Making Wholeness Possible - An Ongoing Spiritual Formation Journey
In this episode, Ken Shuman speaks with Mario Ramos, a retired pastor and professor from San Antonio, TX, and a Faithwalking coach, facilitator, and board member. In it Mario tells a powerful story of personal and relational transformation as a result of the work he has done through Faithwalking. He speaks of a need for acceptance, love, and affirmation so vast "it was like the Grand Canyon - it was so deep and wide, nothing could fill it." As a result of this unmet need, Mario developed a way of being in the world that pushed others away. This caused his family a great deal of pain and damaged his relationships with his wife and children, among others. Mario shares that he did not realize any of this until he began to do the work of Faithwalking - he was "like a bull in a china closet," not really understanding the damage he was doing. "It wasn't until Faithwalking that I became aware of the dynamics that caused so many problems in my life." He was then able to address these issues and the wounds that caused them, and today he reports he is happily married and has a great relationship with his 3 grown children! He became more whole, his wife (who is also a Faithwalker) became more whole, his marriage became more whole, and his relationship with his kids became more whole. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Faithwalking makes wholeness possible. Tune in for more of Mario's story!This episode was recorded in May 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman talks about pursuing the practice of curiosity. He states that curiosity is foundational to developing healthy relationships, to developing extraordinary relationships, and to our growth in emotional maturity. He posits that shame is what often stands in the way of curiosity, along with our triggers and wounds.This episode was recorded on June 27th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman speaks with Stacey DeLaney, a Faithwalker, FW coach, and children's book author who is retired from public education and lives in upstate NY. Stacey shares that Faithwalking pulled her out of a "deep hole" and dramatically changed how she perceives the world and her relationships and how she interacts in her relationships - and that it has had a particularly profound impact on her relationships with her husband and her adult children. She celebrates that she is no longer fragmented into "very different" public, private, and secret selves and no longer feels the need to wear a mask!To the question, "Why sign up for Faithwalking?" Stacey replies, "Sometimes we don't even know what we're holding on to from our pasts...what is keeping us from living this wholehearted life that we want to live. If you want to live that life - that wholehearted life - Faithwalking is the way to do it."This episode was recorded in May 2025.
In this episode, our guest speaker Lou Huesmann (who is a regular participant in our Keep Calm weekly gatherings) grapples with the question, "What role does faith play in Faithwalking?" as well as how faith fits in with the five components of emotional maturity that Ken has been teaching us about - self-awareness, self-definition, self-regulation, personal responsibility, and self-differentiation. This episode was recorded on June 20th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman speaks of the deep Faithwalking value of offering a safe space for everybody, and the challenge that presents in the midst of so much diversity and polarization in our world. He shares the critical building blocks for creating a safe place and describes the kind of safe people he hopes Faithwalkers become.This episode was recorded on June 13th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman speaks with John Reasons, a pastor and Faithwalking coach from Texas, about the authenticity and safety of the FW process and the gift of experiencing people's stories of change and transformation as a coach journeying with them through the process. John shares that the process of Faithwalking allows people to begin to experience the "fully alive life," the abundant life of which scripture speaks. Through it the light of Christ shines in the dark places of our hearts and souls and brings healing in tangible ways. He invites Faithwalking graduates to become coaches because "that's when it gets good! I've loved being a coach even more than I've loved going through it!"
In this episode, Ken Shuman talks about another component of self-regulation - managing our anger. He speaks about the root causes of anger and getting clear about what our triggers are, then what we can do to respond to our anger without sinning. Ken distinguishes between reactive anger and assertive differentiation and reminds the group of the concept of sin as shalom (or wholeness) breaking, then addresses the question, "How can we be angry without breaking the wholeness?"This episode was recorded on June 6th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman states that learning to regulate ourselves is a big piece of growing in emotional maturity, and that one way we can do this is to learn how to manage ourselves when we are triggered. Part of learning to manage ourselves in this way involves taking responsibility for getting healing for the wounds of our past. In this episode, Ken shares 10 ways we can begin to tackle this.This episode was recorded on May 30th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Dawn Bird, Faithwalking coach, facilitator, board chair, and manager of our coaching area, about what Faithwalking has meant to her and why she invests so much in it. As she shares about her journey with this work and the powerful impact it has had on her relationship with her adult children, among others, Dawn states that she has yet to find any other process so impactful, so comprehensive, and with so much potential for transforming a person's life and relationships. She shares that the fruit of Faithwalking is so profound that she wants as many people as possible to be able to experience it. "I can't think of anything we need more in our world right now" she says, "than for people to grow in their emotional maturity."This episode was recorded in May 2025.
In this episode Ken and a group of Faithwalkers discuss how to respond when we are triggered. Ken states that the goal is not to never be triggered - the goal is to manage ourselves as well as we can in the midst of being triggered, taking full responsibility for our part in the triggering. Ken encourages the group to go deeper, to drill down into what is behind the triggering. He offers some key questions we can ask ourselves that will help us in that process.This episode was recorded on May 23, 2025.
