Coffeehouse Contemplative

Introverts have earned a certain set of stereotypes regarding how they interact with other people, and with the world in general. This episode clarifies what really tends to be happening in an introvert's inner world.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We have lost several notable figures in recent weeks, and many of us have been grieving. What are the reasons that each of us do so?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

When is it most appropriate for those with greater racial privilege to speak up, or to sit back and listen. This episode shares some of my own lessons and experiences.Episode 220: You're On TrainMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We may have past moments of embarrassment that still live in us. They may be serious enough to affect our sleep or our decision-making. How do we let them go?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

If arranging our physical spaces can encourage positive energy in our lives, can we do the same thing for our daily routines and our weekly schedules?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Often, the way to figure out whether it's time to make a change is to pick up on the small things that could have been signs to do so along the way.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionEpisode 10: The Call CycleMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes willing a creative idea into your mind works. For all of the times when it doesn't, however, you have to make your own inspiration by other means.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Not only is it important to establish a strong foundation for yourself, but also to re-establish it as needed when faced with questions and hostility from those around you.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I wasn't sure what I would find when I began my doctoral studies, but I did find it.I Stepped Away to Spend More Time with My ClassworkMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Remembering and giving thanks for my dearly departed dog, Luna.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sabbatical was a lot of things, and I'm still trying to figure out what they were.Episode 212: The Pre-Sabbatical EpisodeThe Life That She DeservedMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I'll be taking a sabbatical from my denominational work in May and June. Here's why I'm taking it now, and what I'm planning to do, (and not do).Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

A reading from my new novel, Dunamis. SPOILER WARNING for major plot points of the preceding novel, Mirrobius.Mirrobius: A NovelDunamis: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

There are those inevitable items on our to-do lists that we'd rather avoid due to their difficulty, or the discomfort that they may cause for us. This episode explores a different way to approach them.Meditations for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.John 20:1-18Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes we get so bogged down in the imperfections of what we're doing that we can miss how good it turned out to be.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

If you were asked to write a six-word story that conveyed who you are, how would you approach it?No Perfect Time: Brief Essays on Life and FaithThe Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My experience at this year's Cleveland Fan Expo was very different, and gave me a newfound appreciation and respect for some much-maligned elements of Star Wars.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I have a new novel out in the world, and I want to tell you more about it.Mirrobius: A NovelDunamis: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We often have such good intentions about self-care that can quickly become sabotaged or rationalized away. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Several episodes ago, I talked about how well-rested I've been. So of course that didn't last. Here are some ways to work through bouts of insomnia.Episode 201: Nowhere to Be, Nothing to DoMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio for Sunday, February 15, 2026.Matthew 17:1-9Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sometimes the simplest realization can help us get the rest that we need.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

This is my 200th episode, and I'm trying to figure out how to celebrate.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Abscission is the process by which trees shed their leaves as part of their preparation for winter. We can learn something from this process as we move into new seasons of our lives.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on January 18, 2026.John 1:29-42Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Sauna has become an important practice for me the past few years. Here are some things that I have learned from the experience.Wintering by Katherine MayMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We have ways to display achievements for ourselves and others, but the deeper work of ongoing dedication and practice can't be measured so easily.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We still have just over a month until 2026 begins, but I've already been thinking about what I hope that it brings.Mirrobius: A NovelTri-VocationalMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The increased dark and cold that this time of year brings can affect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This episode explores what to watch for, and what to do in response.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote extensively about the practice of reciting Gathas, short verses that reframe mundane activities. This week's episode explores the practice and considers its application.The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat HanhGathas for Daily Living Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety TimesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon for All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025, at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio.Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The Johari Window is a self-awareness tool perhaps not as widely known as some of its counterparts. In this week's episode, I provide a brief introduction and explain its possibilities.Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the EverydayMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Martial artists and other athletes learn "contact courage" in order to become more comfortable applying their techniques on other people. Scenarios elsewhere in our lives necessitate this same kind of comfort and courage as well.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The story of an unexpected side quest that my work team encountered when we attended an event in Lexington, Kentucky.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon on my first Sunday at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on October 5, 2025.Luke 17:5-10Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Emanuel UCC in Doylestown, Ohio on September 28, 2025.Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I'm making a change in my vocational life, and I want to share it with you.Episode 178: What's the Worse Part?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Just like Jason Segel's character in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, we may be putting off a creative dream. What is it, and how could you begin pursuing it?Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the EverydayMirrobius: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

I recently had COVID again, and skipped a week of recording a new episode as a result. Here are all the reasons why that was a good idea.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Congregational UCC in Canton on August 24, 2025.Luke 13:10-17Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at Dover Congregational UCC in Westlake, Ohio on August 17, 2025.Hebrews 11:29-12:2Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Our house flooded the other week, and we're still sorting through the aftermath. This episode tells the story, as well as identifies what can help us get through such difficult times.Episode 180: They Bring ThemselvesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon at New Vision UCC in Canton, Ohio on August 3, 2025.Luke 10:1-11Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

How do we handle disappointment related to what we create? When only so many people engage with or purchase our work? This episode explores this question, and encourages you to keep going.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on July 20, 2025.Luke 10:38-42Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The month of July always carries a transitional feel to me. Maybe you can name other months or other times of year that carry that for you. The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

The sermon I preached on July 6, 2025 at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Doylestown, Ohio.2 Kings 5:1-14The Final Season by Tom Stanton Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

Ecotones are unique third spaces in between two starkly different environments. Our lives also have these transitional spaces, and they can be unique places of growth and possibility.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

We are part of a web of relationships, connections, resources, and wisdom. We're not meant to handle many things by ourselves. This episode discusses the web metaphor used in my new book.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder

There are no shortcuts to the creative process. This episode reflects on the importance of starting, the value of first drafts, and overcoming writer's block.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder