Heaven Bent

At the beginning of the 20th century, evangelicalism was seen as a dieing movement within Christianity. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, came Aime Semple McPherson. Aimee mixed religion with Hollywood-level showmanship to amass a global following and bring evangelicalism to the forefront. A lone female preacher in a sea of men, she founded America's first megachurch and became a pioneer televangelist. But what did it take to build a following of that scale? And who helped her get there? The answers will reveal a complicated history about the fight to put faith back in American politics *Starts June 16th, 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A researcher from the University of Georgia recently asked Tara Jean to be a part of a study. It's focus was on content creators whose work impacts people who are leaving or questioning a belief or community that define a large part of someone's identity. So, normally, she's the one doing the interviewing, but not on this episode. Why did Tara Jean start making Heaven Bent? Who is her podcast for? Is she a documentarian? An ally? A meddler? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A researcher from the University of Georgia recently asked Tara Jean to be a part of a study. It's focus was on content creators whose work impacts people who are leaving or questioning a belief or community that define a large part of someone's identity. So, normally, she's the one doing the interviewing, but not on this episode. Why did Tara Jean start making Heaven Bent? Who is her podcast for? Is she a documentarian? An ally? A meddler? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there's a "file of evidence" that proves prophet Shawn Bolz is a fraud, why didn't anyone alert the public? On the final episode of this miniseries, Jubilee's journey from victim to whistleblower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jubilee married Ted because prophet Shawn Bolz said that's what God wanted. But would God want Jubilee to marry a man who would nearly kill her? Also, how did 'Purity Culture' override Jubilee's abilities to trust her own instincts?? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He is one of the most-acclaimed 'prophets' in the modern-day church. But is Shawn Bolz a sheister, and, if he is, how did this stay a secret for so long? As new-evidence mounts against him, this 3-episode miniseries features a personal testimony from Jubilee, a woman who says one of Shawn's most-viral prophecies - nearly got her killed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A modern-day prophet. A high-tech hoax. And the shocking cover-up that kept it secret for years. Over three episodes, host & creator Tara Jean Stevens spotlights Shawn Bolz. He's a well-known figure in charismatic Christianity, once celebrated for delivering personal prophecies with astounding accuracy. But Tara Jean has come upon new evidence suggesting his divine insights actually came from the internet. At the center of the story is Jubilee, a woman who says one of Bolz’s prophecies nearly got her killed. *S7 starts April 28th, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She was Art's friend. He was her pastor. But now she's advocating for his alleged victims. On this final episode, you'll meet the whistleblower who changed everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bodybuilder. Missionary. Youth Pastor. On this episode, Tara Jean reveals what she’s discovered about Art Lucier’s past—from newspaper archives, to livestreams, to firsthand stories from former Harvesters. Art Lucier is the Apostolic Overseer of Harvest Ministries International. He’s also the founding leader of Kelowna Harvest Church, and the former founding leader of Kitimat Harvest Church. As these new episodes are being released, he is facing mounting allegations that have now led to him stepping down. But is he telling the truth. Is this just a bunch of "broken people" tellings lies? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Fuecht. Donald Trump. And the rise of Christian Nationalism, in Canada. *This is the second in a new ongoing series, where Tara Jean revisits interviews & topics from the Heaven Bent archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's more to Black Pentecostalism than whooping, shouting, & speaking in tongues. On this episode, Ashon Crawley shares his thought-provoking insights. Ashon teaches African American and African Studies at the University of Virginia. *This is the first in a new ongoing series, where Tara Jean revisits interviews & topics from the Heaven Bent archive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Harvesters are telling sordid stories about Art Lucier & Harvest Ministries International. But what, if anything, should be done about it? And, might the book of Matthew be any help?? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Unusual Suspects is an intimate, unscripted podcast that takes you inside the minds of the world's most extraordinary individuals. Hosted by Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell, this show peels back the curtain on greatness, offering unprecedented access to icons from entertainment, sports, business, and beyond. Unlike typical celebrity interviews, the relaxed, living-room conversations dive deep into what truly makes these luminaries tick. With no project to promote and no audience to play to, guests open up like never before, sharing the raw, unfiltered truths behind their success. Whether you're seeking inspiration, insight, or simply a fresh perspective on excellence, "The Unusual Suspects" delivers an immersive journey into the hearts and minds of those who've reached. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When "Sarah" was kicked out of Kitimat Harvest Church, she was told God’s hand was no longer on her. On this episode, how her life & faith were shaped—and shaken—by the Harvest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allegations of abuse have followed IHOPKC for years. Meet the team behind the first lawsuit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Tara Jean Stevens for her exclusive interview with Krissy Dines. On March 14th, she claims her amputated toes supernaturally regrew, during a healing service, at James River Church. This is part two of a two-part miniseries, first released in June 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did a Missouri-woman’s amputated toes regrow, during a healing service, at James River Church? In part one of this two-part miniseries, Tara Jean Stevens talks to the creator of ShowMeTheToes.com. He’s a skeptical Christian who wants to see evidence of this so-called miracle. This 2-part series was originally published in June 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been one year since Season 4 took a shocking turn. This episode offers a retrospective and the latest on the scandal that rocked the International House of Prayer in Kansas City to its core. NOTE: This episode includes portions of the subscriber-only episode from July, 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Ruth told Art Lucier that she was leaving the Harvest for good, she thought God would strike her down with lighting. On this episode, Ruth tells us about playing a notable role in Art Lucier’s earliest days of ministry, and how this experienced influenced her life and faith journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelowna, British Columbia, has been a hotbed of Charismatic activity, for decades. But what changed when Art Lucier and The Harvest came to town–? How has Charismatic Christianity changed? On this episode: faith, prophecy, & US politics at Kelowna Harvest Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.