Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

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Two nice guys go on the frustrating journey of finding evidence of divine presence and spirituality in midst of the ups and downs of day-to-day life.

United Methodist Communications

Nashville, Tennessee


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 176 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

    [158] From vinyl rituals to sacred community with Bishop Andrew Doyle

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 Transcription Available


    Join Bishop C. Andrew Doyle—Episcopal Bishop, author, and passionate vinyl record collector—and explore the sacred within the ordinary and the power of embodied spiritual practice. Bishop Doyle opens up about his latest book, “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World,” and shares practical wisdom on carving out sacred spaces, reclaiming rest in a … Continue reading "[158] From vinyl rituals to sacred community with Bishop Andrew Doyle"

    [157] Soulful practices for healing and belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 Transcription Available


    How do we find spiritual belonging and healing in a world filled with loneliness, uncertainty, and division? In this special episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn is joined by Dori Grinenko Baker and Anna Del Castillo for a heartfelt conversation about tapping into the “deep wells” of soulful practice, community … Continue reading "[157] Soulful practices for healing and belonging"

    [156] Exploring the Enneagram and spiritual simplicity with Hunter Mobley

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 Transcription Available


    Navigating spiritual growth through the Enneagram with Hunter Mobley on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Hunter shares his personal journey from evangelical “five-step spirituality” to a deeper, more contemplative faith that sees spiritual practices as pathways to soul transformation. Discover how the Enneagram can help unearth your truest self, why letting go is key … Continue reading "[156] Exploring the Enneagram and spiritual simplicity with Hunter Mobley"

    [155] Are the End Times at hand?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025


    Let’s explore the fascinating and often complex world of Christian eschatology, unraveling the various interpretations of end times theology. In this episode, Ryan leads us through the evolution of eschatological beliefs—from historical premillennialism to amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennial dispensationalism.

    [154] Fantastical beasts and where to find them (in the Bible)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 28:40


    It’s a Biblical exploration of the strange, fantastical and mysterious. From Leviathan to unicorns to UAPs, we’re inspiring curiosity and awe as we see what these strange occurrences and observations in the Bible tell us about the Divine. In this episode: [00:00] Introducing a little levity [02:01] God-human hybrids [05:18] Sea monster [07:11] The talking … Continue reading "[154] Fantastical beasts and where to find them (in the Bible)"

    [153] Lent: Hungry and wanting more

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 7:28 Transcription Available


    Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you. Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.

    [152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 35:23 Transcription Available


    In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing human complexity and the practice of truth-telling in spirituality. From Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar, see how a cultural mixtape can guide one’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss insights on how spiritual seekers can curate a personalized connection to the divine through grounded traditions and ethical practices. … Continue reading "[152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms"

    [151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 39:26 Transcription Available


    Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless. Corey Turnpenny is … Continue reading "[151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature"

    church nature wild connects faith
    [150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 32:54 Transcription Available


    Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape one’s … Continue reading "[150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation"

    [149] Humor, theology, and asking the deepest questions with Erin Hicks Moon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 30:00 Transcription Available


    Discovering Faith Through Questions with Erin Moon on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Join host Ryan Dunn in a conversation with Erin Hicks Moon, a dynamic podcaster and author of the upcoming book “I’ve Got Questions.” Together, they investigate the powerful role of curiosity in deepening one’s faith and navigating skepticism. Explore themes like … Continue reading "[149] Humor, theology, and asking the deepest questions with Erin Hicks Moon"

    [148] Spiritual voyeurs and engaging with the Divine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 13:10


    Let’s get dirty and honest about our often voyeuristic relationship with the divine — and how prayer can profoundly disrupt and enrich our everyday lives. Explore the curious phenomena of spiritual fascination from a safe distance and the transformative power of genuine engagement with the divine through prayer. Rev. Ryan Dunn uses relatable analogies, like … Continue reading "[148] Spiritual voyeurs and engaging with the Divine"

    [147] Revelation’s Real Story: Hope, Justice, and God Amidst Chaos

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 37:12 Transcription Available


    Matthew Ian Fleming on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Matthew dives deep into the enigmatic Book of Revelation, shedding light on its broader message of hope, justice, and new creation, far from its often misinterpreted doom and gloom reputation. Learn about his unique approach to understanding Revelation, anchored by Psalm 139, and its relevance … Continue reading "[147] Revelation’s Real Story: Hope, Justice, and God Amidst Chaos"

    [146] Your favorite Rethink Church stories of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 37:02


    Join us on this special episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday as we celebrate Rethink Church’s impactful journey by revisiting some of their most beloved stories from 2024. Dive into the heart of community, mindfulness, and spiritual practices, all while exploring how innovative faith expressions can redefine modern spirituality. In this episode, you … Continue reading "[146] Your favorite Rethink Church stories of 2024"

