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Improving your affiliate marketing performance can feel like a daunting task, but we're breaking it down into five manageable steps that can really make a difference. So, let's get started on leveling up your affiliate marketing game!In our latest discussion, we break down five key steps to elevate your affiliate marketing strategy. First, we emphasize reviewing your publisher mix to ensure you're targeting all segments of your audience effectively. This means utilizing tools available in your affiliate networks to identify any gaps in your current strategy. The second step focuses on identifying low-hanging fruit—those affiliates who drive traffic but yield low sales. By reaching out to these partners, you can often find ways to enhance their promotional efforts. Our third step is all about communication. We stress the importance of nurturing relationships with your affiliates through consistent and tailored messaging. This keeps your brand top of mind and fosters collaboration. The fourth step encourages attending networking events and engaging in educational opportunities. The affiliate marketing space is fast-paced, and staying informed about the latest trends and best practices is crucial for success. Finally, we wrap up with a discussion on the importance of monitoring industry trends, such as card-linked offers and the rise of brand partnerships, which can provide new avenues for growth. By following these steps, you can position your affiliate program for greater success and profitability.Takeaways: Your contact list is essential in affiliate marketing, make sure it's comprehensive. Identifying gaps in your publisher mix is crucial to optimizing affiliate performance. Maintaining regular communication with affiliates can significantly enhance your marketing effectiveness. Networking and continuous education are vital for staying ahead in the affiliate marketing game. Chapters:03:09 - Optimizing Your Affiliate Marketing Channel12:51 - Networking and Education in Affiliate Marketing17:40 - Optimizing Your Affiliate Program24:26 - Looking to the Future of Affiliate MarketingFind the notes here: https://keepopt.com/251Download our ebook >> https://keepopt.com/ebook "500 Top Tips to Make Your eCommerce Business More Profitable" ****Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.comLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor
Party On The Pipes, St. Louis – details ATOS Convention 2025 – Milwaukee Start Name Artist Album Year Comments Just Loving You Damon Cox Organ Standaarts [TOENC002] 2025 2-9 Standaart-Compton-plus hybrid, Damon Cox Residence, Byfleet, Surrey 3:11 Petticoats of Portugal Damon Cox Organ Standaarts [TOENC002] 2025 2-9 Standaart-Compton-plus hybrid, Damon Cox Residence, Byfleet, Surrey 5:44 The Longest Time; Annie's Song; The Hustle Jonas Nordwall Party On The Pipes, St. Louis 2024 2024 3-15 Hybrid, Lincoln Theatre, Belleville, IL; 2024-04-14 14:51 A Wonderful Guy Nick Renkosik Party On The Pipes, St. Louis 2024 2024 3-20 Wicks, Pam & Richard Masching Residence, Millstadt, IL; 2024-04-13 19:46 Sundown Bert and Brad Kuntz Party On The Pipes, St. Louis 2024 2024 Allen MDS Theatre III, Brad Kuntz Residence, St. Louis, MO; 2024-04-13 22:49 Out Of Nowhere; If You Love Me (Hymne A L'amour); Serenade (Student Prince) John Ledwon Party On The Pipes, St. Louis 2024 2024 3-18 Wurlitzer Hybrid, City Museum, St. Louis, MO; 2024-04-14 29:53 Song Sung Blue Dave Wickerham Party On The Pipes, St. Louis 2024 - Fox Theatre 2024 4-36 Wurlitzer, Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO; Party On The Pipes 2024-04-15 34:55 Bacchanale (from Samson and Delilah) Walt Strony Encores! Volume 2 [Walt Strony CD] 1986 3-14 Wurlitzer, Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee, WI 43:31 Anyone Can Whistle Simon Gledhill Private: Sanfilippo 5-80 Wurlitzer, Victorian Music Palace, Sanfilippo residence, Barrington, IL 48:39 Till There Was You Zach Frame ATOS 2023 Chicago 2023 3-30 Wurlitzer, Organ Piper Pizza, Milwaukee, WI; console from Seneca Theatre, Buffalo, NY; concert 2023-07-07 54:15 Announcement Mark Herman Concert: Carma Labs 2021-03-07 2021 4-85+ Wurlitzer, Carma Labs, Franklin, WI The Gypsy In My Soul Mark Herman Concert: Carma Labs 2021-03-07 2021 4-85+ Wurlitzer, Carma Labs, Franklin, WI 58:08 How About You? Jelani Eddington ATOS 2023 Chicago CD 2 2023 4-90 Hybrid, Carmex Labs
We were all standing up and cheering the Christchurch City Council three years ago, when it flipped the bird at the Government over housing intensification. Because there was no way we were going to agree to three, three-story houses being built on one section. But I've changed my thinking. Eventually, the city council kind-of pulled its head in. But it's still dragging the chain a bit and wants more time before agreeing to what the Government wants. But one city councillor, at least, thinks we should stop dragging the chain, that we should get with the programme and allow this intensification to happen. And I agree with him. I think he's making a very good point. Maybe it's because my stance on intensification has eased since 2022, when the council told the Government in no uncertain terms that it wasn't interested in having three, three-story houses on one section. And I think Christchurch city councillor Andrei Moore is making a very good argument in favour of greater housing density. Saying that, if we don't let it happen, more and more houses will be built in places like Rolleston and Prebbleton. Which are not in Christchurch, they're in the Selwyn District, and that will mean more and more people travelling into the city every day, using Christchurch's roading infrastructure and not paying a bean towards it. Because they don't live in Christchurch city - they live in Selwyn. And he's saying we should stop kicking the can down the road and just get on with it. Instead of spending another year resisting it, we need to accept that greater housing density is here whether we like it or not. He says: “It's high time we wake up and deal with the reality of city growth.” And I couldn't agree more. And yes, that does mean that my stance on intensification has changed, and there's nothing wrong with that. The plan originally was to let developments with three, three-storey properties to be built on one section pretty much anywhere. But it was modified a bit. Modified to restrict this level of intensification to the central city, around shopping centres and what's described as "walkable distances" from core public transport routes. Which is still pretty carte blanche when you think about shopping malls and areas on core public transport routes. As far as shopping malls go, we've got the likes of the Hub Hornby, Riccarton Mall, Bush Inn, the Tannery, Barrington Mall, Tower Junction, Eastgate Mall, Merivale Mall, Northlands Mall, Fendalton Mall, the Palms, Homebase, and the Colombo. Which means intensification getting the green light in Hornby, Riccarton, Opawa, Barrington, Linwood, Merivale all the way up to Northlands, Fendalton, Shirley, Sydenham and Beckenham. And, if that's how it has to be, then I'm with Andrei Moore and I agree with him that we need to bite the bullet and get on with it. Because A: we've got a housing affordability problem in this country, and the quarter-acre section is a thing of the past. So, if you want your kids to be able to afford to buy their own place, it's not going to be somewhere with a big backyard. So we need more apartments and townhouses - the places you get with greater housing density. And B: population growth is real. The numbers aren't massive, but they're real and expected to continue in the upwards direction. The city's population is around 396,000. Last year it was 1.2% up on the year before. Over the last five years, population growth in Christchurch has averaged 1.3% annually. Before the quakes, it was declining. There was an especially large jump in 2023, when the population in Christchurch city increased by 2.7%. And city councillors pushing back on greater housing density in Christchurch are ignoring the obvious. That, yes, backyards are great. Yes, Christchurch is supposed to be the garden city. And yes, the people against intensification are most likely to be the people who can be bothered to vote. But, if they put all that aside, they'd see that their colleague Andrei Moore is being realistic. And I agree with him that it's time for Christchurch to stop pushing back on greater housing intensification. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join the Bigfoot Society as we delve into the unknown with Dave McCullough, a seasoned Bigfoot investigator from Massachusetts with 20 years of experience. In this episode, Dave shares comprehensive insights into Massachusetts Bigfoot sightings, covering locations like the Berkshires, Quabbin Reservoir, and Bridgewater Triangle. Learn about mysterious vocalizations, footprint discoveries, and eerie encounters in the dense woods and rugged landscapes of the state. Get a detailed look at the diversity of Massachusetts' terrain and how it provides a habitat for these elusive creatures. Don't miss out as Dave also discusses notable expeditions, conferences, and the Squatchachusetts group. Subscribe and share this episode to stay updated on Bigfoot activity across New England.Resources:Cobble Mountain Critter Festival: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cobble-mountain-critter-festival-tickets-1003504949317Referenced Maine BFRO Report - https://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=78256Squatchachusetts Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1479066879016769Sasquatch Summerfest this year, is July 11th through the 12th, 2025. It's going to be fantastic. Listeners, if you're going to go, you can get a two day ticket for the cost of one. If you use the code "BFS" like Bigfoot society and it'll get you some off your cost.Priscilla was a nice enough to provide that for my listeners. So there you go. I look forward to seeing you there. So make sure you head over to www. sasquatchsummerfest. com and pick up your tickets today.If you've had similar encounters or experiences, please reach out to bigfootsociety@gmail.com. Your story could be the next one we feature!
