My Husband Confronts His Ex-Pastor Carl Lentz from Hillsong Church

Happy & Healthy with Jeanine Amapola WardTuesday, March 24, 2026

Show Notes

We sit down with Carl Lentz, ex-Hillsong pastor, and we didn’t feel like we were talking to a “celebrity pastor” or someone from headlines—It felt like we were talking to a real human being who has walked through the fire and come out on the other side. This episode honestly felt different… like one of those conversations that stays with you. What stood out to me the most is how honest he was. No excuses. No pretending. Just real ownership of his mistakes, his pain, and his growth.

He talked about how small compromises turned into bigger ones… how pressure and fame didn’t create his issues, but exposed what was already there. And instead of running from it, he leaned into healing. We also talked about Hillsong, what it was, what it wasn't, Carl's forthcoming book, and so much more.

In This Episode

02:00 – Introducing Carl Lentz & His Redemption Journey 04:30 – Carl’s Early Life + Finding Faith 07:00 – Hillsong College: The Good, Bad & Misconceptions 12:00 – Church Culture, Pressure & “Stage Time” Conversations 17:00 – Leadership, Words & Influence Responsibility 20:00 – Fame, Justin Bieber & Platform Pressure 28:00 – Burnout, Hustle Culture & Ministry Pace 33:30 – What He Would Do Differently + Advice for Leaders 40:00 – Was It Real? Addressing Doubts About His Intentions 45:00 – Public Failure, Shame & Owning His Actions 48:00 – Letting Go of Bitterness + Choosing Healing 52:00 – Identity, Being Misunderstood & Public Perception 56:00 – What Redemption Actually Looks Like Today 01:00:00+ – Final Thoughts: Faith, Growth & Moving Forward

More from Happy & Healthy with Jeanine Amapola Ward

Oct 20, 2026

For The Christian Girl Who's Secretly Struggling…

Girl, this episode is for you if you've been secretly struggling but feel like you have to pretend everything is okay because you're a Christian. 🤍

Oct 13, 2026

We Asked 100 Men What They’ve NEVER Told Their Wives… (It’s even worse than the women)

Kaleb and I are back with PART TWO of our marriage confessions series, and y'all… the husbands did NOT hold back! 😂

Oct 6, 2026

We Asked 100 Women What They’ve NEVER Told Their Husbands.. (It’s Shocking!)

Okay y’all… this episode is JUICY. 😂 Kaleb and I asked women to anonymously share the things they would never tell their husbands, and some of these confessions genuinely had us speechless.

Sep 29, 2026

My Fall Reset: What I’m Leaving Behind, What I’m Prioritizing + Q&A

Today we’re talking about everything I think we need to leave behind this fall: productivity guilt, doom scrolling instead of having hobbies, being reachable 24/7, performing our lives instead of actually living them… and yes, decorating for Christmas WAY too early. Plus, I’m answering your questions at the end! Grab a coffee, go on a walk, and let’s catch up. 🤎

Sep 22, 2026

Asking a Pastor Controversial Questions You’re Afraid To Ask

Okay you guys, this episode is a GOOD one. Kaleb and I are sitting down with Pastor Luke Lezon and putting him in the hot seat with some of the questions Christians are actually asking—but sometimes feel afraid to say out loud.

See all episodes →