    [145] Contentment and connecting with all life with Edith and Randy Woodley

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 40:40 Transcription Available


    Edith and Randy Woodley invite us to rediscover our connection with nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of community-based ecological practices. Uncover their approach to land stewardship, communal living, and the rejection of individualism for a more holistic and balanced way of living. Edith and Randy Woodley are passionate environmentalists and … Continue reading "[145] Contentment and connecting with all life with Edith and Randy Woodley"

    [144] Measuring your spiritual intelligence with Paul Burns

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 29:41 Transcription Available


    We’re working through our fear and fostering a bit of empathy in this conversation with Rev. Dr. Paul Burns on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us as Paul Burns dives deep into the core of human spirituality and relationships, addressing the instinctual divisions between people and how finding common ground can create bridges … Continue reading "[144] Measuring your spiritual intelligence with Paul Burns"

    [143] Do Christians believe in ghosts? And other Halloween questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 16:43 Transcription Available


    It’s an exploration of the mysterious, spooky, awe-inspiring realm of Halloween. This episode looks at Halloween questions through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—the Wesleyan quadrilateral—to uncover multifaceted answers. We'll ponder biblical stories, explore John Wesley's haunted childhood home, and consider contemporary beliefs about life after death. Moreover, we'll reflect on the role of fear and … Continue reading "[143] Do Christians believe in ghosts? And other Halloween questions"

    [142] Rage prayers and authentic peace with Elizabeth Riley

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 30:46 Transcription Available


    We’re unleashing the power of “Rage Prayers” with Reverend Elizabeth Riley. Dive into the transformative practice of honest, heartfelt prayers that express our deepest emotions and frustrations. Explore how embracing our anger and lament can lead to spiritual healing and personal transformation. Rev. Elizabeth is an Episcopal priest currently serving in the Diocese of Olympia, … Continue reading "[142] Rage prayers and authentic peace with Elizabeth Riley"

    [141] Community, comedy and church renovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 31:54 Transcription Available


    We’re exploring the innovative ways churches in Northern Virginia are blending spirituality and community outreach–from improv church to affordable housing. In this episode of Compass, we’re visiting four unique and innovative expressions of church in Northern Virginia and Maryland. See how Central United Methodist Church in the Ballston neighborhood renovated their old church building in … Continue reading "[141] Community, comedy and church renovation"

    [140] Real church in digital space with J.J. Warren

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 44:55 Transcription Available


    We’re borrowing an important interview from the MyCom Podcast. Host Ryan Dunn talked with Rev. J.J. Warren about what defines a church and how J.J. is putting the definition into practice through the Church of the Young Prophets. Drawing from his theological background and experiences with the Young Prophets Collective, J.J. discusses the evolution of virtual … Continue reading "[140] Real church in digital space with J.J. Warren"

    [139] From hate to hope: Neelley Hicks

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 32:28 Transcription Available


    Neelley Hicks shares her experience that landed her picture in papers across the globe, stemming from a recent Unity Rally in Nashville, Tennessee. It was attended by a diverse and vibrant community and disrupted by the alarming presence of Neo-Nazis. This episode looks into the complex emotions and motivations behind such extremist actions and explores … Continue reading "[139] From hate to hope: Neelley Hicks"

    [138] Faith and outrage: Jesus' teachings in a polarized culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 23:23 Transcription Available


    We’re tackling the topic of living out our faith in a complex and often polarized world. Recently, the outrage sparked by the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly a controversial scene perceived to mock Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” has ignited debates and outraged responses. We’ll explore how to express our faith … Continue reading "[138] Faith and outrage: Jesus’ teachings in a polarized culture"

    [137] Crafting a clarity of belief with Bruce Reyes-Chow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 Transcription Available


    Summarizing Faith and Theology with Bruce Reyes-Chow on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Bruce shares the importance of distilling and articulating beliefs in simple, digestible formats. Discover his innovative concept of a “faith montage” and how it serves as a primer on progressive Christianity to guide individuals through faith deconstruction and reconstruction. Bruce Reyes-Chow … Continue reading "[137] Crafting a clarity of belief with Bruce Reyes-Chow"

    [136] Conflict, faith and growth with David Livingston

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024


    Pastor David Livingston discusses the concept of abundant life and how it can be experienced in the present. He emphasizes that abundant life is not solely about material well-being or a perfect life, but rather about finding spiritual and emotional well-being in the midst of life’s challenges. Pastor Livingston shares his personal experience with anxiety … Continue reading "[136] Conflict, faith and growth with David Livingston"

