The We Want More Podcast

As 2021 (and Season 3 of the podcast) comes to a close, the entire We Want More Field Team, Bruce and Cindy Halsted, Kim Tingler, Sunni Jones and Ryan Burnham, reflect on how God has moved in the lives of so many this past year. They discuss favorite memories, events, and highlights of 2021, and offer a glimpse of what God has in store for 2022.

In this episode, Ryan and Kim continue the discussion around parenting with Bruce and Cindy Halstead (founders of We Want More). As a follow-up to the previous parenting podcast, this episode contains more practical tools, advice, and perspectives on how to connect with your child's heart, while also leaning in to what is happening in your heart as parents. The episode contains many references to recourses the team trusts and has utilized. Below is the full list of tools and resources:1    Daystar Ministries: daystarcounseling.com / raisingboysandgirls.com. They have Podcasts & Books including:    a    Intentional Parenting, Sissy Goff, David Thomas, Melissa Trevathan    b    Wild Things    c    Raising Girls    d    The Back Door to your Teen's Heart2.    AXIS – www.axis.org3.    Boundaries with Kids – Henry Cloud & John Townsend4.    Shepherding a Child's Heart – Tedd Tripp5.    Taming the Technology Monster, Sissy Goff6.    The Soul of Shame, Dr. Curt Thompson7.    Shame Interrupted, Dr. Ed Welch8.    Parenting with Love and Logic, Cline and Fay9.    Positive Parenting Solutions:  Amy McCready (positiveparentingsolutions.com)10.    Raising Resilient Children, R. Brooks

In this episode Ryan Burnham takes us through a meditation to help us to access the kind of hope that will meet our needs and sustain us in challenging circumstances. 

In this meditation Cindy walks us through a prayer for our children, and for ourselves – helping us to see our children as God sees them.

In this episode, Ryan and Kim discuss the topic of parenting with Bruce Halsted, a founder of We Want more, and a father of 3 adult children. Together, they discuss their personal challenges of parenting, noting that so often troubles can stem from the reality that we are broken as parents and are faced with complexity in our own hearts and souls as we try to relate to our children. We hope this discussion offers an authentic view of parenting, but also offers encouragement and hope by sharing tools and perspectives that can lead to connecting with your children and growing in your role as parents – something that starts by connecting our own hearts to that of our Heavenly Father. 

Ryan Burnham and Kim Tingler have a conversation with Ben Valentine, the Pastor of Trinity Church, in what happens to be the first podcast of his career. In this episode, we hear a bit of Ben's spiritual journey and have a discussion about how to hear the voice of God and be led by his Spirit. Ben shares the story of his spiritual upbringing, his struggles with faith and belief along the way, impactful moments that changed and influenced his life growing up, and how he recognized God's call to ministry gradually over time. His life's journey embodies the truth that God is always speaking, but we are not always listening. And how do we hear the voice of God? Ben talks about starting each day by asking God what he has for us today, and by asking the Holy Spirit to speak to us and show us. This awareness makes it easier to recognize what God is doing and saying. Ben discusses the many different ways we can be led by the Spirit, and several areas of hindrance that may prevent us from hearing the voice of God. We hope you will be inspired by Ben's heart for God, his passion for what God is doing in him for the Kingdom, and that through his story you will see and understand the ever-present love of the Father.

In this episode, Ryan Burnham guides us through a meditation focusing on our walk with God. We are invited to set our minds on everything God has made available to us, to see the amazing life we have access to, the door we are spiritually invited to walk through each and every day. This is a time to set aside the lies and focus on the truth of who God is, to see the goodness of God, and to view ourselves and the world around us through that lens. May this be an opportunity to recognize God's presence and to lean into his voice; to be filled with His perfect peace that passes all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  

