Podcasts about Andover Newton Theological School

Show Notes: Patrick Jackson talks about growing up in his great-grandparents' home in an unincorporated area of Shelby County, where he had no indoor plumbing until age 10. That home, where he lived with his mother and three brothers, was his formative space before going to Harvard. Patrick was initially considering medical school. However, he decided to pursue politics, inspired by an experience he had as a junior in high school working as a U.S. House Page on Capitol Hill. Becoming a Page in the U.S. House of Representatives Patrick believes that God opened a door for him to become a Page through his freshman football and track coach, Mac Hawkins, a government  and civics teacher and Bartlett High School, who became like a surrogate father to him. In 1985 Coach Hawkins found out about an opportunity to become a page through then-Congressman Don Sunquist, who was looking to appoint a promising high school student. Patrick's experience with the Page Program highlights the importance of faith, connections, and the support of family and friends. In this conversation, Patrick discusses his experience as a page in the House of Representatives and the impact it had on his life. He recalls the experience as transformative and fueled him to pursue a career in government. Patrick ended up concentrating in Government at Harvard. Working in Politics After graduation from Harvard, Patrick landed an internship with the Small Business Administration, an opportunity that helped him gain experience and broaden his horizons. Patrick also mentions that he had a temporary spot with Congresswoman Barbara Boxer, who was running for the US Senate at the time. He was invited to work as a legislative correspondent in the Senate office, answering constituent letters and handling constituent calls. However, he wanted to move up quickly and take on more responsibility, so he left Senator Boxer's office and worked for Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez from New York. One significant experience he had there was witnessing Congresswoman Velazquez testify during the healthcare debate about privacy. He had to help write her testimony, which was a tough day but a good day because it helped many people. Patrick acknowledges that this incident did not directly lead to the enactment of the HIPAA law, but it helped with the debate about privacy and HIPAA, adding to the chorus of voices calling for the law to be made and enacted. In 1995, Patrick left Congresswoman Velazquez' office and worked for the late Julian Dixon, a California member of Congress who served as a senior Democrat on Appropriations Committee. He learned a lot from his time there, including the importance of strong relationships across the aisle. Dixon was part of a tight California delegation that worked together to get things done for the state, including medical research funding for top universities and public hospital systems. Patrick also owes a lot to Tracy Holmes, his Chief of Staff, who was skilled in working with people and helping them succeed. Law School and Study Abroad Patrick discusses his experiences in law school and his study abroad experience.  Though he initially planned to work for just two years before law school, he did not enter law school until 1998, when he began at the University of Wisconsin law school in Madison.  While in law school Patricj participated in a law school exchange program at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. There Patrick lived in a student house with other international students and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the square area. He learned about European legal systems through the international comparative comparative law program at the University of Wisconsin.  After law school, he was offered a job after graduation in Columbus, Ohio. He worked as a firm there for a few years but realized that it wasn't what he wanted to spend the rest of his life doing and left the firm at the end of 2005. From Law to the Seminary Patrick left Columbus, Ohio, in 2007, returning to his home in Tennessee to work briefly as a substitute teacher in the Shelby County school system. In 2008 he left Tennessee to return to D.C. to work for United Way of America as a federal lobbyist, covering national issues like the 211 information system and the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. He met his wife in 2006 while still in Columbus, Ohio, and they became friends and stayed in touch even long distance. In 2010, they decided to move their relationship forward and got married. He worked with Senator Sherrod Brown from 2009 to 2011, but they decided to return to Columbus in 2011.  During that time of transition, Patrick sensed a call to fulltime ministry, which was influenced in part by his involvement in the music ministry at a church in Dumfries, Virginia.  He also attended US Senate Chaplain Barry Black's weekly Bible studies and enrolled in his spiritual mentoring classes. During one of these Bible studies, Chaplain Black encouraged him to consider attending seminary. However, Patrick would not attend seminary until 2013, after spending some time working as a contract lawyer in Columbus.  Patrick attended Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, Massachusetts, graduating with honors in 2017. Life As a Pastor Patrick shares his experience of applying to American Baptist churches for senior pastor positions after graduation from Andover Newton. In 2018 Patrick accepted a Pastoral Residency at Richmond's First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia.  It was a tremendously rewarding experience and helped prepare him for his first pastorate at First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren and Cedar Rapids, a dually-aligned American Baptist and Church of the Brethren congregation. The process of becoming a pastor at the church involved submitting materials, having phone conversations, and attending a candidate weekend. The church then voted on whether to call the applicant. This experience led to his current position. As an African American pastor at a predominantly white congregation.  Patrick shares his experiences of working as a pastor and delivering sermons during Covid. Influential Harvard Courses and Professors Patrick shares his experiences with the late Professor Martin Kilson, a government professor who taught him about African American political development in the south. He took a graduate course from Prof. Kilson on African political systems: Power, and Legitimacy, which provided insights into the history and politics of Nigeria, the Congo, and Kenya. Timestamps: 05:02: The Impact of the Page Program and Early Career  18:18: Transition to Capitol Hill and Early Career Challenges 33:20: Law School and International Experience 40:09: Return to Capitol Hill and Transition to Ministry  53:58: Seminary and Pastoral Career  1:08:19: Transition to Cedar Rapids and Current Role  1:20:25: Reflections on Harvard and Influential Courses  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jackson-0489a6/   Patrick's church: https://www.thechurchonnorthland.com/ Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this episode of The 92 Report is recommended by Julie Mallozzi who reports: “Hi, I'm Julie Mallozzi, class of 1992 the featured organization of this episode of The 92 report is New Day Films. New Day Films is a filmmaker-run distributor of educational documentaries, many of them exploring urgent social issues. I have been a member of this amazing co-op for six years, and am proud to be serving my third year on its steering committee. You can learn more about our work@newday.com and now here's Will Bachmann with this week's episode. To learn more about their work visit: https://www.newday.com/

Rev. Wendy Page, Affiliate Minister, preaching Worship service given February 16, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Tricia Brennan, Adjunct Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Working as a Hospice Chaplain, Rev. Wendy Page has had the privilege of accompanying patients and their families on their journey toward death. They have shared their hopes and comforts, their beliefs and their fears and have opened their lives to her. Wendy asks, "What can we learn from their vulnerability and their life journeys?" The Reverend Wendy Page is an Affiliate Minister of First Parish Arlington. She has been a member of First Parish since 1999 and First Parish supported her on her journey into ministry. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in the First Parish Sanctuary in 2017.  She has served as a Hospice Chaplain and a hospital chaplain. Previous to her ministry, Wendy was a Software Engineer and Manager. She is an avid cyclist and has participated for 25 years in the annual Pan Mass Challenge fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She also is a quilter, a gardener and loves to sing. *Note: This service was not filmed in the Meetinghouse and was only offered live online via Zoom due to inclement weather. Offering and Giving First For February 2025, the Giving First recipient is the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC). AYCC is a state-licensed, community-based mental health center serving Arlington youth (ages 3-21) and their families. AYCC is the leading provider of outpatient and school-based child and adolescent mental health services in Arlington, offering individual, group, and family counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. Central to its mission, AYCC is committed to ensuring that all community youth and families have access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and high-quality mental health care, regardless of their ability to pay. In the past fiscal year, 22% of our clients had public insurance or received grant funding to help cover the costs of care. In addition to mental health services, AYCC oversees First Step- a support group for victims and survivors of domestic violence. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

Rev. Carol Allman-Morton is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire, and her husband, Rev. Tadd Allman-Morton, is the pastor of the First Congregational Church of Great Barrington, United Church of Christ. They met at Andover Newton Theological School, where Carol was awarded the James Luther Adams Award for excellence in the study of liberal theology” and Tadd was a member of the Jonathan Edwards Honors Society. We talked about their early spiritual experiences, their motivation for seeking ordination, the decline in church participation and doctrinal belief, and what the marriage of ministers of different theological orientations is like.  Read this article in the Berkshire Edge about Rev. Tad Allman-Morton Find out more about Philip Goldberg here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I am reading from Jim Willis' book 'Near-Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations'.Thousands, perhaps millions, of people have had near-death experiences (NDEs). Why do so many report uncannily similar experiences? What are they—a simple trick of the mind and body or something more? What are we to make of them, and do they tell us anything about the possibility of an afterlife?An illuminating and thought-provoking journey into the enigmatic territory where science, spirituality, and human consciousness converge, Near Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations presents a comprehensive journey through different interpretations of NDEs:The Scientific. What neuroscience, medicine, and biology have to say about what happens at the brink of death.The Religious. What NDE-like experiences found in the Bible, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Talmud, the Quran, and other religious tracts tell us.Historic and Personal. What folklore and personal stories reveal about this alternate consciousness that occurs during a life-threatening situation.The Metaphysical. Possible answers involving quantum reality, parallel universes, and the subconscious.Challenging you to explore all possibilities, Near Death Experiences will have you reconsidering your understanding of life, death, and consciousness!BioA theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. He has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. While serving as an adjunct college professor in the fields of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies, he was the host of his own drive-time radio show and part-time musician. His concern for spiritual growth in modern-day society prompted a series of lectures on historical studies and contemporary spirituality. Upon retirement, he was determined to confront the essential, mystical Reality that has inspired humankind since the very beginning of time. A background in theology and education led to his writing more than twenty books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences.Amazon link https://tinyurl.com/5n8fnyk7https://www.jimwillis.net/https://www.facebook.com/jimwillis.authorhttps://www.youtube.com/c/JimWillishttps://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/our-paranormal-afterlife-finding-proof-of-life-after-death--5220623/support.

In memoriam: Jim WillisA theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. He has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. While serving as an adjunct college professor in the fields of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies, he was the host of his own drive-time radio show and part-time musician. His concern for spiritual growth in modern-day society prompted a series of lectures on historical studies and contemporary spirituality. Upon retirement, he was determined to confront the essential, mystical Reality that has inspired humankind since the very beginning of time. A background in theology and education led to his writing more than twenty books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences.https://www.jimwillis.net/https://www.facebook.com/jimwillis.authorhttps://www.youtube.com/c/JimWillisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.

This week I am talking to Jim Willis about his book 'Near-Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations'.Thousands, perhaps millions, of people have had near-death experiences (NDEs). Why do so many report uncannily similar experiences? What are they—a simple trick of the mind and body or something more? What are we to make of them, and do they tell us anything about the possibility of an afterlife?An illuminating and thought-provoking journey into the enigmatic territory where science, spirituality, and human consciousness converge, Near Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations presents a comprehensive journey through different interpretations of NDEs:The Scientific. What neuroscience, medicine, and biology have to say about what happens at the brink of death.The Religious. What NDE-like experiences found in the Bible, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Talmud, the Quran, and other religious tracts tell us.Historic and Personal. What folklore and personal stories reveal about this alternate consciousness that occurs during a life-threatening situation.The Metaphysical. Possible answers involving quantum reality, parallel universes, and the subconscious.Challenging you to explore all possibilities, Near Death Experiences will have you reconsidering your understanding of life, death, and consciousness!BioA theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. He has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. While serving as an adjunct college professor in the fields of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies, he was the host of his own drive-time radio show and part-time musician. His concern for spiritual growth in modern-day society prompted a series of lectures on historical studies and contemporary spirituality. Upon retirement, he was determined to confront the essential, mystical Reality that has inspired humankind since the very beginning of time. A background in theology and education led to his writing more than twenty books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences.Amazon link https://tinyurl.com/5n8fnyk7https://www.jimwillis.net/https://www.facebook.com/jimwillis.authorhttps://www.youtube.com/c/JimWillishttps://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/our-paranormal-afterlife-finding-proof-of-life-after-death--5220623/support.

https://www.chaplaincyinnovation.org https://www.fetzer.org The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab (CIL) is collaborating with the Fetzer Institute to support and build networks of spiritual care providers who do not identify with a religious tradition or identify as non-religious (sometimes referred to as “spiritual but not religious”). This work brings together chaplains and scholars from diverse spiritualities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, geographies, and sectors of chaplaincy. It will help identify the needs of this population, which are neither well defined in the literature nor adequately addressed in many settings. This webinar will present new research on unaffiliated chaplaincy, including a new working paper that will be made available for reading and comment. We thank Fetzer Institute for their support of this work. We are joined by: Melissa Bennett (she/her) is a storyteller, storylistener, writer, educator,spirit worker, and chaplain. She is a descendant of the Umatilla, Nez Perce, Sac & Fox, and Anishinaabe Nations. Melissahas been reading tarot cards, building altars, channeling spirit, and chatting with the ancestors for over 25 years. In 2012 she earned a Master of Divinity degree along with graduate certificatesin spiritual counselingand theological studies. The following year she completed her chaplain training in forensic mental health specializing in the care of Indigenous people. Melissa has a decade of experience providing spiritual care in higher education settings and approaches her workfrom atrauma informedhealing justicelens. Melissa is the founder of Nnoshé's House (aka Auntie's House) where she provides spiritual care tools and mentorship to a diverse client base. To learn more visit: https://www.nnosheshouse.com/. Jason Callahan, MDiv, MS, BCC, is chaplain at the Thomas Palliative Care Unit at VCU Massey Cancer Center​ and Instructor in the VCU Departments of Patient Counseling and Pastoral Care. Anthony Cruz Pantojas, MATS, MALS (they/he/elle/él) is a cuir/queer Afro-Boricua who is deeply informed by decolonial humanisms,Cultural Studies, Afro-Caribbean subjectivities, and Spirituality. Cruz Pantojasregularly presents at numerous conferences and facilitates workshops on humanistic orientations and sensibilities within this current sociopolitical climate. As a humanist chaplain at Tufts University, they collaborate with diverse stakeholders to promotehumanism and to encourage more expansive and reparative modes of thought and relationship. Cruz Pantojas earned master's degrees in Theological Studies, and Leadership Studies from Andover Newton Theological School and Meadville Lombard Theological School, respectively. Additionally, they hold a Certificate in Humanist Studies from the American Humanist Association Center for Education. Anthony has also published in various scholarly and popular outlets.

Jim Willis shares afterlife journeys and revelations from his new book about near death experiences. He tells his story and what prompted him to put this information together. This is a comprehensive book on NDE's with much history about the subject. We talk about out of body experiences and what can we expect when we die. Interesting conversation! Jim is a theologian, historian and musician and earned his Bachelor's degree and masters degree from Andover Newton Theological School. He has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. His website is http://www.jimwillis.net Angle Class Connect with Your Guardian Angel Visit http://www.NancyYearout.com

Brought to you by Luxurious Bastard Beard Co | https://luxuriousbastardco.com/ | Use promo code: LEGENDARYand710 Glass Co | Ships nationally. (636) 896-4038 | Come hang in person: 3104 W Clay St. St. Charles, MO 63301 Theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. An ordained minister for over 40 years, he served as an adjunct college professor and guest lecturer in comparative religion, cross-cultural studies, and contemporary spirituality. His background led to his writing 20 books on religion, the apocalypse, spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theanthonyrogersshow/message

Thousands, perhaps millions, of people have had near-death experiences (NDEs). What are they—a simple trick of the mind and body or something more? What are we to make of them, and do they tell us anything about religion, science, or the possibility of an afterlife? Join in the discussion with Jim Willis, author of Near-Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations, as we discuss historical, scientific, religious, and cultural aspects of these unusual episodes. Willis earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. His background in theology and education led to his writing more than 20 books on history, religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. His books include Visible Ink Press' Censoring God; Ancient Gods, Hidden History; and American Cults. He lives in the woods of South Carolina. Learn more about Jim Willis and his many other books at jimwillis.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Near-Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations with Jim Willis This fascinating book looks at why so many report uncannily similar experiences the sensation of floating outside of one's own body, sometimes observing the surroundings or themselves from above; the sense of moving through a tunnel toward something; a vivid, rapid, and comprehensive life review; the appearance of deceased relatives, friends, an overwhelming sense of peace, love, tranquility, and connection; or an encounter with a loving white light, often at the end of the tunnel. Take a thought-provoking journey into an enigmatic phenomenon. Near-Death Experiences is a captivating look at the neurological process; the dreamlike explanations; the spiritual, religious, and faith-based interpretations, the psychological views; the philosophy possibilities; quantum reality; and the ongoing debates about the nature and meaning of NDEs. Jim Willis earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for more than 40 years. His background in theology and education led to his writing more than 20 books on history, religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. To learn more about Jim's books visit: www.jimwillis.net ********************************************** For more information about BITEradio products and services visit: http://www.biteradio.me/index.html To view the photography of Robert at: http://rpsharpe.com/

Thousands, perhaps millions, of people have had near-death experiences (NDEs). Why do so many report uncannily similar experiences? What are they—a simple trick of the mind and body or something more? What are we to make of them, and do they tell us anything about the possibility of an afterlife?An illuminating and thought-provoking journey into the enigmatic territory where science, spirituality, and human consciousness converge, Near Death Experiences: Afterlife Journeys and Revelations presents a comprehensive journey through different interpretations of NDEs:The Scientific. What neuroscience, medicine, and biology have to say about what happens at the brink of death.The Religious. What NDE-like experiences found in the Bible, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Talmud, the Quran, and other religious tracts tell us.Historic and Personal. What folklore and personal stories reveal about this alternate consciousness that occurs during a life-threatening situation.The Metaphysical. Possible answers involving quantum reality, parallel universes, and the subconscious.Challenging you to explore all possibilities, Near Death Experiences will have you reconsidering your understanding of life, death, and consciousness!Jim Willis earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. His background in theology and education led to his writing more than 20 books on history, religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. His books include Visible Ink Press' Censoring God; Ancient Gods; Hidden History; and American Cults. He lives in the woods of South Carolina.https://www.jimwillis.net/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.