Send us a textIn this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we're stepping into the whimsical world of children's party planning with Tanya and Chuck, the passionate duo behind Kiddiewinks Events. Located in Barrington, Illinois, Kiddiewinks Events is a boutique, all-inclusive children's party venue that specializes in creating unforgettable, stress-free celebrations for kids ages 4–12. With themed parties that include everything from dress-up and makeup to pizza, cupcakes, and temporary tattoos, Kiddiewinks takes care of every single detail so that kids can play—and parents can actually relax and enjoy the day.In this fun, heartfelt, and insightful conversation, Tanya and Chuck share how they built Kiddiewinks Events from the ground up. They talk about the inspiration behind their one-of-a-kind party concept, how they curate each experience to keep kids engaged, entertained, and smiling, and how they've structured the business to make party planning effortless for families. Whether it's a princess makeover, a superhero bash, or a custom-themed celebration, Kiddiewinks offers a 2-hour, full-service experience filled with creativity, organization, and joy.We discuss how Kiddiewinks has become a go-to destination for birthday parties, special events, and milestone celebrations, thanks to their attention to detail, kid-approved activities, and parent-approved convenience. Tanya and Chuck also share their experience as entrepreneurs, the lessons they've learned along the way, and how they've stayed inspired and innovative in an industry that's all about bringing joy and magic to childhood.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Tanya and Chuck started Kiddiewinks Events and created a unique niche in children's parties ✅ The importance of structure, creativity, and customization in kids' event planning ✅ What's included in a Kiddiewinks party (spoiler: it's everything you need!) ✅ The logistics and behind-the-scenes work that go into running a boutique party venue ✅ Tips for creating a seamless, stress-free celebration for your child ✅ How Kiddiewinks Events has grown through word-of-mouth, community love, and exceptional serviceWhy Kiddiewinks Events Stands Out:Kiddiewinks Events isn't just another party venue—it's an immersive celebration experience. With thoughtfully designed packages that include themed décor, pizza, cupcakes, candles, drinks, activities, and more, every detail is handled so parents don't have to lift a finger. Their engaging staff, fun environment, and creative themes make Kiddiewinks the perfect place for children's birthday parties, and their loyal customers (many of whom return year after year) say it best: Kiddiewinks makes parties magical.Perfect For:
When Ernest Brendel, his wife Alice, and their 8-year-old daughter Emily disappeared from their Barrington Rhode Island home, the FBI and state police suspected that they were victims of foul play. The family of three had just moved to Barrington from Providence about three years earlier, believing they had found a safe and happy place […] The post Trading in Murder: The Brendel Family Murders appeared first on Tiegrabber.
Kaz and Tubes hear from rowing coach, Peter Volker, ahead of the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textBBQ Radio Network is brought to you BBQr's Delight 100% All Natural Wood PelletsOur special guest is Dan Barrington from Brisbane, Australia, representing Lane's BBQ AU and Smoked Beyond Smoked BBQ. Dan is in the U.S. to compete in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World Championship BBQ Contest, and he's sharing his journey, competition prep, and what it takes to bring Australian BBQ flavors to the world stage.This week on the BBQ Radio Network, Todd and Andy check back in with Phil from Jacksonville for a follow-up on tri-tip preparation for his big event. Got a BBQ question? Send it to BBQRadioNetwork@Gmail.com—be sure to include your t-shirt size and how you listen to the show!ATBBQ.com Product Spotlight:
Guest: Mark Griffiths, owner, Barrington Griffiths Watch Company.
Great session with Jeff. We talk about his career path and leadership journey and also dig into the value proposition of NASBAR and the market outlook for real estate.Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)NASBAR Headquarters Overview (00:00:55)Jeff's Career Journey (00:02:23)Formation of MRED (00:03:24)Transition to NASBAR (00:04:23)MRED's Market Position (00:05:41)Leadership Development (00:08:29)Collaboration with Rebecca Jensen (00:10:11)Creating a Positive Culture (00:12:14)Transition Timing and Opportunity (00:14:42)Vision for NASBAR (00:16:14)Leadership Dynamics (00:17:19)Board Involvement (00:18:02)Volunteer Commitment (00:19:36)Value of Leadership (00:22:03)NASBAR Vision and Space (00:24:05)Office Redesign (00:24:24)Building Community (00:26:37)Staff and Opportunities (00:28:34)Value Proposition (00:30:27)Local Association Relationships (00:31:01)Exceeding Expectations (00:33:37)Lawsuit Impact (00:34:29)Addressing PR Challenges (00:35:19)Organizational Strategy (00:36:36)State Association Functions (00:39:13)Local Association Value (00:43:19)Member Involvement (00:46:55)Adaptability in Real Estate (00:49:11)The Profile of Real Estate Brokers (00:50:19)Successful Real Estate Professionals (00:50:44)Industry Demographics Shift (00:52:16)Current Market Conditions (00:52:34)Legislative Efforts for Inventory (00:54:10)Value of Realtors (00:54:54)Trends in Real Estate Listings (00:57:11)Industry Evolution and Ethics (00:58:43)Future of NASBAR and Real Estate (01:02:23)Organic Industry Ecosystem (01:04:19)Closing Remarks (01:05:39)People, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!IG - https://www.instagram.com/peoplenotti...FB - https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter - https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv...
We sit down with Pete Gelber of Barrington Dairy to discuss his opinions and passion for dairy genetics as we learn more about his 13,500 cow dairy located in Montezuma, Georgia. Pete shares his unique journey from growing up in the Bronx to running a large-scale dairy operation. He discusses the evolution of his farm, the value of genetics, and the impact of genomic testing on his herd's performance. Pete also offers an in-depth look into his breeding philosophy and how he has used technology and strategic partnerships to enhance productivity and profitability. This is a conversation you don't want to miss as we explore how genetics can lead to remarkable growth and profitability.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 Pete's Journey into Dairy Farming02:07 Growth and Expansion of the Dairy Business03:19 Partnerships and Employee Contributions05:10 Current Operations and Farm Landscape06:09 Genetics and Breeding Strategies09:07 Impact of Genomic Testing15:23 Breeding Philosophy and Future Goals27:39 Reflections and Future Plans29:11 Conclusion
Dr. Amar Pattani, family dentist at Main Street Smiles at 312 W Main Street in Barrington, joins John Williams to answer all of your dental health questions. Dr. Pattani tells John what sugar does to your teeth, what you should look for when you buy toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, and if he agrees that the state […]
Dr. Amar Pattani, family dentist at Main Street Smiles at 312 W Main Street in Barrington, joins John Williams to answer all of your dental health questions. Dr. Pattani tells John what sugar does to your teeth, what you should look for when you buy toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, and if he agrees that the state […]
Mark 5:25-34 We make thousands of decisions each and every day. This Sunday, Angela Barrington shares how an encounter with the bleeding woman in Mark led to a decision that changed everything. See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Dr. Amar Pattani, family dentist at Main Street Smiles at 312 W Main Street in Barrington, joins John Williams to answer all of your dental health questions. Dr. Pattani tells John what sugar does to your teeth, what you should look for when you buy toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, and if he agrees that the state […]
Our guest this week is Michael McManus of Barrington, IL, Vice President of Captive Resources, co-proprietor of Jigsaw Farms and father of two adult sons, including one with Autism. Michael and his wife Stacie have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Matt (30) and Jake (29) who is Autistic. Jake has benefited from a host of programs, including: Cure Autism Now (CAN), now known as Autsim Speaks,Brave Hearts, and Cowboy DreamsMichael & Stacie purchased a 50 acre working horse farm in Woodstock, IL and renamed it Jigsaw Farms. In addition to their own horses, the farm currently boards 40 horses, includes three full time staff all with separate residences. They also rebuilt a house which would be suitable for Jake to live in, along with space for a caregiver.We'll hear about that and more on this week's episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (847) 460-8792Email – mmcmanus@captiveresources.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mcmanus-21a12932/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jigsawfarms/Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/
Barrington is not a coyote-friendly community, but that isn't stopping coyotes from moving in. Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textIn this episode of The Incubator Podcast, renowned neonatologist and researcher Dr. Keith Barrington discusses his career, his influential blog (Neonatal Research), and his contributions to evidence-based neonatology. Dr. Barrington explains how his blog originated from sharing recent research insights with trainees and grew into a platform that educates professionals and promotes consistent, evidence-based practices in neonatology. He emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating new studies and their potential impact on clinical care.The conversation also explores his personal journey as the father of a 24-week premature baby, Violette. This experience shaped his understanding of parental perspectives and the challenges families face in the NICU. He highlights the need for healthcare providers to align clinical decisions with what parents deem acceptable outcomes, emphasizing compassion and humility in predicting long-term results.Dr. Barrington reflects on the future of neonatology, stressing the importance of reducing variations in care across centers and leveraging multi-center networks to optimize outcomes. He advocates for innovative research approaches, such as registry-based trials, to address challenges in studying rare neonatal conditions. Throughout the episode, his passion for improving neonatal care through science and empathy shines through. As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!
