Toward Wholeness Podcast

What comes to mind when you hear the word "exercise"? For some, it conjures up feelings of shame or guilt; for others, it has become a form of idolatry. Today, our host Richard Dahlstrom and his special guest, Dr. Kevin Rindal, talk about the beautiful gift physical activity can be and how to see movement as an act of spiritual formation. Dr. Kevin Rindal, DC is the CEO and Co-Founder of Vimocity, a workforce safety platform that focuses on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Prior to founding Vimocity, Dr. Rindal spent 15 years working with professional athletes in his clinic and also served as a member of the Sports Medicine Staff for the US Olympic Swim Team for ten years (2009-2019). 

How is the health of your cardiovascular system directly related to spiritual and physical practices? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he dives into the world of heart-health with cardiologist Dr. Bob Swenson. Dr. Swenson is a recently retired cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. He did his cardiovascular and EP training at the University of Washington and was in clinical practice at the Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wa for 32 years. Bob and his wife Peggy have been married 48 years and have 3 sons, Jacob, Nick, and Luke.  Bob is an avid hiker and outdoors person.   During his undergraduate education Bob met two cardiologists and began working in the cardiac catheterization lab and doing clinical research in cardiovascular disease. The heart's identification as a person's life force and the home of one's spirit drew Bob into the practice of cardiology.

Many people struggle in their relationship with what they eat—leading to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, obesity, and eating disorders. As we seek wholeness, what part does food play in our pursuit? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he discusses this critical subject with nutritionist and wellness expert, Lisa Fligor.  Lisa is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA. She holds a Master's Degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University in Washington State. She also completed the Chef's Training Program at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York City. She is a faculty member at University of Nevada, Reno, working at the Wellness and Weight Management Clinic. Lisa is passionate about real food and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. For over 20 years, Lisa has been providing nutritional counseling to groups and individuals using a comprehensive approach to healthy living that incorporates nutritional science.  Her areas of expertise include sustainable weight loss, health supportive cooking, mindful eating, diabetes management, heart health, sports nutrition, and digestive health. She lives in Truckee with her husband, and three children. She loves to hike, run, bike and ski. Lisa takes full advantage of the Tahoe lifestyle, getting outside whenever possible.

All of us want lives full of purpose, value, and joy, but we often don't know how to uncover those pieces of our story to find the life for which we were created. Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he speaks with Megan Dobrasz and Kendy Easley discussing how "design thinking" can help us create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling—regardless of who or where we are, what we do or have done for a living, or how young or old we are. Megan Dobrasz and Kendy Easley are certified facilitator coaches for Designing Your Life. Designing Your Life (DYL) is a New York Times best-selling book that utilizes exercises to give others a sense of structure in their lives. These creative and thought-provoking exercises allow the participant to reflect on their life and determine what they should do with their future so they can then generate a road map and plan how to accomplish their goals.  Megan and Kendy lead DYL classes at Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA, throughout the year. If you're interested in DYL, email Megan or find out more online. 

All of us are made with unique gifts—ultimately so we can bless the world. But how can we discover our gifts and lean into our calling? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he talks with John Carrington, the Principal Harpist with the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, the Bellevue Philharmonic and the Auburn Symphony.  Seattle native John Carrington appears regularly with the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera where he was Guest Principal Harpist for several seasons. He performs with the Fifth Avenue Theatre Orchestra and has worked as solo harpist on Cunard Line's "Queen Elizabeth 2" performing for its World Cruise on six continents John's classical background includes performances with such conductors as Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Leonard Slatkin, Gerard Schwarz, Asher Fisch and John Rutter. His popular music experience is equally notable, as he has shared the stage with Tony Bennett, José Carreras, Josh Groban, Olivia Newton-John, Rita Moreno, Doc Severinsen, and James Taylor, to name a few. In addition, John is a sought-after recording artist, participating in over 200 motion picture soundtracks and including “Mr. Holland's Opus”, “The Wedding Planner,” and several Disney and Hallmark Hall of Fame productions. He's also performed on video game soundtracks including "Halo" and "World of Warcraft." He received his Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music after earning his Bachelor of Music from the University of Washington.