As we approach the celebration of our 300th anniversary we will welcome some guest preachers to the pulpit of First Congregational Church who have held significant leadership roles in the United Church of Christ. This past Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree joined us. Dr. Crabtree has served in a variety of settings across the United Church of Christ. From 1996 until her retirement in 2010 she was the Conference Minister for the historic Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, the first woman to hold that position. From 1991-1996, she served as the Conference Minister of the Southern California Conference, UCC. Dr. Crabtree's other accomplishments include being the founder and first executive director of the Prudence Crandall Center for Women in New Britain, Campus Minister and Director of Greater Hartford Campus Ministry, and Senior Minister of the Colchester (CT) Federated Church. Her most recent position was as Interim Vice President for Advancement at Andover Newton Theological School. Other leadership positions include serving as Interim and Acting Conference Minister in the Florida and Missouri Mid-South Conferences. She has also played an important role on numerous Boards in the denomination and in the greater Connecticut region. She has been a pioneer in innovative pastoral leadership, especially blazing trails for women in ministry and the use of inclusive language in worship.

Pastor Ron continues to preach through the readings of the gospel of Mark: Questions for 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Appoint us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” ~Mark 10:35-37 Martin Copenhaver, former president of Andover Newton Theological School, wrote a book a few years ago called, Jesus Is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered. I might quibble a bit with his numbers, but Martin's proposition is sound: Jesus loved questions. That is our theme during this Lenten season: Questions for Jesus. I love leading Bible studies and one of the things I tell a group right up front that there are no stupid questions. Studying the Bible is all about asking questions. There are no stupid questions—I have a few stupid answers maybe, but there are no stupid questions. Well, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are out to prove me wrong. They ask a really stupid question. Having just been told by Jesus that being a messiah means suffering and death before you get to resurrection, they ask, “May we sit next to you?” Wow. Talk about not getting it. What is clear to the reader of this story—but is not clear to the disciples—is that the disciples think they know who Jesus is and why he has come. But they really don't get it yet. Not fully…that is until they meet a blind man named Bartimaeus. We will explore the irony of this question for Jesus on Sunday morning.

We look at a few important historic discoveries that made news headlines in 2023 with our influencer panelists.Jennifer Deyo, writer, archeaologistMatt LaCroix is a passionate writer and researcher who grew up exploring the outdoors of northern New England. After college, he began studying ancient civilizations, philosophy, quantum mechanics, and history. His focus became uncovering and connecting the esoteric teachings from secret societies and ancient cultures that disappeared long ago. At 32 he published his first major book; "The Illusion of Us", which combined years of research to discover the truth about the past, human origins, the gods of antiquity, as well as the fundamentals of consciousness. In 2019 he released his second book entitled; "The Stage of Time", which represents a compilation of studying ancient texts, evidence for lost civilizations, spiritual wisdom, and theoretical physics, combined together to find answers to some of our most difficult questions.Matthew works as a writer/researcher at Gaia and has appeared on shows such as Open Minds and Beyond Belief. He is a frequent guest on numerous podcasts and panel discussions and is currently co-writing his third major book with Billy Carson entitled; "The Epic of Humanity", which will focus on uncovering the mysteries of the human origin story, the timeline of lost civilizations, and ancient catastrophes.https://thestageoftime.com/Rev. Jim Willis earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, Jim Willis has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. In addition, Willis has been a professional musician, high school orchestra and band teacher, arts council director, and even a drive-time radio show host. His background in theology and education led to his writings on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. His books include Visible Ink Press' The Religion Book and Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to Z. He also published Faith, Trust & Belief: A Trilogy of the Spirit. Willis resides in the woods of South Carolina with his wife, Barbara, and their dog, Rocky.https://www.jimwillis.net/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/earth-ancients_1/support.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2790919/advertisement

Sunday sermon given November 26, 2023 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: An exploration of family land ownership, changing perspective, and reckoning. About Rev. Wendy Page: The Reverend Wendy Page is an Affiliate Minister of First Parish Arlington. She has been a member of First Parish since 1999 and First Parish supported her on her journey into ministry. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in the First Parish Sanctuary in 2017.   She is now serving as a Hospice Chaplain for All Care Hospice.  She also serves as a per diem chaplain at Mass General Hospital. Previous to her ministry, Wendy was a Software Engineer and Manager.  She is an avid cyclist and has participated for 23 years in the annual Pan Mass Challenge fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  She also is a quilter and gardener and sings in the FP choir. Offering and Giving First For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens.   The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Being Creative, Finding Community, led by Rev. David Carl Olson on July 16, 2023. The Worship Service in the Veatch Ballroom includes group singing and sharing, with a brief and thoughtful message by Rev. David Carl Olson. Rev. Olson was formerly the Associate Director of the Institute for Theology and the Arts at Andover Newton Theological School. There, community was emphasized through collective creative acts by visual artists, dancers, and musicians. Theologians in residence helped the community see the long human story of spirituality, morality, and ethics.

Stephen Healey is a seasoned Higher Education leader and innovator with experience at every level of administration in a university environment. His leadership experience includes serving as faculty leader, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Associate Provost, Provost, and most recently interim President.  He has significant experience developing programs (helped to create more than 30 programs), overseeing budgets, and managing accreditation, as well as skill in career development, student recruiting, and assessment. He specializes in identifying opportunities, institutional change, and online/campus hybridization. Over the course of his academic career, he has pioneered solutions to 21st century challenges.   Healey began his work as an educational professional by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Boston College, focusing on the interdisciplinary intersection of theology, social sciences, philosophy, and ethics. His expertise on how social and institutional entities react to changing ideas has  informed his leadership roles over the past two decades. Healey served as the lead negotiator of the transfer of assets from the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing to the University of Bridgeport. Through collaboration with other academic leaders and faculty, he has helped to create more than fifteen academic programs. Healey earned his Ph.D. from Boston College; an M.A. Andover Newton Theological School; and a B.A., Eastern Nazarene College.

America has spawned hundreds of cults. Charismatic leaders periodically burst into the news for the most awful of reasons. We are awash with stories of brainwashed members' struggles to leave. Meet the messianic leaders, see the indoctrination and manipulation, look at their beliefs, and read the stories of some of America's most notorious, eccentric, and unusual cults!From false religions and offshoots of traditional religions to political, financial, sexual, and hate groups, American Cults: Cabals, Corruption, and Charismatic Leaders looks at 40 groups and leaders, including their histories, deceits, manipulations, and twisted ideologies. Some rely on systems of obedience, submission, and dependency. More than a few have mystifying beliefs. Others are dark and murderous. You'll encounter curious, bizarre, and sometimes upsetting stories of …Charming, manipulative, and exploitative leaders—Jim Jones, Jim Baker, David Berg, David Koresh, and many, many others.The breakaways from traditional religions—Father Divine and the Peace Mission, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Westboro Baptist Church, the Gospel of Prosperity, and many more.Political, Ponzi, metaphysical, and science schemes—the cult of the scientific method, pyramid schemes, political cults, the Unification Church, and much more.Aliens, extraterrestrials, and the cosmos—Church of Scientology, Raëlians and Heaven's Gate, to name a few.End-times and doomsday cults—rapture beliefs, Edgar Cayce, the Ant Hill Kids and more.Racial, radical, and social media cults—QAnon, Ku Klux Klan, Oath Keepers, Antifa, and others.Sex, perversity, and submission—NXIVM, Sullivanians, Rajneesh, and many more.American Cults looks at why America is such a fertile ground for cults, how some people got caught in their webs, and how some managed to escape! With more than 120 photos and graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography provides sources for further exploration, and an extensive index adds to its usefulness.A theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. He has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. While serving as an adjunct college professor in the fields of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies, he was the host of his own drive-time radio show and part-time musician. His concern for spiritual growth in modern-day society prompted a series of lectures on historical studies and contemporary spirituality. Upon retirement, he was determined to confront the essential, mystical Reality that has inspired humankind since the very beginning of time. A background in theology and education led to his writing more than twenty books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences.https://www.jimwillis.net/https://www.facebook.com/jimwillis.authorhttps://www.youtube.com/c/JimWillisThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2790919/advertisement

