By the mid-1920s, Aimee Semple McPherson had it all — a megachurch, a radio empire, and a captivated nation. But in May 1926, she vanished. Was she kidnapped? Was it a hoax? Or had she simply run away from it all? This episode also examines the grand jury investigations, ensuing media circus, and, a turning point in Aimee’s ministry — when the lines blur between faith, power, and scandal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In 1923, Aimee Semple McPherson founded America's first megachurch, Angelus Temple, in Los Angeles, California. But how did this farm girl from Ontario become the most famous preacher in North America? How did she turn her sermons into showstoppers? And how did she influence the way religion & politics are entangling today? This the first episode in a series that will examine both her rise to fame and her role in one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in American religious history. Hosted on ...
Jun 16, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Sean Feucht is a prolific worship leader and the posterboy for Christian Nationalism, he's also a main character in the Heaven Bent Universe. On this episode, what's his connection to the unrest in Los Angeles this weekend? Why have some former team members launched a public campaign against him? And why does this call for a re-listen to S2E1? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 09, 2025•26 min
At the beginning of the 20th century, evangelicalism was seen as a dying 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 answer...
Jun 02, 2025•1 min
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 informa...
May 19, 2025•47 min
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.
May 12, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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.
May 05, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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.
Apr 28, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 1
A modern-day prophet. A low-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...
Apr 21, 2025•1 min
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.
Apr 14, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 step...
Apr 03, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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.
Feb 24, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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.
Jan 13, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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.
Jan 07, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 15
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.
Nov 25, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 14
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.
Nov 11, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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.
Nov 04, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In 2003, Art Lucier planted Kitimat Harvest Church, in British Columbia’s remote Pacific Northwest. But, as Tara Jean quickly learns, Art is no ordinary pastor, and the Harvest is no ordinary church. On this first episode, Art’s son-in-law opens up about his experience with the Harvest, his transformative faith journey, and, the love story that changed everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 28, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 1
If people are calling you “one of the most prophetic voices in Canada," you must have quite the backstory. Join Tara Jean Stevens, as she illuminates the ministry of Art Lucier, the “Apostolic Overseer” of Harvest Ministries International. Starts Monday, October 28th. For early access, and ad-free episodes, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or become a patron at Patreon.com/HeavenBent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 07, 2024•1 min
This is part 2 of Tara Jean's latest S4 bonus episode, with Tammy Woods. She's one of Mike Bickle's alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse. This would've been years before he founded IHOPKC. She was his 14-year old babysitter, and he was her 25-year old pastor. *CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW HEAVEN BENT+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heaven-bent/id1513489117?itsct=heavenbent_podcasts&itscg=30200&ls=1&at=1001l3byi&ct=test-123 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Jun 03, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this pivotal S4 bonus episode, Tammy Woods shares a shocking, tender, & heartbreaking story. Tammy is one of several women who say they were groomed and spiritually, and sexually, abused by Mike Bickle - the founding leader of IHOPKC. *CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW HEAVEN BENT+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heaven-bent/id1513489117?itsct=heavenbent_podcasts&itscg=30200&ls=1&at=1001l3byi&ct=test-123 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 03, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In 2014, 5 young men went into a formal mediation process with IHOPKC leadership. On this S4 bonus episode, Tara Jean’s conversation with 3 of those 5 former community members. How did leaders respond to this airing of grievances, and, does it tell us anything about how IHOPKC is responding to the ongoing scandal today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 01, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 11
“Jane Doe” says Mike Bickle used scripture and prophecy to manipulate and sexually abuse her, starting when she was just 19. Tara Jean unpacks her story with the help of one of Jane Doe’s best friends at the time. Plus, Mike Bickle’s first public statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 22, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 10
It’s been about a month since allegations of sexual clergy abuse surfaced against IHOPKC founding-leader Mike Bickle. As the leadership's handling of the matter continues to be scrutinized, how did they break the news to IHOPU students? A member of the community recorded the meeting, so we can hear it for ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 04, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 9
One of the most-influential charismatic leaders in America has been accused of sexual clergy abuse, and Tara Jean is following along in real time. On this episode, some former IHOPers react to the latest developments. As well, reactions to Heaven Bent S4, a season that was raising concerns about IHOPKC right as these new allegations surfaced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 24, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 8
The founding leader of IHOPKC has been accused of serious sexual and spiritual misconduct by multiple women. Tara Jean returns with an update, and, her conversation with 3 former IHOPers who returned to IHOPKC last weekend, to hear this shocking news officially announced by leaders of the organization. Read the full IHOP statement: https://www.facebook.com/ihopkc/posts/pfbid02qMsZgxpoE6G67Di2TmToFeGxUFUme9tLgKw3wHiR9wfg5TnUrMFB4hHWqDP9NSDRl And Allen Hood's statement on Twitter/X: https://x.com/...
Nov 06, 2023•17 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Gracia dedicated 6 years to IHOP’s 24/7 prayer room. But, she has grievances about her time there, especially when it comes to how they handled her sexual assault claim. Also, on the final episode this season, the surprising person who is coming to Gracia’s defence. *CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW HEAVEN BENT+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heaven-bent/id1513489117?itsct=heavenbent_podcasts&itscg=30200&ls=1&at=1001l3byi&ct=test-123 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
Oct 30, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 6
An exorcism? A false-murder confession? Rumours of a sex cult? Tara Jean explores the aftermath of Bethany Deaton's death. Also, a further spotlight on how IHOP leadership managed this crisis in their community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 23, 2023•40 min•Season 4Ep. 5
It’s 2012, IHOPU student Bethany Deaton dies in a shroud of mystery. Tara Jean explores what really happened and how it put IHOP’s spiritual practises, leadership and culture into question. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 16, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 4
God wanted Austin Williamson to be famous, according to some leaders at the International House of Prayer. Austin dishes to Tara Jean about his time on IHOP’s elite worship team, and his coming out journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 09, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 3
