceiver of all. Crossville First Free Will Baptist Church www.crossvillechurch.com
St. Paul turns the Thessalonians' attention to the right teaching concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus. The apostle does not want his beloved congregation to be deceived by any source, and so he warns them concerning the coming of the man of lawlessness, who will attempt to usurp the place of Christ in the Church. Such a spirit of rebellion is already at work, but St. Paul urges confidence on the part of the Church by proclaiming Christ's victory over this lawless one by the Word. The lawless one works by the activity of the devil, and those who refuse the truth will be condemned by their unbelief. This strong warning encourages Christians to cling to the truth of God's Word as we look for the Lord's return. Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.ourredeemerstl.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode of Unleashing Intuition Secrets, Michael Jaco sits down with author, researcher, and pro-life educator Terry Beatley, whose book What If We've Been Wrong challenges decades of cultural assumptions about abortion and the forces that shaped public belief in America and around the world. Terry shares her powerful journey working alongside Dr. Bernard Nathanson, the former co-founder of NARAL who later expressed profound regret for his role in legalizing abortion. Before his death, Dr. Nathanson revealed how misinformation, manipulation, and strategic messaging were used to influence the nation—and he left behind a final plea: “STOP THE KILLING” of the innocent unborn. Through the Hosea Initiative, Terry now dedicates her life to teaching Dr. Nathanson's legacy, educating individuals and communities about the historical truth behind abortion, and motivating thoughtful, compassionate, and effective pro-life action. As Scripture reminds us, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6. This episode centers on restoring that knowledge so healing and understanding can begin. Michael and Terry discuss the origins of abortion propaganda, the influence of figures such as Margaret Sanger, the role of media and politics in shaping public opinion, and how reclaiming truth can restore moral clarity, personal responsibility, and national conscience. This conversation is not driven by anger, but by truth, accountability, and hope for healing. This is a must-listen episode for anyone willing to ask the hard question: What if we've been wrong—and what if knowing the truth can change everything?
The main way the devil deceives believers is by coming disguised as God to lead people astray from His will. As you listen, may your spiritual eyes open to the ways you may be deceived by the devil when he comes in this way.
In this gripping episode, Jenilee sits down with Steve Kang to explore his radical journey from devout Buddhism into a near-death encounter that he says took him through hell and heaven. Raised and trained in Buddhism, Steve struggled with deep questions about justice and suffering. But at age 19, after a drug overdose laced with multiple substances, he spiraled into spiritual darkness, demonic encounters, and an experience he describes as “eight hours in hell.”Steve shares how deception shaped his early worldview, what he believes opened the door to spiritual warfare in his life, and how Jesus intervened during the overdose and the eight-hour surgery that followed. He also recounts a later vision of heaven that transformed his understanding of God, Scripture, and the urgency of discipleship.This conversation goes beyond the near-death event itself. Jenilee and Steve unpack why many Christians drift into passive faith, why discipleship is non-negotiable, and how believers can move from spiritual complacency into Spirit-led transformation.What We Cover in This EpisodeSteve's early life in Buddhism and training under monksThe spiritual crisis his family experienced after financial collapseHow addiction and hopelessness pushed him toward destructive choicesThe overdose that led to demonic encounters and a suicide attemptWhat Steve says he experienced during “8 hours in hell”The intercessors who prayed during his life-or-death surgeryHis encounter with Jesus and the moment he surrenderedA vision of heaven nine months later and its impact on his callingWhy discipleship matters more than weekly church attendanceThe dangers of “Christianity without transformation”What spiritual mentorship really looks likeWhy Steve rejects universalism and emphasizes the seriousness of eternityHow believers can cultivate a Spirit-led life instead of driftingGET STEVE'S BOOK:Book: 8 Hours in Hell (formerly A Testimony and the Spirit-Filled and Biblical Christian Life)If You're New to FaithSteve shared a prayer at the end of this episode for those ready to begin following Jesus. If you prayed along, Jenilee would love to hear your story. Just email her at: jen@javawithjenpodcast.comShare This EpisodeIf this conversation encouraged you or challenged you, send it to someone who needs hope, clarity, or a renewed seriousness about following Jesus.----------------------------------------------------✈️ Come to Greece with Me!We're walking where the Bible happened—Athens, Corinth & Santorini! Eat amazing food, explore history, and encounter Jesus.