Join Richard Dahlstrom for a special interview with Nick Sweeney, Director at Kyiv Christian Academy in Ukraine. Nick gives offers insight into what it means to seek wholeness amidst wartime as the world directs their attention and prayers toward Ukraine and Russia. Mr. Sweeney is an experienced educator and school leader who has worked as a teacher and at all levels of school administration and leadership. Before Nick's recent service as a consultant for Providence Global Academy, he served as Superintendent of Gateway Christian Schools (Washington). Prior to GCS, he was the Superintendent of Arrowhead Christian Academy and Redlands Christian School (California). Nick has been connected with and ministered in Ukraine for many years, coordinating a missionary endeavor from 1993 through 2017. 

Kevin East is the President & CEO of Mentoring Alliance, a Christ-centered, intentionally multiethnic ministry that mobilizes Godly people into the lives of kids and families, to provide tangible help and eternal hope. Kevin and his wife, Stephanie, are the proud parents of five children—two of them began as foster children, but God allowed them the great opportunity to adopt them in the fall of 2012. He and his wife share a strong passion for families living out the mission of God. Kevin is a graduate of Louisiana State University and completed his Master of Arts in Global Leadership through Fuller Seminary.  For articles, podcast, and other resources, visit Kevin's website Follow to Lead.

Amidst all of the pain each of us suffers in various seasons, plus the onslaught of "bad news" we see in our world each day—it can be extremely challenging to find any glimmer of hope. Join host Richard Dahlstrom and guests Kim Hurst and Nathan Nelson as they discuss practical ways we can take steps toward hope and wholeness. Kim Hurst is the Northwest Director of Strategic Partnerships at World Relief. World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world's greatest problems by partnering with local churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing, and transformation to the most vulnerable. In her role, Kim has the opportunity to discover and strengthen connections in which partners encourage, equip, and empower one another through God's love. She holds a B.A. from the University of Washington in Society and Justice, and an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Cross-Cultural Studies. Nathan Nelson is the Pastor of Mission & Outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA. He has years of experience working in local and global church-based community development and is passionate about unifying local churches to be agents of holistic transformation in their communities. Previously, he worked in refugee resettlement with World Relief and provided support for reuniting families from Central America. He holds a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in International Development & Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Arts in Global Development and Sociology from Seattle Pacific University. He calls the Pacific Northwest home and lives every day in gratitude and admiration for his beloved wife Maci.

Alcohol, overeating, pornography, drug abuse—how can one break free from the strongholds of addiction? Join host Richard Dahlstrom and his guest, Steven Ginsburg, as they discuss Steven's incredible road to recovery from alcoholism, to now dedicating his life to helping others break free from addiction. Steven has been in and around recovery and sobriety since 1988. He coaches business leaders, educators, and families to healthier habits and rewarding results. He is currently the founding principal owner and C.E.O. at Restore Detox Center, a 24-hour treatment facility in southern California, that provides detoxification services and residential treatment for people seeking to restore their lives. Since his recovery, he also founded CurePro and serves as a personal coach and aftercare specialist helping addicts turn their lives around. Additionally, you purchase Steven's new book Filling the Void on his website.

With so much pressure to find work you're "passionate about" these days—what does the process of discernment actually look like? Join host Richard Dahlstrom and the co-founder of the Taproot Theatre Company, Scott Nolte, as they discuss how Scott found his calling and sustained it for over 40 years. Scott is the co-founder and former Producing Artistic Director Taproot Theatre Company until retiring after 44 years at the end of 2020. Over the course of 40 years he directed over 200 main stage and touring productions and oversaw the artistic development of Taproot's programs and mission. Scott has also served on the board or as an advisor to many arts and nonprofit organizations. As a teacher, he was an adjunct professor at the Eduardo Turral Cultural Association (Leon, Spain) and Seattle Pacific University's School of Fine and Performing Arts.  Scott and his wife (and fellow TTC founder) Pamela Nolte were named Alumni of the Year by Seattle Pacific University in 2011. The Noltes are both second-generation Seattleites, and have two adult children.  In 2018 Scott hiked 800 kms on the Santiago de Compostela in Spain—which you can read about online. And if you're in the Greater Puget Sound Region, you can join Richard and Bethany Community Church on an Ancient Paths trip in the Summer of 2021. These trips provide opportunities to help discern your calling and next steps in life. Find out more online.

How does one pursue wholeness after receiving life-altering news? Host Richard Dahlstrom speaks with longtime friends Tim & Alicia Nygard as they discuss what they've learned since Tim's stage 4 cancer diagnosis.   