    [135] Exploring Hell, Purgatory, and God's Love with Derek Kubilus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 44:56


    Unpacking the mysteries of hell and love with Derek Kubilus on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Derek takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the complex relationship between a God of love and the concept of eternal torment. Explore his ideas on purgatorial universalism, the evolution of hell in Christian theology, and how these […]

    [134] Spiritual practices for busy lives with Andrew Lang

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024


    Rediscover centering and spirituality with Andrew Lang on “Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday.” Andrew Lang, a guiding voice in spiritual practices, shares transformative insights on integrating centering practices into daily life, overcoming the “dark night of the soul,” and finding creative ways to connect with our spirituality. Listen in as Lang explains how centering […]

    [133] Cultivating empathy in polarized times: Insights from John Pavlovitz

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024


    Curious about maintaining compassion and engaging in meaningful conversations in your daily life? On Compass 133, join Ryan Dunn as he speaks with John Pavlovitz about finding common ground and exploring spirituality amidst life's challenges. Discover how to navigate differences with empathy, find solace in nature, and embrace your faith journey authentically. John shares his […]

    [132] A historic shift in inclusion for the United Methodist Church

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 13:10


    We’re exploring a pivotal moment in the life of the United Methodist Church—the historic 2024 General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina. This conference marked a significant turning point, as 93% of the delegates voted to lift long-standing bans on the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and the hosting of same-sex weddings by clergy and churches. […]

    United Methodists in the news and missing episodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 6:32


    The United Methodist Church is going to be in the news due to the big General Conference Gathering. Here’s why. ALSO, we’re going to miss a couple of full episodes due to the big event. We’ll be back with new episodes on May 15, 2024.

    [131] Keeping Christianity weird with Dr Richard Beck

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 37:30


    Join us as Dr. Richard Beck discusses mysticism in daily life, and how enchantment can transform our view in “Hunting Magic Eels.” Feeling world-weary? Richard discusses how moral beauty & acts of kindness can awaken awe. Explore the mystical in the mundane on the Compass Podcast! Richard is a Professor of Psychology at Abilene Christian […]

    [130] Faith vacations and lostness with Debie Thomas

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 27:57


    Are you sometimes afraid to ask questions about faith and spirituality? Does doubt scare you a little bit? Do you have some questions you're skeptical about ever finding the answers to? Debie Thomas’s approach to faith as a storied theology challenges the conventional beliefs. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on the dynamic nature of […]

    [129] Beats, peacemaking and authenticity with lenny duncan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 44:19


    Lenny duncan takes us through a spiritual journey in hip-hop on Compass. Engage in conversations about systemic change and personal faith. If you want to hear some cultural commentary from a spiritual perspective, if you want to explore how hip-hop music speaks to both our human experience and our longing for spiritual connection, and if […]

    [128] Lent, fasting and spiritual nourishment with Christine Valters Paintner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 32:09


    We're talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine. […]

    [127] Engaging faith and reason: Kara Slade's spiritual journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 39:11


    Faith, science and life calling! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation.  Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade holds a PhD in Christian theology and ethics […]

    [126] Church Rethought: Embracing Unconventional Spaces for Community and Spirituality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 46:24


    We're talking with Rev. Heather Jallad about the creative, fun and innovative ways that church is coming together and meeting the world. It's an invitation to Rethink Church. This episode of Compass dives into new expressions of church like Dinner Church and Messy Church. It's all inspiring… and it gets us thinking about how we, […]

    [125] Cultivating everyday spirituality in 2024 with Abigail Browka

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 34:22


    In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Browka, the curator of the Everyday Sanctuary app, and we get into the importance of real-life experiences and faith journeys.  Pastor Abigail shares profound insights into tapping into creative spirituality, from the necessity of supporting one another in our spiritual paths to the role of brief, accessible […]

    [124] Contemplative practices for a peaceful Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 7:20


    Ryan Dunn addresses the struggle to find peace during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Offering contemplative practices for a more peaceful Christmas, Ryan explores ways to connect with God’s loving and peaceful spirit during this special time of year. From leveraging inconveniences as moments of reflection to turning preparations into prayers, listeners […]

    [123] Nice church, not nice patriarchy: A conversation with Liz Cooledge Jenkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 26:41


    Niceness in church communities can sometimes conceal deeper issues of injustice. It’s important to disrupt the status quo and engage in conversations about patriarchy, inequality, and systems of oppression. In this episode, you probably want to listen for the ways in niceness, though well-meaning, can be a hindrance to equality and justice. Also listen for […]

    Quick takes on tough questions of the Christian faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 24:09