Ryan Burnham and Kim Tingler interview Stephen Gilbert, a dear friend, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, ordained minister, gifted communicator, and a ministry partner at We Want More. In this episode Steve, Ryan and Kim explore the topic of connection in relationships as well as the many coping mechanisms we so often use when we feel disconnected. We were all created by God to be connected in relationships, to have intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy with others. Yet, there is so much pain and brokenness in this world and within each of us that tries to come against and hurt the authentic connections in our closest relationships. This has been of particular significance within the past year and a half, and Steve offers a unique and powerful perspective having been on the front lines with so many amid their deepest pain and disconnect. Steve discusses our tendency to fixate on ourselves and gaze at our own pain, and in so doing obscure our ability to see others and their pain. He also describes the “swords” we so often pick up to cope, to forge ahead in life, to make sense of our situations — addiction, anger, and self pity to name a few — which are intended to protect us yet so often cause harm to ourselves and others.  We hope you be inspired by this deep dive with Steve into the importance of connection and how we can move toward deeper and fuller relationships even in the midst of pain and brokenness. 

In this episode, Ryan Burnham leads us through a meditation on peace in the midst of the storm within us and around us. The hope and goal of this meditation is provide a tool we can use when we're under pressure or stress, to take a moment and reflect on our circumstances and on the presence of God in our lives.  We so often view God through the lens of our circumstances; we may feel He is angry with us or against us when things are difficult, whereas we are blessed and God is for us when life is going well. This meditation offers a time to wrestle with life's circumstances and Jesus's presence in the midst of them. It is a time to engage with God, to be drawn into his presence and invitation to a deeper place of connection and intimacy with Him, even in the midst of life's challenges.  

In this meditation, Ryan guides listeners on the theme of belief, not just in terms of the belief in our good and loving God, but also the belief in ourselves. As sons and daughters of God, by reflecting on where our beliefs are currently rooted and which voices we're listening to, we are reminded of how God sees us and His truth that penetrates the deepest places in our hearts which, in turn, provides a secure foundation on which our identities can firmly rest. 

Kim Tingler and Cindy Halstead interview Rosie Curtis, a dear friend, a sister in Christ, an artist, a wife, a mother to three children, a volunteer leader at We Want More, and so much more. In this episode, Rosie shares her powerful life story, which reminds us that with a deep belief in God's promises, anything can happen. Rosie was born without her lower arms, but her physical disability has only served to fuel a steadfast determination and pursuit of greatness in the Lord.  Her faith and belief in God were instilled in her from a young age, and she has always known He has a purpose for her life.  Rosie's confidence and security in her identity in Christ is truly an inspiration. We hope you will be encouraged by this powerful message and reminder that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God has a beautiful plan for each of our lives. 

In this meditation, Ryan Burnham focuses on the issue of anger.  He guides listeners through the process of recognizing how we respond to anger, understanding the ways in which we have been hurt or broken as a result of someone else's anger, and inviting Jesus into our journey of healing and forgiveness. Jesus allows us to have empathy towards ourselves and those around us, to begin to heal places inside of us that are broken through anger, and to seek forgiveness for the times we have hurt others. 

In this episode, Kim Tingler and Cindy Halsted interview David and Jean Park, close friends of the ministry and leaders at We Want More, who have recently gone through some major life changes. The Parks share their story around identity and worth as individuals, as a couple, and now as parents. They reflect on their childhoods, their relationships with their own parents, and the intense pressure to perform and please others. They openly discuss their patterns of dealing with pain through escape, and the impacts of this on their marriage and their parenting. Through a fallout from years of bottled up emotions leaking out, God leads them on an incredible journey to fight for the truth of who they are in Him… a journey of seeking emotional health and spiritual health that was akin to being born again, again. Hearing the ways that Jean and David vulnerably dive into emotional health, a topic that is not always easy to face, is truly an inspiration, and we hope you will be touched by God through listening to their story.  