In a world full of busy schedules, distractions, and endless entertainment options—how can we break away to connect with God in deeper ways? In this episode, host Richard Dahlstrom is joined by Professor of Clinical Psychology Dr. Thane Erickson as they discuss Thane's personal experience on a life-changing Ancient Paths trip. Find out more about the Ancient Paths wilderness experience and how you can join an upcoming trip: SpiritSoulBody.org

How we can find a path forward in such a time of polarization? Join hosts Richard Dahlstrom and Abby Odio as they interview Pastor, author, and president of Fuller Theological Seminary, Mark Labberton. Mark Labberton was named the fifth president of Fuller Seminary in 2013, after four years as Fuller's Lloyd John Ogilvie Associate Professor of Preaching and director of the Ogilvie Institute of Preaching. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he served in pastoral roles for 30 years prior to coming to Fuller, most recently as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California, for 16 years. He also has served as cofounder of the Christian International Scholarship Foundation (now ScholarLeaders International), chair of John Stott Ministries, senior fellow of International Justice Mission, and in a number of other roles of service. He holds an MDiv from Fuller and a PhD in Theology from Cambridge University. Labberton is committed to strengthening the intersection of the academy, church, and culture, and brings to his presidency a deep desire to enact justice, love, and grace on both a global and local level. A popular speaker at churches, conferences, educational institutions, and other contexts, he often uses these talks to reflect on what it means to act biblically in challenging, often divisive cultural times. On his podcast Conversing, he further explores a broad range of topics—civility, race, suffering, gender equality, storytelling, and many others—with a diversity of guests. Books Labberton has written include Called: The Crisis and Promise of Following Jesus Today, The Dangerous Act of Loving Your Neighbor: Seeing Others Through the Eyes of Jesus, and The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice. Most recently he served as editor for the book Still Evangelical? Insiders Reconsider Political, Social, and Theological Meaning, a collection of essays on the meaning of evangelicalism in a contentious era. Serving as president during a time of significant upheaval in theological education, Labberton has worked to help Fuller shape new, fruitful ways of carrying out its mission of “forming global leaders for kingdom vocations.” Through such endeavors as the Fuller Leadership Platform, FULLER studio, innovative forms of online instruction, strengthening traditional degree programs, and a campus move, he is leading Fuller in a process that will design the path ahead for seminary education.

In an overwhelmingly transient society, being committed to meaningful relationships and endeavors is perhaps more significant now than ever. But how can we remain committed in healthy and transformative ways? Join host Abby Odio for a special interview with Spirit, Soul, Body co-founders Richard and Donna Dahlstrom—as they discuss their 41 years of marriage and 25 years pastoring at Bethany Community Church.  Learn more about Richard and Donna's life, work, and ministry at spiritsoulbody.org.

The season of Lent helps us slow down, soften, and grow as we turn toward Christ—but what role does God's creation play in the process? Join host Abby Odio as she interviews author Gayle Boss discussing her beautiful book about Lent titled "Wild Hope." Learn more about Gayle and her work at her website.

How can a follower of Christ see other religions through a Biblical lens? Join host Abby Odio as she interviews Dr. Diana Keuss and dig deeper into her extensive experience, study, and teaching on World Religions. Dr. Keuss is an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University where she teaches courses in World Religions and the History of Asian Religious Tradition. After earning her Bachelor's degree in English and Masters in Education, she went on to receive a PhD, with a dissertation focused on the way of 'thinking-doing' in the Buddhist religious tradition in Japan and India. Dr. Keuss volunteers with World Relief, an organization that helps to resettle refugees in the greater Seattle area.

In a time when outrage seems to permeate every corner of our society, how can we have Kingdom-minded conversations that lead to wholeness? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he interviews Shelton Oakley Hersey and Bev Emerson, both serving as Spiritual Directors at the Nuos Formation. Shelton Oakley Hersey has sought out, participated, and facilitated spaces working toward holistic development of people and systems over the past decade. She has experience in diverse contexts, from low income neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Fuller Theological Seminary, where Shelton obtained a Masters in Intercultural Studies, to South Africa townships, and the multi-ethnic church of America. In Boston, Shelton serves as the Program Director for the Dignity Project and a consultant with the Race and Christian Community Initiative, both of which are about creating thoughtful spaces of personal identity development designed to build bridges individually and systemically between those who are divided across differences of race, religion, economics, social ideologies, and geography.  Bev Emerson works with individuals, helping them to develop a deeper relationship with God and also with nonprofits and corporations, assisting them in creating healthy, sustainable cultures by providing management coaching and corporate chaplaincy. She regularly leads workshops and retreats, facilitating space for individuals to encounter their deepest longings and gain clarity around the invitation that God has for them in their current journey. Having spent most of her life living with loved ones who hold different political and religious perspectives, she has a special passion around facilitating difficult conversations that result in deeper intimacy. For 30 years she has used these relational skills along with her BS in Food Science, and MBA to help brands bring healthy, innovative food products to retail. As founder of Olive Tree Product Development, she continues this work, as well as offering leadership formation services.  