The Black Sheep and it's crew cross the border back into the Marchlands in search of a way to get to Luther Went in Barrington. Music by Epidemic Sound. Logo art by Winston Fujino (@winstonfujino)
Meet my Guests on the New Year Episode of the Homeopathy Health Show! Niki Taylor Lic ISH, ISHom Director of Post Graduate Studies at the Irish School of Homeopathy, Niki is a passionate educator and practitioner working in Ireland and Spain. She's dedicated to supporting newly qualified homeopaths and making life after graduation exciting with her engaging postgraduate courses! Sarah Barrington A First-Year Tutor at the Irish School of Homeopathy, Sarah practices in Kilkenny, Ireland (both in-person and via Zoom). With an incredible journey from law to scuba diving in Zanzibar to homeopathy, Sarah brings enthusiasm and a global perspective to her work and students. Both Niki and Sarah share their inspiring journeys to homeopathy and talk about the impactful work of the Irish School of Homeopathy. Tune in to hear their incredible stories and insights! #HomeopathyHealthShow #IrishSchoolOfHomeopathy #NewYearEpisode #HomeopathyJourneys #NaturalHealing Be inspired and join the conversation. The ‘VOICE OF HOMEOPATHY' on radio and podcast. Support Homeopathy on Radio & Podcast by subscribing to the Homeopathy Health Show
Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!Jez and Duncan discuss the fallout from Hugh Tizard's red card at Newcastle and the effect of Toby Knight's at Bath. A fab day out at Ampthill vs Cornish Pirates is given a running commentary including chats with Richard Barrington and the young Sarries hooker, James Isaacs, wrapping up with a discussion about the possible implications of Tom Parton's move to Japan.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine
In Pt II of our series exploring the life of James Braid, we look at his contributions as a Golf Course Architect. With over 500 courses shaped in some way by Braid, his legacy on the British Golfing landscape is undeniable, and while the likes of Simpson, McKenzie or Colt are often lauded above Braid, his approach to building thought provoking designs which were strategic in nature is something worthy of more celebration. Huge thanks go to Simon Barrington, an independent researcher of historical architecture, for his hard work in helping us bring this episode to life, and we look forward to releasing part two about the courses which James Braid designed or reimagined in episode two later this week. For any further consultation around the proivenance of Braid designs around the UK, Simon can be contact on jamesbraidresearch@gmail.com or via his X profile: @CambridgeGreyIf you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website
Tamara is just back from a festive trip to Nova Scotia, Canada where she was able to experience small town holiday celebrations, the Halifax Evergreen Festival, and the Christmas Tree Capital of the World! Her trip was sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia. All opinions are her own. We are looking for feedback for 2025! Do you want weekly episodes? More interviews? Short episodes? Video? Drop us a line at tamara@yourtimetofly.com and kim@stuffedsuitcase.com. Mentioned on the podcast: Tamara visited Halifax, New Ross, Mahone Bay, Lunenberg, Barrington, Liverpool, and Shelburne in Nova Scotia. While Nova Scotia is popular in the summer, it has plenty to offer in the winter for the holidays Many of the small towns feel like walking into a Hallmark Christmas movie set with a great small town, community atmosphere. It is a different vibe from big city holidays or German Christmas Markets, but it is perfect for those that prefer a small town environment. The Canadian dollar is also weak against the U.S. dollar so it is a good budget, off-season destination. It is only a 1.5 hour direct from Boston, but there are also direct flights to other cities on the U.S. East Coast. Downtown Halifax has an Evergreen Festival that includes an Evergreen Bright Trail, a small Evergreen Market with shops and fire pits, and other special events like a sports area with mini curling. Glow Gardens in Halifax is a great event for families featuring indoor light displays, bouncy houses, mini golf, roller skating, a Christmas train, live entertainment, and more. 2 days in Halifax was perfect. Museums in Halifax include the Pier 21 Immigration Museum and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which has a great exhibit on shipwrecks including fragments from the Titanic. New Ross is the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, which ships its Balsam Fir trees. You can visit the Ross Farm Museum or one of the cut-your-own Christmas tree farms. There is also a trail called Ruby's Trail that you can climb through the evergreens to a small chalet, which is home to "Twig the Elf." Mahone Bay had a Christmas festival with a small craft fair and a Christmas bells concert, as well as holiday decorations throughout the shops downtown. Lunenberg hosted a huge community arts and crafts fair for the holidays. The town of Lunenberg is very pretty, with colorful architecture and plenty of restaurants and shops. In Shelburne, Tamara stayed in a huge waterfront suite at Albert's Inn. Shelburne hosted Miracle on Dock Square with a walk-through Christmas parade, visit with Santa, craft fair, and various stands throughout town. It finished with fireworks over the water. Tamara also went searching for the lobster trap and buoy Christmas trees along the coast of Nova Scotia. Tamara finished her stay at the White Point Beach Resort, which has cabins, a lodge, and glomes (glamping domes). It was warm and cozy, with a great view and very nice, even in the winter. Other Episodes You May Enjoy: Summer travel recap: New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island German Christmas Markets European Christmas Markets
Pt I of our exciting new series, exploring the life of James Braid. James Braid was part of the great triumvirate which also included Harry Vardon & JH Taylor. In his career he would go on to win 5 Open Championships. Growing up in Earlsferry, before emigrating south of the border, Simon Barrington brings to life his playing career in vivid detail. Huge thanks go to Simon Barrington, an independent researcher of historical architecture, for his hard work in helping us bring this episode to life, and we look forward to releasing part two about the courses which James Braid designed or reimagined in episode two later this week. For any further consultation around the proivenance of Braid designs around the UK, Simon can be contact on jamesbraidresearch@gmail.com or via his X profile: @CambridgeGreyIf you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website
Start Name Artist Album Year Comments A Carol Celebration: Carol of The Bells; Joy To The World; The First Noel; Silent Night; Away In A Manger; We Three Kings; Ding Dong Merrily On High; In The Bleak Midwinter; Adeste Fideles Aaron Hawthorne The Most Wurlitzer Time of the Year [NETOA CDHLW1008] 2024 3-12 Wurlitzer, New Victoria Centre, Howden le Wear; ex New Victoria/Gaumont/Odeon Bradford 5:42 Mele Kalikimaka Aaron Hawthorne The Most Wurlitzer Time of the Year [NETOA CDHLW1008] 2024 3-12 Wurlitzer, New Victoria Centre, Howden le Wear; ex New Victoria/Gaumont/Odeon Bradford 9:29 Purple Snowflakes Nathan Avakian, Claire Avakian When The World Falls In Love 2024 5-80 Wurlitzer, Place de la Musique, Sanfilippo Estate, Barrington, IL 13:05 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Nathan Avakian When The World Falls In Love 2024 5-80 Wurlitzer, Place de la Musique, Sanfilippo Estate, Barrington, IL 17:11 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Jackie Brown Concert Recording Stars Wish You A Merry Christmas [CR S070] 4-14 Wurlitzer, Granada Theatre, Tooting, London 22:00 A Very Merry Christmas, Pt. 1: Carillon; Home Sweet Home; Sir Roger de Coverly; Vive l'Amour; Landlord Fill The Flowing Bowl; Little Brown Jug; Drinking Sidney Torch Organ Oddities and Novelties [NTOT Kinura Cassette NCM 214] 1933 4-36 Christie, Regal Cinema, Marble Arch, London 25:44 When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter Ron Rhode Christmas With Ron Rhode [Stereo OSP 107] 1981 3-23 Wurlitzer, Organ Stop Pizza, Mesa, AZ 27:53 Good King Wenceslas Korla Pandit Christmas With Korla Pandit [Fantasy 3350] 1962 Unknown theatre pipe organ 28:57 Mistletoe And Holly Helen Dell I Feel Christmas [Malar MAL 2017] 1972 Unknown 30:58 Little Drummer Boy Phil Kelsall A Wurlitzer Christmas [Crimson CRIMCD183] 1998 3-14 Wurlitzer, Tower Ballroom, Blackpool 34:06 Jingle Bell Rock Lance Luce Christmas At The Senate 2004 4-34 Wurlitzer, Senate Theatre, Detroit, MI 37:24 Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming Christian Elliott Christmas At The Collection [CPE Productions CPE-107CD] 2011 4-74 Wurlitzer, Nethercutt Collection, Sylmar, CA 40:31 Swinging Sleighride; Snow Coach Nigel Ogden A Wurlitzer Christmas Celebration [OS Digital OS210] 1994 4-20 Wurlitzer, Free Trade Hall, Manchester; ex Paramount/Odeon, Manchester 43:33 The Skaters' Waltz Robert Wolfe Sleigh Ride [Thursford TC-TE-19] 1989 3-19 Wurlitzer, The Thursford Collection, Fakenham, Norfolk 46:41 Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah Monte Maxwell Deck The Hall [Historic Organ Restoration Committee CD] 2020 7-449 Midmer Losh, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ 51:14 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Dave Wickerham 2011 Sanfilippo Foundation Christmas Concert 2011 5-80 Wurlitzer, Sanfilippo Residence, Barrington, IL 55:29 We Need A Little Christmas Scott Foppiano Christmas At The Arlington [SBTOS CD] 2008 4-27 Robert Morton, Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara; ex 1929 Loew's Jersey Theatre, Jersey City (4-23) 59:10 We Wish You A Merry Christmas Bob Ralston It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas [Ralston Concerts CD] 1992 3-21 Grande Barton, Granada Theatre, Kansas City, KS