In this episode Ken Shuman has a conversation with Tony Mayer, a Faithwalking coach, facilitator, and our newest team member, about his Faithwalking journey and why he invests so much in this work. Tony discusses managing anxiety during the stress of a cross-country move and in a new context and showing up differently in the midst of anxiety from the way he did before. He also shares how Faithwalking helped him integrate the different spheres of his life and parts of himself such that he can now show up the same way - and more authentically - in all of these spaces. For Tony, Faithwalking was a catalyst for a journey of trust with God that has been unfolding ever since. He states, "I'm enjoying this work so much because every day I get to be witness to this transformation....We should always be transforming and helping someone else transform themselves."This episode was recorded in May 2025.
In this episode Ken Shuman states that a huge part of growing in emotional maturity is learning to define ourselves - and then aligning our lives with that self-definition. What does it look like to live it out? To illustrate this concept, Ken shares some of the ways he defines himself and how he puts that self-definition into action. This episode was recorded on May 16th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Dr. Sarojini Sharma, an internal medicine physician, FW graduate, and FW coach. In it Sarojini shares her story of burn-out and the healing she encountered through the Faithwalking process and practices. Key for Sarojini was learning to slow down and live an unhurried life; learning to manage her own anxiety and determining what she is responsible for and what she is not responsible for; living into the guiding principles she established for her life; and how all this led her to a healthier way of dealing with conflict and greater peace. She attests that doing the Faithwalking work has "deepened her companionship with God" and speaks to the healing she experienced from chronic pain and fibromyalgia. In response, Ken acknowledged, "As we get more whole internally, as we get more whole emotionally, mentally, socially...it will impact us physically, and we will become more whole in every arena of our life."This episode was recorded in March 2025.
In this episode Ken Shuman speaks about one component of self-regulation - adaptability, and more specifically, the capacity to face and embrace change and challenge as part of growing in emotional maturity. This episode was recorded on May 9th, 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Sean Rutter, a Faithwalking graduate and new FW coach, about the lie he used to believe that drove him every day and the way FW has equipped and freed him to live into his best and truest self. This episode was recorded in March 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman shares the next major component of emotional maturity, self-regulation, and breaks it down into five key areas that have a powerful impact on our lives, our relationships, and our alignment with the way of Jesus. This episode was recorded in May 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman states that if you want to know what God is like, you only have to look at Jesus. He encourages us to ask the question whether our theology aligns with what we know of the character and heart of God, as God will always be consistent with his character. If our theology doesn't match, then it is time to reconsider our theology.This episode was recorded in April 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Amy Keahi, a Faithwalking graduate and nonprofit leader from Sioux Center, Iowa. In this conversation Amy shares some of the things that have impacted her most in her FW journey - among others, learning to be curious rather than defending herself; becoming as emotionally healthy as she can be so she can do a better job of helping and leading others; and the power of her positive declaration, "I am good at other things" (listen as she digs into what this means for her). She also speaks about the impact of Faithwalking on the organization she leads, having invited multiple staff members to join her on the FW journey. This episode was recorded in March 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman shares a Good Friday message on what he believes about Jesus and why we are people of hope. Not even death stops the Kingdom! It has come, and it is coming!This episode was recorded in April 2025
In this episode, Ken Shuman speaks about the choice we have as people of faith to live life unafraid in a world "devoured by anxiety," and a life aligned with the values of Jesus. This episode was recorded in April 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Lou Huesmann, a Faithwalker and our newest FW board member, who has over 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. Lou now works with an organization that serves pastors, ministry leaders, and churches through coaching, care in crisis, and consulting. Lou talks about personal transformation through the Faithwalking process and creating a different kind of culture in a congregation. "Faithwalking is masterful in this way. It doesn't end up as a self-help project. It turns you out to the world." "If there is a healthy version of yourself showing up, then it will be lifegiving to the world."This episode was recorded in February 2025.
In this episode of Faithwalking Stories. Ken Shuman has a conversation with Linda Naumowicz, a Faithwalker from NY. They talk about choosing to show up differently, responding to anxiety in healthy ways, and building extraordinary relationships. "It opened up a whole new world for me in my relationship with God, in my relationship with my family, my husband, my kids...everything." " I'm the best person I can be when I'm involved with Faithwalking. The difference it makes in me is phenomenal."
