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What helps you stay grounded when life gets difficult? In this episode of Perspectives, Rev. Drs. Hannah and Brittany of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore Luke 6:43-49 and Jesus' powerful images of trees, fruit, and firm foundations. Together, they discuss how faith is formed long before life's storms arrive—and why spiritual growth is less about avoiding hardship and more about developing the resilience to face it. The female pastors ultimately ask: What if discipleship isn't a "cost" to be paid, but a spiritual gym where we build the strength, courage, wisdom, and grounding needed to weather life's challenges? This progressive Christian conversation explores: Building faith for difficult times Faith as formation rather than achievement Why Jesus promises storms, not storm-free lives The connection between our inner life and outward actions Spiritual growth as a lifelong practice, not a one-time event Move from control to trust, certainty to surrender Discipleship being a rooting, grounding, and deepening rather than a “cost to be paid” Reflection Questions: What habits or influences are shaping the condition of my heart? Are there areas where my actions do not match my values or beliefs? What practices help me stay grounded when life becomes difficult? Join the Conversation: Whether you're a lifelong Christian, exploring progressive Christianity, deconstructing faith, or simply seeking a deeper spiritual foundation, we invite you to reflect alongside us: Convergence discussion group on Sundays at 12 PM Online Patreon community to connect with other listeners Timestamps: 00:00 Why Jesus Talks About Trees and Foundations 01:15 Scripture Reading: Luke 6:43-49 03:09 Faith Foundations and a Grandmother's Wisdom 05:15 Trees, Houses, and the Practice of Patience 08:00 More Than Saying "Lord, Lord": Faith as Formation 12:32 Why Storms Are Part of Life 18:18 The Spiritual Gym: Growing Through Difficult Seasons 20:12 The Inner Life, Richard Rohr, and Spiritual Transformation 25:53 Discipleship as Formation, Not Cost 27:31 Reflection Questions for Spiritual Growth
Today on Everything Belongs we're joined by author and Enneagram teacher Hunter Mobley, to explore Type Two on the Enneagram — “the helper.” Type Twos excel at offering deep empathy, generosity, loyalty, and a strong desire to care for others. However, there's also a shadow side to this type; they may struggle with boundaries, have hidden expectations for validation, or carry resentment from giving too much to others. Fr. Richard explains that many Twos learn early in life to earn love through caretaking. Hunter expands on how cultural expectations, gender roles, and spirituality can shape or mask each of the Enneagram types, with particular emphasis on the Two. Tune in to discover how the Enneagram is not just about personality typing, but about transformation and solidarity. Welcome to a journey that helps reveal how everything — and everyone — belongs. Find the transcript for this episode here. Sign Up for The Enneagram Email Series Deepen your journey with the Enneagram. Sign up for monthly reflections, practices, and resources that connect the contemplative wisdom with your daily life: https://cac.org/belongs2026/ Take a Deeper Dive into Type Two Twos are a part of the heart triad. They are “other-directed” people, whose well-being depends on how their environment reacts to them. We all have this same concern, to some degree. It grows out of the mirroring we received or didn't receive as a child when we were first developing our sense of identity. “Who am I in your eyes?” is a central question for Enneagram type twos. Read more on Type Two here. Additional Enneagram Resources The Enneagram: An Introduction: A brief introduction to this tool and a compilation of different resources curated for those longing to better understand and have compassion for themselves and others. Enneagram as a Tool for Your Spiritual Journey: Use the offer code POD35 to get 35% off this foundational Enneagram teaching from Fr. Richard Rohr and Episode 2 guest Russ Hudson. The Enneagram & Grace: Richard Rohr and Russ Hudson offer a deep study of the Enneagram as a practice to nurture transformation for ourselves and compassion for the world. Use POD35 to get 35% off your order. Follow us on Instagram. How can your wounds lead to wisdom? Discover topics about what your number might be trying to teach you. Join the conversation on Facebook. Share wisdom with others on the Enneagram journey. Pick up a copy of Fr. Richard's book The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective. Connect With Us Have a question you'd like to ask about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail
A heads-up before you press play: this is a bonus crossover from my true crime podcast, Murder on the Couch, dropping into your Virtual Couch / Waking Up to Narcissism feed. It's heavier than usual and opens with a disturbing familicide case that I don't sugarcoat, so if that's not where you are right now, it's completely okay to sit this one out and come back when you're ready. If you stay, I use the case to get at the things we talk about all the time—shame, compartmentalization, the altruistic defense, emotional immaturity, and differentiation—because the behavior is horrific, but the psychology underneath it is deeply human. John List killed his wife, his mother, and his three children—then walked away convinced God would understand. Murder on the Couch is back. Licensed therapist Tony Overbay reopens one of true crime's most chilling family annihilation cases, but not for the manhunt or the famous 18 years List spent hiding in plain sight as "Bob Clark." Tony sits with the question that actually keeps him up at night: how does a devout, rule-following Sunday school teacher reach a place where murder becomes, in his own mind, the most loving thing he could do? If you've ever performed "fine" while something was quietly falling apart inside you, this one lands closer to home than you'd expect. In this episode: Untangle guilt ("I did something bad") from shame ("I am bad")—and why shame left in the dark only grows heavier Spot the "altruistic defense": how control and harm get repackaged as love, devotion, and protection See how rigidity, compartmentalization, and a performed self can hollow a person out long before any crisis hits Learn the ACT distinction between the conceptualized self (the story) and the observing self (the awareness)—and why List had no one home to catch him when the story collapsed Drawing on acceptance and commitment therapy, David Schnarch's work on differentiation, and Richard Rohr's reframe of shame, Tony brings 600-plus episodes of clinical insight to the cases that won't let him go. Shame grows in concealment and shrinks in connection. And Tony's looking for a co-host—if a case has gotten under your skin and you know why, email contact@tonyoverbay.com and pitch it. 00:00 Bonus Episode Setup 00:21 Murder on the Couch Returns 02:56 Content Warning and Themes 05:53 John List Case Opens 08:46 Show Relaunch and Co-Host Invite 12:40 John List Background and Unraveling 17:31 Compartmentalization Explained 19:53 Shame Versus Guilt 24:21 ACT Defusion and Healing 25:47 Shame Architecture of John List 28:21 Altruistic Defense and Covert Narcissism 30:49 Narcissistic Injury 31:26 Altruistic Defense 35:32 Love Versus Control 36:29 Rigidity Explained 38:08 Rules And Fragility 42:06 Eighteen Years Hidden 45:40 Conceptualized Self 48:35 Excavating The Self 52:56 Why This Case Haunts 54:31 Faith And Performance 58:07 Tell The Truth 59:41 Closing And Co-Hosts Please follow Tony on Instagram @virtual.couch on Tiktok @virtualcouch on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft and on Substack https://thevirtualcouch.substack.com/ You can reach out to Tony through his website tonyoverbay.com or by emailing contact @ tonyoverbay.com