This weeks show starts off with music from Hugh Mundell, The Twinkle Brothers, Midnite, UK Principal, Barry Brown, Jacob Miller, Black Uhuru, Ini Kamoze, Linval Thompson, Early B, Johnny Clarke, Delroy Wilson, Shorty The President, Lacksley Castell, Barrington levy and Scientist, Horace Andy & Jah Stitch, Prince Phillip, R. Zee Jackson, Culture, Wade Dice, and Dennis Brown. New music this week comes from Jesse Royal and Friends, Shuga, Madelaine & Max Romeo, U-Brown and Sugar Minott, Ras Teo, Imeru Tafari, Hector Roots Lewis and J Boog, Kabaka Pyramid and Irie Souljah and Nature Makonnen, Jah Lil, Dubmones featuring Earl 16 & Oku Onuara, Zoe Mazah, The Hempolics, Subset, Professor Skank, Higher Mediation, Big Red, Iotosh, Ras Fraser Jr., Queen Omega, Green Lion Crew with Capleton, Lasai, Footsie and Adam Prescott, Brother Culture, and Perfect Giddimani. Also this week we sprinkle in some Christmas Music featuring Busy Signal, Dub Proof, Steve Tulloch, Chronixx, John Holt, Jacob Miller, and Black Market Dub. Enjoy! Hugh Mundell - Jah Fire Will Be Burning - The Crowning Of Prince Jammy - Pressure Sounds Twinkle Brothers - Since I Throw The Comb Away - Live At Reggae Sunsplash 82 - Sunsplash Records Midnite - Ras For A Reason - Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance - Afrikan Roots Lab UK Principal - Mistry Babylon - I-Tal Soup 12” Barry Brown - Step It Up (extended mix) - Praises - Pressure Sounds Black Market Dub - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - A Black Market Christmas - Escape Hatch Records Jacob Miller - Deck The Halls - Natty Christmas Remastered - DubShot Records Black Uhuru - What Is Life - Anthem - Island Records Ini Kamoze - Jump For Jah - Statement - Island Records Linval Thompson - Train To Zion - Train To Zion Dub - Tuff Gong Earl B - Wheely, Wheely - 56 Hope Road 7” Johnny Clarke - Every Knee Shall Bow - Dreader Dread 1976-1978 - Blood & Fire John Holt - Happy Xmas (The War Is Over) - Trojan Christmas Box Set - Trojan Records Delroy Wilson - Sun Is Shining - Money - Clocktower Records Shorty The President - Rebel Skank - High Ranking - Live & Love Lacksley Castell - My Collie Tree - Fire House Barrington Levy - Collie Weed - Trojan Ganja Reggae Box Set - Trojan Records Scientist - Collie Dub - Jah Life In Dub - Jah Life/DKR Horace Andy - Don't Try To Use Me - Best Of Horace Andy - Clocktower Records Jah Stitch - Greedy Girl - No Dread Can't Dead - Attack Prince Phillip feat. Jacob Miller - Lorraine Dubwise - Prince Philip Presents: Dubplates & Raw Rhythm From King Tubby's Studio 1973-1976 - DKR/Bond Export R. Zee Jackson - Row Fisherman Row - Jam Wax Culture - Police Man (Respect Version) - Lost Tracks From The Vault - Blackbeard Wade Dice - Humble/Humble Version - Moving On/Jam Wax 12” Dennis Brown - Here I Come - Love & Hate - VP Records Chronixx - Santa Claus, Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto - Crime Free Christmas - Mountain Music Jesse Royal w/Kumar, Jah Izrehl, Imeru Tafari - Live Like Selassie - Boxy Records Shuga - My Guide - Warriors Don't Cry Riddim - Penthouse Records Madelaine feat. Max Romeo - Send The Praises Up - Jah Wheel Records Sugar Minott - Watch Dem - Watch Dem Riddim - Irie Ites U-Brown & Sugar Minott - Bad Mind - Still Chanting Rub A Dub - Irie Ites Ras Teo - Air Balloon - Up Fi Jah - Forward Bound Records Ras Teo - Air Balloon Dub - Up Fi Jah In Dub - Forward Bound Records Imeru Tafari - Sticks and Stones - The Essential - Koastal Kings Hector Roots Lewis feat. J Boog - Fire - Ineffable Records Kabaka Pyramid w/ Irie Souljah & Nature Makonnen - Show Love - Kushite Organic Records Steve Tulloch - Christmas Time - Betty Luv Entertainment Jah Lill - Warn Yuh - XTM Nation/DubShot Records Dubmones feat. Earl 16 & Oku Onuara - I Believe In Miracles/I Believe In Miracles Dub Cut - Echo Beach Zoe Mazah - Watch Your Steps - Till Then - Gwari Music Junior Byles - The Long Way - Beat Down Babylon - Doctor Bird Records Delroy Williams - This Love - Message 7” The Hempolics - Night & Day/Night & Day Dub - Kiss, Cuddle, & Torture Vol. 3 - Zee Zee Records aDUBta & The Black Oak Roots All Stars feat. Ammoye - Baby I Love You So (Dub You Too) - King Size Dub 24 - Echo Beach Dub Proof - Frozen Christmas Dub - Seasons Greetings - Green Stream King Jammy - The Right To Dub - King Jammy's Unites The Nations With Dub - VP Records Subset - Version 20 - Version 20 - Dubophonic Mighty Sounds - Lost Colonel - Mighty Sounds In Dub - Mighty Sounds Donovan Kingjay Meets Jah Schulz- Chanting/Dub Chanting - Railroad Records Barrington Levy & Prince Jammy - Look Youthman/Round 2 - Junjo Presents: Big Showdown At King Tubby's - Greensleeves Professor Skank - Jah Jah Is Coming (Follow The Bass Mix) - Jah Jah Is Coming Dub - Inspirational Sounds Paolo Baldini Dubfiles Meets Dan I & Imperial Sound Army - We Rasta/We Rasta Dub - Dolomites Rockers - LaTempesta Dub Higher Meditation - Dreader Than Dread - Higher Mediation Big Red - Repercussion Dub - Blood & Victory - Evidence Music Daddy Freddy, Shumba Youth & Sleepy Time Ghost feat. Devon Morgan - No Matter/Right Way/Right Way Instrumental - Bun Dem Out Records Iotosh - Where I Grow - For The People - Sound Ting Ras Fraser Jr. feat. Natty King - Disgrace - I Am Conscious - Wide Awake Music/Rebel Sound Records Queen Omega & Nature Makonnen - Resilience - Kushite Organic Records Green Lion Crew feat. Capeton - Getting Stronger - Rough Road 11th Anniversary Edition - Green Lion Crew/Ineffable Records Lasai w/General Soria & Daddy Cobra - Pot Haffi Cook/Dub Haffi Cook - Rain A Fall 7” Busy Signal - 12 Days Of Christmas (Free Style) - Crime Free Christmas - Mountain Music Footsie & Adam Prescott - The Don - Nice Up! Jah Mason - Tuff Music - Street Rockaz Family Brother Culture & Derrick Sound - Fling A Fyah/Fling A Fyah Dub - Evidence Music Perfect Giddimani - Jah Pilot - Giddimani Records
Welcome to The Spark—your weekly creative pick-me-up from The Creative Boom Podcast. Every Thursday, we bring you a shorter, snappier episode filled with inspiration, creative news, and practical tips to carry you through the week. Whether you need motivation or insights, we've got you covered! This week, we were joined by Barrington Reeves, founder and creative director at Too Gallus, a Glasgow-based studio shaking up the traditional agency model. We looked into the evolving landscape of creative agencies, highlighting how smaller studios are seizing opportunities thanks to the democratisation of technology and changing client demands. The conversation touched on how agile, lean teams can achieve brilliant results, making them an increasingly attractive option for clients navigating economic challenges. Barrington shared his insights into the nuances of pitching, the importance of building strong client relationships, and the entrepreneurial drive behind Too Gallus. He also reflected on personal growth, the dynamics of agency expansion, and the role cultural connections play in shaping creative industries. Looking ahead, Barrington envisions creating a vibrant hub that fosters innovation while staying deeply rooted in culture. In Creative News this week, Apple is set to launch a revamped Siri powered by advanced large language models in spring 2026. Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence will integrate third-party AI tools this December, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, marking a significant step forward in the company's AI strategy. Elsewhere, Meta is introducing a global "reset" feature for Instagram, allowing users to clear algorithmic recommendations from their feeds. The tool will roll out ahead of the UK's Online Safety Act, ensuring stricter content controls from December. And to celebrate Formula 1's 75th anniversary, Lego is launching a series of F1-themed sets featuring all ten teams. From Duplo to Speed Champions, these models will hit shelves on 1 January 2025. On The Spotlight, our writer Garrick Webster dives into the world of children's illustrators embracing themes of mystery and mild peril. From Helen Brady's haunting folktale-inspired works to Becky Colvin's eerie train story, The Scream Engine, these artists demonstrate how children's literature can blend spookiness with creativity to engage young readers. Discover more Our Book of the Week is Read Write Own by Chris Dixon where he explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology, proposing a future where the internet becomes more decentralised and democratic. Dixon maps the internet's evolution through three eras—'read', 'read-write', and 'read-write-own'—and envisions a more equitable digital landscape. A must-read for those curious about the intersection of technology, community, and creativity. Get your copy For our Tip of the Week, we look at going freelance in 2025. Switching to a freelance career can be both liberating and daunting. Brett Lair advises building an emergency fund to cover six months of expenses, while Jasmine Designs emphasises understanding your worth and avoiding underpricing. For more tips on navigating self-employment, check out our latest article. On Monday, tune in as Christopher Doyle, founder of Christopher Doyle & Co., joins us to talk about 'The Great Unknown' – the unspeakable truths of the creative industry. From relentless competition to the overwhelming pace of work, this conversation promises to be refreshingly candid. Until next time!
In this week's episode, we explore what it takes to shake up the traditional agency model with Barrington Reeves, founder and creative director of Too Gallus, a Glasgow-based studio that's rewriting the rules of the creative industry. Barrington has carved out a niche by building a lean, culture-driven studio that thrives in an increasingly fast-paced sector. Through our conversation, he shares how Too Gallus has embraced the disruption of traditional agency structures, demonstrating that small, specialised teams can create impactful work that punches well above their weight. Why is this happening? Barrington believes the democratisation of technology has empowered smaller studios like his, levelling the playing field and giving them access to tools and opportunities once reserved for large agencies. He delves into how smaller, more agile teams are often able to deliver work faster and more collaboratively, adapting to a client's specific needs in ways that big agencies cannot. This shift, he explains, is fuelled by a changing client landscape where businesses are increasingly informed and empowered, enabling them to work directly with leaner teams on projects that demand creativity and precision. We also explore the balance between staying small and scaling with purpose. Barrington shares his vision for Too Gallus as a creative incubator, fostering a team culture that prioritises connection, ambition, and authenticity. He discusses the importance of being clear on what kind of work his studio wants—and what it doesn't. Instead of chasing massive retainers that would change the essence of the studio, Too Gallus leans into its strengths, focusing on bold, culturally connected projects that excite both the team and the clients they work with. One of the standout themes of the episode is Barrington's entrepreneurial drive and his commitment to staying true to his roots. He emphasises the value of authenticity, not just in creative work but also in how you present yourself and your business. His approach to self-promotion—loud, proud, and unapologetically confident—offers a refreshing take in an industry where self-doubt and humility can sometimes hold people back. He encourages creatives to champion their own work and embrace their unique voice, even in the face of scepticism. Barrington's story is one of bold ambition, cultural connection, and purposeful growth, inspiring anyone looking to make their mark in the creative industry. From his insights on pitching and building client relationships to his reflections on the evolving creative landscape, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons and food for thought.
Colleagues, patients remeber docto who was shot, killed in Barrington; New documentary looks at mural project after Highland Park 4th of July shooting, and more.
Barrington police investigating shooting of woman; UI Health nurses end strike, and more.
