Farming God

Subscribe for Steve Ray updates at https://tinyletter.com/FarmingGod​ . My great great grandma left the White Earth Reservation in 1915 and our family has never returned. I’m turning 30 and am biking back. Amidst statistical poverty, attacks on Ojibwe culture, and a century of land theft, White Earth, Minnesota is rich in natural beauty and the people carry a truth that they will share if you listen. Donate to Niijii radio here: http://www.niijiiradio.com/​ Subscribe for Steve updates at https://tinyletter.com/FarmingGod​ Thanks to the Ojibwe People’s dictionary for providing the Ojibwe chapter titles. You can look up Ojibwe words and pronunciation here: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/​ Thanks to my grandma, Maggie Rousu, Merlin Deegan, Joe Allen, Father Joe and the White Earth community. Thanks to Alex. Finally, thanks to my family: past, present, and future, for keeping the threads together.

Follow @St3veRay and subscribe to the email list to hear about upcoming projects.    Featured in this episode: Essential Everyday Mini Pretzels      The End.

David Sleeper is a dog trainer, writer, and philosopher. We spoke a few months back in an abandoned air force base in the high desert of West Texas about David Sleeper’s new book: Imprinting Morality in dogs and humans. Sleeper hopes to have his website i-am-paradox.com live by the end of the week. Learn more about Steve Ray Media here. 

Steve considers money, weather, and the future of podcasting. Sign up for the newsletter EVERYONE is talking about at FarmingGod.org    

The Deep North podcast has launched. On computer> http://deepnorthpodcast.com/ On iPhone> https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/deep-north/id1357648245?ls=1 But Farming god isn't going anywhere. Stay tuned.  Jay Walljasper (author of The Great Neighborhood Book) and Alexandra Connett (Minneapolis transplant) make a case for a city beyond cows, cold, and camp snoopy. Before moving to Minneapolis, Alexandra had no expectations for Minnesota, "Everyone was asking me why I was moving to the middle of nowhere." Since arriving, her experience has been much different than she had imagined.  Walljasper says Alexandra isn't a unique case and that this perception is partially Minnesotans fault. In the age of social media and the brand called you "it's time that MSP set aside its suburban sensibility and proudly say we are a city."  Music by Zack Baltich and intro music by Enjoy the Cat Click here to learn more about Jay Walljasper

Music by: Paul Spring https://paulspring.bandcamp.com/ Paintings by: Sophia http://sophiaheymans.com/ Recipe developed by: https://farminggod.org/

A historical Christmas story featuring everyone’s favorite deer. Stay informed at https://farminggod.org/ Long before the historical Jesus and Black Friday, stories held special significance during this part of the year, the darkest days of winter, the solstice, a time to celebrate the coming of light.  In the 4th century Pope Julius I declared that the 25th of December be the celebration of Jesus’s birth. The timing worked nicely for evangelists, presumably making the pagan to christian conversion an easier sell. When Christianity came to America, the puritans banned Christmas for dislike of decadence.  From 1659 to 1681, Boston residents were fined for displaying Christmas spirit. Contemporary American Christmas is an entity of its own, resting on the shoulders of Charles Dickens and department store jingles. Rudolph originally appeared in a 1939 advertisement for Montgomery Ward, a department store. If we are, after all, living according to a story, we may as well choose a fantastic one.  Public Domain Audio files found at: https://librivox.org/character-building-by-booker-t-washington/ https://librivox.org/the-wind-among-the-reeds-by-william-butler-yeats/ https://librivox.org/ogura-hyakunin-isshu-by-fujiwara-no-teika/ https://librivox.org/search?q=farming&search_form=advanced https://archive.org/details/78_rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer_spike-jones-and-his-city-slickers-rudolph-himself_gbia0018975b

Ruby and Jessica drill holes in the Dakota access pipeline. After limited success in public hearings, encampments, petitions, marches, and rallies, the two admitted to non violent sabotage. In this episode, the two speak publicly about the success they experienced during their 8-month long property destruction campaign, including the piercing of empty & exposed DAPL pipeline valves, as well as setting fire to pipeline machinery. Since coming forward, their home has been raided by the FBI, the two have been named as individuals in a federal lawsuit and both are facing future federal indictment.  Musings to consider: “The duty of privilege is absolute integrity” - John O'Donohue “as the rising smoke of an offering through the sun door, do goes the hero, released from the ego” - Joseph Campbell Hero with a thousand faces “The work is not yours to finish. But neither are you to take no part in it.” -Rabbi Tarfon I’m not condemning what the women did, I’m not condoning it either. But I’d like to talk about it. Email me: steve@farminggod.com with any thoughts. Music by Paul Spring and Brian Thavis. Thanks to the Minneapolis Catholic Workers. 