A heads-up before you press play: this is a bonus crossover from my true crime podcast, Murder on the Couch, dropping into your Virtual Couch / Waking Up to Narcissism feed. It's heavier than usual and opens with a disturbing familicide case that I don't sugarcoat, so if that's not where you are right now, it's completely okay to sit this one out and come back when you're ready. If you stay, I use the case to get at the things we talk about all the time—shame, compartmentalization, the altruistic defense, emotional immaturity, and differentiation—because the behavior is horrific, but the psychology underneath it is deeply human. John List killed his wife, his mother, and his three children—then walked away convinced God would understand. Murder on the Couch is back. Licensed therapist Tony Overbay reopens one of true crime's most chilling family annihilation cases, but not for the manhunt or the famous 18 years List spent hiding in plain sight as "Bob Clark." Tony sits with the question that actually keeps him up at night: how does a devout, rule-following Sunday school teacher reach a place where murder becomes, in his own mind, the most loving thing he could do? If you've ever performed "fine" while something was quietly falling apart inside you, this one lands closer to home than you'd expect. In this episode: Untangle guilt ("I did something bad") from shame ("I am bad")—and why shame left in the dark only grows heavier Spot the "altruistic defense": how control and harm get repackaged as love, devotion, and protection See how rigidity, compartmentalization, and a performed self can hollow a person out long before any crisis hits Learn the ACT distinction between the conceptualized self (the story) and the observing self (the awareness)—and why List had no one home to catch him when the story collapsed Drawing on acceptance and commitment therapy, David Schnarch's work on differentiation, and Richard Rohr's reframe of shame, Tony brings 600-plus episodes of clinical insight to the cases that won't let him go. Shame grows in concealment and shrinks in connection. And Tony's looking for a co-host—if a case has gotten under your skin and you know why, email contact@tonyoverbay.com and pitch it. 00:00 Bonus Episode Setup 00:21 Murder on the Couch Returns 02:56 Content Warning and Themes 05:53 John List Case Opens 08:46 Show Relaunch and Co-Host Invite 12:40 John List Background and Unraveling 17:31 Compartmentalization Explained 19:53 Shame Versus Guilt 24:21 ACT Defusion and Healing 25:47 Shame Architecture of John List 28:21 Altruistic Defense and Covert Narcissism 30:49 Narcissistic Injury 31:26 Altruistic Defense 35:32 Love Versus Control 36:29 Rigidity Explained 38:08 Rules And Fragility 42:06 Eighteen Years Hidden 45:40 Conceptualized Self 48:35 Excavating The Self 52:56 Why This Case Haunts 54:31 Faith And Performance 58:07 Tell The Truth 59:41 Closing And Co-Hosts Please follow Tony on Instagram @virtual.couch on Tiktok @virtualcouch on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft and on Substack https://thevirtualcouch.substack.com/ You can reach out to Tony through his website tonyoverbay.com or by emailing contact @ tonyoverbay.com
It's Trinity Sunday! We're starting off with a VERY brief history lesson with an introduction to the Nicene Creed. Yes, I'm even going to quote from the creed. We're going old school. The creed clearly clears things up. Yeah, no. We all still have questions. All of these analogies seem to fall short. Maybe the Trinity is better NOT explained; maybe it's better if we experience the Trinity. Think about the blessing/benediction from Paul: Grace of Jesus. Love of God. Fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We all know what grace feels like. We all know what love feels like. We all know what fellowship feels like. Maybe that's how we talk about the Trinity, by noticing how God has already been moving among us. Grace. Love. Fellowship. I like that a lot. But it doesn't stop me from wanting to explain it, or at least think about and play around with it. So, we'll do some more of that, by borrowing from Richard Rohr and running through some thoughts here. - God is dynamic. - God is diverse. - God is communal. What are we left with? Mystery. But it's a mystery that can be experienced if we're paying attention. Grace. Love. Fellowship. And if we're really paying attention, those things are everywhere. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 https://www.bible.com/events/49617181
You've done the inner work. So why does it still feel like you're circling the same mountain? In this episode, Dani gets real with her longtime therapist Jim Beebe about what's next when the healing work starts asking to become something bigger. She shares the moment Jim called her "a trauma looking for a drama," the Richard Rohr line that changed her ("those who don't transform their pain will transmit their pain"), and the reframe that landed hardest: the past becomes a story you own, not an experience you keep living. In this episode, Dani and Jim talk about: - Why some of us get addicted to our own trauma - The shift from "what then" work to "what now" work - The wounded healer paradox: you grow by giving it away - How to tell when you're ready to coach others (and when you're not) - The difference between business coaching and transformational coaching - What it feels like to move from reactive to responsive If you've felt the tug to turn what you've walked through into something that helps other people walk through their own mess, the Messy Life Transformation Life Coach Certification was built for this season. Book a free discovery call at https://calendly.com/danisumner and let's see if it's your next right step. And if you're not there yet, this episode will still hit like a deep breath and a hug and a kick in the ass all at once. Glad you're here, Dani Ready to Go to Your Next Level?
Is mysticism creeping into your church? Are you unknowingly influenced by New Age or New Thought beliefs?In this eye-opening conversation, Jonny Ardavanis sits down with apologist and author Melissa Dougherty to unpack the subtle but dangerous ideas infiltrating modern Christianity — from the Law of Attraction and Christ consciousness to Christian mysticism, universalism, and the teachings of Richard Rohr.Melissa shares her personal story of being deeply involved in the church while unknowingly holding occultic, unbiblical beliefs — and what finally woke her up.
“Either God outgrows our present, limited understanding and we grow with God, or we regress due to our inability to love and trust what is happening.”Richard Rohr, The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom in an Age of Outrage.For more from Dan check out his website, medium articles, and books at:www.danarmistead.com
This week on Pod Have Mercy, Jerry Webber joins John Stephens for a thoughtful conversation on contemplative spirituality, the interior life, and the wisdom hidden within the rhythms of a vineyard. Drawing from years of ministry, spiritual direction, and soul work, Jerry reflects on why silence, dormancy, weakness, and even loss can become sacred teachers in our spiritual lives.Together, they explore the imagery of vineyards, old vines, mystics, and spiritual practices that help us slow down long enough to notice where God is already at work within us. From Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr to the “dark night of the soul,” this episode is an invitation to move beyond performance-driven faith and toward deeper awareness, attentiveness, and connection.Whether you're navigating a difficult season, searching for spiritual grounding, or simply curious about contemplative spirituality, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hopeful perspective.
On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Fr Richard Rohr about his special connection to Thérèse of Lisieux. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher who bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism and traditions of action and contemplation. Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, Father Richard teaches how God's grace guides us to our birthright as beings made of Divine Love. He is the author of numerous books, including The Universal Christ, The Wisdom Pattern, Just This, and Falling Upward. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found here, and here. St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at https://cac.org/support-cac/ Thank you!