Introduction: In this powerful episode, Tick Boot Camp Podcast Rich Johannesen and special guest co-host Dan Wagner welcome Lyme disease survivor and advocate Sophia Denison. Dan shares insights on his new Global Lyme Alliance-sponsored podcast, Lyme Plus, which he co-hosts with Kenzie Vath, where they spotlight essential information from doctors and researchers in the Lyme disease field. Rich then introduces Sophia, an inspiring young leader in the Lyme disease community, whose journey of resilience has fueled her advocacy efforts. Sophia's Advocacy and Community Engagement: Sophia Denison recounts her transformative journey from Lyme disease patient to a leading activist. Now fully recovered, she dedicates herself to raising awareness and empowering others. As an ambassador for the Global Lyme Alliance, she has organized community events, including a screening of The Quiet Epidemic documentary on her college campus. She discusses how storytelling opens up powerful dialogues and fosters empathy, helping others understand the struggles of Lyme disease sufferers. Sophia's Early Life and Initial Symptoms: Growing up in Barrington, Illinois, Sophia was an active child who participated in sports and triathlons. However, at age seven, she began experiencing unexplainable symptoms, including intense stomach pain, weight loss, and severe anxiety. Her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal issues and anxiety, which delayed her Lyme diagnosis for over a decade. The Challenges of College and Escalating Symptoms: Upon starting college, Sophia's symptoms intensified. She faced body pain, fatigue, and unusual neurological episodes like uncontrollable laughing and crying. Balancing academic demands while sharing facilities with other students added to her stress and exacerbated her symptoms. Despite seeking help from specialists, her symptoms were often dismissed as stress-related. Sophia's Search for a Diagnosis and the Role of IGeneX Testing: Sophia recalls the emotional toll of visiting multiple specialists, only to be told her symptoms were "all in her head." Desperate for answers, she decided to undergo a Lyme test with IGeneX. With encouragement from her best friend and neighbor, Lulu, who shared her own Lyme story, Sophia pursued testing that finally confirmed her suspicions. Discovering a Treatment Path in Germany: Sophia sought treatment at Klinik St. Georg in Bad Aibling, Germany. There, she underwent treatments including whole-body hyperthermia, blood ozone therapy, and detoxification therapies. The intensive treatment program helped Sophia begin her journey toward health, though it was a difficult path both emotionally and physically. Building a Personalized Toolbox for Recovery: Recovery for Sophia meant building a personalized "toolbox" of health strategies. Today, she maintains her health through supplements, a balanced diet, regular movement, and stress management. She emphasizes listening to her body, and understanding its needs has allowed her to reconnect with herself and rebuild her life. Lessons Learned and Empowering Advice for the Lyme Community: Sophia's key advice to others is to trust that their symptoms are real. By tuning into her body's signals and understanding its resilience, she was able to shift her perspective on Lyme disease. Sophia encourages patients to see their bodies as allies and lean into their strength through the journey. Her recovery serves as a beacon of hope for Lyme patients, demonstrating that healing is possible. Action Items and Future Goals: Sophia is committed to her work with the Global Lyme Alliance and other organizations to connect Lyme patients with Lyme-literate healthcare providers. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to continue empowering others and raising awareness of Lyme disease. Conclusion: This episode offers a hopeful message for Lyme sufferers worldwide. Sophia Denison's journey from illness to advocacy serves as a reminder that recovery is achievable, and her story encourages listeners to trust their instincts, seek proper care, and find a supportive community.
Jeff Douglas speaks with Suzy Atwood in Barrington, Shelburne County, and Catherine Falconer in Toney River, in Pictou County.
Guest Bios Show Transcript https://youtu.be/u94-UCMB14kThe fact that abuse occurs at all in churches is horrific. What's worse—often, the abusers are protected rather than exposed. And the victims bear crushing trauma of both the abuse and the cover-up. But there is a better way. On this edition of The Roys Report, internationally renowned psychologist Diane Langberg joins Julie to discuss her new book, When the Church Harms God's People. Not only does the book explain why churches are failing miserably in this area, it also explains how to fix the problem. Known around the world for her expertise and care as a Christian leader, Dr. Langberg has counseled many victims of high-profile ministry leaders. She knows the evils of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and rape committed by church predators—and now confronts this devastating evil. In our discussion based on her latest book, which is available this month to supporters of The Roys Report, Dr. Langberg unveils what she's learned about how churches cause harm. Why do Christian communities often foster unhealthy leaders who end up hurting rather than protecting God's people? She also offers hope for the future, describing how churches can reflect Christ—not just in what they teach, but also in how they care for themselves and others. This insightful conversation offers a small preview of what we'll be hearing from Dr. Langberg at Restore Conference coming up in February, as she is one of more than a dozen leading Christian voices who will share. Listen in to hear her heart, with wisdom from walking God's narrow path for many decades. Guests Dr. Diane Langberg Dr. Diane Langberg is a globally recognized psychologist with 53 years of clinical experience working with trauma patients. She has trained caregivers from six continents in responding to trauma and the abuse of power. For 29 years she directed her own practice in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Now, in partnership with Dr. Phil Monroe, Langberg, Monroe & Associates continues this work which includes more than a dozen therapists. Dr. Langberg has authored numerous books including Redeeming Power and When the Church Harms God's People. Learn more at her website. Show Transcript SPEAKERS JULIE ROYS, DR. DIANE LANGBERG JULIE ROYS 00:04 Internationally recognized psychologist, Dr Diane Langberg, has encountered the crushing trauma of sexual abuse, domestic abuse and rape and its cover up. Even more tragic, she’s encountered all of this within the church,. But as she explains today, there is a better way. JULIE ROYS 00:21 Welcome to The Roys report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys, and today Dr Diane Langberg joins me to discuss her new book, When the Church Harms God’s People. The fact that abuse occurs at all in the church is horrific. But as listeners to this podcast know, abuse is happening in the church, and too often, the perpetrators are protected, and the victims bear the brunt of not just the abuse but the cover. In her new book, Dr Langberg confronts this horrific evil, and she unveils what she’s learned about how churches cause harm and why Christian communities often foster unhealthy leaders who end up hurting rather than protecting God’s people. She also offers hope for the future, describing how churches can reflect Christ, not just in what they teach, but in how they care for themselves and for others. JULIE ROYS 01:12 We’ll get to this insightful interview in just a moment, but first, I’d like to thank the sponsors of this podcast, The RESTORE Conference, and Marquardt of Barrington. If you’re someone who’s experienced church hurt or abuse, there are few places you can go to pursue healing. Similarly, if you’re an advocate, counselor or pastor, there are a few conferences designed to equip you to minister to people traumatized in the church, but The RESTORE Conference this February 7 & 8 in Phoenix, Arizona is designed to do just that. Joining us will be leading abuse survivor advocates like Mary Demuth and Dr David Pooler, an expert in adult clergy sexual abuse. Also joining us will be Scott McKnight, author of A Church Called Tov, Diane Langberg, a psychologist and trauma expert, yours truly and more. For more information, just go to RESTORE2025.COM. Also, if you’re looking for a quality new or used car, I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of Barrington. Marquardt is a Buick GMC dealership where you can expect honesty, integrity, and transparency. That’s because the owners there, Dan and Kurt Marquart, are men of integrity. To check them out just go to BUYACAR123.COM. JULIE ROYS 01:12 Well again, joining me today is Dr Diane Langberg, an internationally recognized psychologist with more than five decades of clinical experience with trauma victims. She’s also trained caregivers on six continents in responding to trauma and the abuse of power. She’s also written several books, including her latest, When the Church Harms God’s People. So Diane, welcome. It is such a pleasure to have you join me. DIANE LANGBERG 02:58 Thank you. It’s an honor to be here. JULIE ROYS 03:00 I’ve said this to you before in person. I don’t know that I’ve ever said it in a podcast, but I do consider you the matriarch of the abuse survivor community and someone who is not just special because of your trauma experience, but I think because of your faith that has endured really trudging through some amazingly toxic stuff. So again, just such an honor and a pleasure to be with you. And I know last year at RESTORE you weren’t able to be with us because you were writing this book. So I am thrilled that you’re done and able to be with us at the RESTORE coming up in Phoenix. DIANE LANGBERG 03:39 I’m thrilled to be done too. JULIE ROYS 03:43 I hope you appreciate that we’re going to be in Phoenix instead of Chicago when it’s February. So your book talks about when the church harms God’s people. And obviously the church is supposed to be a place of healing and of comfort, but it ceased to be this in some cases. And I know there’s a myriad of reasons for why this has happened, but if you could kind of put your finger on ‘here’s the main reason that I see contributing to what we’re seeing in the church today’, what would you say that is? DIANE LANGBERG 04:15 So, rather than the love in those places, we are protecting a system that we think is truth and makes us safe and all those kinds of things. But last I checked, Jesus didn’t die for systems, JULIE ROYS 04:34 So often it’s the shepherd that is at fault for preying on the sheep. I mean, here we have a shepherd that’s supposed to protect sheep, and instead, we have shepherds who are preying on them, which is just the antithesis of who Jesus is, the antithesis of who they are supposed to be. But sometimes, in fact, probably in 100% of these cases, when there’s a. shepherd who is not really a shepherd, but he’s a wolf parading as one, it’s deception that’s happening. Why is it, how can we tell whether a shepherd who can be incredibly charming, right? and say all the right words and all those things? How can we tell if this person is actually a shepherd, or if he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing? DIANE LANGBERG 05:25 Well, I think the way that Jesus put it is by their fruits you will know them. I think that we have fallen into the trap, I suppose, of measuring fruit by success, which, if we measure fruit by success, then Jesus failed. JULIE ROYS 05:45 So what would you say fruit is? DIANE LANGBERG 05:47 It’s likeness to him. I mean when we’re taught about the fruit of the Spirit, it means someone who loves. It means someone who treats others with respect and kindness and protects the sheep because of their preciousness, eternally to the shepherd. JULIE ROYS 06:10 And yet, so often it is true when I get pushback for the type of reporting that we do, exposing someone who has been a very bad shepherd, that is often what I hear, what about the fruit? And when they say fruit, they mean the numbers, right? DIANE LANGBERG 06:29 Yeah. Number and money and fame. That’s fruit which is not fruit of Christ. JULIE ROYS 06:35 One of the questions that I get asked a lot, and I think it varies from person to person. But they ask, were these predator pastors? Did they