Russians in rural Wisconsin- celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Russian Revolution. What did this revolutionary era mean to the people of 20th century Russia? And what does it mean to you and I as we pursue happiness in the land of the free? Former episodes featuring rural Wisconsin ‘Ice age trail’, ‘Cardinal Directions’, and ‘Silicon Valley Fox’ Russian Revolution 1905-1921 By Dr. Mark Steinberg  Country strummin’ by Chip The rest of the the spectacular music by members of the Midwest Bard Club.

Nuns, walkers, bikers, protesters, recreational philosophers, river people feat. Minneapolis and the Mississippi River  Music by Steve

It’s all about me. My name is Steve Ray and my favorite color is blue Sailing across the Atlantic documentary  Artists and songs in order of appearance: Boston: Rockin Roll Band Boston: More than a feeling Chip and Isak Avett Brothers: Please Pardon Yourself Avett Brothers: Life Mapei: Don’t Wait Father John Misty: Bored in the USA Father John Misty: Well, you can do it without me Father John Misty: Leaving L.A. Paul Spring: Take Another Moment Music used in this episode is commented on for a limited transformative purpose in a creative fictitious context. No revenue was generated through this episode which warrants it protected under fair use copyright clause.

The Minnesota State Fair, "The great Minnesota get together" Studio music by Brian Thavis

The sly ghost of Menlo Park slinks cross country to Wisconsin This episode contains harsh language Thanks to Adam, Gretchen, Sam Music by Brian Travis More on Firewood Farming 

I went camping in the boundary waters. The wilderness and conversations that filled my time lead me to consider climate change in a new way. This story includes a conversation on  Naomi Klein’s 2014 book, This Changes Everything. Smoke signals at farminggod.org  Music by Brian Travis Thank you Collin.

Eight months ago Brian Clark moved to Song of the Morning yoga retreat center in upper Michigan- an ideal space to live his contemplative vocation of meditation, consciousness, and creativity.  Begin meditating:  Because of my time at Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat, I reestablished my contemplative practice (at least for now). If you are interested in beginning a contemplate practice, here are a few resources that were helpful for me along with a few books Brian recommended. Resources: Be Here Now by Ram Dass Mysticism: A study in Mans Spiritual Consciousness by Evelyn Underhill The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity by David Lynch Farming god episodes: • Meditation Pt.1 • Meditation Pt. 2 Thanks to everyone at song of morning for their hospitality. Music by Isak Sommer More helpful tidbits at Farminggod.org 

A yoga retreat in America and the people figuring out what this means. Thanks to everyone at Song of the Morning Yoga Center. Smoke signals at farminggod.org

A yoga retreat center, the McDonalds corporation, and the trees (deciduous and coniferous) that make sense of it all. Peter Block Community: The structure of belonging Music by Isak Sommer covering Elliot Smith Thanks to Dorothy and Song of the morning

Smoke signals on FarmingGod.org Traveling from one place to another and the space between

Travel stories and that animals that see us

Science Mike and Michael Gungor of the Liturgists podcast help me wrestle with what Wild Goose Festival means for Christianity. Originally published after the 2016 Wild Goose Festival, we are joined by a host of authors and speakers who discuss topics ranging from transgender Christianity to support for recovering racists. This episode will undoubtably give you a peek into the slurry known as Wild Goose Festival, happening this weekend in Asheville, NC. If you want more episodes like this, rate and subscribe to Farming god on iTunes or Stitcher. Music in this episode is by Paul Spring. Intro music and horns are by Winston Drei Tod. Thanks to Mike McHargue, Michael Gungar, Tom Sine, Matt Morris, Mirabai Starr, Austin Hartke, Versandra Keningbrew, the band Hardworker, Lawton Higgs Sr., Merideth Owensby, Larry Reed, Rick Meredith and the entire creative team at Wild Goose Festival. 