May 3rd - Celebrate Creation, with Rev. Sharon Edwards. Series: Created to Create A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Genesis 2, Romans 12:1–2.Ever feel worn out, disconnected, or unsure how your small life could ever really matter in a big, hurting world? This Sunday we're exploring how our everyday choices, bodies, and rhythms are deeply connected to the earth, to each other, and to healing more than we realize. It's about finding hope, grounding, and a sense of belonging right where you are.You're warmly invited to join us, online or in person, and simply come as you are.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend. Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Celtic spirituality, interfaith dialogue, climate crisis, spiritual transformation, third eye, creation, interconnectedness, environmental science, Richard Rohr, contemplation, sacredness, natural world, mental health, spiritual worship, ecological sciences, presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show
Do you find yourself struggling with perfectionism or a harsh inner critic? Today's episode of Everything Belongs explores the Enneagram Type One with special guest author, teacher, and urban hermit, Tessa Bielecki. Tessa shares personal stories regarding how trauma and betrayal shattered her need to fix everything, the 1's ability to make order out of chaos, and how saguaro cacti became teachers — all opening her up to a more compassionate way of living. Both Richard and Tessa shed light on the Enneagram One's struggle with perfectionism, and self-judgment, eventually finding healing through embracing imperfection, forgiveness, and presence. Welcome to a journey that helps reveal how everything — and everyone — belongs. Find the transcript for this episode here. Sign Up for The Enneagram Email Series: Deepen your journey with the Enneagram. Sign up for monthly reflections, practices, and resources that connect the contemplative wisdom with your daily life here: https://cac.org/belongs2026/ Additional Enneagram Resources: Enneagram Type One: Perfection and Transformation: Learn how Enneagram ones can move beyond mixed motives and into a uniquely gifted way of being connected to God and creation. Get 35% Off Additional Enneagram Teachings: Use the offer code POD35 to get a 35% discount on The Enneagram for Your Spiritual Journey and The Enneagram & Grace from Fr. Richard Rohr and Russ Hudson. Follow us on Instagram. Did you know that the nine Enneagram types are clustered in three triads? Talk with others about using the Enneagram as a framework for transformation. Join the conversation on Facebook. Share your insights with others on the Enneagram journey. Pick up a copy of Fr. Richard's book The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective. Connect With Us Have a question you'd like ask the team to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail
You have a vague, unsettled sense that something is off—in the culture, in the church, maybe even in your own spiritual life—but you cannot quite name it, and so you keep moving, hoping it will clarify on its own. It will not clarify on its own. What you are sensing is real, and there is a name for it: you are living in the middle of a war you have not been trained to see. Dr. Joel Muddamalle, theologian and Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, joins me for a conversation that is as theologically rigorous as it is pastorally urgent. Joel makes the case that the church in the West has been slowly desensitized to the spiritual climate it is swimming in—not through a dramatic assault, but through the gradual repositioning of our dependence, our loves, and our identity. We cover the three rebellions embedded in Genesis and what they reveal about the enemy's enduring strategy, why the surge of spirituality in our culture is not an opportunity but a crisis of discernment, and why the doctrine of Christ consciousness—popularized by figures like Richard Rohr—is not an enlightened reading of Scripture but a doctrine of demons that hijacks the name of Jesus while quietly displacing him from his own story. We also walk through what deliverance actually looks like for believers, practically and biblically, without sensationalism and without the misplaced authority of any human administrator. The most important line in this conversation is not about cosmic powers or exorcisms. It is this: the enemy does not gain ground by overpowering you—he gains ground because you are withdrawing. Every time you step back, he steps forward. That truth will require something of you. Come ready to receive it. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler joins Shellie and Matt to talk about ministry for and with aging adults. Dr. Gentzler has been focusing on and working with congregations with older adults for over thirty years. His wisdom will inspire and challenge you to see this ministry with different eyes. Resources Age Friendly Congregation Certificate from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Encore Ministry Foundation (organization) Dementia Small-Group Study from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr (book)
"The spiritualities of all great world religions teach us letting go, or how to step aside," writes Richard Rohr. Letting go is an intentional process. We may let go of our emotional attachments, limiting beliefs, or past events. We may give up control, the need to be successful, or the need to be right. It's an ongoing process of surrendering to what is, and adjusting accordingly. In Episode 260, Susan and Cynthia take on this big idea, a central theme in spiritual practice.
On this episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Meredith are discussing: Bookish Moments: Spring cleaning and outgoing books Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: the oldest books on our TBR Before We Go: our new segment featuring bookish friend posts and a something Meredith is curious about Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . 1:21 - Bookish Moments of the Week 6:05 - Current Reads 6:59 - A Question of Guilt by Jorn Lier Horst (Meredith, amazon link) 9:36 - Daunt Books 11:59 - How To Kill A Guy In Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson (Kaytee) 12:05 - The Novel Neighbor 17:05 - This American Woman by Zarna Garg (Meredith) 18:59 - Born A Crime by Trevor Noah 23:30 - Zarna Garg on TikTok 24:19 - The Tears of Things by Richard Rohr (Kaytee) 24:27- The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr 29:35 - Vigil by George Saunders (Meredith) 31:25 - Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders 31:33 - A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders 37:54 - The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (Kaytee) 38:09 - Fabled Bookshop 38:13 - The Life We Bury by Allan Eskens 38:18 - Content Bookstore 42:53 - Deep Dive: The Oldest Books on our TBR 43:20 - Currently Reading Substack 43:24 - Currently Reading Website 47:22 - The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks 48:12 - 12 Years A Slave by Solomon Northrup 49:09 - Raven Black by Ann Cleeves 50:31 - How We Learn by Benedict Carey 51:57 - Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton 53:57 - CR Season 5: Episode 18 54:00 - Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton 56:33 - The Hunger by Alma Katsu 58:12 - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 58:54 - Before We Go Kaytee highlights a bookish friend post Meredith brings something she is curious about Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. April's IPL is brought to us from a new to us bookstore, Two Friends Books in Bentonville, Arkansas Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads | Substack | Youtube The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
In this episode, I talk with Jeremy Jernigan about his deeply personal and intellectual journey behind The Edge of the Inside, unpacking how Jeremy's lifelong love of writing evolved into a healing-driven project that blends memoir and theology. We discuss how time and emotional distance were necessary to move from bitterness to clarity, allowing Jeremy to structure the book into reflection, belief, and application. We also discuss shared experiences as pastor's kids, the disorienting process of deconstruction, and the realization that faith is far broader than what we were taught. Listen to hear about: Writing as healing, not just storytelling Jeremy describes the book as a form of therapy, something he had to live through and process before he could write honestly and help others. The “edge of the inside” concept Inspired by Richard Rohr, this idea captures the experience of still belonging to a system while holding a perspective that challenges it. Deconstruction and expanding belief systems We both reflect on realizing that what we were taught wasn't the full picture, leading to curiosity, questioning, and broader exploration. How language shapes belief (and confusion) The same words, faith, truth, provision, can mean completely different things depending on who's using them, especially in religious and political contexts. The “life quake” moment Jeremy shares the pivotal realization that doing the “right” things doesn't guarantee success—and sometimes leads to losing everything, forcing a complete redefinition of faith and identity. Grab a copy of Jeremy's book here! Check Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackGet Bookwild MerchFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrianMacKenzie Green @missusa2mba
Abbey of the Arts Wisdom Council member Carmen Acevedo Butcher reads Richard Rohr and invites you into 5 minutes of contemplative silence to hold a loving intention for peace, justice, and compassion to flourish in the world. All texts under fair use or with permission. Richard Rohr, excerpts from Yes, And…: Daily Meditations. (Franciscan Media, 2013, 2019) pgs. 91, 652, & 1714 and Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi. (Franciscan Media, 2014), pgs. 63 *, 84&5, & 96 *using adapted text from October 4th, 2021's “Daily Meditation” email AbbeyoftheArts.com
Part three of the Great BASH series profiles Peter Thiel as a systems architect who fuses Girardian diagnosis, Schmittian politics, transhumanist immortality projects, and Opus Dei networks—while delivering closed lectures in Rome on the Antichrist and sponsoring surveillance infrastructure (Palantir) named after Tolkien's seeing‑stones (made by the "antichrist" figure in the stories). The episode traces his intellectual formation and political investments, exposes the Palantir contradiction and the orange‑ray theological wound behind his refusal to surrender to death, and shows how secrecy and curated power risk fulfilling the very apocalyptic threats he warns about. As a remedy, the post presents five contemplative counter‑voices—Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault, Barbara Holmes, Brian McLaren, and Mirabai Starr—offering inward practice, restraint, and open authority as the alternative orientation the density transition requires.