begin bad, and they just conned people the whole time into their positions? Or are these people who maybe had good intentions to begin with, maybe were good people to begin with, and the pressures of the system began to change who they were. What would you say to those who asked that question? DIANE LANGBERG 07:14 Well, I think the first honest thing I would say is I don’t know, but I think that there is a spectrum of some are this way. Some are this way. Some start out really intending to do good in things. But part of what runs through, I think a lot of it, is that certainly the Christians in general, and places like seminaries and things do not put a lot of expectation or whatever on who you are. It’s what you know how to do and do well, and how well it is happening and how big it is. But again, if you go back to the Gospels and look at the things that Jesus spoke, you know so much of it is about character. And by their fruit you will know them. And the fruit he’s talking about is not how many members you have in your pews. It’s your character, it’s your heart, it’s the way you speak, it’s the way you treat the least of these, those are all the things that measured him, and they are to measure us. I think we’ve lost our way, and I think that’s a global issue. JULIE ROYS 08:28 Do you think too the mega church movement, and I’ve been asked this as well, are mega churches just inherently bad? And I’m like, Well, no, I mean, there are some mega churches that do-good work, and there’s people who have been saved through these mega churches, who have been discipled through them. But I think for the pastor, I have seen that it seems like all the pressures in a mega church are in the wrong direction. I’m curious what you would say that you’ve seen with our churches today, and whether they help spiritual formation for these leaders, or whether they seem to work in the opposite direction. DIANE LANGBERG 09:09 The pressure is terrible, the expectations are extravagant, and everything has God’s name on it. So if you aren’t meeting the pressure, and you aren’t bringing in lots of people, and people aren’t talking about how wonderful you are, you’re not doing a good job. If those are the criteria, then Jesus didn’t do a good job. And so the care of the shepherd, the personality of the shepherd, the heart that not is just given in words, but indeed. All of those things show us who a shepherd is, and we are measuring by outcome. I mean again, you go back to the cross or to the resurrection, there were not very many people about looking for him. I think that we love the institution, and it feels safe to us, and it feels like God must be on our side, because we have 3000 members or whatever, when, in fact, he’s called us to love and to patience and to self-control and things like that. That’s how we look like him, how we serve him, and how we woo others to him. JULIE ROYS 10:38 Well it is centered around a celebrity so often. And this can happen in large churches, mega churches. This can happen in small churches, where the pastor can be the big fish in the small pond, just as much as you know that the celebrity pastor in this this big institution. And I think when we complain about the pastor or about the institution, we also have to look at ourselves, don’t we? because we’re the consumers of these type of churches. We are the ones that give money to these churches. What responsibility do we have as lay people to ensure that our churches are better? DIANE LANGBERG 11:19 I’m not even sure that I would start thinking about it that way, because to ensure our churches are better means to ensure a system is good, and Jesus didn’t die for systems. So the question is number one for me, on my face, asking him where I am not like him to teach me that and to teach me how to become more like Him in those ways. Part of what doing that and living there, not just doing it once or something, but living in that space with God also sharpens our eyes and our ears, and we begin to recognize things that may be painted beautifully but look nothing like Christ. I think, until that happens, the system is evidence of God, which is not whether it’s a church or a political one, or whatever it is, none of that is his fruit. It’s who we are in the places that we live that is to be his fruit. JULIE ROYS 12:31 Something I’ve really appreciated about you, and I’m hearing it in this interview, but it’s also in your writings. One of my favorite book actually, of yours is that little. It’s just a tiny paperback book on meditations for counselors. And I have found that it’s not just meditations for counselors, it’s meditations really for anybody who’s in work that does take them through some of the grossest evil that’s out there, and how to protect your soul. And I so appreciate that. I know I read it. I said this at the last RESTORE,, because I went through a very difficult time prior to it, and I read those meditations, I went through that book twice, just because I found that I needed to protect my soul, so carefully, because, again, the pressures are just not in the right direction. And I know my own flesh when I encounter these systems, makes me so angry, and you can’t, not when you, when you hear the way that people have abused. DIANE LANGBERG 13:40 Jesus cracked whips and turns tables over. So I don’t think he likes it much either. JULIE ROYS 13:46 And that’s something that I say regularly, and people are like, You sound angry, and I’ll be like, Why aren’t you angry? Like this should make us angry genuinely. Yet at the same time, Satan will use that as an opportunity in our own hearts. And you talk about in your book about the role that deception plays. This was so good, and let’s start with the predator himself. Right? How deception works with someone who is again preying on the sheep rather than protecting the sheep. Often, I wonder if they even admit to themselves what they’re doing. DIANE LANGBERG 14:29 Often not. I think that, I mean, obviously we are deceptive creatures. There’s no exceptions. The only exception was Christ, and so we carry that around. And that’s, I mean, it was started in Eden. I didn’t do it. That girl did it. JULIE ROYS 14:53 Blame it on the Lord. DIANE LANGBERG 14:54 Right, of course, but it’s been in us since the beginning. And so our go to thing is when somebody points the finger at us about anything, whether it’s true or not, our first thing is to take care of ourselves. That’s our automatic response, and if what they have given us is true, we have to make it untrue. There’s some way we want to make it untrue because it disturbs us. If we make it true, we don’t want them to think about that. It’s going to hurt our job. It’s going to do whatever. So I don’t think we have really understood the depth of that and its claws on us. And I think that that makes us very vulnerable. JULIE ROYS 15:47 Yeah, I’m still stunned. James McDonald, who I reported on back. I mean, it started in 2018 but then he was fired from his church in 2019 and most of the elders stepped down. He is out there now today, even after assaulting a 59-year-old woman and breaking her femur, he is still out there proclaiming his innocence, and even with that blaming it on PTSD that he got from me reporting and this 59-year-old woman supposedly triggered, but by the way, just curious of your professional opinion on PTSD being triggered in a situation like that, to actually assault somebody? DIANE LANGBERG 16:29 It’s a great cover up on their side. JULIE ROYS 16:33 And what’s shocking is he got a professional counselor in court to say that. DIANE LANGBERG 16:40 If someone has been doing terrible things and actually really begins to see it and is hit by what they have done and grieving by what they have done, having them look like they have PTSD would be expected, but it’s at their own hands that it’s there. It’s not you who did this or said this, therefore I feel this which many abusers would do. JULIE ROYS 17:06 and it is interesting how the blame often goes everywhere, except on the one person who’s caused it. Let’s talk about deception now with the abused and even with systems. I mean, it does always, I find it difficult to wrap my head around although I know it happens and I believe it happens, but the idea that somebody could be sexually abusing you, and yet you think that this is somehow okay spiritually, like you’re a Christian and you’re able to believe the lies that are told you. Talk about that dynamic and how that plays into it. DIANE LANGBERG 17:51 Well, I would say first of all that I don’t think we have really very much understanding of how deep deception is in all of us. No exceptions. No exception is Jesus Christ, and we do it quickly and easily. And anybody who’s raised children realizes it takes about two seconds after birth of them to figure it out. But you don’t have to teach them. It’s there. And so the way that we think is flawed, and I don’t think we start with that premise. We know other people where it’s flawed, but we’re doing the right thinking, and we don’t expose or look at ourselves in those ways. So I think we have very little understanding of the depth of deception in individual humans, often on a daily basis, and then how that shapes and controls systems which only reinforce the deception that we have because we like the system. So it’s here since the beginning. It’s got deep roots. DIANE LANGBERG 19:20 When I was a young girl, one of my grandmothers lived in the mountains of West Virginia, and I was staying with her for a couple of days, and she said to me, go downstairs to the cellar and bring up the clothes that we were washing. So I do, and we’re talking about a dirt floor cellar and the whole thing. So I go down into the cellar to get the clothes, and I started crying and screaming, and my grandmother came running, and I came running up the stairs. She turned on the lights, and she said, Watch. And then she said to me, if you turn on the lights, the rats will run. And that came back to me some years ago; in terms of deception, in organizations, in myself, in leaders, in whatever, turning on the lights. And that’s what Jesus did and does – rats run! And then we have to make a choice. Number one, are we going to turn on the light? which most of us are very uncomfortable. I mean, I don’t need him. I get that turn on the light, and they will run. JULIE ROYS 20:32 So good. I know at RESTORE in 2022 you made the comment that says how to when you were addressing how to recognize a wolf in the church, and you said, Well, one way is to not become one. And I saw some pushback to that. I thought it was a fantastic point because I think we all have this, and if we deny that we have it, that’s almost the scariest situation, because if you are not attending to your own heart, that’s when I think you are most likely to fall into this. But some people said, Oh, wait, isn’t this sin leveling? Because it takes a special kind of evil to be a pedophile or to sexually abuse someone, and not all of us are there. Speak to those folks who were saying that, and I think you know, and I understand where they’re coming from. What would you say to them? DIANE LANGBERG 21:36 Well, I think, first of all, sin in itself is on a continuum. I mean, some sins do hideous damage to people that all the help in the world isn’t going to undo. You know, it’s not going to go away, really, until they see the face of Jesus. There are other things that we do, that we see, and we stop doing, or other people see us stop and we change. And things like, it’s all on a continuum. And the problem is, if you have, let’s say, as an adolescent, you start doing things to cover up things, which is pretty common in adolescence, frankly. Did you do this? No, I didn’t do this. Were you in this place? No, I was not. So forth. JULIE ROYS 22:35 I’m not sure it’s just adolescents either. DIANE LANGBERG 22:37 Oh I know it’s not. The point is that it’s very young, and it happens when you can have a toddler. You ask them, “Did they do something? Did you spill this? No, you know, darn sure they were. JULIE ROYS 22:51 It reminds me of my grandson who, four-year-old grandson who was asked if he did something. He said, No, my mind made me do that. My mind told me to do that. DIANE LANGBERG 23:04 Well, that’s a keeper number one and number two, I mean, teach him when he has a different level brain to look at himself. But yes, it’s in all of us. And so when I said that what I’m saying is, don’t live even minorly in the way that perpetrators