    We’ll explore questions like: Does God need our worship? Are some sins worse than others? How does spirituality affect mental health? Can science and religion coexist? Where do we see evidence of God? And why would a good God allow for evil? We’ll provide perspectives and insights on these questions, emphasizing that our answers are […]

    [121] Israel, conflict, end times and interventions of peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 25:45


    The Compass Podcast looks into a topic that has been making headlines and stirring heated debates: the Israel and Gaza conflict. Specifically, we will address a perplexing phenomenon: the religiously driven blind support of Israeli militarism by some Christians. What theological perspectives drive such a fascination with this conflict and where did those ideas come […]

    [120] Discovering evidence of the Divine in everyday moments with Mark Feldmeir

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 33:14


    Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and personal experiences with Rev. Mark Feldmeir. Mark’s faith journey led him to question the nature of God’s power, especially in the face of suffering and evil. He emphasized that God’s power is not coercive or unilateral, but rather persuasive. Mark also reflected on the […]

    [119] What makes United Methodists different?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 32:58


    Hosts Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado, alongside guest Ashley Boggan, take us on a journey to uncover the distinctiveness of the Methodist faith. Initially produced as part of the United Methodist Podcast-a-thon, this episode offers insightful perspectives from Dr. Ashley Boggan, the general secretary of the United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Archives and History. […]

    [118] Artificial intelligence and your spiritual journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 48:25


    Are you ready to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence and spirituality? Join us on the latest episode of Compass as we dive into the impact of AI on the Christian spiritual journey. We navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into our everyday spirituality, play around with AI Jesus entities, and hear […]

    [117] Does the Bible contradict itself? With Josh Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 38:28


    Rev. Josh Scott, author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups” explores with us the paradoxical possibilities of the Bible’s ancient narratives. We dive deep into the serious question of faith: “What do we make of the seeming contradictions and inconsistencies in the Bible?” Josh helps us see how asking these tough, discomforting questions can become […]

    116: The Force and the Final Frontier

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 41:54


    It’s time for cosmic theology as we examine the spiritual depths of Star Wars and Star Trek. Covering everything from Jedi to Klingons, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn are going boldly forth seeking the spiritual in space. Join us as we explore the theological reflections found in these iconic franchises. For episodes and notes, visit […]

    Re-listen: Rediscovering church with Jerry Herships

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 44:47


    Reverend Jerry Herships shares his unique perspective on creating a nontraditional community that connects with something bigger and provides a sense of belonging. Jerry has worked as stand-up comedian. He wrote for Jay Leno. He's authored a couple books, including Last Call: from serving drinks to serving Jesus and Rogue Saints: Spirituality for Good Hearted […]

    114: [Re-listen] Wagon of grace with Ryan Canaday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 38:57


    Rev. Canaday shared with us his story of recovery in alcoholism and finding deep connection with a higher power. This connection led Ryan to explore the power of support groups and specifically the role of spirituality in recovery. All this ultimately led to Ryan founding a church based on recovery. We're five years on from […]

    113: Art and your spiritual journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 31:34


    Art and prayer share much in common–so much so that art can lead us into prayer and connection with the Divine. In this episode of Compass, Michelle and Ryan try out two art-based spiritual practices… and they provide directions on how you can utilize these practices as well. To see “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa […]

    112: Disrupt Your Busy Life and Cultivate a Heart of Loving Kindness with this Meditation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 14:51


    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the busyness of life? In the latest episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, Ryan Dunn invites listeners to disrupt their busyness through loving-kindness meditation. The episode features a discussion on the benefits of loving-kindness meditation on mental well-being and relationships. Here are three key takeaways from the […]

    111: Why People Are Leaving Church: 7 Reasons Explored

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 24:17


    On this episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, host Ryan Dunn, a former youth minister, explores the factors that contribute to people leaving the church. Ryan starts by sharing how a student’s experience made him question the effectiveness of ministry for young people. The episode covers seven reasons for people leaving the church, […]

    Spirit-filled: May 2023 Rethink Church audiomagazine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 24:24


    Through May, our articles focused on the work of the Holy Spirit… which we'll see can show up in some surprising places. In this edition of the audiomagazine, we'll hear: (00:00) Introduction to the Rethink Church audiomagazine (00:43) “The amazing ways God is working right now” (06:02) “How to live a Spirit-filled life” (11:06) “Why […]

    110: Linking love and justice with Otis Moss III

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 30:26


    Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III reflects on his upbringing with parents involved in the civil rights movement and his journey towards identifying with the black prophetic and spiritual tradition within the black church. He also dives into everyday disruptions by stressing the importance of intentional, slow connections with God through activities like walks and bike […]

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