Understanding the Stages of Life, Faith, and CallingIn this teaching, Coach Tom walks through a powerful framework for understanding the seasons of life and spiritual development.Drawing from the work of Richard Rohr and leadership researcher Bobby Clinton, he explains how God often shapes a person's life through several distinct phases—from building and identity formation, through seasons of transition, and eventually into wisdom and legacy.Coach Tom explores:• The Heroic Journey (roughly ages 20–40) — building life, identity, and direction• The Transition Years (40–55) — where humility, surrender, and deeper formation become essential• The Wisdom Journey (55+) — learning to live a released life that blesses othersHe also introduces Bobby Clinton's six stages of leadership and faith development, showing how God intentionally shapes our lives through:1. Sovereign Beginnings2. Spiritual Formation3. Gift Discovery & Development4. Life Maturation5. Convergence6. LegacyOne of the most striking insights: only about 20% of believers reach the “convergence zone.”This is the place where a person's gifts, calling, experiences, and spiritual maturity come together in what Coach Tom calls “Kingdom flow.”This teaching will help you:• Understand where you are in your life journey• Recognize how God uses transition and hardship for growth• Avoid becoming “bitter” or “stuck” during mid-life transitions• Move toward a life of wisdom, humility, and greater Kingdom impactIf you are in a season of transition, searching for clarity about your calling, or wondering how God is shaping your life story—this conversation will give you perspective and hope.__________________________You can connect with Coach Tom at:https://greaterformation.com/Email: Tom@GreaterFormation.com P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are two ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here2. Work with me:I can help you Clarify, Plan, and take Bold Steps into Your Future. Book a Free 30-Minute Clarity and Fruitfulness Session with me: Click Here
Dave Brisbin 3.15.26 The earliest followers of Jesus understood that his Way of spiritual formation was about subtraction not addition—that there is nothing to acquire, no kingdom out there to make us whole. That everything there is, is already within, herenow, if we will only relinquish everything in our minds that blocks us from experiencing that reality. Our uniquely human egoic consciousness is all that separates us from everything else. Jesus' Way offers the experience of stepping outside the torrent of thoughts our minds constantly create and into the stillness where there is no separation. How could Eric Liddel train so hard to win the 1924 Olympic 400M race, yet be so relaxed before the race he could smile and wish each competitor luck? Even at age 22, he realized all that mattered was that he felt God's pleasure as he ran. When we've let go of outcomes to the point we can feel God's pleasure as we run, what do we know we didn't before? We know what has been called perennial wisdom, the universal truth that stands beneath all philosophy and theology, language and logic. This is the deep truth Jesus says will make us free. It can't be put into words, but maybe we could point by saying: We are all one, and because we're all one, nothing can exist outside of God—all that is seen and unseen is God. We emanated from and return to God, our source, and because of that, everything is truly good no matter how it appears. From that worldview, Richard Rohr extracts five more truths: Life is hard, we are not that important, our lives are not about us, we are not in control, and we are going to die. Sound brutal, but once couched in the oneness and non-separation of everything, they become consoling extensions of universal goodness: We are all parts of larger whole. Any identity apart from that whole is illusion. We are fulfilled only in the hard work of staying connected to and aware of that whole. We emanated from it and will return, but our minds actively block this reality. To experience it is to relinquish our minds' hold, surrender self to that larger whole. Knowing this truth is feeling God's pleasure as we run.
Dave Brisbin 3.15.26 The earliest followers of Jesus understood that his Way of spiritual formation was about subtraction not addition—that there is nothing to acquire, no kingdom out there to make us whole. That everything there is, is already within, herenow, if we will only relinquish everything in our minds that blocks us from experiencing that reality. Our uniquely human egoic consciousness is all that separates us from everything else. Jesus' Way offers the experience of stepping outside the torrent of thoughts our minds constantly create and into the stillness where there is no separation. How could Eric Liddel train so hard to win the 1924 Olympic 400M race, yet be so relaxed before the race he could smile and wish each competitor luck? Even at age 22, he realized all that mattered was that he felt God's pleasure as he ran. When we've let go of outcomes to the point we can feel God's pleasure as we run, what do we know we didn't before? We know what has been called perennial wisdom, the universal truth that stands beneath all philosophy and theology, language and logic. This is the deep truth Jesus says will make us free. It can't be put into words, but maybe we could point by saying: We are all one, and because we're all one, nothing can exist outside of God—all that is seen and unseen is God. We emanated from and return to God, our source, and because of that, everything is truly good no matter how it appears. From that worldview, Richard Rohr extracts five more truths: Life is hard, we are not that important, our lives are not about us, we are not in control, and we are going to die. Sound brutal, but once couched in the oneness and non-separation of everything, they become consoling extensions of universal goodness: We are all parts of larger whole. Any identity apart from that whole is illusion. We are fulfilled only in the hard work of staying connected to and aware of that whole. We emanated from it and will return, but our minds actively block this reality. To experience it is to relinquish our minds' hold, surrender self to that larger whole. Knowing this truth is feeling God's pleasure as we run.