Is "the love of money" truly the greatest barrier in our path toward wholeness? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he interviews author, speaker, and founder of Gospel Patrons John Rinehart. John is the author of two books, Gospel Patrons and Giving Together, he speaks at conferences and events around the world, and is passionate about helping people develop a robust faith in Jesus and a clear vision of their purpose and calling in God's Kingdom. He and his wife Renée have two children and live in Orange County, California.

How can we face the darkest seasons of our lives in ways that honor God and His creation? Join hosts Richard Dahlstrom and Abby Odio as they interview author Gayle Boss discussing her fascinating book about Advent titled "All Creation Waits." Learn more about Gayle and her work at her website.

What does it look like to live communally and why is it relevant today? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he interviews teacher, pastor, and author Charles Moore discussing his experiences living in a Bruderhof Community.   Charles, with his wife, lives in a Bruderhof Hous Community in Denver, Colorado. A former professor of philosophy, Charles is a teacher, pastor, and a contributing editor and author for Plough Publishing. He is co-editor of the Blumhardt Source Series, and his published works include Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People, Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard, and Everyone Belongs to God, a collection of writings by Christoph Blumhardt on gospel witness. Charles regularly blogs, and his book on the Sermon on the Mount will be coming out in Fall, 2021. Charles is actively involved  with the Nurturing Communities Network, and he enjoys playing with children, hiking in the mountains, and making friends with those on the margins of society.

What does it mean to be called to a completely new way of living? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he interviews teacher, pastor, and author Charles Moore about his decision to follow God's calling on his life to live in a Bruderhof Community.   Charles, with his wife, lives in a Bruderhof Hous Community in Denver, Colorado. A former professor of philosophy, Charles is a teacher, pastor, and a contributing editor and author for Plough Publishing. He is co-editor of the Blumhardt Source Series, and his published works include Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People, Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard, and Everyone Belongs to God, a collection of writings by Christoph Blumhardt on gospel witness. Charles regularly blogs, and his book on the Sermon on the Mount will be coming out in Fall, 2021. Charles is actively involved  with the Nurturing Communities Network, and he enjoys playing with children, hiking in the mountains, and making friends with those on the margins of society.

What does it look like to build your life and business around second chances, restoration, and reintegration? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he interviews business owner and non-profit founder Amy King. Amy is the owner and CEO of Pallet, a Seattle based Social Purpose Corporation striving to improve people's lives while also being a successful and profitable company. They are second-chance friendly; hiring and investing in people actively engaged in recovery and reintegration. She and her husband, Brady King, also started Square Peg Development in 2014 which led them to hire previously incarcerated individuals. As they heard the stories and struggles of their employees, they became passionate about removing barriers to re-entry and sought to provide an opportunity for more individuals in transition. In 2016, they founded Weld Seattle, a non-profit corporation geared toward removing barriers to employment, housing and supportive community for individuals actively engaged in re-entry. Amy has a degree in Psychology and spent most of her career in Healthcare Administration, with a focus on managing large surgical practices. This business experience prepared her for the opportunity of owning and operating her current companies while fulfilling her dream of working for a company that is both people focused and profitable.

Can grief and lament be a good thing in our lives? Join host Richard Dahlstrom and his guest, Pastor and friend Dave Burns, as they discuss the importance of "grieving well" in the midst of severe loss.  Dave is the Director of Adult Ministries at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center in California. Prior to joining the Mount Hermon team in 2006, he was in pastoral ministry as a Worship Pastor and Men's Ministry Pastor for 17 years.  

What are young adults looking for in a church? Why are young adults seemingly leaving the church at higher rates than previous generations? Join host Richard Dahlstrom and he discusses these questions with author, professor, and theologian Dr. Jeff Keuss. In addition to being the Professor of Christian Ministry, Theology, and Culture at Seattle Pacific University, and an ordained PCUSA minister, Jeff is also the Executive Director of Pivot Northwest. Pivot Northwest identifies local PNW faith communities to work with, helping them better understand the experiences of young adults and working with them to design, launch, and evaluate new ministries. Find out more about the incredible work Pivot Northwest is doing online. 