Ross W. Lilley grew up in New Jersey. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Later he received his Masteries in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. He moved to Massachusetts to accept the Senior minister role at South Acton Congregational Church for nearly 20 years. However, he was always feeling a different call. Ross grew up with an interest in persons with disabilities and always felt and saw around him the lack of understand and discrimination these people experienced. When he graduated high school in New Jersey he took up the sport of windsurfing. While serving in his ministerial role, Ross began think about and eventually forming AdccesSport America, a company to help teach windsurfing and other sports to persons with disability. When his son was born with a disability Ross felt that he was destoned to help his son and others through his dream. In 2001 Ross left the church and officially took on the full-time position of leading his company. Now, he works with thousands of persons with disability teaching them a number of sports and showing them that no matter their disability they can do more than they thought. He and his staff teaches soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball and, of course, windsurfing as well as other sports. Ross' story is much more than an inspirational one. You will see how he is even developing new technologies that he hopes will greatly assist even more persons whose mobility skills are seemingly limited. You will, I think, love what Ross is doing. I hope what you hear on this episode will show you that all of us are more unstoppable than we think especially when we have a team to help. About the Guest: Rev. Ross W. Lilley grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, graduating from high school in 1975. That same year, he began windsurfing on the Jersey shore. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1978 and Masters in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in 1983. He was the Senior Minister of South Acton Congregational Church for close to 20 years. In that time the seeds for founding AccesSportAmerica began to grow. In 1983, Ross began developing windsurf adaptations to make that sport more accessible. The endeavor to adapt the sport was part of a greater interest in creating places and activities to overcome disparity and discrimination in the disabled community. Since that time Ross has been adapting and teaching sports and training for people with disabilities. In 1986 the Lilley's son Joshua was born with cerebral palsy and resulting spastic quadriplegia. Although Joshua uses an electric wheelchair and can walk with assistance, Josh and Ross began windsurfing together when Josh was four years old. Eventually the two sailed in their own windsurf marathons. Because of their efforts, the Lilleys have appeared in over twenty publications and televised programs including Good Morning America, Inside Edition, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald and American Windsurfer Ross and his family have received several awards including being a two time recipient of the Heroes Among Us Award from the Boston Celtics, honoring "people who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others…" and presented to individuals who, "…through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community". Ross is known for creating adaptations and game systems to truly include all people in sport and training. Most recently the TheraTrek, gait training system was patented after more than a decade of research and development. Rev. Ross Lilley lives in Acton, MA with his wife Jean and their son Joshua. Their daughter, Hanna, lives in Maui but still works camps and runs clinics with Ross and AccesSportAmerica. Social Media Links: Our website is www.goaccess.org Instagram is AccesSport Facebook AccesSportAmerica About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson  01:16 Hi there once again, it is time for another episode of unstoppable mindset today, we get to meet Ross Lilley, we're actually Reverend Ross, Lilley Ross has got a story to tell. He is not a person directly as I recall with a disability, but he has a son who is and he has had a long time interest in that. And there's a lot more to his story than that. And I'm not going to give it away. So Ross, welcome to unstoppable mindset. How are you?   Ross Lilley  01:49 Thank you, Mike. Oh, great. Thank you. We are in our mid we got here just in time.   Michael Hingson  01:56 Right. And I was just gonna say, if people haven't figured it out by now we record these podcasts. And sometimes there's a little bit of a delay before they get up just because we do have some backlogs. And in Ross's case, we are taping or taping my gosh, you can tell how old I am. We are recording this episode on January 23 2023. And for us the temperature got down to 26 degrees here in Victorville and you have a snowstorm.   Ross Lilley  02:25 Oh my, wow. Yeah. I work with people that are all younger than me, pretty much. So I say tape all the time. We put out a lot of videos for our training sessions. And they're all wondering what to tape is.   Michael Hingson  02:41 I remember when we lived in New Jersey and I worked in New York at the World Trade Center. We often and saw among other things, one or wolf on I think it was channel two in New York. And he always said let's go to the videotape. Well, they weren't videotaping back by that time. Well, let's let's learn a little bit about you tell me about you kind of growing up and just sort of how things got started and all that.   Ross Lilley  03:07 Sure. I I grew up in New Jersey, and I remember Warner well. Yeah, I'm, I'm old too now. But like, let me see I was a if we're going back that far. I I always had an interest in in inclusion, I guess I would say and I used to coach and and create things where people could get involved a lot more a lot of sports stuff. I remember even growing up and always was kind of the one who was like, let's get a game going and getting people going and and so one of the sports I really loved was windsurfing. I got to do that when I was high school and I you know it's first paycheck I ever got actually was to buy a wind surfer and anyways fast forward a little bit I went to for for no good reason I went to seminary to become a minister   Michael Hingson  04:06 and there must have been a reason yeah there is you   Ross Lilley  04:09 when you when you go to seminary they all everybody you sit with your classmates in a circle and they all talk about their call the so called call and and in some of these stories go on and on and on and people tugging and God pulling and all that kind of stuff. And my was just, it just sort of hit me that I probably should go to everybody told me I'd be a good minister and I should go and I just somehow said okay, I gave into this process, but there was no no hit on the head kind of experience like a lot of these other folks. But anyways, my mentors all taught me that good, good religion, like good life was inclusive, and that if everybody couldn't come it wasn't maybe worth taking the ride.   Michael Hingson  04:54 Since you started down that road of the whole concept of inclusion. Well   Ross Lilley  05:00 I think it was just something in me and then I, in a resonated when when I had these mentors who were similarly minded, like minded and especially, you know when I could make it so some of the whole market ministry it seemed like I was in the right place. And when so ministry was going that way in at the same time, I was windsurfing, and that was kind of at odds with what I believe because it's a pretty exclusive sport. And so I, I devoted all my spare time to try and make the sport of windsurfing accessible to people of all abilities. You look like have something to say, no, no. Okay. So so I started just going up to people on the beach and saying, You look like I have a disability, you want to go windsurfing, which is really nice. No, no, no under a slapped me, but there you go, they should have. So I used to take people with kind of just will say light ambulation issues out windsurfing and figure out ways to make it more accessible. And even, I made some adaptations, which it turned out I was pretty good at and then I was my son was born in 1986 with cerebral palsy, and spastic quadriplegia tetraplegia. And he became kind of a you know, that's where the rubber would hit the road, I guess is if, if I really believe this about inclusion, I would make a choice there i My wife and I made a choice that everything that we would do, we were going to believe that he could do as well. All the things that we thought were good in our lives, we're going to make a choice that we're going to ram it down his throat that these things were going to be good for him too. So So for good or for bad. He was born into the right or wrong fam family and he became this test pilot for a lot of the things we do. And anyways, we started to to do wind surf marathons. And I found that based on the fact that I found that this sport really excited him to stand where he couldn't stand in a standard for more than 10 minutes, he could stand leaning against me. And we could go for really long distances. And some of these wind surf marathons we did he was seven, eight years old. And we're going a mile out into Cape Cod Bay and back. You know, we did one which was memorable over three hours was 10 Miles net that caught the attention of like the globe and Good Morning America and things like this. And that's how we started our program and proper.   Michael Hingson  07:39 So you, you talk about inclusion. And my note here, are you using the word diversity? How come?   Ross Lilley  07:49 How come I go again?   Michael Hingson  07:52 You call it inclusion? And I don't hear you using the word diversity. Why inclusion and not diversity?   Ross Lilley  08:00 Oh, gosh. I guess they're pretty similar to me. Is there? I don't know if there's a huge difference in my mind.   Michael Hingson  08:09 Well, there shouldn't be. Yeah, but typically, diversity doesn't include disabilities in the discussion, which is why I react well to inclusion because some of us who talk about it, don't let people ever get by with saying, Well, we're in. We're inclusive, but we don't deal with disabilities yet. Well, then you're not inclusive. You can't the word just diversity has been warped, it seems to me and I've said that a number of times on the podcast. So I love it when you are using the word inclusion and inclusive because that's really what it should be about and diversity should be as well, but it's not very rarely do you ever hear disabilities is included in that?   Ross Lilley  08:55 I strongly agree. Yeah, in our program, we have a lot of the when we're going for grants, a lot of people are talking about diversity and how diverse we are. And it and when they when they want that to go along racial lines or whatever I'm I'm always surprised that like we're you know, we're sort of inclusive all it just doesn't occur to me that that that would be our main criteria compared to how we're including so many people have so many abilities. So yeah, I yeah, I always think about inclusion. It's funny.   Michael Hingson  09:33 So how did you end up in Massachusetts from New Jersey although it's not that far of a ride it is still another state and it's a little ways away?   Ross Lilley  09:45 Wow, it's funny I figured my story so boring. I'm I was like I got I got out of college. And I I wanted to be a musician. Although my degree was in economics in mind. or music. And my brother was selling stereos up in Boston. And I came up here just to get a job. And that's how I got up here. And I thought I'd also find it and I thought there was a pretty good musical community up in Boston, I thought I'd get into that. I was a I studied for 10 years with the principal percussionist in the New York Philharmonic, and I thought I could make a go of it as a drummer as a jazz drummer, but I was wrong. Work out on now.   Michael Hingson  10:33 Well, then you ended up in the ministry along the way. Yeah. I guess, actually going into the ministry.   Ross Lilley  10:39 Yeah, we I was, I guess that back to that story there. The when I was selling stereos, and when dreaming about music people, the people who said, everybody knows you should be a minister, but you Ross were people who were also in ministry. And that was they were great to steer me into it. It was it was good idea.   Michael Hingson  11:02 So are you at a church now?   Ross Lilley  11:05 No, I, I left in 2001. To do this full time. Before the pandemic, we had 2000 People coming to the program, each year to do adaptive sport and training. And even before that, when we were you know, 400 is, it was pretty much a full time job while I'm trying to, you know, be at a church as well. So I had to make a choice, that church, church life is a good one, but it's tough. And when I was at a great church, but it's, it's tough. And you know, if you do it, some people do it. So they're, they taken a professional approach more professional than I would take in the strict sense of the world. So they could, they could put it aside at night and, and, you know, kind of decompress and be away from the church. I couldn't I took everything in and and felt it for like everybody, and it just kind of wears on you after a while.   Michael Hingson  11:59 Yeah. Well, and you've kind of gone in a different direction and do sort of the same thing. But you're applying all of it to sports, adaptive sports and disabilities, and so on. So how do you do take your son windsurfing? How does all that work?   Ross Lilley  12:16 Well, now he's is, is 36, and is a pretty big guy. So what I used to do, where I could just pick up with one hand doesn't necessarily work. So when we go in serve now, I'll use a standard or a railing standard, and things like that on the board. And I might have someone on a board with me, we have lots of different rigs that we've created. And, you know, well, my focus won't be necessarily on on the distances we did before, but more of him being able to hold a sail on his own, with me just holding the mass to the sail and things like that. So it's   Michael Hingson  12:52 once again, the same you're on the same board. Yeah.   Ross Lilley  12:55 Right. If, if you and I were to go I windsurfing I would put you on a similar board with to sales, you could be standard or seated to get comfortable with the sale, and I could be in front of you on a second sale. And I could help control your sale. And then as you as you got better, I would go to less stable boards, and you would focus on you know, you could then focus on balance as you had mastered your sales technique. Right?   Michael Hingson  13:25 The whole idea is that you have boards, they have sales, and that's how you move, right?   Ross Lilley  13:31 Faster. In all of our sports, anything we do. The general rule is the faster you move, the more stable you are, when you get going. When you're stable, then you can do a lot more if you're just sitting there getting ready to go. It's pretty wobbly.   Michael Hingson  13:45 You know, I bet sort of like the whole well, a little different sort of like the whole concept of a gyroscope when you spin it fast. It keeps you stable.   Ross Lilley  13:54 Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. I like that.   Michael Hingson  13:58 Well, that's that's pretty cool. So you are you're able to do it well. And so do you do you still do a lot of wind surfing with him?   Ross Lilley  14:09 I do more wind surfing with our it's funny you would think I would do a lot but I do more teaching have other folks in our program. Is he doing? So again? What does he do? Josh? On those days, he might come to beach and help us out or might go to a program. But Josh does a lot in your sports in the summer. The way we operate as a sports in the summer are designed for you or your family member to see themselves as athletes as viable athletes, and then to use that as an incentive to train for higher function. And the sports in the summer we have or or windsurfing and Hawaiian Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, stand up paddling, kayaking, and we also have traditional sports like tennis and and soccer and In football that we also apply these inclusive game systems to. And Josh, more times than not, if Josh is at our site and working, Josh will be a part of a crew in an outrigger canoe. He has a fairly functional right hand. So we have all sorts of adaptations where we might, you know, use a Ace wrap to keep his left hand on his bent paddle or something like that. You get a sense of two hands going. But he'll, if he comes down, he's usually paddling more than anything now.   Michael Hingson  15:34 Does he work? Does he have a job? Or is the program kind of what he does? It's kind of a day   Ross Lilley  15:39 program. But they have program. He lives with us though. And yeah, and well, no.   Michael Hingson  15:46 Does your wife wins? Does your wife win serve?   Ross Lilley  15:50 She did. And she doesn't really now. She, we do a sports camp in Florida every year and she comes out and and comes out and help and she's actually pretty skilled at it. Yeah.   Michael Hingson  16:04 That's pretty cool. Maybe she, what does she What does she do? Oh, go ahead.   Ross Lilley  16:08 Where does she she's, she actually works with us right now. She's, she's an interior designer. And, but she left that to work for us. And we also it takes, it takes a lot to you know, raise a kid with a disability and yeah, and to keep me going. I know which side my bread is buttered on.   Michael Hingson  16:34 Good move on your part. Yeah,   Ross Lilley  16:37 she does a lot that she helps teach with us. And she helps train with us as well whenever she can.   Michael Hingson  16:42 We were a two disabilities family. My wife was a chair and a chair her whole life was a T three para, but she passed away in November. So now it is me and a dog and a cat. And, you know, it's it's fun. I miss her and and so on. But at the same time, we we do have a lot of fun. And the dog and the cat keep me honest.   Ross Lilley  17:10 Wow, it's still fresh. That is every day and I'm sure for the rest of your life. Right?   Michael Hingson  17:15 Oh, we'll be we were 15 days shy of being married for two years. Oh, my. Yeah. So it is. It is one of those things, it will be with us. But as I tell people, the Spirit just goes faster than the body sometimes. And that's what happened here.   Ross Lilley  17:30 The spirit goes faster than the body. Yeah, the   Michael Hingson  17:33 spirit moves faster.   Ross Lilley  17:35 Oh, I wish I wish I was preaching now I would use this. Well, there's some good explication of it for me. Wow.   Michael Hingson  17:43 There you go. That's terrific. Well, we we, we function we continue. But tell me, do you do sports in the winter as well? Or what do you do in the winter.   Ross Lilley  17:53 So today we have a special. So we're good at adaptations and inventions. And we've discovered a lot of our athletes who are training more than anything wanted to could walk on a treadmill with assistance. And so we've invented a device, it's a it's a gait training device that will probably sell for like $5,000. And we have a gym when which we specialize in doing gait training with people. So we do a lot of that. And we also go to schools and we train people in Boston public schools and some other schools. And we do a it's a sport based program. And it's also one that we can do online. So and we do tennis, we do tennis and cycling when the weather it's good for cycling, but tennis all year as well.   Michael Hingson  18:43 Yep, cycling, probably not right now.   Ross Lilley  18:46 Well, if it's above 45 degrees, we go out. Well, yeah, but not today.   Michael Hingson  18:52 Not today. That's what I mean. The snow, the snow falling off. And so as a result, not a good time, but yeah, I hear you. So do you have any distinctions or differences regarding kinds of disabilities? Or do you care and or as a disability as a disability as far as it goes?   Ross Lilley  19:15 It certainly is we would take we'll take anyone of any ability disability from ages like five up to 100. And if we can accommodate them, we'll create something so we can so we build arm braces, airplane braces, sort of for people with limb differences. We've created a lot of seating particular for particular people to do any of our sports, a lot of stuff. And our you know our intent is to is to include anybody, especially people who have no other place where they can, where they can participate in these kinds of sports.   Michael Hingson  19:52 So that probably gets to be I won't say a challenge, because it is but but it does get to be a An issue that you get to be able to deal with people with neurodivergent issues as well. So you can deal with autistic or, or people who have Down Syndrome and so on. And you're just as welcoming to do that as, as you do people with physical disabilities, like you're talking about.   Ross Lilley  20:15 Exactly, yeah. Well, and the variety really makes it interesting. And that we love that challenge, especially if, if you know, everybody's different in their own way. And so no rule, no generalizations apply. And if we don't expect something miraculous to happen, a session, we're, we're missing the point. You know, every every session, we find something that's different in every session, we find something where people surprise us.   Michael Hingson  20:44 So I assume things sort of dropped off a little bit when the pandemic hit.   Ross Lilley  20:48 Big time. Yeah, well, we, we never stopped, we created an online program for our year round program, year round athletes and for school program. And that was, that was kind of cool. Because we made this unique system, where we have six variations of high intensity interval training exercises. And it was like in the can ready to go. And and we put it right in within a week of the pandemic and the onset of that and people being in shutdown. We had that online and going with people.   Michael Hingson  21:22 It's really cool. how that worked out quite well. We're   Ross Lilley  21:25 using it now. It's still we have over close to 80 exercises with these progressions, and then we we put together combinations, the exercises and put it live for a lot of our classes. And I   Michael Hingson  21:37 for for adults as well. Do you find that people who participate in the summer, continue to stay with the program and will work in the winter or? Yes, same same clients and so on? Right, which is cool. How many people are part of the program now?   Ross Lilley  21:57 Well, last summer, I think we had, again, our high point was about 2000. Now we're about 1200, I think. And so we you know, in the summer, we have a camp for we're including kids into a camp of, of junior high aged kids. And then we have a program with the Flutie foundation for kids on the autism spectrum. And then we have our own site, where we have anybody in any any one who wants to come out. So there's a bunch of teams on several sites in the summer. And then from those, they participate in our year round programs. Let me see, probably about half participate in year round programs. We have a soccer and conditioning program as wellness in in a winter.   Michael Hingson  22:39 Boys, girls, men, women, everyone. Yeah, which is so cool. Oh, how do you do soccer? How does that work?   Ross Lilley  22:48 Let me see when we have when, let me see for we let me we created these these game systems where everybody is vital to the system. And you have anybody have any ability has to meet certain requirements of in the game for people to go on. So if you know lice would say if you score and then you can't score again until the rest of our team scores or for our team to fray our points to count everybody on a team has to at least have an assist or a block. So there's all these and then there's certain goals that they shoot at, there's some that are easier to get than others. So there's there's all these accommodations we make depending on who's playing so that everybody can be vital to their team and everybody's working towards that. And it's designed so everybody have every ability is challenged to their utmost as well.   Michael Hingson  23:48 May not be using the right word. But soccer is sort of a ferocious or certainly a hard hitting fast sport. And in general, how does that work when you're dealing with people with disabilities and a lot of different skill sets and so on? Do they do the people still tend to play as ferociously as they can?   Ross Lilley  24:11 They do and they don't. So there's, there's things we have an inappropriate challenge rule where we try to put like abilities against each other. And, you know, the people that the best so called Able bodied players are working really hard to get balls to people to make assist or to involve them. And then people maybe who have ambulation issues are doing their their best to get into a position even if it makes them going you know for five minutes getting down the length of the field to get there. That's their goal to get in a position where they might have a chance at a goal or to get back to defense. So there's there's things we invent for everybody that make them slow this game down for them without without Making anybody really slow down that much?   Michael Hingson  25:02 So, do you find challenges of getting totally ambulatory people, for example, to play and play well with people who may not be as ambulatory or work as well? Moving around?   Ross Lilley  25:17 Yeah, it's a that's a challenge, you know. And so when we call is trying to find the perfect game, and it is a challenge, but you know, it's a skill to play to is a skill to learn how to play with varying abilities at once. And, you know, we do when we do this camp in Florida, that's our, our proving ground for this, and you live with this for a week, and people get very good at the game by about the second day.   Michael Hingson  25:42 So people grow accustomed to it and grow into it. And at all. Yeah,   Ross Lilley  25:47 yeah. Our whole community is about getting out of the way of yourself. And so if and trying to let something bigger come through yourself and something bigger come through each of these games.   Michael Hingson  26:00 Are you teaching people to be competitive? Or is it more teaching people to, to work together and have fun together? Or is it kind of a combination? Because a lot of the sports, like soccer, like tennis, football, and so on, are more competitive sports, and they're usually viewed as being very competitive. But is that the same way it comes out for you? Or is it a little bit different in terms of mindsets?   Ross Lilley  26:29 It's funny, I don't, you know, like, in popular sport, I think great competitors aren't necessarily great people, right? They're just insecure about losing. And I think it's, we all need to learn how to lose so we can learn to live with something that's bigger. But in ours, we do teach to can be competitive, but in the end, Ron, we want people also to have perspective about it. And I saw like, the worst thing that could happen is where you have people come in, who don't care. So it's nice to care. And but it's even better if they compete with themselves more than anything else, right and drive with strive for more function drive for some, something that they they've accomplished on their own. And even farther than that, it's great to be a part of a team and to feel like, maybe for the first time in your life, you're valued on a team. Right, and that, that you're not just a throw away, and that there are people aren't condescending to you, and you're on the field of play. We have an example we have a friend of ours, one of our athletes, was on ESPN for playing a cerebral palsy, and some, you know, ambulation was a little a little slower than most folks, and they put them into a high school football game, right. And so one play they gave, you know, the other team was in it, they gave him the ball, and they let him run and eventually ran out of bounds. And I almost think that that kid should have been tackled, that maybe there's an art to tackling and but people deserve the dignity of failure they deserve to be treated with with some seriousness, and that their accomplishments aren't something where, you know, there's all these videos of, of Little League games, where people are some kid hits with cerebral palsy, and is going around the bases, while people fun falling down for the ball and all this stuff. You know, throw a kid out every now and then make them work for accomplishment, make, make them understand what it's like that that you know what they truly appreciate what they've done. If I went even further, it's like races. We like we like we have sometimes we have races, and we like people in the races to do something that they have to train for if someone doesn't train for it. It's just, you know, it's not that compelling. And people on the outside need to see people with disabilities training, and being really true athletes. So we like things where people train for it. And people accomplish something. That makes sense.   Michael Hingson  29:03 It does. It absolutely makes sense. Because we we find so many people who behave exactly as you're describing, oh, it's great that he was able to run 20 or 30 yards. Wasn't that wonderful that he had the ball. But by the same token, we're not really dealing with, with what's going on and who's the one that really comes out feeling good about that? Well, I suppose that there is some truth to the fact that the person involved is excited that they had the ball, but the people are really doing it for themselves so that they can feel good that they can feel superior, rather than as you said, tackling somebody after a while, by the way, there's nothing wrong with tackling somebody rather than them running out of bounds. Even if they go 15 yards and then you tackle them. That that says something to and you're right there's an art to tackling that. it. It's all about changing in a sense, the definition of winning. Hmm.   Ross Lilley  30:05 I love that. Yeah. I never heard that. But I think that's a great concept too about the defining redefining winning.   Michael Hingson  30:16 There's, there's nothing wrong with winning and being competitive. But if you have to win, then are you really winning?   Ross Lilley  30:27 Oh, that's even better. Yes. We are very much on the same page. Yeah.   Michael Hingson  30:33 And the the fact is that, I realized that with most modern sports, it's all about winning. But is it really or should it really be something to think about? Hmm, that's   Ross Lilley  30:49 Yeah. So you you have thought about this. You are into it? Are you Are you a big sports fan yourself?   Michael Hingson  30:55 I listened to, to sports more than anything else. But I, I grew up with some really great sports announcers to be my teachers as it were listening to them and just their philosophies of dealing with the game. I mean, you know, baseball, you can't do better than having Vin Scully describe the games and just all the things that he talked about, and I know that he understood, winning and, and he always wanted the, I'm sure the Dodgers to be the victorious team. But the way he announced the games, no matter who won, it was really all about the game, which is what it ought to be. Hmm.   Ross Lilley  31:32 Wow. Is he still alive? Really?   Michael Hingson  31:36 Did he now he passed away last year? This year? Yeah. Yeah, he retired at the end of I think 2016 and then passed away last year.   Ross Lilley  31:48 That's well put, and I'm glad I'm glad you've put time to think about that. I I think about it all the time as well. And I always wonder if I'm the only one. Sailor staff thinks about it. And especially when you're putting game systems together.   Michael Hingson  32:03 What's your favorites? Which Oh, go ahead.   Ross Lilley  32:06 Go now my favorite, your favorite sport to teach? I guess, all of them because, like our game systems, you know, if it's team sport, our game systems work across all the main team sports, football, basketball, and soccer and even floor hockey. We work with some Boston Bruins on floor hockey and we work with some of the New England Patriots on our on our training systems. And as long as people are moving, and we work with the Red Sox as well, but the as long as they're moving for a prolonged period of time, if this sport gets them going like that I like anything that drives that it's not so much the sport is is to me as much as people participating in it and getting into shape and belonging to something   Michael Hingson  32:57 the professional athletes been in terms of working with him and so on. And how does all that work out?   Ross Lilley  33:04 Pretty good. Let me you know, it's good. Somebody from your area, Jimmy Garoppolo. injured, San Francisco 40 Niners quarterback. He came to about three of our clinics when he was with the with the Patriots. He and some other players really got it. They didn't they didn't come with any condescending condescension. And they didn't settle for you know, they held the bar high for our athletes. It was pretty good. So I'm surprised at this. We've had other guys like Andrew Ray Croft from the from the Bruins came out, and Terry Rozier who's now with the Charlotte Hornets. He was with the Celtics they came out in and within minutes, I thought they pretty felt pretty comfortable that population, I thought they will be talking down to him. But they were always really good.   Michael Hingson  33:55 That's really pretty cool. And nothing like having some of those folks coming out and teaching because you're getting taught by the best in the business.   Ross Lilley  34:05 Right. Yeah. And also, it's nice when they're sort of humbled by what we do. That's a nice, that's always a nice gesture when they are when they have done football clinics before and run them. And they defer to us. I think that's really that's a nice, that's a nice recognition for us.   Michael Hingson  34:27 So how large is your staff?   Ross Lilley  34:30 We have in the summer, just about 20 of us. But during the year we have just three of us full time who are trainers, and we have other support staff staff. We have actually we also during the year have interns who are terrific. We use a lot from local universities.   Michael Hingson  34:48 Do you have or ever have any people with disabilities on the teaching staff?   Ross Lilley  34:53 That's a really good one. And if it was during the year yes, you You know, but under water, we, we don't, mainly because of safety and needing to, if we need to jump in the water and rescue somebody, and we can only afford, you know, three or four people on a team, we can't we can't go rescue one somebody with a disability. It's a really, it's something we agonize with all the time because we're on the water. But we are not good in that regard. Only because we, you know, we have to decide who we're going to pay. We have limited resources, and we need everybody to be, quote unquote able bodied, to help with rescues if need be.   Michael Hingson  35:37 Right? Well, I think of the possibility of people like people who happen to be blind, who might very well be able to help and rescuing there are several centers around the country that have blind teachers teaching in a variety of environments. Including taking students out to lakes and doing various things in the summer. And again, it's it's all a matter of looking and learning. But there you have someone who's a lot more ambulatory, if they learned to listen and really are aware of what's going on around them.   Ross Lilley  36:17 Ya know, that that's probably a good point yet, I just don't have anybody in front of me, like, like that. But, you know, in a way, I probably should be more proactive and seeking people like this in in the least bit, because they can, they can have other folks. I don't wanna use the word inspire, lightly, but they could help inspire other folks with a similar abilities to come out. Right, right. I guess we're all role wary of using the word inspire. But I still love the word. Well, there's nothing   Michael Hingson  36:51 wrong with inspire, again, if you're doing it for the right reason. And this is, as we were talking about earlier, with the whole issue of running 30 yards, and then running out of bounds, but not being willing to tackle someone who is at this really being inspired as opposed to just feeling good. And there's nothing wrong with true inspiration, something that motivates someone to do more and feel better about themselves than they did and shoot for higher goals. So that's okay. I think, I think that's what in part has to come from inspiration.   Ross Lilley  37:29 Well, well said,   Michael Hingson  37:32 and it's a, it's a process, but for you, what's the most rewarding part of what you do, you're certainly doing something that has to do a lot of things that I don't want to use the word make you feel good, but inspire you. But for you, what's the most rewarding part of what you do?   Ross Lilley  37:52 When, when, when it works? When when we do works. And again, if I can, you know, there's, there's something that bigger that bigger than me that kind of is in this organization, even though we my wife, and I, my son and my daughter are founders of this, we we've found that there's a there's a culture that's developed in this that that goes behind us and I love it to see when when people remind me of some of the original tenets of how we started, you know, and like, or if I see some protocol or device or technique work with somebody, when it shouldn't, I'm really I love that. Like, instead of like we've worked for 12 years plus on this gait trainer. And when I see people's gait, improve after a half hour on the machine, and just it's incredible to me, or when I see you know why I'm not a really confident person outside of this, but I'm really confident what we can do with people on a windsurfer on a stand up paddleboard and a canoe and I know, when even when families say this won't work, I know that I can make certain things work and to see that is really something or to see someone surprised me and show what they can do. beyond what I ever expected, I love that.   Michael Hingson  39:16 Tell me about a real surprise something that happened or a person that came to the program and you didn't think necessarily they could do all that they ended up doing and they really surprised you. I'd love to hear a story about that.   Ross Lilley  39:33 I got a bunch but they all start with my son, right he's you know, by all rights he should be. He would be without what we do. He would be in a power chair with contractures all day long, and now he can because we have trained so much I can walk with him just holding one hand is rigorous but I can hold one hand and walk with Him. So that's that's somebody you know, by definition no functional use of his, either of his legs or his arms and I can hold one hand walk. So he, and you know, the way that he did some of those marathons, some of that was the greatest athletic feats I've ever been a part of in my life. Other than that, we have people who are running now who had hemiparesis and you know, we're in coma, and then came out of this and work with us and train with us and now can run and play in some of our games. Those guys are amazing. And there's other people still who were up and using some our equipment and training in keeping you know, in like this, like somebody I work with today's that he has MS. Cannot wait bear. But in our in our machine, he was up and standing in propelling this machine on a treadmill today all by himself. That's kind of incredible.   Michael Hingson  41:02 How does the machine work? What does it do?   Ross Lilley  41:05 We've, what we've done is we without a motor, but yes, using pressure on a treadmill. And and this unit that we've built off the back where we grab, this device grabs people at their lower leg. And as a piston is connected to essentially a rebuilt, spin cycle. And we can determine how long their length of stride is going to be how much hip and knee flexion or bend they're going to have. And then you put it for in a uniform fashion on a treadmill for, you know, half hour to an hour at a time. And we can pedal people through to weaken, we can slow people's rate down or increase it and it's it's emulating what a $400,000 device can do. And it works really well.   Michael Hingson  41:55 Have you ever looked into? Or Has anyone ever taken any of these and manufactured them and maybe did more mass producing of them?   Ross Lilley  42:04 We're on were doing that now. Actually, we're working with a manufacturer on on that. Except the process is long. And there's lots of parts to this. But yeah,   Michael Hingson  42:14 and you got to go through approvals to get the whole legal aspect of it addressed as well.   Ross Lilley  42:21 Well, we have our patent down, and lots of other patents associated with it. And now we need to get FDA approval.   Michael Hingson  42:28 That was what I was going to ask you about how the FDA figures into it all.   Ross Lilley  42:34 Where it's semi medical exercise. So we're trying to navigate those waters and I, I'm relying on one of our board members to do it to work with me on it. Well,   Michael Hingson  42:45 it does. It does sound really exciting to to do and to see the things that are happening. And again, I think one of the most significant parts about this is that you're welcoming to everyone. Do you have any? What we would call able bodied people come to the program? Or do they just come to staff? Or do you ever welcome people without disabilities into the program as well?   Ross Lilley  43:10 All the time? Yeah. Mostly into our games. So if someone wants to volunteer or if they want to play, we'll put into like a Thursday night soccer program or or have played tennis with us something like that. Yeah. You I know we decided I think told me early you you're not you're not actively playing a sport now. But if you could, what would it be?   Michael Hingson  43:39 Oh, gosh. There are several I'd love to play even if it's just to learn more about them. I've always been a baseball fan. So I'd love to. To do more with baseball. I'd love to learn more about football. I enjoy listening to football, although baseball is still always been my number one interest but I'm spoiled as I said before by Vince Skelly. But, you know, I, I think that sports in general would would be fun to experience no matter what it is because there's so much of it that I don't know a lot about and for me playing it would be as much as anything a way to and a reason for learning about the sport.   Ross Lilley  44:26 So I mean, you never day with a beep ball or anything like that.   Michael Hingson  44:30 never really did anything with a beat ball. There wasn't a group around to do it with for me.   Ross Lilley  44:36 Wow. It's a ride. I've tried to it's a riot. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I thought it's a genius and,   Michael Hingson  44:46 and then there's the new one talking about soccer and so on dodgeball. Oh, yeah. And I don't know whether I want to be up Be a person who just has to run around drop on the ground might get kicked in the head and going after a ball. So Oh, no.   Ross Lilley  45:10 Soccer is amazing, right? directly on the sides like three versus three. Yeah. That is an amazingly well developed sport is incredible.   Michael Hingson  45:21 And Basketball is fun. What else? Again? I'm spoiled. We had Chick Hearn out there out here and when I lived in the east, the first time I lived in the east, I lived in Winthrop, Massachusetts. And of course we had Johnny most.   Ross Lilley  45:37 Yep. Yeah. All right. Let's stop settling down which   Michael Hingson  45:42 will check stole the ball. I have that record.   Ross Lilley  45:50 Wow. Winthrop, we it's a good surfing beach or Winthrop.   Michael Hingson  45:54 Yeah, yeah. And Winthrop and Revere Beach and so on. Sure.   Ross Lilley  45:58 One of our programs looks at Revere. Winthrop, by the way, one of the islands where we have a program. Uh   Michael Hingson  46:03 huh. Wow, wait. So I keep up with sports. I've just never been very active in that regard. I was in the boy scouts, but we didn't do sports stuff other than hiking and camping. Which, which I did. So that was that was okay. You're a scout? Yeah, I was an Eagle Scout.   Ross Lilley  46:25 Holy smokes. Really?   Michael Hingson  46:29 Well, you know, you got to do something to to keep functioning and active.   Ross Lilley  46:34 So being on the bestseller list are Eagle Scout, they're about the same, aren't they?   Michael Hingson  46:41 They're fun to do.   Ross Lilley  46:43 Holy smokes. And what was your What was your project as an Eagle Scout?   Michael Hingson  46:48 Oh, gosh, I was involved in doing some radio stuff and doing some things relating to publicity in Palmdale where I grew up.   Ross Lilley  47:02 I used to, I used to be familiar with that. Because we would have you know, kids would come by the church, and we're our program and they need to find a project, right inevitably would be us building more times than not, it was let's create a ramp for somebody in town, you know, wheelchair ramp.   Michael Hingson  47:21 I'm on the board of an organization that works with scouts up in Santa Rosa. And they've built benches for the the center and done a number of things. It's been a favorite place for Eagle projects,   Ross Lilley  47:33 benches, benches, that's a big one. Right? Those are good.   Michael Hingson  47:36 Those are always good. What's the biggest challenge that you tend to face from the community are in the community? In   Ross Lilley  47:45 the mean, as I was running in running the program here or in my life, which to both? Oh, gosh, I was hoping you take the first one.   Michael Hingson  47:57 You get both.   Ross Lilley  47:58 I mean, I think more than that I you know, we're always rubbing two nickels together to make it by right. We're we're in the black all the time. But it's funding for programs like this, I spend more time doing programming than I do on fundraising. And I always grateful for donors who free me up so I can free us up so we can focus more on programming than anything else. So that tends to be a kind of a worry that goes with with our work. I I guess but I also worry that I'm I won't live long enough to see some of what we have come to fruition or perfection, I guess, especially with in regards to our gait training. I think what we do well, we've, we've come up with a system that I think is a true game changer. But it needs to be perfected. And it needs to be something that we universally have out there that that makes everybody improve their gait. And then this other thing are big challenges. How do we how do we train people, kids in schools with disabilities, where the resources they are, they're underserved, and his resources are slim, and they need to build habits that will stick with them after age 22. And so those are things that kind of gnaw at me that I you know, we just got to get it done gotta get done, and I don't know how to do it on a broad scale. So sad that   Michael Hingson  49:35 at the same time, um, how, what are what are some stories about people and how they have improved because of what you've done from an attitudinal standpoint, because it must be for people who really internalize it. People who go through the program, whether it's just dealing with gait training, or who are going off and playing sports, and we talked about winning and all that but just playing Seeing should be a lot for people, but how have you truly helped people and their attitudes and their outlook on life really improves.   Ross Lilley  50:12 I can tell how they've helped me that what the best part of this is a community that we have a community that claims people for life, you know, if you're if you're part of this community, you're with us, and we'll never let you go. And so I, I am part of that as well, these the my friends, all my friends, and the closest people I have here are those with whom I work and those and the athletes in the program so that you buy you on a Sunday morning. I so as far as athletes go, I hear all the time, people who say, you know, you, you've shown us a different side to our son, or I'm so grateful. One guy you wrote literally said you, you helped us be brave with the wind. I love that one. I was I was teaching on Martha's Vineyard in in someone who just couldn't believe they were out in the water doing this. So I hear that kind of all the time where people come to program and they expect to do something, you know, they they've heard that people could kayak and then and then we try to steer them to something that might be a little bit tougher. And then we know we can have success with and then when we do that, they just can't believe it. They're blown away. Yeah. And so lots of people like that. Which is tougher when surfing or kayaking. Windsurfing, ah. That's why I mean, I guess you can say there are as tough as you want to make them and to go high level on something, but to get involved in independent I think is tougher. But you know, it's also when we can have more success with I'm not as huge a fan of kayaking as I am as the other sports we do them. But the seating alone, because you're long sitting it, it makes your posterior chain really tight, your hamstrings are tight and it and it pulls your pelvis back. So you're kind of in a tough position, and people aren't necessarily as loose as they were if they could sit more upright.   Michael Hingson  52:23 Right? Well, and well, I don't know, I was gonna say, I would think that there are probably more balance issues also, with the board and interacting with the board with windsurfing than there are with kayaking,   Ross Lilley  52:40 right? Where we can, we have all sorts of boards that we've designed where we can be very stable. And you know, we've had people on events on our boards before because we were so confident they weren't gonna fall in, you know, so you can get as stable as you want, and then graduate to less and less stable as you go on. Less, less stable is faster,   Michael Hingson  53:02 yours. Right? Right. Well, for you and all that you've done. Have you ever thought of writing this story, creating a book or anything like that, to help educate more people about what you do and get them to realize that people with disabilities are just the same as everyone else? As I like to say, we need to change the definition because disability does not mean lack of ability.   Ross Lilley  53:31 Yeah. Well, I was hoping I'd meet a best seller author. I did at one point, and then I think it's like an invention that gnaws at you, I gave out, I gave up on it. You know, and I'm not that gifted a writer. So I, when I was in seminary, I took a course at Harvard. And it was on writing in the teacher that, of course, was a friend of mine, who's an editor at The Atlantic Monthly Michael Curtis. And so over the course of 12 weeks, I had one sentence in one paragraph where he said, Good job. But then again, I started writing a book, Cory, more to the point of what you're saying, I started writing a book about our experiences. And he loved it, which really just blew me away that I gotten to the point where this guy would like it, but the process and to come up with stuff would be tough. I think people want you to my advice was a one a more personal stuff than I wanted to give. They want to know about the struggles and how it plays itself out in your marriage and things like that. And I wasn't gonna go that deep into that. I mean, so if they want a little bit of any controversy I could have as well, which I didn't have a ton of.   Michael Hingson  54:55 Yeah, yeah. Everybody seems to like to have controversy and that doesn't necessarily help all I think that the personal aspects telling personal stories can be done without jeopardizing individuals, but the stories and the accomplishments I would think would be very meaningful and make a book like that really be something people would value. Yeah, exactly.   Ross Lilley  55:19 Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I mean, and I haven't been that specific with the stories, I think I, I would be better if I had given you some stories of some of these folks. And I was, I was just thinking that there was one guy who had it who had a stroke in his by his late 40s, and came to the program. And, and he used to run, he was a middle distance runner. And we have been working with him on his gait. And we we put him into our sports camp in our Florida sports camp. And he started, he started just blocking things. And by the end of the camp, he was he was running for balls, and even sending balls, he developed a pretty good kick, which was really remarkable. So he's planting with this, this almost straight leg, almost less functional, very less functional than the right leg and his planning on that and kicking and shooting. And so by the end of the camp, he was just so surprised with himself and so grateful for this. Yeah, have you had   Michael Hingson  56:33 people who you worked with, who felt well enough about themselves and who could do it, who went off and maybe found a job or got a job or went back to working because they suddenly realized they could do that?   Ross Lilley  56:49 I wish that were true. But more times than not, it's just it's such a tough nut to crack, right? We've had people go off, we have had people go off and get jobs, and then over time, gave up the jobs because even as they wanted to work, the job was somewhat beneath their skill set. Right that before the before their accident or their injury, they you know, some of these people had pretty high level jobs managers or, or writing code. And then, you know, the focus wasn't thereafter and they were doing things that are overtime seem what menial to him. So, yeah, we haven't had, I mean, we've had success in that people wanted to dream for that kind of thing. And people have more function, and they brought more to the relationships. But as far as jobs goes, I haven't seen a lot of sustainable kind of improvement there. I'm sure you've seen the same thing, right?   Michael Hingson  57:48 Well, I see a lot of it when you know, in the case of blindness, specifically your loss of vision. The fact is that, for the most part, losing eyesight doesn't mean you can't go back and do what you were doing. There are so many people in so many different kinds of jobs, that the proof is really there that you can go back to doing what you did. You've got to learn skills, but you can still do it. There are very few jobs where that really isn't the case. Unfortunately, there are all too many people who think it's not the case. That's what makes the big difference. Yeah, it's still mindset.   Ross Lilley  58:29 And if you were in the workplace, I mean, I I work with people, you know, especially when we have kids on the autism spectrum, we'll work with people until if they will keep coming, we will work with them until they succeed in some form. And I think that Sure, I wish that I wish that were the same in the workplace is to that the upside for this population is so enormous you just are you wish you had that kind of patience in the work in the workplace? Well, I   Michael Hingson  58:54 might be another dimension where you have to involve some other organizations or some other entities to make that happen. Yeah, it isn't like you have to do it all but at the same token you at least start the process so in in the camp in the program obviously you want people to have fun Where does I've got to ask because I always always think about these things where does humor fit into all this   Ross Lilley  59:21 I'm I'm humorless and always appropriate. So I know I'm   Michael Hingson  59:29 it's always one in every crowd   Ross Lilley  59:31 that I know I'm, I'm I'm I guess I would say hi effect. I've been rich, rich asset kind of person. And always looking for the gleam in people's eyes and always requiring that evolve the people that work for us that they they look for the gleam in people's eyes and connect. Yeah, and for me to do that, almost nine times out of 10 takes humor and not in and on the border of appropriateness, whatever it takes to reach people. is part of it. So yeah. And we also don't like to take ourselves too seriously. And so you need humor to help people not take themselves too seriously. And to help people. You know, in our program, there's no tragedy. No one comes in here leave are leaves this place thinking that their lives are tragic. No one allows anybody to feel like that. It's not as it's not overt, but it's just a kind of a sense you have and part of that is laughing at ourselves all the time. You know, I'm, I kind of like the king of self deprecation, and I'm fine with it. If people want to poke fun at me to, to laugh at and to laugh a little bit at the situation. I love it. So   Michael Hingson  1:00:45 which gets us back to our whole issue of winning, right? You're you you can be self deprecating, you can have fun. And as you said, not take yourself too seriously. No, seriously, maybe sort of kind of, but not too seriously, which is really important. Well, I have to say to you, sir, contrary to what you believe, and believed, it has now been an hour that we've been doing this and you didn't think you had a story to tell?   Ross Lilley  1:01:18 I had a story. I didn't know if it's gonna be that interesting. So I'm glad. I'm glad we've made it is 10. Very easy. And you're you're so engaging is great.   Michael Hingson  1:01:26 Well, thank you. Tell me about the name of the program, how people can reach out to learn more about the program. And, of course, being prejudiced about these kinds of things, make donations to the program.   Ross Lilley  1:01:37 So we're Access Sport America and it's our website is access. Access sport America, sport America. Okay. Yeah, so just just two s's in it, but you go, our website is goaccess.org, G O A C C E S S dot org. And you can learn more about us there. And also, if you want to make a donation, you can as well and we're primarily bait boss, Boston based or northeast based in Northeast Ohio, our our programs for schools are, you know, becoming national, we're hoping that we can expand that program and help people in different school systems with that system. And as far as our gait training, go, glad to handle anybody who may be want to come out in the area and work for a little while. Although that takes that takes weeks and weeks. If they had they need to have the wherewithal to do that. But if our fire device is manufacturable that will be on our website and in probably about a year and how to get that.   Michael Hingson  1:02:39 That'll be exciting. Yeah, and again, it's access sport America. ACCE SS p o r t.   Ross Lilley  1:02:47 E S S P O R T. Yes. Yes. Well done.   Michael Hingson  1:02:51 Cool. Well, and if people want to reach out to you, how do they do that? Do they best do that through LinkedIn or?   Ross Lilley  1:02:58 I can write me a Ross at Goaccess.org R O S S at Go. access.org   Michael Hingson  1:03:04 There you go. Well, Ross, Lilly, it has been absolutely fun. And I've learned a lot I am looking forward to somehow getting back that way from out here and getting a chance to meet you and shake your hand in person and go windsurfing.   Ross Lilley  1:03:20 We might do some clinics in California, and if we do we will now   Michael Hingson  1:03:23 we're talking Okay, well, that would be fun. And I'll bring my dog. Yes, please. Of course, cat won't come the dog will. I don't know whether he'll want to windsurf, but you never know. But I want to. I want to really thank you for being here today. And being with us. I think this has been absolutely enjoyable, inspirational and fun. And that's as good as it gets.   Ross Lilley  1:03:52 Thank you. Same here. I wish I had asked you more questions to learn more about you   Michael Hingson  1:03:56 will see now you'd have to start a podcast so you can do that. Pretty sure.   Michael Hingson  1:04:03 Well, I hope you've liked listening to us today. Please reach out. I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me at MichaelHI at accessibe A C C E S S I B E.com. Visit our podcast page www dot Michael Hingson H i n g s o n.com/podcast. Where you can listen to the podcast or as you may have found us elsewhere. That's okay too. Please give us a five star rating. Like go to apple and iTunes and give us a five star rating. We really appreciate the ratings you give us and any comments and thoughts that you have in Ross, for you and for everyone listening. If you know of anyone else that we ought to have on this podcast, please let us know reach out, let us know or give us an introduction. I would appreciate it we're always looking for interesting, new and fun guests. So please let us know and we'd love to hear hear from you about that. But again, Ross, thank you very much. We really appreciate you being here and anything we can do to make the program successful. We're in. We're wanting to do it. So thank you very much. And we will hopefully do this again, huh? Oh, yes.   Ross Lilley  1:05:14 Oh gosh. Yes.   Michael Hingson  1:05:16 Well, great. Well, thanks again and we hope that you'll continue to listen to podcasts for us.   Ross Lilley  1:05:22 Thank you.   Michael Hingson  1:05:27 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upco

Theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. An ordained minister for over 40 years, he served as an adjunct college professor and guest lecturer in comparative religion, cross-cultural studies, and contemporary spirituality. His background led to his writing 20 books on religion, the apocalypse, spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences.Concern for spiritual growth in contemporary society prompted his book Faith, Trust & Belief, while his love for long-distance bicycling led him to make several cross-country bike trips and inspired his biking trilogy, Journey Home, Snapshots and Visions, and Savannah: A Bicycle Journey Through Time and Space.Upon retirement he was determined to confront the essential spirituality that has inspired humankind since the very beginnings of time. The result of this quest is chronicled in his books, The Dragon Awakes: Rediscovering Earth Energy, Ancient Gods and Supernatural Gods.Recent books include Censoring God: The History of the Lost Books, from Visible Ink Press, The Quantum Akashic Field, from Findhorn/Inner Traditions, and American Cults: Cabals, Corruption, and Charismatic Leaders, also from Visible Ink Press, as well as his first work of fiction, The Wizard in the Wood: A Tale of Magic, Mystery, and Meaning.A frequent contributor to podcasts and radio shows both internationally and nationally, including George Noory with Coast to Coast AM, Cliff Dunning with Earth Ancients Radio, Rex Bear with The Leak Project, The Paranormal Podcast with Jim Harold, Energy Stew with Peter Roth, Rafa Martinelli, Dark Sun Rising and others. Recent interviews are listed on Jim's YouTube channel, as well as on our Media page.Website jimwillis.netBooks Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence The Quantum Akashic Field Lost Civilizations: The Secret Histories and Suppressed Technologies of the Ancients American Cults Supernatural Gods: Spiritual Mysteries, Psychic Experiences, and Scientific Truths