live. Don’t excuse harm to others. Doesn’t have to be sexual abused, It could be a rude person. Don’t excuse that rudeness. Don’t treat other people as if they have no value or they can easily be discarded or whatever. DIANE LANGBERG 23:43 It is the things that grow and control if we keep doing them that we don’t theoretically want to do. And that’s what I mean by that. Look at yourself and we are very good at saying, Well, I did do this, but I didn’t do that. We do that all the time, and we’re leveling it, and we’re not looking at ourselves in the light when we do that. That’s what we’re called to do. JULIE ROYS 24:16 I love that you say, put rudeness up there and not honoring people as made in God’s image. I find sometimes it’s hard to remember that even the perpetrator was made in God’s image. And someone who’s taught me a great deal about that is Lori Anne Thompson. I have never heard her dehumanize another human being. Again, for those who don’t know her, she was one of the victims of sexual abuse by Ravi Zacharias. I’ve never heard her do that, and I find being around her makes me a better person, because I always hear her honoring every person. Not that she won’t call them words that they rightly have owned, but to remember that every single person is made in God’s image and treat them. , DIANE LANGBERG 25:09 Yes, you will never meet somebody who is not, even if they’ve got their bodies six feet waiting in hell. They were made in the image of God. JULIE ROYS 25:23 It reminds me of CS Lewis, who said, “We will never meet a mere mortal. DIANE LANGBERG 25:28 Right? Yes, which does not mean being easy on it. That’s one of the places many people get confused. If I think this way, then I but actually, if you really think that way and love somebody, I mean they’re dancing in hell, for crying out loud, if they’re abusing children or something like that. The gift to them is the truth and turning on the lights so the rats run . JULIE ROYS 25:56 Absolutely. And repentance is a gift. And the best thing we can do is call them to repentance, and I try to keep that in the forefront of my work too, that that is always my hope. Do I want them to be removed from spiritual positions? Yes, but ultimately we pray for their soul. Ultimately we pray that they would repent. JULIE ROYS 26:19 When you talk about the deception that operates in these systems. There’s a lot of, I mean, even psychologically, what’s going on with, I think, the staff, with the people, the lay people, as they hear things. And you talked about something called Truth Default Theory. Would you explain what that is and how that often is in operation when these things begin to get revealed? DIANE LANGBERG 26:51 The best way to find out what that is to read that section of the book, frankly. And it’s not a short thing to explain, so to speak. But people choose to lie because they think the outcome will be good. If you tell the truth of a big mess, the outcome will be bad, which there’s some truth to that . You’re going to blow something up if you tell the truth. It’ll make a mess, and everything else. And so I think that people want to keep the system okay. And so you’ll see these places or whatever, where the leader has been sexually abusive, maybe for years and years, and they got rid of the leader, but they don’t go any deeper. They don’t go any deeper into it because this is the church, and we want it to be, we want it to thrive, and we’re glad that that stopped and all that kind of stuff. And we make it shallow. It’s not shallow. You can’t do harm like abuse or live with that harm for years or months or whatever, and then just walk away and be fine. It’s not a possibility. And so part of that is understanding the different ways that people hold on to systems. Now, this is my church. I love it. I’m going to protect it. Yes, he did those things, yes, they’re terrible, but we fired him, and that’s all. It’s shallow in terms of really understanding. JULIE ROYS 28:37 And when we have this vested interest, we do seem to try, and we’ve seen this a lot, we seem to choose who we believe. And so often, I think people are just predisposed to believing the person who has the position of spiritual authority, and usually the victim is someone we’ve never heard of and often, one of the first things that the system does to protect their basically, this is their money maker, right? This is their image as a church or as a ministry, is that they will denigrate the person who’s bringing whether it’s a reporter, whether it’s the victims themselves bringing the allegations, and the people seem to be predisposed to just believing the person we want to believe. DIANE LANGBERG 29:40 Yes, yes, yes. We want it to be okay. We want it just to go back to normal without the bad guy, they figured out. First of all, the understanding of how it seeps into everything, contaminates everything is not understood. So if the bad guy is gone, so to speak, then let’s just be fine. But if a bad guy had run a truck over a half of the denomination and nobody could walk, what would you do? That’s clear there is the harm, and it’s still there, even though the people who drove the trucks got kicked out. But with this kind of thing, I think it’s easier for people to push it away and say, well, the bad is gone. And, this is good, whatever. JULIE ROYS 30:34 Talk about the larger system. So I often refer to it as the evangelical industrial complex. I think you refer to it a little bit differently, but it’s the same thing. Often it’s not just the particular institution where there’s allegations being raised, but there’s an entire system behind that nation, a denomination, or even a camp like I think we saw that with Mike Bickle and sort of the International Houses of Prayer and their related ministries, and even that seeped into the Messianic ministries that were very much a part of this. Talk to those who maybe are somewhat naive about how these systems work. Because I know before, before I got a job several decades ago at Moody Radio, I didn’t know this existed. I was kind of like, pretty blind to it all. And I just thought, these are all wonderful ministries. And I think a lot of people believe that and I wish it were all true; some of them are wonderful ministries. But talk about that system and how it exists and how it works. DIANE LANGBERG 31:54 Well, even if you think of it just as a family or a big system like that, the idea of the family, or the idea of a church, whatever. Those are good ideas. We love the idea. We want to help the idea. We want to make it grow. We want it to get bigger, and all of those things. And then something comes along that shows that there’s cancer and so sometimes we ignore that. There’s plenty of organizations that do that. Sometimes the response is very superficial, and sometimes people really want to get rid of, say, those who are the source of the cancer, whatever, but they still aren’t doing any treatment for the cancer. JULIE ROYS 32:42 Some of it’s quite carnal too, isn’t it? Just come down to, I mean, we’re talking dollars and cents with some of these. DIANE LANGBERG 32:47 Oh my goodness, yes, fame and a whole lot of money. JULIE ROYS 32:51 It really is amazing, once you get into this, when you realize how much the celebrity pastor supports the entire industry, whether it’s the mega church, whether it’s publishing, whether it’s Christian radio, because we rely on them for our programming and to bring the big crowds, or to bring the audience to a station, I mean, all of those things. And I think people don’t realize it is a billions, billions of dollars involved in evangelicalism. DIANE LANGBERG 33:21 Be we tell ourselves, it’s all God’s work, and his message is getting out there, and people are hearing, and we have to protect that period . JULIE ROYS 33:30 And despite the fact that these pastors are living in multi-million-dollar homes, sometimes multiple multi-million-dollar homes, and somehow we say they deserve it? like whether they deserve it or not, Christ didn’t live like. DIANE LANGBERG 33:46 He certainly deserved it, right? JULIE ROYS 33:50 And yet he, he never, you know, I always go back to Philippians two, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped. But instead, emptied Himself and became a servant and it’s like we’ve forgotten that model. And sometimes I’m just like, wow. DIANE LANGBERG 34:12 Well, I think in many ways, over, I don’t know how many decades, but that the Christian world has forgotten those things, which I can’t imagine how much grief we have caused our God. JULIE ROYS 34:25 Despite these harms that you talk about in your book, and you explain, and we’ve talked about on this podcast, you express hope for the church. And I think a lot of folks are looking at the American church and not feeling very hopeful at all. Why do you feel that there’s hope? DIANE LANGBERG 34:48 Because Jesus Christ exists. It goes back to him. But I have also in this work, met very fine, pastors, leaders, whatever, who have come in to see me, whether struggling with something or whatever, but who long to do right to please God, to love Jesus well, to love their people well. So I have not had a diet of only those who are either victims of terrible harm or doing the harm. I think if that’s all I’d had, I would have a much harder thing to think about in terms of my thoughts about God, and I did. There was a time, I don’t know how long ago it was now, some years where I decided I can’t do this anymore. It’s going to make me rotten inside. And literally got down on my knees and said to God, okay, I’m done. You’ll have to let me know what other job you want me to do. Obviously, he did not do that, because I’m still there. That was a turning point for me in many ways, many of them wonderful. But you know, how much of that can you sit with and look at and not be made sick by it? If you’re not, something’s wrong with you. But if it does that to you, then, how do you deal with yourself? JULIE ROYS 36:23 And I think one of the most insidious parts of religious abuse and trauma in the church is that it separates you often from community. And I have found, and I haven’t been in this nearly as long as you, but that community, and I think we need to sometimes redefine it. And I mean, I’m in a house church now, and I’ve talked about this on numerous podcasts, but it’s been a safe place for me. It’s been a wonderfully healing place for me. But it’s just been crucial. And I know not everybody has that opportunity, but somehow I just think we have to, we have to seek that out, even if it’s really difficult for us. And I understand some people need to take a break for a while, and I totally get that. And we had a very compassionate church, or house church, where there were a number of us that were wounded, that people were willing to sit with us in that and not try to make something out of what we were doing more than just loving people, which really is, I mean, that’s the essence of it, all right. Wow. That that you’re right. If all you encounter are toxic people doing toxic things, and I still feel this way to this day, the most beautiful people that I know still are Christians. Some of the most ugly ones that I’ve encountered are professing Christians, whether they know Christ, that’s between them and him. But yeah, I will still say the most loving, beautiful human beings on this planet that I know are still Christians. DIANE LANGBERG 38:16 Yes, and I have found that to be true. And I’ve sat with people sometimes for years working through growing up with abuse, churches abusing, I mean, just the idea that anybody can grow and have a life and bear good fruit out of all of that, it’s a miracle. But I watch it, it’s there, and it is a thing of beauty, JULIE ROYS 38:43 Truly is. I’ve said this before, but you are an inspiration to me. I know you’re an inspiration to so many of the folks that are listening,. I would just love to know from you, and I know you, that there is no secret hill or secret formula. But as you’re looking back over five decades of work and your relationship with Jesus, what would be some things that you would say to us, and remaining true to the end, fighting the good fight, being able to say someday before Christ, or hearing him say to us, well done, good and faithful servant. We want to get there. How can we get there? DIANE LANGBERG 39:40 Well, I think one of the things I would say is that I did try to quit once. I mean, I told God, I was quitting. I didn’t ask him