Smoke Signals at https://farminggod.org/ Poet Mirabai Starr, emergent post-pastor Rick Diamond, Christian Shaman Iris Bolton, professor and social activist Joerg and RoseMarie Rieger, Sunday morning dance church, and a visit to Christian China. Episodes in order of appearance: Meditation Part 1 and 2 Beyond Activism Christian Shaman Iris Bolton Alternative Worship post-pastor Dance Church Christian China and the end of times

‘Lumberjacking’ in the Kettle Moraine, eating steak sandwiches, and swimming east, where no humans live.

An intersection with Anthony- Hiking, camping, thinking along the Ice Age Trail, raising awareness for veteran suicide, in the Kettle moraine of eastern Wisconsin. Newsletter at https://farminggod.org/

To learn more about Farm Church, Green Gate Farms, or the community living Shannon references, go to 'Farm Church and Feminine Spirituality' on farminggod.org . For the first time Farming god is doing a show loosely related to farming. I had the privilege of speaking with Brin Bon and Shannon Preston (@PrestonCottage) in the historical hayloft of Green Gate farms. Brin and Shannon are female priests.  Instead of shying away from big questions, they approach them in a refreshingly practical way. We discuss: Becoming priests in the Episcopal church The daily activities of a priest Are they worried about millennial's disinterest in organized religion? Is Sunday the problem with Church? Finding God through commitment in people and places. Farm Church Feminine spirituality How will the church transform to meet the needs of a divided community? "There will be a time that we need to trust the god we believe in." For an artistic rendition of Green Gate Farms, check out Welcome to Season II

I am not a communist; but Scott Gee is. When I meet people for the first time I like to ask an annoyingly open ended question, “What is your thing?”. Scott was quick to respond with the most intriguing answer I have ever heard, “Oh, I’m a communist”. In this conversation we discuss: Church without spirituality Experiences from occupy wall street Getting punched by Nazis Disputes within communism And I propose the common objections to communism like: Communism hasn’t worked Rulers are innately corrupt Humans are fundamentally greedy What about free-speech? Whether or not I agree with the ideals of communism, it's refreshing to experience a discussion beyond the duality of American politics. See the video of Robert F. Kennedy’s speech and sign up for the farming god newsletter at FarmingGod.org Make sure to stay tuned for the conclusion. Curtesy of Edward Murrow: March 9, 1954 CBS News  

Michael Sandel teaches one of the most attended courses in Harvard history, He’s the author of books like 'Justice: What is the right thing to do' and ‘What Money Can’t Buy’. Sandel outlines the unlikely consequences of the marketization of civic spaces. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine if- as the first mass multi-cultural democratic republic the world has ever seen- we, in the most privileged nation the world- could support our public spaces. If you go to this episode on farminggod.org. I’ve posted a video of one of sandal’s lectures at Harvard.  Michael J Sandel book, Justice: What’s the right thing to do http://amzn.to/2rnwl8N Some of these ideas of neighborly politeness vaguely come from Slavo Zizek. I’ve also included this video on farminggod.org Maybe instead of driving to a high end fitness center, try out a community center near you. You just might like it. A special thanks to Dan and Kell for speaking with me.

Tom Fenwick-Smith started his career in the film industry as an Assistant Director for film and television, working on over 30 feature films, 60 commercials and countless music videos. Tom is now the creative director at REWIND, a London based creative agency that specializes in virtuality reality. We discuss the future of virtual reality and the role it could have in spiritual development. But of course, technology comes with consequences. As Tom says, VR has the potential to cause PTSD and has the power to take it away. It’s up to us as individuals to decide how we want to use it. We crossed paths at the Ginger Man bar during the SXSW conference and the following conversation is what ensued. Connect with Tom @tomfenwicksmith Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter everyone is talking about at https://farminggod.org/

The progressive christian arena it scattered with the term, deconstruction. It’s often tossed around without any context. Just about every blogger, podcaster, or influencer speaking about “progressive Christianity” is using the term. For more on “deconstruction” in a theological context, I wrote an article and linked to a helpful video here on Farminggod.org . Having grown up in a rigid Christian setting in Oklahoma, Kayt Johnson (@KaytJohnson) entered the non profit world to pursue her calling. After a 2 year fast and a variety of missionary work, her Christian conviction became less certain. Kayt is now involved in a host of creative ventures. Possibly more valuable than her creative ability is her willingness to engage tough questions. And that is where this interview begins.