In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we revisit a conversation centered on the writings of Richard Rohr and the meaning of Good Friday.As the church moves through the season of Lent, Matt and John reflect on Rohr's insights about scapegoating, the human tendency to blame and condemn others, and the deeper meaning of the cross. Rather than viewing the crucifixion only through the lens of punishment or substitution, this conversation explores the idea of solidarity—a God who does not stand apart from human suffering but enters into it with us.Together they wrestle with questions that sit at the heart of Christian theology:Why is it called Good Friday? What does the cross reveal about human violence and scapegoating? And what does it mean to believe that even the darkest places of human experience are not God-forsaken?This episode is both thoughtful and honest, moving between theology, humor, and personal reflection as the hosts explore the paradox of death and hope at the center of the Christian story.
In this season-opening episode of Everything Belongs, the CAC team returns to one of Richard Rohr's most foundational teachings: The Enneagram—an ancient tool revealing how our wounds lead to our wisdom and our work in the world. Richard shares the surprising story of how The Enneagram “found” him and how it transformed his work and spiritual teaching. The hosting team —CAC Dean of Faculty Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Drew Jackson, Paul Swanson, Cassidy Hall, and Mike Petrow — reflect on their own “origin stories,” sharing how this tool has shaped their healing, relationships, and solidarity with others. Whether you're brand new to the Enneagram or a longtime seeker, this warm, insightful conversation invites you into a season of curiosity, compassion, and contemplative growth. Welcome to a journey that helps reveal how everything — and everyone — belongs. Additional Enneagram Resources : The Enneagram: An Introduction: A brief introduction to this tool and a compilation of different resources curated for those longing to better understand, and have compassion for, themselves and others. Enneagram as a Tool for Your Spiritual Journey: Use the offer code POD35 to get 35% off this foundational Enneagram teaching from Father Richard Rohr. Follow us on Instagram. How can your wounds lead to wisdom? Discover topics about what your number might be trying to teach you. Join the conversation on Facebook. Share wisdom with others on the Enneagram journey. The transcript for today's episode can be found here. Pick up a copy of Richard's book The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like ask the team to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail
This year's Sunday School curriculum is the Old Testament (better titled the Hebrew Bible). And before too long, those of us who follow the Come Follow Me calendar will begin moving into the study of the prophets Isaiah through Malachi. For most Latter-day Saints, this is generally their least favorite months of study. They don't contain much narrative, action, or other things that keep readers' attention. But are there profound lessons to be learned from the prophets and their writings? The wise and powerful writer Richard Rohr thinks so, and this episode features some of his approaches. Latter-day Faith hosts Dan Wotherspoon, Terri Petersen, and Mark Crego have each recently finished his beautiful book, The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom in an Age of Rage and discuss their takeaways from Rohr's book, focusing on the way we presents the prophets as teachers, but also very much themselves "works in progress." Rohr even singles out two Hebrew Bible and one New Testament prophets as "unfinished" prophets. They also focus on one of the primary reminders in Rohr's book that prophets always come from "outside" a communities' power structure. And it must be so, because only someone not tied up in the various hierarchies (whether royal or religious/priestly) can truly look at the consequences/suffering inflicted upon others by their policies, teachings, and rites. It is very hard to worry about organizational and purity concerns and also see the big picture. Hence there is need for wise community members to critique what is happening and to offer paths it might follow to draw closer to its highest ideals and its covenant with God Rohr also argues that, as evidenced by their writings, each of the prophets have and are experiencing what he refers to as the "prophetic wisdom pattern": moving from "order" to "disorder" and then (in most cases) "reorder." When they notice failures in "order" they will become angry, railing on the failures of the leaders and community members. Others will exhibit great suffering themselves (such as in Jeremiah's Lamentations.") It is only after experiencing this great disorder themselves that they can and do begin to offer messages of hope. How can their lives and struggles be examples to us? Inspire us? Call us to learn to be truth-tellers who still very much love their communities? How might we be "faithful" and also voices who critique things in our circles from a place of love? It is rich material. Listen in as Dan, Terri, and Mark try to make sense of some of it!
Send a textEpisode 293 Speaker Richard Rohr Topic: Franciscan Spirituality Part 9 Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts,the depths of their hearts, where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach,the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God's eyes.If only they could all see themselves as they really are.If only we could see each other that way all the time.There would be no more war, no more hatred,no more cruelty,no more greed...The freedom and Happiness that comes from being at one with every living thingWritten by Thomas Merton, inspired by God Every Blessing Archie and Cathy
Send a textEpisode 292 Speaker Richard Rohr Topic: Franciscan Spirituality Part 8 You are totally human and totally divine, at the same time.And so is everyone else , now that's very good news. Enjoy the freedom that comes from this beautiful way of seeing God at work in every human heart.Every BlessingCathy and Archie
Send a textEpisode: 291Speaker:Richard Rohr Topic: Franciscan Spirituality Part 7.Another wonderful encouragement in finding freedom.To daily allow Gods Holy Spirit to take beyond the self and its self imposed solitary confinement.Every Blessing Archie and Cathy
In this special Valentine's episode, we are joined by Kolby Reddish (a rando on the internet), Nemo the Mormon, Carah Burrell (from Nuancehoe), Julia Sanders from Analyzing Mormonism and John Dehlin for a conversation that might surprise you.Yes - We are critics of Mormonism.Yes - We've experienced pain, disillusionment, and deep deconstruction.And yet… we can hold two different truths at once.In this episode, we model something that feels almost taboo in exMormon spaces: expressing gratitude for the things Mormonism gave us –while still being honest about its harm. In this episode we discuss:- Rituals that shaped our identities- Community and why it's hard to leave- Awe, wonder, and valuing the body- Agency and free will as an act of faith- Why compassion and justice often lead people OUT of the church- Whether we wish to destroy the church or make it betterThere are so many good people inside the Mormon church. The people are often beautiful while the system is complicated. As Richard Rohr once said: “Nobody does first half of life better than Mormons” –and we all share deep gratitude for that first half. This episode does not erase the negative things about the church. It doesn't minimize harm. But it DOES ask whether we can be mature enough to acknowledge the good without surrendering our integrity.Please purchase the book here.To support this series please donate here. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions
Send a textEpisode 291Speaker: Richard Rohr Topic Franciscan Spirituality Part 6 Father may we all be one in you.Every Blessing Archie and Cathy