In this episode, Ken Shuman unpacks what we commonly refer to as "the Lord's Prayer," or "the Model Prayer," from Matthew 6. He commends it to us as a guide - a way to pray during these challenging times of high anxiety. This episode was recorded in March 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman shares what we are responsible for during periods of high anxiety and loss and what we are not, the importance of naming our losses, and the power of reminding ourselves what we hope for. This episode was recorded in March 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Kurt Bush, a professional coach, pastor, and Faithwalking leader. In it Kurt talks about the power of renouncing vows he made to protect himself in his first formation and how he has experienced increasing freedom from the oppressive need to take responsibility for other people's feelings. He shares about the process of learning to disrupt his anxious autopilot behaviors and instead to freely choose how he wants to show up in his relationships and the world. Furthermore, he describes the transformational experience of engaging in authentic, safe community growing toward wholeness together through the Faithwalking work. This episode was recorded in March 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman interviews Jennie Hudson, Faithwalker and Faithwalking coach, about how differently she shows up in life as a result of her journey with Faithwalking; how she is keeping her transformation alive; and a beautiful fruit of this work that she has discovered - peace.
In this episode, Ken Shuman talks about the importance of addressing our shame in our journey toward emotional maturity - and as part of that, renouncing the lies we believe about ourselves .
In this episode, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Jeff McGee, a pastor who is a Faithwalking Circle leader, facilitator, and coach - and until recently, a long-time board member. In it Jeff talks about how he is such a different person than he was before doing the Faithwalking work, and how his "failure voice" has been disempowered in a way he never thought possible. He says that the work God has done in him through Faithwalking has changed his life and his leadership and has transformed his relationships. "Faithwalking is the most profound spiritual formation process that I have ever experienced." - Jeff McGee
In this episode, Ken Shuman talks about the difference between guilt, regret, and shame; what healthy guilt is versus guilt that is unhealthy; and how to address our guilt. This episode was recorded in February 2025.
In this episode of our Faithwalking Stories series, Ken Shuman has a conversation with Angela Ashley, a Faithwalking participant and coach, about her Faithwalking journey. In it Angela shares how she is showing up so much differently in life and in her relationships than she used to, and how - not even knowing what she was missing before - she is experiencing life so much more fully and abundantly.
In this episode, Ken Shuman discusses the importance of deepening self-awareness for growing in emotional maturity, and offers four practices to help us get started.
In this episode, Ken Shuman interviews Chris Godfredsen, Faithwalking facilitator, coach, Circle leader, and board member, about what is unique about the Faithwalking community and this journey of emotional maturity. "Faithwalking helps us manage our anxiety, take responsibility for ourselves, grow in our emotional maturity - so that we can become people who actually follow the way of Jesus by loving others well in our actions." (Ken Shuman)
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues his series on emotional maturity, answering the question "How do I begin to take more responsibility for my own life and give up taking responsibility for the lives of other people?" with five practical steps.
In this episode, Ken Shuman interviews Jan Price, Faithwalking coach, facilitator, Circle leader, and long-time practitioner, about her Faithwalking journey. This episode was recorded in December 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues his series on emotional maturity, encouraging us to commit to always growing in emotional maturity and offering seven suggestions to help us keep making progress. This conversation was recorded in February 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues his series on emotional maturity, picking up where he left off with personal responsibility, which he believes is the foundation of emotional maturity. This conversation was recorded in January 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues his series on emotional maturity, telling the story of two prodigal brothers and exploring the nexus between self-awareness and personal responsibility. This conversation was recorded in January 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by discussing our responsibility. What story are you telling yourself that is limiting you? This conversation was recorded in January 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman discusses the most crucial components of growing in emotional maturity. This conversation was recorded in January 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman discusses the quality and character of God's life. What does our character represent? This conversation was recorded in January of 2025.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by discussing, what we have learned over the last several weeks. This week we talked about self-regulation. This conversation was recorded in December 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by discussing what we have learned over the last several weeks. This week we talked about the importance of self-care. This conversation was recorded in December 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by discussing what we have learned over the last several weeks. This week we talked about the capacity for courage and how it is a vital tool needed to pull all of the components together to practice emotional maturity. This conversation was recorded in November 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by discussing what we have learned over the last several weeks. This week, we talked about developing the capacity for appropriate empathy and unselfishness. What is healthy empathy? This conversation was recorded in November 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by continuing the discussion on assessing what we have learned over the last several weeks. This week, we talked about what we learned in our first formation. What did you learn about people different than you, judging, and criticizing others different than you, and staying connected? This conversation was recorded in November 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by continuing the discussion on assessing what we have learned over the last several weeks. This week, we talk about boundaries and self-differentiation. What did you learn about yourself in your first formation? This conversation was recorded in November 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity by continuing the discussion on assessing what we have learned over the last several weeks. Where would we like to be in our growth process? This conversation was recorded in October 2024.
In this episode, Emily Elizabeth continues the series on emotional maturity by leading today's discussion on assessing what we have learned over the last several weeks. What are we aware of in our growth process? This conversation was recorded in October 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity. Today's discussion is about how spiritual maturity is necessary to be emotionally mature and vice versa. This conversation was recorded in October 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity. Today's discussion is on taking responsibility for your responsibility. This conversation was recorded in October 2024.
In this episode, Ken Shuman continues the series on emotional maturity. Today's discussion is on unselfishness. This conversation was recorded in September 2024.