All of us have a calling in life, but it can be difficult, even discouraging, to discover it. Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he discusses the vital subject of "calling" with the AV Preeminent Lawyer and founder of Agros International Chi-Dooh "Skip" Li. Early in his career, Skip was deeply involved in politics, and from 1973 to 1976 served as legal counsel to Washington Governor Dan Evans. After that experience, Skip returned to Seattle, WA, and founded the ELM Law Firm in January 1977, intent on building a first-class law firm made up of men and women who cared deeply about clients, each other, and their city. Li also founded Agros International in 1984 to help break the cycle of poverty and create paths to prosperity for farming families in rural Latin America. You can find out more about Agros at agros.org.

What does it really mean to grow in Christ? Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he discusses "an evolving faith" with Pastor and Bible professor Rob Whittaker. Rob served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Christian Fellowship, a church he and his wife planted in 1974 in Lostock Hall, a small mill town to the south of Preston. In 1998 Rob joined the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers and in 2001 became Principal of Capernwray Bible School. Rob officially “retired” in June 2017, but preaches extensively throughout Europe in churches, Bible schools and conferences, and his travels have taken him on numerous occasions to Australia, Canada, and the U.S. He and his wife Barbara have two children, Zoe and Abi. They also have two delightful grandchildren, Evie and Will, who regularly mentor them without even realizing it! Find more of Rob's teachings on Capernwray's YouTube Channel.

Rick Newell is the founder of Mentoring Urban Students and Teens (MUST), a professional mentoring organization dedicated to serving young black males in Seattle, WA. MUST believes that in most cases black youth are best served by positive black role models. MUST hires and professionally trains black male college students to mentor black youth truly vulnerable to dropping out of high school and/or becoming involved with the justice system. Prior to working at MUST, Rick worked 7 years at an inner-city Boys & Girls Club after walking away from a promising career in technology. Rick and his wife, Rebecca, both work full time for MUST and live in the Rainier Valley. They have four sons and are educating their kids with a combo of public school and home school. The Newells attend Evergreen Covenant Church. Rick is also a Rotarian with the Mercer Island Rotary Club. Find out more about MUST at  www.mentoringisamust.org.

How can we practice civility while holding onto our convictions in such a hostile and divided world? Join hosts Richard Dahlstrom and Abby Odio as they interview Dr. Richard Mouw, Professor of Faith and Public Life at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Mouw served as school president at Fuller Theological Seminary for twenty years, he earned his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago, and before joining the Fuller faculty in 1985, he taught philosophy at Calvin College for seventeen years. Dr. Mouw has written numerous books, including Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World, and most recently, Restless Faith. He serves on the boards of Dordt University and Biologos.

Join host Richard Dahlstrom and Biochemist, professor, and author Dr. Ben McFarland as they discuss the ways science can point us to a deeper understanding of God. For more information about Dr. McFarland, subscribe to his YouTube channel where he covers recent topics on science and faith.

Questions like "why am I here?" or "what is the purpose of my life?" can be challenging to navigate. Hosts Richard Dahlstrom and Abby Odio interview pastor, wife, mother, and Design Your Life Coach Kendy Easley discussing ways to find the life you were created to live.

Jim Wellman, prolific author, and professor at the University of Washington's "Jackson School of International Studies" talks about the surprisingly positive discoveries he made about Megachurches in America, and what those discoveries might mean as we seek to live purposeful lives.

While raising children brings great joy to the parents, it can be overwhelming and discouraging—especially during a global pandemic. Join host Richard Dahlstrom as he interviews writer, dietitian, wife, and mom Kelsie Crozier as they discuss the challenges of finding wholeness amidst major disruptions at home. For more about Kelsie, including wonderful recipes and encouraging parenting tips and practices, visit kelsieskitchen.com. 

Up until the very recent history of humankind, breaking free from the regular demands of everyday life for a focused experience in the wild was a normal part of being human. Such times are profoundly transformative. Host Richard Dahlstrom discusses with guest John Wayne Seitzler about a new “Ancient Paths” offering that meets this deep need, and how spirit, soul, and body wholeness is pursued by these experiences, which are common throughout the Biblical story.  

Hope, healing, and wholeness: all essential elements to fully live into the life for which we were created. Amidst crisis, however, these characteristics are difficult to find—in our own lives, and in the world around us. In this episode, Richard Dahlstrom and Abby Odio navigate what moving toward wholeness looks like in the middle of this season of isolation and loss.