Dr. Robert Ganung, chaplain and teacher at Taft School, joins Rick to explore how deep contemplative practice can ground a life of service, justice, and education. Drawing from Celtic Christianity, Buddhism, Vedanta, and the civil rights tradition, Robert shares how daily meditation, interspiritual study, and a sense of the sacred in all beings inform his work with students and his view of a world in crisis yet ripe for awakening. They discuss non-duality and interconnection, inner practice as fuel for action, the impact of mystical experiences, near-death research, and living with love and courage amid social and planetary upheaval. The Rev. Dr. Robert Ganung is an ordained minister, educator, and school chaplain whose life and work have been shaped by a deep engagement with both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. He holds a doctorate from the Boston University School of Theology, where his dissertation explored how the mindfulness and meditation practices taught by the Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh can enrich and nourish the spiritual lives of Christians. That work grew out of years of personal practice and study, including retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as a lifelong interest in contemplative spirituality. For more than four decades, Dr. Ganung has served at the intersection of education, ministry, and social justice. He is currently Chaplain at The Taft School in Connecticut, where he also teaches philosophy, ethics, world religions, and global studies, and where he has brought an extraordinary range of voices into the community—among them Cornel West, Bill McKibben, Ibram X. Kendi, Angela Davis, Tibetan monks, and many others addressing spirituality, human rights, environmental justice, and the moral challenges of our time. Earlier in his career, he served as chaplain and teacher at Milton Academy, Punahou School in Hawai‘i, and Cardigan Mountain School. During these years, he also served as a minister in the United Methodist and United Church of Christ congregations in New England and Hawai‘i. Dr. Ganung's spiritual formation has been deeply influenced by the Christian mystical tradition—figures such as Howard Thurman, Bede Griffiths, Richard Rohr, & John O'Donohue—as well as by Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, and interfaith dialogue. Introduced to Hindu philosophy and Sufism as an undergraduate philosophy major at Boston University, he later engaged Siddha Yoga and Advaita teachings, while continuing to explore how contemplative practice leads naturally toward nonviolence, compassion, and justice in the world. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group, Interview recorded February 7, 2026
How do you feel about sin? Richard Rohr describes our inevitable human missteps as essential to our growth when he says, "Not doing it right seems to teach us much more than doing it perfectly." But for many Latter-day Saints who struggle with ongoing feelings of guilt and/or shame, Rohr's interpretation may sound a bit too good to be true. Our church's focus on worthiness can get in the way of members' ability to look at mistakes—big and small—as growth opportunities, built right into the plan. In Episode 250, Susan and Cynthia are joined by members of the ALSSI community for a conversation about sin. How have your experiences affected the way you think about it? As your faith evolves, have you reframed sin entirely?
When Your Identity Shatters: A Therapist’s Journey Through Suffering What if the moment your entire identity falls apart isn’t a breakdown but a sacred initiation? What if the culture that taught you to pathologise your pain has stolen your capacity to transform through it? For over 28,000 hours, Dr. John W. Price has sat knee to knee with people in their most debilitating shatterings. As a Jungian psychotherapist with a doctorate in depth psychology, he doesn’t just understand suffering intellectually. He has walked through the fire himself, and it’s that lived experience that makes him one of the most compelling guides for anyone navigating identity crisis, spiritual awakening, or the terrifying process of becoming who you actually are. In this profound conversation, Dr Price reveals why tying your self-worth to your net worth creates a dangerous trap, how “sacred refusal” becomes an act of devotion, and why the moments when everything crumbles are actually the gateways to transformation our modern world has forgotten how to honour. The Man Who Lost Everything to Find His Calling Dr. Price’s path to the therapist’s chair began on stage. From age six, music was his calling. He was self-motivated, wild, rebellious, smoking in the boys’ room while dreaming of guitars and record deals. By his mid-twenties, he had signed that deal and was touring nationally, living the dream he had fantasised about since childhood. Then everything came crashing down. The birth of his son, the collapse of an unhealthy relationship, and the sudden weight of single fatherhood shattered every identity he had built. He weighed 35 pounds less from stress, found himself in court battles, and sat in a therapist’s office feeling completely lost. “I had a shattering of an identity,” he recalls. “My whole life dream was disrupted.” But in that therapist’s chair, working with a brilliant woman named Charlene who introduced him to Buddhist meditation, something shifted. Dr. Price realised he didn’t just want healing. He wanted to offer it. That moment of recognition sent him back to school, this time as a ravenous student pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology and eventually a doctorate in Jungian depth psychology. Why We Pathologise Our Own Initiations One of Dr. Price’s most powerful insights centres on how our culture has lost the capacity to recognise transformation for what it is. “Because our culture doesn’t really have an orientation to initiate us into this kind of process, we pathologise it, and we think that something is wrong,” he explains. When your identity crumbles, when the life that looked good on paper suddenly feels unbearable, when you can no longer perform the role everyone expects of you, our society tells you something is broken. But Dr. Price sees these moments differently. They are sacred shatterings, initiations that ancient cultures would have honoured with ritual and community support. The problem for so many high achievers is that they have tied their sense of self-worth entirely to their net worth, their title, their role. When that foundation shifts, they don’t just lose a job or a relationship. They lose themselves. “How do you actually trust the fall rather than resist it?” becomes the central question. Sacred Refusal and Living Mythically Drawing on wisdom from his mentor Richard Rohr and Jungian analyst James Hollis, Dr. Price introduces the concept of “sacred refusal.” This is the practice of stopping performance, of refusing to comply with systems that don’t serve your soul. “Any win for the self, or the soul, is experienced as a death by the socialised ego,” he teaches, quoting Hollis. This is why leaving family systems feels so terrifying. Why creating your own journey requires walking into the wilderness of the unknown. Why individuation always costs something. But the alternative is living according to control-based systems, whether religious, political, economic, or corporate, that keep you performing and compliant rather than transforming and free. Dr. Price’s vision is one of resurrection. Not just personal healing, but remembering that life is a sacred text, not a self-improvement plan. We are stories within a story, and transformation isn’t about getting better. It’s about experiencing life more completely and fully. Three Golden Nuggets Every Emotion Is a Teacher – Stay with what hurts long enough to hear its wisdom. Refusal Is Devotion – What you stop performing becomes sacred space. Live Mythically – See life as a sacred text, not a self-improvement plan. About Dr. John W. Price Dr. John W. Price is a licensed psychotherapist, Jungian scholar, and host of The Sacred Speaks podcast. He holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Jungian Psychology, and serves as President of the Board at the Jung Center of Houston. With over 28,000 clinical hours and 800,000 podcast downloads, he guides people through grief, identity collapse, and spiritual awakening. You can watch the video of the conversation on YouTube Find Out More About Dr. John W. Price Website: www.drjohnwprice.com Instagram: @thesacredspeaks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSacredSpeaks
Feb 5th, 2026 - Pastor Tim Westermeyer - #370 – Wisdom from Richard Rohr
Send us a textEpisode 290Speaker Richard Rohr Topic Franciscan Spirituality.