Anthony Cruz Pantojas is the Humanist Chaplain at Tufts University. They have been recognized with numerous awards, including an Interfaith America Innovation Fellowship, and spearheaded Freedom Making: A Mentorship Fellowship for Emerging Spiritual, Ethical, and Cultural Leaders —an initiative for first-generation students in college. Cruz Pantojas earned master's degrees in Theological Studies and Leadership Studies from Andover Newton Theological School, and Meadville Lombard Theological School, respectively. They hold a Certificate in Humanist Studies from the American Humanist Association Center for Education, where they are the program's first graduate. Anthony is a doctoral candidate in Cultural Studies. They serve as a board member of the Association of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education and representative to the International Association of Chaplains in Higher Education. Anthony is endorsed by the Humanist Society as a Chaplain and Celebrant.They share their story with us here for Growing Up Fundie's 71st episode.He'll be making an appearance at the Secular Student Alliance conference, held June 16th through 18th at the University of Missouri St. Louis. (I'll also be there, too!)Find out more about the Humanist Chaplaincy Network here:https://www.humanistchaplains.org/__________________________________________Find this episode, and others here:Website:www.growingupfundiepodcast.comSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2EHJGf8kGbSV9SRbqsfYKSApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-up-fundie/id1602008078Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad6ac91e-c2fb-47d6-8658-df8aed941eac/growing-up-fundiePatreon:https://www.patreon.com/sydneydavisjrjrBuzzsprout Subscriptions:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1908164/supporters/newYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5QuI5etVfbJoTVAhbRGMkADiscord:https://discord.gg/XQNG4nD5Our Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/GrowingUpFundie/More about the host, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr.sydneydavisjrjr.comThink you might make a great guest, or know someone who would be?Apply for yourself, or nominate someone here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHiy8KYW38tyKUD6MbFmOwCKdeWVHAbIA9qst1RBQf4rRPXg/viewform?usp=share_link

Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate About the Sermon: Sometimes we miss what is happening in the moment and only recognize its importance later. The Reverend Wendy Page is an Affiliate Minister of First Parish Arlington. She has been a member of First Parish since 1999 and First Parish supported her on her journey into ministry. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School and was ordained in the First Parish Sanctuary in 2017. She is now serving as a Hospice Chaplain for All Care Hospice. She also serves as a per diem chaplain at Mass General Hospital. Previous to her ministry, Wendy was a Software Engineer and Manager. She is an avid cyclist and has participated for 23 years in the annual Pan Mass Challenge fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She also is a quilter and gardener and sings in the FP choir.  

In this episode of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast, Anne-Marie Zanzal speaks with trans activists Pastor Lazarus Jameson and Nick Mundwiller. Laz and Nick share their personal coming out stories, they're calling to work in ministry serving the Queer community, talk about the work they are doing to protect and re-home trans people in the state of Missouri who are at risk of persecution from trans-erasing laws, and emphasize the urgency required to keep trans people safe in a political and social climate of anti-trans sentiment.Pastor Lazarus Jameson (they/them) is a queer and non-binary chaplain out of St. Louis Missouri serving trans people and other underserved lgbtq folks in St. Louis, Missouri through their org Lot's Wife Trans and Queer Chaplaincy. They have a masters of divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School and an undergraduate degree in teaching woodshop from North Carolina State University. They live with two large elderly orange cats with anxiety and are currently learning to make stained glass art as a hobby. Nick Mundwiller (they/them) is a queer activist, educator, and organizer who recently left Missouri in search of safer pastures and more opportunities in Fresno. Nick has a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School where they studied the intersection of religion, ethics, and politics and has been involved in activism through education and change work across the country. Nick is a gamer, comic-nerd, and historical cooking fanatic!To support Laz and Nick's work to protect trans people in Missouri, visit https://www.patreon.com/lotswife.

In this episode of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast, Anne-Marie Zanzal speaks with trans activists Pastor Lazarus Jameson and Nick Mundwiller. Laz and Nick share their personal coming out stories, they're calling to work in ministry serving the Queer community, talk about the work they are doing to protect and re-home trans people in the state of Missouri who are at risk of persecution from trans-erasing laws, and emphasize the urgency required to keep trans people safe in a political and social climate of anti-trans sentiment.Pastor Lazarus Jameson (they/them) is a queer and non-binary chaplain out of St. Louis Missouri serving trans people and other underserved lgbtq folks in St. Louis, Missouri through their org Lot's Wife Trans and Queer Chaplaincy. They have a masters of divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School and an undergraduate degree in teaching woodshop from North Carolina State University. They live with two large elderly orange cats with anxiety and are currently learning to make stained glass art as a hobby. Nick Mundwiller (they/them) is a queer activist, educator, and organizer who recently left Missouri in search of safer pastures and more opportunities in Fresno. Nick has a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School where they studied the intersection of religion, ethics, and politics and has been involved in activism through education and change work across the country. Nick is a gamer, comic-nerd, and historical cooking fanatic!To support Laz and Nick's work to protect trans people in Missouri, visit https://www.patreon.com/lotswife.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Dr. Richards is a clinical psychologist at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with formal training in theology and comparative religion. Earlier in his career, he pursued psychedelic research at Spring Grove Hospital Center and the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in Baltimore. His graduate education included studies at Yale, Brandeis, Catholic University, the Andover-Newton Theological School, and the University of Göttingen.

Jim, born in Des Moines, Iowa, started heading west for undergraduate study at the University of Colorado, Boulder and graduate study in Berkeley. He received his Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton Seminary and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1990. In 1993, after serving churches in Berkeley and Corona Del Mar, California, he became the Sr. Minister of the West Concord Union Church, in Massachusetts. In 1999 he became the Sr. Minister at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, California. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Pacific School of Religion; as president of the Peninsula Clergy Network which links 400 clergy with other area civic leaders; and as a board member of the Mission Hospice of San Mateo County. He has also served as a guest lecturer at Tufts University, Andover Newton Theological School, American Baptist School and Pacific School of Religion, as well as a keynote speaker for numerous denominational events. When Jim is not at church he loves to play golf, basketball, handball, tennis, or just about any sport.

NASA wants to assess how humans will react if alien life is found on other planets and discovery could impact our ideas of gods and creation. According to reports, the agency is hiring 24 theologians to take part in its program at the Center for Theological Inquiry (CTI) at Princeton University in New Jersey, which NASA gave a $1.1 million grant to in 2014. CTI is described as building 'bridges of under understanding by convening theologians, scientists, scholars, and policymakers to think together. The program's aim is to answer questions that have confused us for a long time such as 'What is life? What does it mean to be alive? Where do we draw the line between humans and aliens? What are the possibilities for sentient life in other places?'Presently, NASA has two rovers on Mars, and several probes orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. It also launched the James Web Telescope yesterday that will study galaxy, star and planet formation in the universe. The agency is in hopes to discover life outside Earth. The Rev Dr Andrew Davison, a priest and theologian at the University of Cambridge with a doctorate in biochemistry from Oxford, is among 24 theologians chosen for the program.'Religious traditions would be an important feature in how humanity would work through any such confirmation of life elsewhere,' Davidson shared in a blog post on the University of Cambridge site.'Because of that, it features as part of NASA's ongoing aim to support work on 'the societal implications of astrobiology', working with various partner organizations, including the Center of Theological Inquiry at Princeton.' Davison is set to publish a book next year, titled Astrobiology and Christian Doctrine, which notes he believes we are getting closer to finding life on other planets.About Jim WillisA theologian, historian, and musician, Jim Willis earned his Bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music, and his Master's degree from Andover Newton Theological School. He has been an ordained minister for over 40 years. While serving as an adjunct college professor in the fields of comparative religion and cross-cultural studies, he was the host of his own drive-time radio show and part-time musician. His concern for spiritual growth in modern-day society prompted a series of lectures on historical studies and contemporary spirituality. Upon retirement, he was determined to confront the essential, mystical Reality that has inspired humankind since the very beginning of time. A background in theology and education led to his writing more than a dozen books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and arcane or buried cultures, specializing in research bridging lost civilizations, suppressed history, and the study of earth energy, dowsing, and out-of-body experiences.www.jimwillis.net

Rev. Dr. Megan Snell's work sits at the intersection of mental health conditions and the Christian faith. She focuses her attention on the dignity and flourishing of marginalized people, particularly those with mental health conditions and intersectional identities. All of that comes through in today's interview. We dig in deep into the harmful theology the Church has held and proclaimed throughout centuries, particularly around mental health. Rev. Megan offers incredible insight into the role the church can play in offering spaces for grace, healing, and hope for those who live with mental health conditions....Rev. Dr. Megan Snell, MDIV, DMin, is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She has served as Pastor of several UCC churches in the Boston metro area as well as a Clinical Chaplain at an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center. Throughout her ministry, Rev. Megan has officiated weddings, baptisms, and memorial services in the wider community.  Rev. Megan is a Doctoral Candidate at the Pacific School of Religion, studying the intersection of mental health conditions and the Christian community. She holds an MDiv from Andover Newton Theological School. She will be starting a PhD programme at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland in Practical Theology in 2021.   Rev. Megan also lives with chronic mental health conditions. She writes, teaches, and preaches regularly on the topics of mental health, mental illness, and faith. Rev. Megan writes for and serves on the Board of Directors Executive Committee of the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network. Megan is a board game nerd and hiking and Krav Maga enthusiast. Her family lives in the Boston area and they share their life with numerous dogs and chickens. You can learn more and connect with Megan on her website.

Why isn't the Book of Enoch in the Holy Bible, even though Enoch is referenced multiple times? Why were texts considered sacred by many, excluded by others? Who made the decisions and why?There are more than 50 books―some of which exist only in fragments while others are complete and whole―that are not included in the biblical canon. Why were they discarded? Most Protestant denominations settled on 66 canonical books of the Bible, while there are 73 for Roman Catholics and 78 for Eastern Orthodox adherents. Why are there these differences of opinion?We are often taught that the Bible is, in the words of many religious catechisms, “the infallible word of faith and practice.” In reality, the Bible can also be seen as a political document as much as a spiritual one. Ordained minister and theologian Jim Willis examines the historical, political, and social climates that influenced the redactors and editors of the Bible and other sacred texts in Censoring God: The History of the Lost Books (and other Excluded Scriptures). In analyzing why texts were censored, he uncovers sometimes surprising biases. He investigates enigmatic hints of Bible codes and ancient wisdom that implies a greater spiritual force might have been at work. Willis explores the importance of the Book of Enoch, its disappearance, and how it was rediscovered in Ethiopia. He analyzes over two dozen excluded texts, such as Jubilees and the Gospel of Thomas, along with the many references to books that we know about from fragments but remain lost.Thought-provoking and provocative, Censoring God scrutinizes how sacred texts might have been used to justify the power of the powerful, including the destruction of sacred writings of conquered indigenous cultures because they did not agree with the finished version of the Bible accepted by the Church establishment. This important book looks at the human failings in interpreting God's words, and through a compassionate examination it brings a deeper understanding of the power and importance of the lost words. With more than 120 photos and graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography provides sources for further exploration, and an extensive index adds to its usefulness.Jim Willis earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. His background in theology and education led to his writing more than a dozen books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. His books include Visible Ink Press' Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence; Supernatural Gods: Spiritual Mysteries, Psychic Experiences, and Scientific Truths; The Religion Book; Hidden History: Ancient Aliens and the Suppressed Origins of Civilization; and Lost Civilizations: The Secret Histories and Suppressed Technologies of the Ancients. Willis resides in the woods of South Carolina with his wife, Barbara.

Opening to Grief: Claire Willis Grief and love are richly intertwined. Because we love, we grieve. And when we fully feel our sorrow, we open to loving ourselves and other beings more deeply. All of us experience loss. Some of us have lost a spouse, or a child, our parents, a beloved pet, a dear friend, or neighbor. In the pandemic, we have lost hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States and around the world. Many of us have lost our livelihoods. All of us have lost our familiar daily routines and textures of work, family, and community. And the losses are not over. Grieve fully, turn toward your emotions and experiences however they arise, and follow your own path toward healing. Claire B. Willis is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A cofounder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together, Willis has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She has co-taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School. She maintains a private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained by Joan Halifax at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. For the past five years, she has been a student of Koshin Paley Ellison, a founding teacher at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. Besides Opening to Grief, which Claire co-wrote with Marnie Crawford Samuelson, she is the author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life. www.openingtogrief.com Learn more about Simran here: www.iamsimran.com www.1111mag.com/

Today, Pastor Steve invites special guest Rev. Dr. Hector B. Custodio aka "Pastor Benny" from Camino Church. As they reflect on the grace, mercy, and peace of God, Pastor Benny shares his story as one of the ten founding members of the New York Latin Kings street gang. After being wrongly convicted for murder in the second degree, he spent 20 years in prison, or what he likes to call it, "a human warehouse." Pastor Benny not only found God during his time in prison, but he began working towards a better life. He started by earning his GED while incarcerated and upon his release attended Andover Newton Theological School, now apart of Yale Divinity School, where he graduated with his PhD in Ministry. You don't want to miss this episode!