In this first episode of Season 3, Kim Tingler and Ryan Burnham welcome Cindy Halstead back to the studio after time away due to the loss of both of her parents. Cindy is back!!  A joyful reunion in The Morehouse, where most of Season 3 is being recorded, gives way to an impactful and moving story of Cindy's journey through grief over the past 18 months. Cindy dives into the importance of grief and the necessity of voluntarily entering into the pain, the willingness to feel the pain, before healing and restoration can begin. God calls us into our grief, as he did so many times in the Bible, and He is the one who carries us through. This episode is of particular relevance amid the enormity of pain and loss in our world today.  We hope the insights gained in this episode will help you navigate any grief in your own life and help you experience God in the midst of your pain.

In this episode, Ryan Burnham leads us through a meditation focusing on our Heavenly Father.  The imprint of an earthly father has been left on us all, albeit positive or negative, and is the starting point for our concept of a father.  It also greatly impacts our self image and tends to drive broken narratives by which we so often live. Jesus invites us to be part of the family of God, finding our place in connection and relationship with the perfect Heavenly Father, where we can see ourselves more clearly through the eyes of Jesus.  And where we can receive a love that is freely given, no strings attached, no judgement, and view ourselves as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.  

Ryan Burnham and Kim Tingler interview very special guest Steve Gilbert. Steve is a therapist at Greenwich Center for Hope and Renewal, an ordained pastor, and an Associate Staff member at We Want More. In this episode, Steve shares a bit of his own story, of his personal transformation and growth as he came to know the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and how this has influenced his practice as a therapist. True freedom is found in our surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead in our lives and draw us into a deeper relationship with God in the midst of our brokenness. In this especially difficult season of Covid and living amidst its unique challenges, Steve shares some of his experience with how people are struggling and coping. He also offers wisdom on how we may move out of this season into a season of growth and healing.

In this episode, Ryan Burnham and Kim Tingler interview Audra Kruk, a valued team member and WWM's Chef extraordinaire. Audra's culinary gifts add life, connection, and impactful moments around the table during WWM retreat weekends. In this episode, Audra dives into her personal story and faith journey, how she got into cooking, the deeper purpose she finds in preparing and serving meals to others, and her soul connection with food that developed beginning in her early childhood. As we often see in Jesus's ministry, mealtime can represent a time of gathering, connection, closeness, an expression of love, an invitation that communicates relationship and safety. May Audra's story serve as inspiration and encouragement to come to the table and receive what God so longs to give.

In this meditation, Ryan Burnham leads us in a time of reflection on God's relational capacity and His desire to connect with us. He prepares a table before us and invites us into a sacred space for deeper connection and community with Jesus. May this meditation be an opportunity to pause and be mindful of His presence and His invitation into deeper relationship.

In this episode, Kim Tingler interviews Ryan Burnham, host of the WWM podcast and a Founder of WWM.  During this interview Ryan shares wisdom and insight on the topic of forgiveness focusing on misconceptions, obstacles and ways to walk it out in health. Through Ryan's own experiences they explore how forgiveness can be both challenging and freeing. We hope that as you listen you will also be inspired to step into the freedom that comes from forgiveness.

Ryan Burnham guides us through a time of reflection on forgiveness. As we journey into the heart of God, experiencing who He is, the way He sees us and loves us, we can begin to feel the freedom and joy of seeing people in our lives through His eyes and the lens of His forgiveness. 

In this episode, Ryan and Kim invite Karin Manton, a dear friend and Associate Staff member of We Want More, into the studio to explore the topic of parenting. Karin offers her personal experience with being a parent, as well as some of the successes and challenges she has encountered throughout her journey. We hope this discussion offers current and future parents an opportunity to not only identify with and relate to many of the ups and downs of parenting, but also hope, encouragement and love for your children as demonstrated best by our Heavenly Father.

In this episode, Ryan Burnham takes us through a time of focus on something near and dear to many of our listeners — parenting. To view parenting in the lens of Christ challenges us to look at our own pasts and brokenness, only to discover that parenting is often just as much about us (or more) than it is about our children. 

