Listen to episode one HERE.
Storyglass, a Bertelsmann company, has teamed up with iHeartPodcasts, the No.1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, to launch a new eight-part podcast series “False Profits: Hillsong,” a deeply personal journey into the heart of a global megachurch. The podcast will debut February 2 on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen to episode one HERE.
Host Noemi Uribe was looking for a church where everyone was welcome and she thought she’d found it in Hillsong, but it was the most expensive mistake she ever made. Alongside journalist Elle Hardy, Uribe will reveal stories Hillsong never wanted the public to hear about money, sex and power. This series will trace the rise and fall of Hillsong’s founder, hear from sources inside the church, and ask if Hillsong is part of a wider problem within evangelical churches. Noemi’s own story turned into one of rejection, despair and a fight for justice. Hillsong used to be home, now, for Noemi, “it’s a dumpster fire.”
“False Profits” will dive into the Hillsong experience; from Christian rock music to celebrity pastors and famous fans, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to global status, enormous wealth, and shocking scandals. Through personal testimony and evidence that was never previously made public, the series will peel back the layers of a culture of submission, exploitation, and discrimination.
The church says it’s changed, but will it face the past and the people who say they’ve been harmed by Hillsong? Uribe is on a journey seeking justice, and accountability.
"We are part of a group who are committed to great storytelling and giving under-represented voices a chance to be heard," said Steve Carsey, Storyglass Managing Director. “We are delighted to be working with iHeartPodcasts on this powerful, immersive and important series. Like us, they realised it was a story that had to be told. There have been many attempts to truly understand the inner workings of the Hillsong church, but this first-person account really brings listeners much closer than ever before. The journey Noemi and Elle go on is incredibly emotive and shocking. We’re so grateful that they chose to share their story with us.”
“False Profits: Hillsong” is the latest collaboration between Storyglass and iHeartPodcasts who have recently launched a series based on the hit gameshow Family Feud in Australia. Other Storyglass projects include Spotify’s youth history format Flex’s Semi-Factual History Lessons, Audible scripted spin-off Wentworth: The Fall Girl; true crime offering Chasing Charlie and Red Bull’s Why I Run and Mind, Set, Win.
About Storyglass
Storyglass is a Bertelsmann company focused on developing, producing and commissioning podcasts for international audiences. Working as a dedicated podcast studio within the Group, Storyglass works closely with sister companies Fremantle (television), BMG (music), Dorling Kindersley (publishing), RTL (broadcasting) and Penguin Random House (publishing).