10 BIG Errors of Fr. Richard Rohr! (Heretic)? Check out our YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicTruthOfficial
Send us a textEpisode 289Speaker Richard Rohr Topic: Franciscan Spirituality, Francis and the Non Dual Mind. Part 4.Wonderful powerful reminder of how to avoid the seductions of suspicion, separation. and superiority. A non dual mind is humble before the wonder of God.Every BlessingArchie and Cathy
Send us a textEpisode 288Speaker: Richard Rohr Topic Franciscan Spirituality Francis and the Non Dual Mind Part 3. Let your imagination take you deep and find within The Presence as pure gift.Every BlessingArchie and Cathy
Send us a textEpisode: 287Speaker: Richard Rohr Topic : Franciscan Spirituality, Francis and Non-Dual Thought. Part 2Recorded at St James Piccadilly, London in 2010. Listen again and experience the freedom-bringing truth, of the interconnection between everybody and everything. To be at peace with yourself , others and God.Every Blessing in 2026
Send us a Positive Review!With well over a million downloads since its first drop in March of 2022, the Latter Day Struggles podcast has established itself the place to find peace, healing, community, and words to describe your Latter-day Saint faith and trust crisis. It is where thousands have come to realize that deep within themselves is a True Self capable of mapping out their own spiritual journey and integrating their Latter-day Saint background into this journey on their own terms. In this "Best of Latter Day Struggles" episode, Valerie establishes herself as a Latter-day Saint mental health professional with a unique capacity to love her LDS faith enough talk about the beliefs and practices that are causing harm to members of the church worldwide. The bottom line? Healthy spiritual wellbeing is correlated with healthy mental health. If my church beliefs and practices are making me sick in any way--these beliefs need to be courageously examined. To those of you who have been on this journey since Valerie started the podcast (the "OGs") and to those who just learned about it last week and do not know where to start--pleasea enjoy this classic episode that got Latter Day Struggles on the map and has led to the healing of thousands of people in LDS faith crisis in the past 3 years. Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Overview02:06 – Four Stages of Faith Development04:28 – Moving Beyond Stage 108:06 – Limitations of Stage 212:02 – Moving Toward Stage 414:43 – Contextualizing Faith Traditions15:28 – Stages in World Religions16:01 – Institutional Roles in Faith Development16:32 – Supporting Complexity and Skepticism18:00 – Therapist's Perspective19:02 – Healthy Family Systems and Faith Development20:48 – The Role of Adolescence22:01 – Ownership of Belief24:43 – The Dangers of Over-Resistance26:37 – Richard Rohr's Perspective on Faith Development28:34 – Transitioning to Complexity31:49 – Hope Beyond Skepticism34:07 – Institutional Challenges36:58 – Misconceptions About Atonement38:44 – Institutional Self-Reflection40:09 – Marginalization and Fear-Based Narratives43:00 – Letters from Listeners: Shock and Isolation46:59 – Ambivalence and Hope in Skepticism50:03 – Understanding Faith Development Stages53:45 – Creating True Community56:00 – Transitioning Through Chaos57:30 – The Emptiness Stage59:00 – Achieving True Community01:01:00 – Maintaining True Community01:03:00 – Conclusion and Call to ActionSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website
Apostolic leadership serves as a catalyst for the disruption of settled expectations within church communities. This episode elucidates the premise that such leadership does not aim to maintain comfort within established systems, but rather to uphold faithfulness to core principles. Comfort, as we contend, poses a significant impediment to the vitality of church planting and outreach efforts. When congregants become complacent, their engagement diminishes, thus stymieing the potential for growth and outreach. We acknowledge that while systems can provide structure and support, they may also cultivate an atmosphere of ease that is antithetical to the essence of a life committed to the teachings and challenges inherent in a crucified existence.Coming Monday on Echoes Trough Eternity we will discuss In this episode of Echoes Through Eternity, we explore what happens when spiritual formation begins to reshape your pace, your availability, and your leadership—while others still expect the version of you that ran on urgency.Drawing on the wisdom of Jesus, Alan Hirsch, Henri Nouwen, Richard Rohr, and lived pastoral experience, this conversation names the quiet collision between formation and expectation.If you are leading with care, protecting your soul, and feeling tension instead of applause, this episode is for you.Formation always disrupts assumptions.The question is whether you will stay faithful when it does.
In our annual holiday episode, Cal tackles one of the questions he's asked most often: What should I read? But with a twist. He recommends six books that are not from the self-help or advice genre that will nonetheless help you change your life into something deeper. For the rest of the episode, he then answers listener calls.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here's the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today's episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaCAL'S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:Walden by Henry David Thoreau [2:40]Lincoln's Virtues by William Lee Miller [7:28]The Case for God by Karen Armstrong [10:54]You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier [21:25]The Shallows by Nicholas Carr [26:28]Falling Upward by Richard Rohr [28:45]CALLS: Concerned father and husband about smartphones [37:48]Living deeply with multiple gigs [43:27]Effective timeblocking [47:19]The Deep Life for non-knowledge workers [54:01]Dealing with overwhelming technology [58:59]The real cost of AI [1:02:59]Where to start with deep work? [1:07:33]Links:Buy Cal's latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal's “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal's monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?Thanks to our Sponsors: monarch.com/deepwayfair.comnotion.com/calreclaim.ai/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
DateDecember 21, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we dismantle the myth that joy is a prize to be earned or a mindset to be curated. Digging into the Christmas story—from the animals who bear witness to the cosmic claim of John's sarx—we discover that God has already pitched a tent in the fragile, biological stuff of creation. Joy isn't a reward for overcoming; it's an ever-present sign of God's presence, which holds us through everything and is simply waiting for our attention.ReferencesScripture: John 1:1–5, 14O Magnum MysteriumAbout The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.
Have you ever had one of those months where you just can't climb out of a dark hole? That was my October and November.My son had a health scare (instant compassion for every parent walking that road), I wasn't sleeping—wide awake at 3 a.m. every night (thank God for a dear friend who meets me at Starbucks at 5 a.m.)—and I felt completely unmotivated and uninspired by my work. Not fun.I'm sharing this because maybe you've been there too. And here's the gift hidden inside those seasons: wisdom.What did I learn? Compassion for myself. Humility that I will never “have it all together.” Trust that this, too, shall pass. And it did pass. The light returned—beginning with the conversation you're about to hear with Dr. John Price. It was medicine for my soul, and I know it will be for yours too.Meet Dr. John W. PriceDr. John W. Price is a licensed psychotherapist, Jungian scholar, and modern-day mythmaker devoted to bridging psychology and spirituality in service of deep transformation. He holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Jungian Psychology and co-founded The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences in Houston with his wife, Leila-Scott Price.Before dedicating his life to healing, John spent a decade as a professional musician—a journey that immersed him in both the highs of creative success and the depths of self-destruction. Becoming a father marked a powerful turning point, when the soul's call overtook ambition and led him to his true purpose: guiding others through life's great initiations—grief, identity collapse, spiritual awakening, and the long return to wholeness.He now serves as President of the Board at the Jung Center of Houston, teaches at the Esalen Institute, and hosts The Sacred Speaks podcast—where he explores depth psychology, spirituality, mysticism, and meaning with guests like Richard Rohr, Anne Lamott, and Thomas Moore.In This Episode We Explore✨ John's own “cracking open” story—from life as a rock musician to his awakening as a soul-centered psychotherapist ✨ How fatherhood transformed his ambitions into a deeper calling to serve ✨ Practical wisdom for navigating the dark night of the soul with grace and courage ✨ How men's vulnerability and shadow work can become catalysts for collective healing ✨ Our candid exchange where I challenge John to fully step into his leadership as a bridge between psychology, spirituality, and the modern masculineThis conversation is rich with laughter, depth, and truth—but above all, hope. John is a luminous guide whose presence reminds us that even in darkness, we are never alone.If you're walking through your own “dark night,” or simply feeling lost, uninspired, or uncertain, this episode is your lifeline. John offers not quick fixes or toxic positivity, but grounded wisdom:You're not broken—you're breaking open.Press play and remember—the light isn't just coming; it's already within you, waiting to be rediscovered.