In this episode, we explore the topic of purpose with Crista Matthew, a close friend and gifted life coach. Through sharing a small part of her story, Crista walks us through the intentionality of God in each of our lives and offers an invitation to step into our purpose, rooted in our identity in Christ. 

Ryan Burnham guides us through a time to reflect on purpose. As we focus in on our identity in Christ, we begin to find ourselves and to understand why each of us were made as unique individuals. It's not about us or our performance, but rather about Him and the joy of being able to love well. How amazing that we all get to play a part in God's family, with confidence, knowing he has a specific role for each of us.

In this powerful episode, Ryan Burnham interviews Reverend Gary Morello, Designated Pastor of Noroton Presbyterian Church and dear friend of We Want More. Gary takes a deep dive into his personal story of an unhealthy family system, struggles with addiction, and hitting rock bottom, which ultimately led him to Christ. Gary and Ryan also discuss the challenges of facing our brokenness, doing the hard work necessary to heal and to sustain (even thrive in) relationships, and the power in finding freedom in Christ. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

In this meditation, Ryan Burnham leads us in a time focused on finding freedom in our lives, true freedom that only Christ can provide.

Join Ryan Burnham, Co-Director of We Want More, to explore the topic of performance —the place where we attempt to achieve an image or identity apart from the inner world where God intended us to find our value and worth. Whose voice(s) are you listening to and giving weight to in your life?

In this first episode of Season 2, Kim Tingler, Managing Director of We Want More, shares her personal journey from a performance-driven existence in corporate America to a life of service and ministry as a daughter of the living God.  Her longing to belong ultimately led to her surrender, healing and transformation in Christ. Learn how Kim's past and present alike have impacted her career, her family, and her faith. 

Join Ryan, Bruce, and Kim as they look back at the difficult year of 2020. We hope this gives you some insight into what our year has looked like as a ministry and helps you process through your last year. 

In this meditation,  Ryan Burnham takes us through a process of releasing the fear that often inhibits our journey in life. 

Ryan and Laura talk about the joy she found in stepping out publicly with her creative passion and gifts. She has used it to bless countless lives in more ways than one!

If you need to release some things you've been holding against yourself then take the time to listen and engage with this guided prayer time. 

Releasing Prayer is a guided prayer time that is often used as a ministry tool by the team at We Want More. This is the story of how it came to be.

Cindy Halsted and Ryan Burnham interview Isabel Packevicz as she shares the story of losing her dad and together they explore the process of grieving.

In this meditation,  Ryan Burnham takes us in the truth that God wants to make us his dwelling place despite having a broken concept of what we call home.

One of our key values at the More House is to host with excellence. In this episode Cindy Halsted shares her tips and wisdom around creating environments where people can feel seen, known and loved.

In this recalibrate, Bruce Halsted leads us in a time of focusing on God's love in order to create peace in our own lives.

Bruce Halsted, a founder of We Want More, shares his personal story and gives insight to how God took him on a journey from his head to his heart.

Bruce Halsted started a midday moment of reflection called "Recalibrate". It was created in the midst of Covid-quarantine as a lifeline to stay connected to God's heart in the midst of isolation. We captured the meditations he wrote so you can always have a way to recalibrate your heart if needed.  

As we constantly are bombarded by the message “Be happy at all costs” Isabel reminds us of the need to lament.

Culture wants us to be defined by what we have and what we do, but Ryan helps uncover a deeper place of identity in relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Laura Pflug recounts the moments God started awakening her heart to more. There were key moments that changed the direction of her life and she shares how that led to a change in her whole family. 

The More House has a story of its own. Listen to the discovery, spiritual battle and process of the place We Want More calls home and where people come to experience God's presence.

Ryan Burnham, a founder of We Want More, shares his journey of faith and the obstacles he faced along the way. 

Cindy Halsted, a founder of We Want More shares her journey through depression, isolation, and heartache into discovering more of God and more of life.

Welcome to The We Want More Podcast. We hope you enjoy!