Claire B. Willis, co-author of Opening to Grief, Finding your Way From Loss to Peace is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A co-founder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together, Willis has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She has taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School. As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. For the past five years, Besides Opening to Grief, Willis is the author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life. https://openingtogrief.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/PostcardstotheUniverse)

Claire B. Willis – Opening to GriefAir Date: Wednesday, 2 June 2021 at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM ETClaire B. Willis, co-author of Opening to Grief, Finding your Way From Loss to Peace is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A cofounder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together, Willis has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She has taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School.As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. For the past five years, Besides Opening to Grief, Willis is the author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life.Connect with Claire at https://openingtogrief.comVisit the Show Page at https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/postcards-to-the-universeConnect with Melisa Caprio at https://www.postcardstotheuniverse.com/#ClaireBWillis #OpeningToGrief #PostcardsToTheUniverse #MelisaCaprio

In this special Ramadan khutbah, Ustadha Chaplain Maryam Sharrieff joins us from the East Coast to deliver her inspiring khutbah on "Healing A Hurt Heart," in honor of her late mentor and teacher Chaplain Imam Sohaib Sultan, who recently passed away. Her message is filled with helpful advice for how we can rely on the power of the Qur'an to restore our spirits during difficult times and beyond. Bio: Ustadha Maryam Sharrieff is an educator, filmmaker, lecturer, linguist, researcher and student of the development of Islam in America. Her recent research projects have examined the African-American Shi'i Muslim Community, Latino Converts to Islam in America, the Legacy of Female Scholarship in Islam and Gender & Its Linguistic Implications in the Qur'an and Torah. Maryam's research interests also include the Muslim Contribution to Sicilian Society, the Representation of Faith In (& On) film, Homosexuality in Canonical Texts, American Muslim Women's Leadership, Fundamentalism Across Faiths and America's Founding Father's Interactions with the Muslim World. Maryam has studied and conducted research in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Italy, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Most recently she presented on Muslim women's leadership at the World Parliament of Religion's conference in Sydney, Australia, Salt Lake City and at the annual international Shaykafest. From 2012-2014 she was a Muslim fellow for Hebrew College's and Andover Newton Theological School's CIRCLE (Center for Inter-Religious and Communal Leadership Education) program. Recently, she presented on Muslim Women's Comic Book Heroes at the United Kingdom's University of Derby's Muslim Women's Activism conference. Ustadha Maryam teaches for rabata.org and serves as an adjunct professor. She is dedicated to building and contributing to institutions conducive to the pursuit of human excellence. Sharrieff received her Bachelor's degree in Middle Eastern Studies/Italian/TV & Film from Rutgers University and obtained her Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. She currently resides in the Boston area and serves as a University Muslim Chaplain.

Ramadan #HistoricMuslimah #28: "Tayyibah Taylor" by Ustadha Chaplain Maryam Sharrieff | Today, our Khateebah Ustadha Chaplain Maryam Sharrieff tells us about a recent historical Muslimah figure: Tayyibah Taylor, the graceful Afro-Caribbean creator of Azizah Magazine -- a high quality magazine for Muslim women, by Muslim women -- whose work was unprecedented during her time. M O R E F R O M U S T A D H A C H A P L A I N M A R Y A M S H A R R I E F F Watch the entire jumma'a on "Healing A Hurt Heart" Khutbah by Chaplain Ustadha Maryam Sharrieff here: https://youtu.be/H6N04K6VOiw D O N A T E The Women's Mosque of America needs your help! Make a contribution of any amount today to help us continue our work to uplift the entire Muslim community by empowering Muslim women and girls. Donate here today: womensmosque.com/donate B I O Ustadha Chaplain Maryam Sharrieff is an educator, filmmaker, lecturer, linguist, researcher, and student of the development of Islam in America. Her recent research projects have examined the African-American Shi'i Muslim Community, Latino Converts to Islam in America, the Legacy of Female Scholarship in Islam, and Gender & its Linguistic Implications in the Qur'an and Torah. Ustadha Maryam's research interests also include the Muslim Contribution to Sicilian Society, the Representation of Faith In (& On) Film, Homosexuality in Canonical Texts, American Muslim Women's Leadership, Fundamentalism Across Faiths, and America's Founding Fathers' Interactions with the Muslim World. Maryam has studied and has conducted research in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Italy, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Most recently, she presented on Muslim women's leadership at the World Parliament of Religion's conference in Sydney, Australia, Salt Lake City, and at the annual international Shaykafest. From 2012-2014, she was a Muslim fellow for Hebrew College's and Andover Newton Theological School's CIRCLE (Center for Inter-Religious and Communal Leadership Education) program. Recently, she presented on Muslim Women's Comic Book Heroes at the United Kingdom's University of Derby's Muslim Women's Activism conference. Ustadha Maryam teaches for Rabata.org and serves as an adjunct professor. She is dedicated to building and contributing to institutions conducive to the pursuit of human excellence. Sharrieff received her Bachelor's degree in Middle Eastern Studies/Italian/TV & Film from Rutgers University and obtained her Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. She currently resides in the Boston area and serves as a University Muslim Chaplain. S T A Y C O N N E C T E D Do you want to find out about The Women's Mosque of America's upcoming women-led & co-ed events? Sign up for our newsletter here: https://us9.campaign-archive.com/home... A B O U T The Women's Mosque of America is the nation's first women-led Muslim house of worship and a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. The Women's Mosque of America strives to uplift the entire Muslim community by empowering Muslim women and girls through more direct access to Islamic scholarship and leadership. The Women's Mosque of America provides a safe space for women to feel welcome, respected, and actively engaged within the Muslim Ummah. It complements existing mosques, offering opportunities for women to grow, learn, and gain inspiration to spread throughout their respective communities. The Women's Mosque of America provides women-led Friday jumma'a services for women and children (including boys 12 and under) once a month in Southern California. In addition, The Women's Mosque of America provides programming, events, and classes open to both men and women that aim to increase community access to female Muslim scholars and female perspectives on Islamic knowledge and spirituality. F O L L O W U S Instagram: @womensmosque Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomensMosque Twitter: @womensmosque

Opening to Grief: Finding Your Way from Loss to Peace with Claire B. WillisAired Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 4:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM ESTOver the past year, the pandemic has robbed every single one of us of something… If not a loved one or our livelihood it’s our familiar daily routine, our freedom of movement, or our way of working, playing, communicating, connecting, and moving through the world. Many are feeling a mix of emotions – anxiety, despair, sadness, and anger. While we might not recognize all of these feelings as grief, we are grieving. This is how human beings respond to loss. And our losses are far from over.According to this week’s guest, grieving is one of the most difficult experiences we will ever face. Grief’s terrain is unspeakably painful. There are no easy answers and there’s no one way to grieve. Your grief is yours alone. But the good news is, whatever you are grieving, you will find your way…CLAIRE B. WILLIS is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A cofounder of the Boston non-profit Facing Cancer Together, she has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups, and has co-taught spiritual resources for healing the mind, body, and soul at Andover Newton Theological School. The author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life, & co-author of Opening to Grief: Finding Your Way from Loss to Peace with Marnie Crawford Samuelson, Claire Willis joins Sandie to share how we can navigate and embrace our emotions and experiences, however they arise, and follow our own path to healing.Connect with Claire at https://openingtogrief.com/Visit the What Is Going OM show page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/what-is-going-omConnect with Sandie Sedgbeer at https://www.sedgbeer.com#ClaireBWillis #OpeningToGrief #WhatIsGoingOM #SandieSedgbeer #Lifestyle

Christine is a professional actress onstage and onscreen. Most of her experience has been in the regional theatre and she has worked at Tony Award-winning companies such as the Public Theatre (in NYC), the Alley (in Houston), the Denver Center and Utah Shakespeare Festival. She recently Guest Starred on CBS' Magnum P.I. as a 1986 Imelda Marcos! She was a theatre kid in my teens and started out at the performing arts programs at Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio, TX and the School for Creative and Performing Arts at Chula Vista High School in San Diego. She went on to the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts 2-year program and received her BFA in Musical Theatre at the Boston Conservatory before going on to the graduate classical acting program at the University of Delaware Professional Theatre Training Program on a full scholarship. Christine considers herself a “multipotentialite”, having explored careers in non-profit, education and religious environments. She studied at NYU's Steinhardt School of Education and got an MA in Educational Theatre (focusing on colleges and communities). She also did graduate work at Andover Newton Theological School in the Theology and the Arts program.  Christine is also a singer and songwriter. She spent years directing music in various churches, singing in several bands and is often a featured vocalist at special events.   Christine is a certified 200-hour registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance. She received her training through the Deep Yoga School of Healing Arts. She has taught yoga at EF International Language School, Ginseng Yoga, Vara Healing Arts, Generation Yoga and privately. Christine's teaching style is alignment-based with a strong meditation/philosophy-orientation. She will often chant during Savasana and her sequences have a playful quality. She always mixes a little sweat with lots of breath. Her classes are great for beginners and those that are seeking less intensity/low impact. She is the founder of a Facebook forum to connect Filipino-heritage yoga devotees called "PYN-Pilipino Yoga Network". Christine also founded a collaborative called Kapwa Yoga Network, inspired by Philippine psychology and Filipino indigenous wisdom, who work throughout the diaspora to discover their roots as they develop as Filipino/a/x yoga instructors.  Christine offers live music for yoga and has been a guest performer at several studios across the country. Her music has also been featured on "Yoga Chat with the Accidental Yogist" and "Sacred Mondays with Mystic Pete". Her 10 1/2 minute song meditation, https://music.apple.com/gh/album/halika-na-she-ep/id891913968 ("Halika Na/She") is available on iTunes. She is also a conscious/new age writer and has been published in LA Yoga Magazine and Namaskar Magazine. You can connect with her through her https://www.christinejugueta.com/ (website), https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12445946/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons (IMDB), https://www.facebook.com/thechristinejugueta/ (Facebook), or https://www.instagram.com/cjugueta/ (Instagram). If you are interested in coaching or consultation, you can contact her via email at kapwayoganetwork@gmail.com. If you feel called to connect further, you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kapwa.yoga/ (@kapwa.yoga). We also just recently joined Clubhouse and you can connect with us there @kapwakonvos. This podcast is a part of Kapwa Yoga, a movement and mindfulness practice that combines my background in yoga, dance and organizational psychology. You can find out more about our services https://www.kapwa.yoga/ (here). Thank you, Maraming Salamat, and catch you on the next conversation!

' And you do come out of it, that's true. After a year, after five. But you don't come out of it like a train coming out of a tunnel, bursting through the downs into sunshine and that swift, rattling descent to the Channel; you come out of it as a gull comes out of an oil-slick. You are tarred and feathered for life.'   (Julian Barnes) 'We often take self-care for granted… but if we don't do that, the well of all we give is empty. If we don't fill it, we can't give any more.' (Lee Atherton) Lee Atherton studied at Erickson College and Andover Newton Theological School. She is an ordained minister and a certified end-of-life grief support and resilience coach. For  over 15 years, Lee has been helping individuals and those in the helping professions such as chaplains, clergy, first responders and clinicians, deal with extreme stress or chaos of life and loss and grief. Lee's goal is to guide others into personal resiliency so they, in turn, can help others navigate their life stresses.   Lee suggests that If you want to care for others effectively, you must also care for yourself - you can't give to others out of an empty well. Resilience is not a suit of armor, rather, it is a protective shield of courage that's strong and dependable just as it is malleable and honest. Connect with Lee Atherton at: Website: https://coachrev.com/  Email: Lee@CoachRev.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-atherton-67235a118/  Contact  Dr. Gillian Lockitch to learn how you can decelerate your aging trajectory,  stay vibrant and vigorous, or start your own online business in wellness and anti-aging: https://linktr.ee/askdrgill   Email: askdrgill@gmail.comSchedule a complimentary Living Younger Discovery Call at https://bit.ly/3LbWvSV    Order your copy of Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com

Why isn't the Book of Enoch in the Holy Bible, even though Enoch is referenced multiple times? Why were texts considered sacred by many, excluded by others? Who made the decisions and why? There are more than 50 books―some of which exist only in fragments while others are complete and whole―that are not included in the biblical canon. Why were they discarded? Most Protestant denominations settled on 66 canonical books of the Bible, while there are 73 for Roman Catholics and 78 for Eastern Orthodox adherents. Why are there these differences of opinion? We are often taught that the Bible is, in the words of many religious catechisms, “the infallible word of faith and practice.” In reality, the Bible can also be seen as a political document as much as a spiritual one. Ordained minister and theologian Jim Willis examines the historical, political, and social climates that influenced the redactors and editors of the Bible and other sacred texts in Censoring God: The History of the Lost Books (and other Excluded Scriptures). In analyzing why texts were censored, he uncovers sometimes surprising biases. He investigates enigmatic hints of Bible codes and ancient wisdom that implies a greater spiritual force might have been at work. Willis explores the importance of the Book of Enoch, its disappearance, and how it was rediscovered in Ethiopia. He analyzes over two dozen excluded texts, such as Jubilees and the Gospel of Thomas, along with the many references to books that we know about from fragments but remain lost. Jim Willis earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. 

Why isn’t the Book of Enoch in the Holy Bible, even though Enoch is referenced multiple times? Why were texts considered sacred by many, excluded by others? Who made the decisions and why?There are more than 50 books―some of which exist only in fragments while others are complete and whole―that are not included in the biblical canon. Why were they discarded? Most Protestant denominations settled on 66 canonical books of the Bible, while there are 73 for Roman Catholics and 78 for Eastern Orthodox adherents. Why are there these differences of opinion?We are often taught that the Bible is, in the words of many religious catechisms, “the infallible word of faith and practice.” In reality, the Bible can also be seen as a political document as much as a spiritual one. Ordained minister and theologian Jim Willis examines the historical, political, and social climates that influenced the redactors and editors of the Bible and other sacred texts in Censoring God: The History of the Lost Books (and other Excluded Scriptures). In analyzing why texts were censored, he uncovers sometimes surprising biases. He investigates enigmatic hints of Bible codes and ancient wisdom that implies a greater spiritual force might have been at work. Willis explores the importance of the Book of Enoch, its disappearance, and how it was rediscovered in Ethiopia. He analyzes over two dozen excluded texts, such as Jubilees and the Gospel of Thomas, along with the many references to books that we know about from fragments but remain lost.Jim Willis earned his master’s degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. 

Why isn’t the Book of Enoch in the Holy Bible, even though Enoch is referenced multiple times? Why were texts considered sacred by many, excluded by others? Who made the decisions and why? There are more than 50 books―some of which exist only in fragments while others are complete and whole―that are not included in the biblical canon. Why were they discarded? Most Protestant denominations settled on 66 canonical books of the Bible, while there are 73 for Roman Catholics and 78 for Eastern Orthodox adherents. Why are there these differences of opinion? We are often taught that the Bible is, in the words of many religious catechisms, “the infallible word of faith and practice.” In reality, the Bible can also be seen as a political document as much as a spiritual one. Ordained minister and theologian Jim Willis examines the historical, political, and social climates that influenced the redactors and editors of the Bible and other sacred texts in Censoring God: The History of the Lost Books (and other Excluded Scriptures). In analyzing why texts were censored, he uncovers sometimes surprising biases. He investigates enigmatic hints of Bible codes and ancient wisdom that implies a greater spiritual force might have been at work. Willis explores the importance of the Book of Enoch, its disappearance, and how it was rediscovered in Ethiopia. He analyzes over two dozen excluded texts, such as Jubilees and the Gospel of Thomas, along with the many references to books that we know about from fragments but remain lost. Jim Willis earned his master’s degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. 

Claire B. Willis is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A cofounder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together, Willis has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She has co-taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School. She maintains a private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained by Joan Halifax at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. For the past five years, she has been a student of Koshin Paley Ellison, a founding teacher at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. Besides Opening to Grief, Willis is the author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life. OpeningtoGrief.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/death-by-design. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is a religious experience? Really. How does one define a religious event? Why do we keep reading from figures who report life-affirming, transformation-inducing, and worldview-shattering experiences that we, if we are honest, evoke the tension between both fascination and anxious avoidance? Today's episode may provide a life raft - though the storm approaches regardless. Tune in as Dr. William Richards, a psychologist in the Psychiatry Department of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Dr. John Price discuss the definition of terms such as mystic and religious events, they explore subject ranging from the early application of psychedelics in a clinical context, the current and historical government regulation of psychedelics - or entheogens, if you will - clinical examples of the transformations that many have experienced during and after the use of these medicines, current studies, the collective unconscious, the embarrassment felt by the military's attempts to use these substances, morality and entheogens, identity, the ethics of entheogens in a clinical setting, getting “high,” spiritual by-passing, the nature of nature summarized in the familiar refrain that love is underneath it all, and more. Bio: William A. Richards (Bill) is a psychologist in the Psychiatry Department of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bayview Medical Center, a consultant/trainer at sites of psychedelic research internationally, a teacher in the Program of Psychedelic Therapy and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and also a clinician in private practice in Baltimore. His graduate degrees include M.Div. from Yale Divinity School, S.T.M. from Andover-Newton Theological School and Ph.D. from Catholic University, as well as studies with Abraham Maslow at Brandeis University and with Hanscarl Leuner at Georg-August University in Göttingen, Germany, where his involvement with psilocybin research originated in 1963. From 1967 to 1977, he pursued psychotherapy research with LSD, DPT, MDA and psilocybin at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, including protocols designed to investigate the promise of psychedelic substances in the treatment of alcoholism, depression, narcotic addiction and the psychological distress associated with terminal cancer, and also their use in the training of religious and mental-health professionals. From 1977-1981, he was a member of the psychology faculty of Antioch University in Maryland. In 1999 at Johns Hopkins, he and Roland Griffiths launched the rebirth of psilocybin research after a 22-year period of dormancy in the United States. His publications began in 1966 with “Implications of LSD and Experimental Mysticism,” coauthored with Walter Pahnke. His book, Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences was released in English by Columbia University Press in 2015 and has since been translated into four additional languages. https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/richards https://hopkinspsychedelic.org https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home The Jung Center Houston https://junghouston.org CLASS: http://junghouston.org/program-offering-detail/?id=dfb2b6b6-4eb0-11eb-b993-02dbb43a0b10 Website for The Sacred Speaks: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com WATCH Get Centered https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdbeVcDXWXezYMkHJg-2duw Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

In this episode of Health & Heart, bereavement coordinator Shannan Hudgins reflects on the struggles of accumulated loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers guidance for listeners. Shannan Hudgins, M.A., M.Div., is the Bereavement Coordinator for Baystate Hospice in West Springfield, MA. Her involvement with C-TAC began during her final year at Andover Newton Theological School and her field education with the Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson at the Rhode Island State Council of Churches. She is a member of the Interfaith & Diversity Workgroup of C-TAC. Shannan is a Member in Discernment for Ordination in the United Church of Christ with the Old Colony Association in Massachusetts.