Michael Cepress is a "triple citizen of the arts," engaged in performing arts, visual arts, and fashion design. He invites us to recognize the limitless potential for good that emerges when artistic expression serves and uplifts the greater good, weaving diverse forms of art into purposeful community action.Michael Cepress is a multidisciplinary artist celebrated for his dynamic creativity—he is a musician, a storyteller and poet, a craftsman, a designer, and a cultural curator. In addition to his musical talents he has excelled in textile arts and fashion design, with exhibitions of his work showcased internationally. Michael recognizes the boundless potential for good that arises when artistic expression serves and uplifts the greater good, weaving together the varied forms of art into purposeful community action.Interview Date: 9/11/2025. Tags: Michael Cepress, Native Funk and Flash, Alexandra Jacopetti Hart, Richard Rohr, Swami Kriyananda, quilting, fashion, Art & Creativity
Where does the prophetic journey through our anger and tears finally culminate? In this episode of Everything Belongs, we turn to Chapter 10 of Richard Rohr's The Tears of Things, called “It All Comes Down To Love.” Discover how the prophetic journey through order, disorder, and reorder ultimately leads us to Universal Love. At Richard's hermitage, our hosts discuss how great love is the only sane response to great suffering, and explore why loving one thing deeply can teach us to love everything. Afterwards all four of our hosts share the ways in which they've been impacted by our year long journey through The Tears of Things. Resources: Grab a copy of The Tears of Things here. To learn more about The Tears of Things and additional offerings, including the trailer, a FREE Reader's Guide, and more, visit thetearsofthings.com.
This week's episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast is something special. I'm joined by my emotional support Canadian (yes, really!) and fellow coach Crystal Thompson, and we're diving into a book that touched both our hearts: Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground by Mirabai Starr. If you've ever wanted to feel more connected—spiritually, emotionally, relationally—but didn't quite know how, this conversation is for you. We talk about finding sacredness in everyday life, receiving love when it feels hard, and why awe and gratitude can change everything, especially in long-term relationships. There's laughter. There's depth. There's even a moment that made me cry on the mic. ✨ Episode at a Glance Why the word mysticism can feel scary—and how to reclaim it What sacred ground actually looks like in everyday life How awe + gratitude fuel connection (and soften resentment) The neuroscience of wonder, and why it matters in marriage What Mirabai Starr, Richard Rohr, and Mary of Guadalupe have in common The real-life moment I almost deflected a miracle RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ordinary Mysticism by Mirabai Starr Connect with Crystal on Instagram @crystalruthcoaching The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie
No matter what language we use to describe the Divine, for spiritual seekers the hope is that our understanding and connection will continue to expand and deepen. As Richard Rohr reminds us, "God is always bigger than the boxes we build for God, so we should not spend too much time protecting the boxes." In Episode 242, Cynthia and Susan take another look at the spaces where their own 'god-boxes' used to be: It's two women getting personal about what's new, what's not, and where and how they're seeking communion and/or communication now.
Description: In this episode of the Matriarchy series, we explore how deeply ingrained patriarchal narratives can create a policing effect on the behavior of women. Author, Elise Loehnen, discusses her book "On Our Best Behavior" which examines how concepts like the seven deadly sins have historically been used to restrict women's behavior and police their adherence to an idealized form of "goodness." Loehnen unpacks the insidious ways women are culturally conditioned from a young age to suppress normal human drives like anger, ambition, and sexuality. And how disrupting rigid gender stereotypes is important when raising the next generation in order to build a more compassionate world. … Thought-provoking Quotes: ★ “Women are trained for goodness; men are trained for power.” – Elise Loehnen ★ “Patriarchy isn't just out there in systems and structures — it's in us. It's the air we breathe.” – Elise Loehnen ★ “A ‘good woman' never needs anything. She has no wants, no anger, no appetite. She exists to meet everyone else's needs — and calls it virtue.” – Elise Loehnen ★ “We are so conditioned to police ourselves that we end up policing each other.” – Elise Loehnen ★ “I hold everything I think with loose hands. This is what I know now. But I'm open to the me who might think differently later.” – Jen Hatmaker Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ➤ On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen - https://bit.ly/44tz41D ➤ Goop - https://goop.com ➤ For the Love of Being Seen and Heard ft. Lori Gottlieb - https://bit.ly/4b8YT9C ➤ Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb - https://bit.ly/3JO7FOn ➤ Evagrius Ponticus (Fourth Century Christian Monk) - https://bit.ly/4b7zEV5 ➤ Pope Gregory on the 7 Deadly Sins - https://bit.ly/3y1J1XK ➤ Harvey Weinstein Abuse Cases - https://bit.ly/4b5ktM5 ➤ Carol Gilligan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_G... ➤ In a Different Voice by Carol Gilligan - https://bit.ly/3JQ9IBh ➤ Human Voice by Carol Gilligan - https://bit.ly/3UQ1Rcn ➤ Andrew Tate - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_... ➤ Order, Disorder, Reorder (An idea Developed by Richard Rohr) - https://bit.ly/44xzHqK ➤ For the Love of The Enneagram ft. Richard Rohr - https://bit.ly/3QzzZaW ➤ Loretta Ross - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretta... Guest's Links: ➤ Website: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/ ➤ Facebook: / eliseloehnen ➤ Instagram: / eliseloehnen ➤ Twitter: / eloehnen ➤ LinkedIn: / elise-loehnen-b867523 ➤ Podcast: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/episodes ➤ Blog: https://eliseloehnen.substack.com/ Connect with Jen!Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It seems Latter-day Saints most often speak about resurrection in the literal sense: the reuniting of spirit and body. Jesus rising from the tomb holds promise for us after our own inevitable physical death. But as Richard Rohr says, “Literalism is invariably the lowest and least level of meaning.” So what else can we take from this concept? Actually, the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about renewal! In Episode 236, Cynthia and Susan explore resurrection. It's a conversation not about what happens after we die, but about the possibility of experiencing transformation in our lives here and now.