I crossed a shin deep river in west Texas and found myself in Mexico. This is the Mexican American border. See pictures of Boquillas, the Rio Grande, and my van by clicking here. 

I recently left my job to work on the Farming god podcast and farminggod.org full time. I have to admit, it’s a ridiculous leap. But it’s a risk that today’s guest is very familiar with. Too often spirituality gets quarantined in a small corner of our life, reserved for only specific moments.  What if this wasn’t the case and our daily work could be an adventure in itself?  Today I’m speaking with someone who embodies exactly this. Jasmin Rhia is a leader in America’s creative revolution. She runs the website, “I’d rather be rich not famous (https://idratherberichnotfamous.com)," dedicated to providing motivated individuals with tools to monetize their greatest passions. After speaking with her at South by Southwest, it’s obvious that the richness she discusses extends far beyond monetary wealth. Unedited, I turned on the recorder and let it roll. From the frontlines of the freelance lifestyle, Jasmine Rhia. We discuss: What are we talking about when we talk about spirituality. Transition from 9-5. To independent projects. Set schedule to setting your own. Jasmine’s 62 side hustles 21st century gig economy. How it’s different from our parents generation. Listening to advice Getting comfortable with the same group of friends vs. spontaneity. Challenges that come with freelancing. Finding a balance and staying grounded The inherent privilege that we (especially me) are benefactors of. (I think Jasmine was a little soft on my white privilege but we’ll come back to this later) Learn more about Jasmin at https://idratherberichnotfamous.com and on Twitter @Jasminrhia Subscribe to the Farming god newsletter that everyone is talking about. Music is by Tabah https://www.tabahsound.com/  

For the last 8 months I have been hammering on the pillars of Christianity in China. In between swings of the sledge, I began to turn the spot light upon myself, living in America. Today we’re going to explore Christianity in a historical context, not because this is a Christian podcast, but because in order to understand the Spiritual revolution happening in America, we need to start with Christianity. And you need to know where it’s taking us. Every 500 years Christianity feels the need to undergo a complete rummage sale. That which is no longer relevant is tossed out. This pillage doesn't stop at religion. It checks every aspect of society. As 2017 brings us to the 500 year anniversary of the protestant reformation, let's consider that we may be in the midst of a revolution.  I have jumped into doing this podcast thing full time. I don’t want your money. What would help is if you left an iTunes or Sticher review. Next week I’ll announce the names of anyone who leaves a rating. To leave a review on iTunes: Launch Apple's Podcast app. Tap the Search tab. Enter the name of the podcast you want to rate or review. Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right. Tap the album art for the podcast. Tap the Reviews tab. Tap Write a Review at the bottom. Enter your iTunes password to login. Tap the Stars to leave a rating. Enter title text and content to leave a review. Tap Send. If you want to learn more about the 500 year hinge periods, check out Phyllis Tickle's book, The Great Emergence: How christianity is changing and why Music by Tabah. They have a new album called Symmetry Somewhere. You can hear more on Tabahsound.com Thanks to my framily at the Duchess compound! Learn more at FarmingGod.org Sources:  The public religion research institute Phyllis Tickle  

Working on Parts 1, 2, and 3 of 'Christian China and the end of times' for the past 6 months has been a wild ride. After picking apart China's relationship with Christianity, I realized I should start asking the same questions of my country. The questions began rolling and there weren't any answers.  For Green Gate Farms and the barn they saved. 

Christian China, a distant mirror?

Chinese Children, a Beijing church, and the largest religious conversion the world has ever seen.

In part one of our "China's road to Jerusalem" series, we set the the stage for the inevitable collapse of the west as we know it.

For the past several months I have been covering the largest religious conversion the world has ever seen, Christianity in China. It is a story that is confusing yet oddly familiar, littered with corruption, persecution, perseverance, and a host of wild characters. Subscribe and rate Farming God on the iTunes podcast app. Sign up for the Farming God email list to be the first to know when the series airs. Episode 1 airs late November 2016. Music by Gramatik.