Claire B. Willis is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. Claire is a co-founder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together and has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts. Claire maintains a private practice in Brookline, MA. As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained by Joan Halifax at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. Claire is also an experienced yoga teacher and the author of two books, Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life and her new book, Opening to Grief: Finding Your Way from Loss to Peace, which she co-authored with Marnie Crawford Samuelson.In this interview, Claire shares the wisdom she has attained from her Buddhist practice and her experience working with people in grief. Her book "Open to Grief" is a handbook full of tools you can use to customize your grief journey.Find more about Claire at: ℹ️ https://www.opentogrief.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/grief2growth)

In this year of radical loss, Opening to Grief: Finding your way from loss to peace is an essential guidebook for anyone navigating grief and loss. Claire B. Willis, author, clinical social worker, ordained lay Buddhist chaplain and yoga teacher talks about her journey writing this book and shares expert counsel about the many ways to honor any form of loss you might be experiencing as 2020 comes to a close. This is an invaluable episode for closing a horrifically strange year, and doing what we can to bravely move into 2021 renewed and ready for change. https://openingtogrief.com/Claire B. Willis is a clinical social worker and an ordained lay Buddhist chaplain and yoga teacher. She has spent over two decades working with oncology patients with a focus on end of life issues, therapeutic writing and bereavement counseling. A co-founder of Facing Cancer Together: A Community of Hope, Claire is also an adjunct faculty member at the Andover Newton Theological School and a former group facilitator and instructor at The Wellness Community. She earned an M.A. from Episcopal Divinity School and a MSW and a M.Ed from Boston University. Claire lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.

In today's show, we're sitting down with Alfred "Beto" Howell.  Beto is a Master of Divinity and graduate of Harvard University Divinity School. He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University Divinity School and a Master of Divinity from Andover-Newton Theological School. Currently, Beto produces content for his social media following including daily written posts and a weekly series on Instagram LIVE and Facebook LIVE. His daily posts are aptly named “Daily Divinity Coaching” and his weekly series entitled “Sunday Weekly Revival.” In this episode, we will talk about manifesting abundance, justice, and immortality, and so much more!Show Notes:Beto's LinksInstagram: @DailyDivinityCoach (For Free Manifest Bracelet)Facebook: Albert Beto HowellYouTube: Beto aka Daily Divinity Coach .........................................Alex's LinksFree Gifts Set Up a Free Insight Call With AlexLearn About Intuitive ReadingsLearn About Akashic ReadingsThe Spirit Guided Oracle Alex's Instagram @alexlevy_IntuitiveAlex's FacebookBuy Me A Coffee (Donate To Support This Show)

Claire Willis LICSW joins Paul Krauss MA LPC to discuss the topic of grief and the multifaceted ways in which it effects a person, a family, a community, and the culture at large. Claire discusses the many ways that people cope with losses, including those who feel ashamed in their grief. Claire sheds light on why people often feel differently when they lose a pet versus a person. Claire and Paul discuss what happens when a person denies or refuses to deal with their grief. There is further discussion regarding the "Authenticity Movement" and how being brave about your feelings can be both difficult and rewarding. Claire has recently co-authored a book with Marnie Crawford Samuelson entitled "Opening to Grief: find your way from loss to peace" that is a guide for people who are grieving and want help. Paul recently read  Opening to Grief and he and Claire discuss the way it is structured and the resources it offers. Claire B. Willis, LICSW is a clinical social worker who has worked in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. A co-founder of the Boston nonprofit Facing Cancer Together, Willis has led bereavement, end-of-life, support, and therapeutic writing groups. She has co-taught Spiritual Resources for Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul at Andover Newton Theological School. She maintains a private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a lay Buddhist chaplain ordained by Joan Halifax at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. For the past five years, she has been a student of Koshin Paley Ellison, a founding teacher at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. Besides Opening to Grief, Willis is the author of Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life. OpeningtoGrief.com Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, EMDRIA Consultant in Training (CIT), host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress)  as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433.  If you are looking for EMDRIA consulting groups, Paul Krauss MA LPC is now hosting weekly online and in-person groups.  For details, click here. Follow Health for Life Grand Rapids: Instagram   |   Facebook     |     Youtube  Original Music: ”Shades of Currency" [Instrumental] from Archetypes by PAWL (Spotify) "Borderlands" from An Imaginary Country by Tim Hecker (Spotify)   Support your local bookstore by shopping at https://bookshop.org/ (You can order online from the comfort of your own home, while supporting local businesses near you).  

In Episode 4 we outlined the deficiencies of the Modern Reference Bible. But what's the alternative? What could the future of the Bible look like?Christopher Smith joins us to talk about the work and research that goes into the creation of Reader's Bibles – Bibles which remove all of the modern additives and replace them with literary structures which actually honor and display the natural contours of each book. He and Glenn tell the story of how they met to create The Books of the Bible, a Reader's edition which became the precursor to Immerse: The Reading Bible.The Rev. Dr. Christopher Smith is a writer and biblical scholar who is also an ordained minister and served local churches as a pastor for nearly twenty years. He has an A.B. from Harvard in English and American Literature and Language, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell, and a Ph.D. in the History of Christian Life and Thought, with a minor concentration in Bible, from Boston College, in the joint program with Andover Newton Theological School. He was heavily involved in the design and creation of Immerse: The Reading Bible.After Chapters and Verses: https://amzn.to/2Sx2R5l The Institute for Bible Reading is a nonprofit ministry. Support our work, including the production of The Bible Reset podcast, by joining ChangeMakers: https://instituteforbiblereading.org/changemakers/

Investigates and questions the scientific consensus on the origins of civilizationDo we, the human species, really know who we are or where we came from or how we originated or our place in the cosmos? Or is much of what we have been taught wrong or misguided or possibly even blatant lies intended to keep people in power and everyone else in line?Exploring alternative theories on the establishment of society and civilization, Hidden History: Ancient Aliens and the Suppressed Origins of Civilization looks at a variety of dissenting, suppressed, and forbidden accounts of history and the origins of humanity. It takes a broad and inclusive survey of historical documents, various theories, and a wide array of perspectives to explore what conventional wisdom might have gotten right and wrong.The book serves as a useful introduction into the suppressed accounts of the origins of modern civilization. It combines cutting-edge science with metaphysical, spiritual, and even paranormal views, daring to ask whether there might be a better explanation for humanity’s existence and the origins of civilization than the current scientific consensus.Hidden History looks at the multiverse and parallel dimensions, the ancient alien theory, metaphysics, and hypotheses beyond physical perception, the eleven dimensions of string theory, radio telescopes that penetrate to the event horizon of our universe, mathematical equations that take us where no one has gone before, and the world-wide sharing of experiences old and new that speak of long forgotten ancient mythologies that reveal historical truths.With more than 120 photos and graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography provides sources for further exploration, and an extensive index adds to its usefulness. This fascinating book is a thorough investigation and examination of the mysteries surrounding early civilizations, their myths, legends, histories, monuments—and lasting legacies.Jim Willis earned his master’s degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, and he has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. His background in theology and education led to his writing twelve books on religion, the apocalypse, cross-cultural spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. His books include Visible Ink Press’ Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence; Supernatural Gods: Spiritual Mysteries, Psychic Experiences, and Scientific Truths; and Lost Civilizations: The Secret Histories and Suppressed Technologies of the Ancients. Willis resides in the woods of South Carolina with his wife, Barbara.

Dr. Sahar Khamis discussed an important topic "Religious Celebrations and Interfaith Activism in a time of Crisis" with her three guests, Rabbi David Shneyer, Rev. Mansfield (Kasey) Kaseman, and Ms. Hurunnessa Fariad. The Reverend Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman has served 40 years in ecumenical and interfaith ministries that has included founding and administering non-profit organizations, networking with all sectors of community life, and serving on regional and national boards. He has degrees from Westmar College, Andover Newton Theological School, and Yale Divinity School. Since allegedly retiring Kasey has served as Senior Vice President of CTIS (a healthcare informatics company), Vice President of Van Eperen & Company (communications and marketing company) and Interfaith Community Liaison for the County Executive in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he is heading the Faith Community Working Group (FCWG). Rabbi David Shneyer is the founder, director, and spiritual leader of Am Kolel, an independent Jewish community serving the Greater Washington DC area, and he is the past president of Ohalah, the Rabbinic Association of Jewish Renewal Rabbis, Rabbi David is a composer of new liturgical music. He also helped found Jews United for Justice and is active in the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and T’ruah - Rabbis for Human Rights and other social justice organizations. He is a member of the Faith Community Advisory Council of Montgomery County and also directs Sanctuary, an ecumenical retreat center. Reb David is also the spiritual leader of Kehila Chadasha, a fellowship community-based in Bethesda. Ms. Hurunnessa Fariad is Head of Outreach/PR & Interfaith at the ADAMS Center (All Dulles Area Muslim Society) where she oversees the Outreach, Public Relations, and Interfaith efforts of the center to educate the DMV community about the ADAMS Center and the American Muslim community it serves. She serves on the board of directors for a few interfaith organizations nationally. She is the Music Director of America's first Mosque Youth Choir, ADAMS BEAT. The episode was broadcast: 24/4/2020 US Arab Radio can be heard on wnzk 690 AM, WDMV 700 AM, and WPAT 930 AM. To listen to the program from all USA, you can dial 1605.472.9011 To listen directly please visit arabradio.us/live Please visit: www.facebook.com/USArabRadio/ Web site: arabradio.us/ Youtube: US Arab Radio Online Radio: www.radio.net/s/usarabradio Twitter: twitter.com/USArabRadio Instagram: www.instagram.com/usarabradio/ YouTube: US Arab Radio

Reverend Christiaan Beukman, a native of the Netherlands, moved to the Boston area decades ago. He attended Harvard Divinity School and Andover-Newton Theological School and was the Protestant Chaplain and Diversity Specialist at a community hospital in Boston. He now serves as the Pastoral Ministries Manager at a large retirement community. He also is an Archdeacon […]

Reverend Christiaan Beukman, a native of the Netherlands, moved to the Boston area decades ago. He attended Harvard Divinity School and Andover-Newton Theological School and was the Protestant Chaplain and Diversity Specialist at a community hospital in Boston. He now serves as the Pastoral Ministries Manager at a large retirement community. He also is an Archdeacon […]

Exploring economic injustice and the harmful paradigm of individualism in American culture with Dr. Harvey Cox. Cox was a Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard, where he began teaching in 1965, both at HDS and in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. An American Baptist minister, he was the Protestant chaplain at Temple University and the director of religious activities at Oberlin College; an ecumenical fraternal worker in Berlin; and a professor at Andover Newton Theological School. His research and teaching interests focus on the interaction of religion, culture, and politics. Among the issues he explores are urbanization, theological developments in world Christianity, Jewish-Christian relations, and current spiritual movements in the global setting (particularly Pentecostalism). He has been a visiting professor at Brandeis University, Seminario Bautista de Mexico, the Naropa Institute, and the University of Michigan. He is the author of bestselling books The Market as God and the Secular City. Harvey Cox was a Harvard doctoral student in the early 1960s when his friend the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called and asked him to help create a Boston branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the influential Civil Rights organization that King helped found in 1957. Starting in 1962 and for the next few years, Cox recruited people for Southern Civil Rights marches, rallies, and demonstrations, where nonviolent protesters often were repeatedly attacked by police and local authorities, and was invited to be the keynote speaker at an annual SCLC event. Cox took part in several protests, including two marches from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. The two remained friends until King was assassinated in 1968. Learn more about his time with King at https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/01/my-memories-of-dr-king/

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

​MT Dávila, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, Andover-Newton Theological School, speaks on Dignity in Difference: The challenges of race and gender in light of human dignity. Catholicism promotes full human dignity inclusive of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, and religion. This webcast explores how human dignity, the central concept in Catholic social teaching, helps us navigate conflicts arising from difference, as well as recognize tensions yet unresolved. (April 5, 2018)

​MT Dávila, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, Andover-Newton Theological School, speaks on Dignity in Difference: The challenges of race and gender in light of human dignity. Catholicism promotes full human dignity inclusive of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, and religion. This webcast explores how human dignity, the central concept in Catholic social teaching, helps us navigate conflicts arising from difference, as well as recognize tensions yet unresolved. (April 5, 2018)

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

This is your Red Church Door Sermon from Sunday, March 24th 2019 - The 3rd Sunday in Lent - from the Rev. Elsa Worth. This sermon was shared with the people of St. James Episcopal Church in Keene, NH where Elsa serves as Rector. The Lectionary Readings for this week's sermon can be found: here. You can visit St. James Episcopal in Keene online at: https://www.stjameskeene.com/ Elsa Worth has been an ordained leader for 20 years, first as a Unitarian Universalist minister, and then as an Episcopal priest. She comes to St. James after 9 years in CT, where she served as rector at Christ Church in Bethany and Grace Church in Trumbull, as well as Associate Rector at Christ and Holy Trinity Church in Westport. She was the transitional deacon at St. Thomas Church and the chaplain at Wentworth Douglass Hospital, both in Dover, NH, and served as the minister of Second Parish in Hingham, MA. She is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, the NH Institute for Therapeutic Arts and Sarah Lawrence College.

Visit us at www.menifeeucc.org! View & Subscribe on YouTube! About Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine Rev. Sarah Gomez- Lorraine originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska has called many states home. She’s been involved with the Coast Guard, Navy and is an Army spouse.  A graduate of Andover Newton Theological School with a Master’s in Divinity and a Masters of Arts […]

A frank and lively conversation between unlikely partners in the work of religious thinking and living. Gregory Mobley is Visiting Professor of Hebrew Bible and Congressional Studies at Yale Divinity School. Previously he taught at Union Theological Seminary (NY) and Andover Newton Theological School in the Boston area. His books in Hebrew Bible include The Return of the Chaos Monsters—and Other Backstories of the Bible (2012) and The Empty Men: The Heroic Tradition of Ancient Israel (2005). Active in Interfaith Learning, he is a co-editor (with Or Rose and Jennifer Peace) of My Neighbor’s Faith: Stories of Interreligious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation (2012).

Join us this episode with our guest, author Leona Stucky. About Leona Stucky www.leonastucky.comDr. Stucky first received a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, graduating summa cum laude, before plunging into seminary, first at Andover Newton Theological School and then at Eden Theological Seminary. She earned a doctorate from Southern Methodist University with honors, and a Diplomate certificate from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors—their highest credential—for teaching, supervising, and offering therapy services. She currently has standing as a Unitarian Universalist community minister.About her Memoir: The Fog ofFaith The Fog of Faith is a suspenseful and morally unflinching drama of shame and survival, as well as usable and unusual wisdom. Leona is cast into a bewildering life of disgrace and poverty—with a baby, a violent husband, and battered faith. Through a series of page-turning events, she hacks through the bones of her naïveté to confront harsh realities and to probe the veracity of the religious claims she'd grown up with in her Mennonite community in rural Kansas. Each step of the gripping story grounds itself in nuanced networks of passion, relational complexities, cultural and religious dilemmas, circumscribed choices bound by woman’s poverty, persistent violence, and an untamable resilient desire to redeem herself.    About Us: www.aboutsexpodcast.com  Angela Skurtu is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. Her second book released in February. Joshua is not a therapist, but brings a sense of humor along with an inquisitive mind. Get marriage therapy and sex therapy in the St Louis area with Angela Skurtu LMFT M.Ed. at: www.therapistinstlouis.com Facebook: About Sex Podcast Facebook Page // Angela Skurtu LMFT, M. Ed, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist // Joshua Skurtu

Karen Murphy preaches for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, offering a reflection on the act of "divine pruning." Karen Murphy has a BA in Theology from the University of Scranton (a Jesuit university), and an MA in Theological Research, Christian Spirituality from Andover Newton Theological School. Her thesis was on the Eucharistic Theology of St. Catherine of Siena, whose feast day is celebrated today on the 5th Sunday of Easter. St. Catherine teaches that we can only ever love God as much as we love one another. In this spirit, Karen envisions a church in which all who hunger for grace through the sacraments are received, welcomed, and cherished – ensuring in effect that God is received, welcomed, and cherished. visit http://catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04292018 to see Karen's preaching video and to read the text.

After the trauma of a savage attack, a farm girl recovers physically, but her identity, faith, and relationships are shattered.  This is the true story of Leona Stucky’s childhood on a Kansas farm, surrounded by a loving family and the simple tenets of her Mennonite community. Violence enters her world in the guise of a young man who seems normal to everyone else but who Leona knows to be deranged in his obsession with her. His unrelenting abuses take root, and Leona must deal with them utterly alone. Her pacifist father cannot avenge or protect her, nor can a callous justice system. Even God is impotent. Leona is cast into a bewildering life of disgrace and poverty—with a baby, a violent husband, and battered faith. Through a series events, she hacks through the bones of her naïveté to confront harsh realities and to probe the veracity of religious claims.  Dr. Leona Stucky first received a degree in psychology and philosophy from Boston College, graduating summa cum laude, before plunging into seminary, first at Andover Newton Theological School and then at Eden Theological Seminary. She earned a doctorate from Southern Methodist University with honors, and a Diplomate certificate from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors—their highest credential—for teaching, supervising, and offering therapy services. She currently has a standing as a Unitarian Universalist community minister. Join Dr. Leona Stucky and me on Tuesday, January 16, 10-11 A.M. CT US. We will be having a conversation about her spiritual journey, and how the power of faith, hope, and love can help you overcome life’s challenges that will eventually lead you to become your best self. 

Our identities, complex and multi-faceted, affect the way we see the world, how we are treated, and what matters most to us. The first step to forming deep, meaningful, diverse religious community is owning our own personal identities and acknowledging what that means for us, then beginning to understand others' identities. Rev. Schmidt is a native Texan who was born and raised in Austin, lived in Houston and College Station, and attended Austin Presbyterian Seminary before moving east to attend Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts. He and his wife, the Rev. Kristin Grassel Schmidt, served churches in Massachusetts and New Jersey for six years before being called as Senior Co-Ministers of the UU Church of Berkeley, CA, 2 years ago. They now live in the San Francisco Bay area with their two young sons, CJ and John.

Where do we come from?What are the origins of modern civilization? Do the world's pyramids, the Nazca Lines, Easter Island statues, and other enigmatic structures, archaeological wonders, and geographic anomalies contain evidence of ancient gods? Sifting through the historical and archaeological evidence, Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence probes the myths, stories, history, and facts of ancient civilizations, lost technologies, past catastrophes, archetypal astronauts, and bygone religions to tease out the truth of our distant past and modern existence. It takes and in-depth look at the facts, fictions, and controversies of our ancestors, origins, who we are as a people—and who might have come before us. It tackles more than 60 nagging stories of ancient gods, ancestors, alien visitors, theories and explanations, including: • Why did our ancestors crawl deep underground and paint on cave walls?• How did the megalithic temple site called Göbekli Tepe come to be built—11,600 years before the agricultural revolution?• How were massive stones, weighing tons, dragged miles to build Stonehenge?• What secrets does modern DNA analysis reveal mankind's heritage?• Are we to believe the Ancient Alien Theory?Having earned his master's degree in theology from Andover Newton Theological School, Jim Willis has been an ordained minister for over forty years. He has also taught college courses in comparative religion and cross-cultural studies. His books include Visible Ink Press' The Religion Book and Armageddon Now: The End of the World A to . He also published Faith, Trust & Belief: A Trilogy of the Spirit. Willis resides in the woods of South Carolina.

As SMUUF seeks to design and build a building, Rev. Aaron Stockwell wonders what is radical hospitality anyway? How do we build radical hospitality in our Unitarian Universalist congregations? Rev. Aaron Stockwell has served as the Developmental Minister at the UU Church of the Brazos Valley in College Station, TX since August of 2015. He received his Master of Divinity at Andover Newton Theological School in 2013.

In this episode Rabbi Or Rose talks about Hebrew words, the meaning of the high holy days and what we can all learn from the Sabbath Interviewer: Jen Fisher ABOUT RABBI ROSE Rabbi Or N. Rose is the Director of the Center for Global Judaism at Hebrew College. He also serves as Co-Director of CIRCLE: the Center for Inter-Religious & Community Leadership Education, a joint venture of Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School. Rabbi Rose is the co-editor of Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections (Jewish Lights), and the forthcoming My Neighbor's Faith: Stories of Inter-Religious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation (Orbis, Spring 2012). To follow more of Rabbi Rose's work, visit www.huffingtonpost.com/author/rabbi-or-rose

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode Rabbi Or Rose talks about Hebrew words, the meaning of the high holy days and what we can all learn from the Sabbath Interviewer: Jen Fisher ABOUT RABBI ROSE Rabbi Or N. Rose is the Director of the Center for Global Judaism at Hebrew College. He also serves as Co-Director of CIRCLE: the Center for Inter-Religious & Community Leadership Education, a joint venture of Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School. Rabbi Rose is the co-editor of Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections (Jewish Lights), and the forthcoming My Neighbor's Faith: Stories of Inter-Religious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation (Orbis, Spring 2012). To follow more of Rabbi Rose's work, visit www.huffingtonpost.com/author/rabbi-or-rose

In this episode Rabbi Or Rose talks about Hebrew words, the meaning of the high holy days and what we can all learn from the Sabbath Interviewer: Jen Fisher ABOUT RABBI ROSE Rabbi Or N. Rose is the Director of the Center for Global Judaism at Hebrew College. He also serves as Co-Director of CIRCLE: the Center for Inter-Religious & Community Leadership Education, a joint venture of Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School. Rabbi Rose is the co-editor of Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections (Jewish Lights), and the forthcoming My Neighbor's Faith: Stories of Inter-Religious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation (Orbis, Spring 2012). To follow more of Rabbi Rose's work, visit www.huffingtonpost.com/author/rabbi-or-rose

In this episode Rabbi Or Rose talks about Hebrew words, the meaning of the high holy days and what we can all learn from the Sabbath Interviewer: Jen Fisher ABOUT RABBI ROSE Rabbi Or N. Rose is the Director of the Center for Global Judaism at Hebrew College. He also serves as Co-Director of CIRCLE: the Center for Inter-Religious & Community Leadership Education, a joint venture of Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School. Rabbi Rose is the co-editor of Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections (Jewish Lights), and the forthcoming My Neighbor's Faith: Stories of Inter-Religious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation (Orbis, Spring 2012). To follow more of Rabbi Rose's work, visit www.huffingtonpost.com/author/rabbi-or-rose

This is a special Premium audio episode. to the BenGreenfieldFitness show and access this and over 300 additional hidden audios, videos, pdf's and more! Psychedelic drugs such as MDMA (AKA "Ecstacy") LSD and Psilocybin (AKA “magic” mushrooms) are very likely going to be the next set of drugs after marijuana to be destigmatized and potentially legalized, not necessarily because people are "partying more", but instead largely due to research going back to the 1950s which has shown that these drugs have a significant positive effect on those with depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Psychedelics are supposedly able to disintegrate entrenched or destructive ways of thinking in people who have depression, anxiety and PTSD. And brain imaging has indeed shown that in the brains of PTSD patients who took MDMA, their primitive fear center responses shrunk while their rational thought processes overrode them — the opposite of how their brains normally function. Even Silicon Valley executives are now taking microdoses of LSD to enhance creativity and productivity (a typical dose of LSD - enough to make a person hallucinate or trip - about 10 micrograms of LSD, and a microdose is about 1/10 of that dose). Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of the , claims people who microdose feel more energetic and insightful but don't necessarily see the face of God inside their water coolers. Just as with marijuana, I suspect we will continue to see the destigmatization of psychedelics if their proven health or cognitive benefits outweigh the prejudice against them. As more scientific data emerges on these drugs, they will probably become mainstream, if not for your average person, then definitely in a controlled, therapeutic setting by licensed professionals. So if you're not in-the-know about psychedelics, you should be. Enter today's guest: Dr. William Richards. Dr. Richards (Bill) is a psychologist in the Psychiatry Department of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bayview Medical Center, where he and his colleagues have been pursuing research with psilocybin, the active molecule in the so-called “sacred mushrooms”, for the past 16 years. His graduate degrees include M.Div. from Yale Divinity School, S.T.M. from Andover-Newton Theological School and Ph.D. from Catholic University, as well as studies with Abraham Maslow at Brandeis University and with Hanscarl Leuner at Georg-August University in Göttingen, Germany, where his involvement with psychedelic research originated in 1963. From 1967 to 1977, he pursued psychotherapy research with LSD, DPT, MDA and psilocybin at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, including protocols designed to investigate the promise of entheogens in the treatment of alcoholism, severe neuroses, narcotic addiction and the psychological distress associated with terminal cancer, and also their use in the training of religious and mental-health professionals. From 1977-1981, he was a member of the psychology faculty of Antioch University in Maryland. His publications began in 1966 with “Implications of LSD and Experimental Mysticism,” coauthored with Walter Pahnke. His latest book, has just been released by Columbia University Press, and is described as "the first well-documented, sophisticated account of the effect of psychedelics on biological processes, human consciousness, and revelatory religious experiences". During our discussion, you'll discover: -How Dr. Richards personally uses psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds in his own life...[6:00 & 28:20] -Why is it that research into psychedelic drugs seems to be growing in popularity, and why it waned in the first place...[7:00 & 18:00] -Whether wandering through a cow's field and picking mushrooms from dung is any different than what is being used in lab research...[22:50] -What mushrooms have to do with sacred geometry, and why the kaleidoscope colors or visions one sees when on higher doses of psilocybin are related to these geometries...[41:50] -Where you can "source" or grow your own psilocybin if you want to try it...[49:50] -How you can combine psilocybin with other compounds to either increase or decrease their effect...[52:00] -Psychedelics that Bill thinks "fly under the radar" but that more people should know about...[54:00] -And much more! Resources from this episode: - - - - - - Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Dr. Richards or I? Leave your thoughts at and one of us will reply!

How do we learn to stop worrying and love the bomb? This week Technicolor Jesus welcomes MT Davila, Associate Professor of Ethics at Andover Newton Theological School, to talk about Brad Bird's 1999 masterpiece, The Iron Giant. What does 1950's nuclear anxiety have to do with our work as ministry today? How does a sentient weapon learn to love? How does a boy help us learn to stop fearing the future and learn to practice compassion? So duck and cover because this week we are discussing what The Iron Giant might mean for your ministry. Intro: Intro: 20th Century Fox Fail - www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNrKAzHsp0g Outro: The Flaming Lips, Waitin' for Superman

Abrazar la misión de Dios conlleva un salto de fe. La misión de Dios es un encuentro con el prójimo. Esto es esencial para tener un encuentro con lo divino. ¿Cuál es la relación entre la misión y la interculturalidad? Hoy en TeoBytes, nos acompaña la Dra. Doris García Rivera, para dialogar sobre misión e interculturalidad. Doris es la Presidenta del Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico. Posee un Bachillerato en Biología con concentración en Química de la UPR. Una Maestría en Microbiología y Zoología Medica del Recinto de Ciencias Medicas de la UPR, una Maestría en Artes de Religión de Andover Newton Theological School y un Doctorado en Teología en Estudios Históricos y Bíblicos de la Escuela de Teología de Universidad de Boston. Ha sido profesora en diversas instituciones educativas y misionera por 23 años en Costa Rica, México, Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Pero sobre todas las cosas, Doris ama al Señor y le sirve con amor y pasión en toda encomienda que cae en sus manos. Doris es una mujer integra, comprometida, visionaria, educadora, pastoral y siempre es para mí una experiencia extraordinaria escuchar sus narraciones. Preguntas formuladas: ¿Cómo se fue formando Doris y encaminando en el propósito de Dios? ¿Cómo se hace el salto de fe? ¿Cómo podemos desarrollar personas con capacidad para hacer acercamientos a otras culturas? Dice la Biblia en Juan 3.16 "Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna." También dice la Biblia en Juan 1.1 "En el principio ya existía el Verbo, y el Verbo estaba con Dios, y el Verbo era Dios." Enlaces recomendados: Facebook: Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico Si le gustó este episodio: Comparta, utilizando los botones de redes sociales encontrados en esta publicación. Comente, esto nos motiva y, a la vez, ayudan a otras personas a encontrar este podcast. Si usted aprecia las reflexiones teológicas que compartimos, le pedimos con mucha humildad que comente en iTunes o en Stitcher. Subscríbase, para recibir este podcast automáticamente en su aplicación de escuchar podcasts.

Morning Prayers service with speaker Lauren Seganos MDiv II, student at Andover Newton Theological School and Seminarian in the Memorial Church, on Friday, March 13, 2015.

Morning Prayers service with speaker Gregory Mobley, Professor of Christian Bible at Andover Newton Theological School, on Friday, February 20, 2015.

Morning Prayers service with speaker Patrick Jackson '91, Mdiv Candidate at Andover Newton Theological School, on Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Morning Prayers service with speaker Sarah B. Drummond, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Andover Newton Theological School, and Affiliated Minister in the Memorial Church, on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Doctors of the USA welcomes Claire Willis, LICSW, author of the book “Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life” and co-founder of Facing Cancer Together in Newton, MA, a non-profit community that provides support, wellness and educational services to all people affected by cancer, regardless of their capacity to pay, to talk about end of life issues and concerns which she discussed lengthily in her book. Listen in as she guides the listeners through their personal journeys to gratitude, hope, forgiveness, wisdom, prayer and ultimately, saying good-bye.For over 20 years, Claire Willis has led groups for people living with life threatening illnesses. In therapeutic writing and other support groups, members seemed to gravitate towards a few essential themes as they sought to gracefully close out their lives. Almost universally, group members expressed the need and desire to feel known by family members and loved ones. They wanted to be remembered, to feel that their lives had made a difference. They wanted to pass on important life lessons to the people they cared most about.Claire began her professional life as a clinical social worker. For years, she worked with people with cancer at the Wellness Community in Newton and later co-founded another non-profit, Facing Cancer Together in Newtonville, MA, where she continues to run support and educational programs. In addition to her group work, she teaches yoga, is an ordained lay Buddhist chaplain, and an adjunct faculty member at Andover Newton Theological School. She holds an MA from the Episcopal Divinity School and an MSW and M. Ed from Boston University. She maintains a small private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts.Check out the Lasting Words website.

Doctors of the USA welcomes Claire Willis, LICSW, author of the book “Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life” and co-founder of Facing Cancer Together in Newton, MA, a non-profit community that provides support, wellness and educational services to all people affected by cancer, regardless of their capacity to pay, to talk about end of life issues and concerns which she discussed lengthily in her book. Listen in as she guides the listeners through their personal journeys to gratitude, hope, forgiveness, wisdom, prayer and ultimately, saying good-bye.For over 20 years, Claire Willis has led groups for people living with life threatening illnesses. In therapeutic writing and other support groups, members seemed to gravitate towards a few essential themes as they sought to gracefully close out their lives. Almost universally, group members expressed the need and desire to feel known by family members and loved ones. They wanted to be remembered, to feel that their lives had made a difference. They wanted to pass on important life lessons to the people they cared most about.Claire began her professional life as a clinical social worker. For years, she worked with people with cancer at the Wellness Community in Newton and later co-founded another non-profit, Facing Cancer Together in Newtonville, MA, where she continues to run support and educational programs. In addition to her group work, she teaches yoga, is an ordained lay Buddhist chaplain, and an adjunct faculty member at Andover Newton Theological School. She holds an MA from the Episcopal Divinity School and an MSW and M. Ed from Boston University. She maintains a small private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts.Check out the Lasting Words website.

Sermon delivered by Janet Holden on July 8, 2012. Janet has been a “GA Junkie” ever since she attended her first General Assembly in Nashville in 2000 when her luggage got lost. She realized that she could buy a different UU T-shirt in the Exhibit Hall every day and still fit right in.  Since coming home from the 2010 GA in Charlotte, she has been working on the Congregational Study Action Issue, Immigration as a Moral Issue. The decision to attend the Justice GA this year, held in controversy in Phoenix, AZ, was not an easy one for many reasons. Janet will explore what this GA means on a personal, spiritual level as well as what it means for our UU faith. Janet Holden and her husband Tom Barnes have been members of the congregation since 1988. She received a Certificate in Congregational Health Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School in 2008. Janet has served on the UTUUC Board and is currently a member of the Unity Temple Choir. She can be reached at janetholden@sbcglobal.net.

Sermon delivered by Janet Holden on July 10, 2011. Janet's sermon is preceded by two related personal stories presented by Bonnie Jordan and Anne White.  Janet Holden and her husband Tom Barnes have been members of the congregation since 1988. She received a Certificate in Congregational Health Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School in 2008. Janet has served on the UTUUC Board and is currently a member of the Unity Temple Choir. She can be reached at janetholden@sbcglobal.net.

Margaret Benefiel is the CEO of ExecutiveSoul, a teacher at Andover Newton Theological School in Boston in the area of spirituality and organizational leadership and a popular author. Join us as we discuss her new book, The Soul of Supervision.

Join us for a conversation about faith, politics, and the progressive movement.Harvard Theologian Harvey Cox’s new book, The Future of Faith, posits that Christianity is undergoing a period of transformation marked by a disregard of dogma in favor of a more open “spirituality,” and a collapse of barriers between different religions. One of the casualties of this transformation is an historically influential actor in American politics: religious fundamentalism.In this edition of Book Talk Radio, professor Cox talks with Washington Post columnist E. J. Dionne about the evolving role of faith in our lives and in American politics.This is a prerecorded episode of Book Talk Radio, created in partnership with the Center for American Progress. The conversation is moderated by Todd Gitlin.Harvey Cox is Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard, where he began teaching in 1965, both at HDS and in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. An American Baptist minister, he was the Protestant chaplain at Temple University and the director of religious activities at Oberlin College; an ecumenical fraternal worker in Berlin; and a professor at Andover Newton Theological School. His research and teaching interests focus on the interaction of religion, culture, and politics. His most recent book is The Future of Faith. E. J. Dionne is a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post and a professor at Georgetown University. His books include the best-selling Why Americans Hate Politics (Simon & Schuster), which won the Los Angeles Times book prize and was nominated for the National Book Award. His latest book is Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics After the Religious Right.

Join us for a conversation about faith, politics, and the progressive movement.Harvard Theologian Harvey Cox’s new book, The Future of Faith, posits that Christianity is undergoing a period of transformation marked by a disregard of dogma in favor of a more open “spirituality,” and a collapse of barriers between different religions. One of the casualties of this transformation is an historically influential actor in American politics: religious fundamentalism.In this edition of Book Talk Radio, professor Cox talks with Washington Post columnist E. J. Dionne about the evolving role of faith in our lives and in American politics.This is a prerecorded episode of Book Talk Radio, created in partnership with the Center for American Progress. The conversation is moderated by Todd Gitlin.Harvey Cox is Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard, where he began teaching in 1965, both at HDS and in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. An American Baptist minister, he was the Protestant chaplain at Temple University and the director of religious activities at Oberlin College; an ecumenical fraternal worker in Berlin; and a professor at Andover Newton Theological School. His research and teaching interests focus on the interaction of religion, culture, and politics. His most recent book is The Future of Faith. E. J. Dionne is a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post and a professor at Georgetown University. His books include the best-selling Why Americans Hate Politics (Simon & Schuster), which won the Los Angeles Times book prize and was nominated for the National Book Award. His latest book is Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics After the Religious Right.

John Miles Foley, Univ. of Missouri Lisa Gitelman, Harvard Univ. Rick Prelinger, Prelinger Archives Ann Wolpert, MIT Libraries Moderator: Peter Walsh, Andover Newton Theological School

Margaret Benefiel is the CEO of ExecutiveSoul.com, a teacher at Andover Newton Theological School in Boston in the area of spirituality and organizational leadership, and the author of The Soul at Work: Spiritual Leadership in Organizations and The Soul of a Leader: Finding Your Path to Fulfillment and Success.