anything. Probably, there’s something about me, of course, but I couldn’t do it. I was either gonna react in ways that were harmful for people or just deaden myself. Those seem to be the only options, and that was a huge turning point for me. I obviously did stay with it. So he won, but he responded to me and helped me see things in way of the cross that I had not seen before, in who he is in his heart. So feel like quitting. I think that’s pretty normal, you know, and I think a lot of people do. But I think, yeah, I literally got down on my face on the floor, and said, I quit your turn, I don’t know what to do. But he responded, and I’m so grateful, and I’m so grateful I didn’t. I’ve learned more of him by staying I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve also seen changes, not just in individuals, which I have, but in some systems, or at least portions of it was probably right. JULIE ROYS 41:13 I mean obviously God could do all of the work that we do without us. He doesn’t need us, and yet he chooses to allow us to partner with what he’s doing in the world and through that, we become different people. We become, I’ve said it to my husband before, like I feel sometimes like he is making us more enjoyable companions for him. DIANE LANGBERG 41:44 Yes, we become more like Him. And you don’t feel it in the middle of it, and it takes a long time, but it’s somewhere along the way you look back and go, Oh, that’s not what I was like before. Has his aroma in it. JULIE ROYS 42:01 Well, I just want to thank you so much for your work, for your writing, and I’m just absolutely thrilled that you’re coming to RESTORE in February. So looking forward to that. And a new thing thanks to Phil Monroe, your partner there, is having a pre-conference for counselors. Because, again, we need to minister to the counselors, to the caregivers, to the pastors, absolutely. And so I’m thrilled that we’re going to be able to do that, and you’re going to be able to participate in that. And then the conference as well and speaking to a lot of people who’ve been through an awful lot of church hurts. So very much looking forward to that. But thank you so much for taking the time today, and thank you for this new book, even though we weren’t able to have you toward the last RESTORE, which, for me personally, was a sacrifice, but definitely worth it in the book. So thank you. DIANE LANGBERG 42:58 Well, thank you for having me, and I am glad for the work that you do. It touches people, but whose souls have been hurt, gives them a taste of light and love. So blessings on you.. JULIE ROYS 43:19 Thank you. JULIE ROYS 43:22 Thanks so much for listening to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys, and I would love to get you a copy of Diane’s latest book, When the Church Harms God’s People. This is our premium to donors this month. So if you give $40 or more to The Roys Report, we’ll send you a copy of Diane’s book. As many of you know, your gifts to this work is what makes it possible. We can’t do anything that we do, from our podcast to our daily reporting to our investigations, without your support. So please consider helping us out, and when you do, we’ll get you a copy of Diane’s book, When the Church Harms God’s People. To donate and get the book, just go to JULIEROYS.COM/DONATE. Also just a quick reminder to subscribe to The Roys Report on Apple podcast, Spotify, or YouTube, that way you won’t miss any of these episodes. And while you’re at it, I’d really appreciate it if you’d help us spread the word about the podcast by leaving a review, and then please share the podcast on social media so more people can hear about this great content again. Thanks so much for joining me today. Hope you were blessed and encouraged. Read more
Dr. Amar Pattani, family dentist at Main Street Smiles at 312 W Main Street in Barrington, joins John Williams to answer all of your dental health question. Dr. Pattani tells us if we should be using mouthwash, what you should know about different types of toothpaste, if you should brush before or after flossing, and his thoughts […]
Dr. Amar Pattani, family dentist at Main Street Smiles at 312 W Main Street in Barrington, joins John Williams to answer all of your dental health question. Dr. Pattani tells us if we should be using mouthwash, what you should know about different types of toothpaste, if you should brush before or after flossing, and his thoughts […]
Hua Momona Foundation president Gary Grube joined John Williams to talk about the Maui Afterglow Ball, how it raises funds for food insecurity among those affected by the Lahaina wildfires in Maui, and who will be performing at the November 9th event at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington, IL. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7018035/7018035_2024-11-01-144835.64kmono.mp3
Hua Momona Foundation president Gary Grube joined John Williams to talk about the Maui Afterglow Ball, how it raises funds for food insecurity among those affected by the Lahaina wildfires in Maui, and who will be performing at the November 9th event at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington, IL. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7018035/7018035_2024-11-01-144835.64kmono.mp3
Are you ready to discover what makes a multifamily deal truly exceptional?In this episode of the Multifamily Wealth Podcast, I dive deep into what we define as the "Holy Grail" multifamily deal. Discover the key attributes that make a deal truly exceptional and learn how to identify these golden opportunities in the market. I also discuss the importance of management upgrades over extensive renovations, the significance of low rents paired with a quality tenant base, and the critical role of minimizing unnecessary capital expenditures.Join as we discuss: - The key attributes that make a multifamily deal a "Holy Grail" investment - How to identify these deals and why they stand out in the multifamily landscape - The importance of management upgrades versus extensive renovations in value-add deals - Four specific attributes to look for when evaluating potential investmentsAdditionally, I'm thrilled to announce our newest investment opportunity: a 72-unit property in Barrington, New Hampshire. This is a direct-to-seller deal with a compelling business plan and minimal execution risk. If you want to learn more, click here to access the deal room.Are you a new multifamily investor looking to grow your portfolio but don't know where to start? Are you an existing multifamily investor looking to scale your business and master advanced topics such as capital structure, finding off-market deals, and establishing JV partnerships? Click here to learn more about 7-Day Multifamily, a program in which I teach investors the foundational skills they need to start and scale a multifamily portfolio rapidly.Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
In this episode, Daniel has a conversation with educator and New Testament scholar Gary Burge. They unpack the theology of Christian Zionism and the misinterpretation and misuse of the Bible as it relates to the land of Palestine-Israel. Throughout their conversation, they take a close look at biblical stories that present theologies of the land, both in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Daniel and Gary discuss rapture theology and unpack some of the biblical passages that have been interpreted to shape what have become harmful understandings of "the end times." To access this extended conversation and others, consider supporting us on Patreon. Gary Burge is originally from Southern California and was an undergraduate at the University of California, Riverside, and The American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He attended Fuller Theological Seminary and King's College, The University of Aberdeen, Scotland. In Scotland he studied with I. Howard Marshall earning a Ph.D. in New Testament. He has served on the faculties of King College (Tennessee), North Park University (Illinois), Wheaton College (Illinois), and currently teaches at Calvin Theological Seminary (Michigan). Gary speaks widely in churches and conferences both in the United States and in various countries. He has traveled extensively, particularly in the Middle East. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church, USA, and served as a military chaplain (USNR). For over 15 years he was a regular teacher at Willow Creek Community Church in S. Barrington, IL. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide on YouTube and Instagram @AcrosstheDividePodcast Show Notes Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told about Israel and the Palestinians, Gary Burge Jesus and the Land: The New Testament Challenge to "Holy Land" Theology, Gary Burge
Lynn Schmitt's journey began in Chicago, where she cultivated her love for art. After attending Bradley University as a Fine Arts major, she went on to graduate from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Roosevelt University with a BFA in Interior Design. For 30 years, Lynn thrived as a commercial interior designer, contributing to high-profile projects like O'Hare Airport's Delta Concourse (now Terminal 3), international endeavors in Kuwait and Egypt, and numerous commercial spaces across Chicago. In 2005, while working at A Touch of Amish, a quilt shop in Barrington, IL, Lynn shifted gears. Her first quilt pattern was published in Fons & Porter's magazine in 2006, and in 2010, she launched her own studio, A Different Box of Crayons. Lynn quickly became known for her fresh approach to quilting, blending unexpected fabrics and techniques to push the boundaries of traditional design. Her work has appeared in multiple quilt publications, and she's contributed to several quilt books, including projects for Needl'love. When Lynn isn't designing, she enjoys an active lifestyle, embracing everything from knitting and kayaking to cross-country skiing with her husband, Gerry Gallagher. She's also eager to dive back into her early love of painting through upcoming mixed media art classes. Today, she calls Glen Ellyn, IL home, where her creative spirit continues to inspire those around her. Episode Highlights:(2:27) Early Beginnings: Growing up in Chicago, Lynn discovered her love of sewing early on. She reflects on how taking risks from a young age laid the foundation for her future success.(4:24) Interior Design to Quilting: Lynn shares stories from her career as an interior designer, including favorite projects in the corporate world and abroad. Listen as she describes a cheeky encounter where a newspaper purposely omitted her name from a major article!(11:14) The Name Behind the Studio: Ever wondered about the inspiration behind A Different Box of Crayons? Lynn reveals how her mother used a box of crayons to calm her childhood exuberance.(12:46) From Design to Retail: Hear why Lynn made the leap from commercial interior design to owning her own quilt shop. Plus, get the inside scoop on her 1890 farmhouse. Oh, if those walls could talk!(19:34) Creating an Atmosphere: Visiting A Different Box of Crayons is like stepping into Lynn's home—warm, inviting, and full of character. She shares her secret to creating this cozy atmosphere and explains why she humorously calls herself “the world's worst retailer!”(22:38) Planning a Visit? If you find yourself near Glen Ellyn, IL, don't miss the chance to visit Lynn at 439 Pennsylvania Ave.(22:50) Inside the Studio: Step into Lynn's world of “eclectic textiles,” where fabrics are chosen to “dance” together in perfect harmony.(27:45) No Boundaries: Lynn discusses her latest fabric combinations and how her fearless approach to mixing materials can work for any quilter. Listen to her fascinating take on Victorian-era “crazy quilts” and how they inspire her modern designs.(31:09) Living Like a Leaf in the Wind: Lynn describes her life philosophy—being flexible, open to new ideas, and willing to let life take her where it will.(33:22) The Best Part of Her Day: What does Lynn cherish most about her day-to-day life? There's no one answer!(34:24) What's Next? From dreaming big to pondering her next creative endeavor, Lynn is always thinking ahead.(37:02) The One Question: What question did Lynn wish we had asked? It's all about her greatest joy—her family, which remains at the core of who she is. Contact Information:You can reach Lynn Schmitt through her website at www.adifferentboxofcrayons.com or email her directly at lynn@adifferentboxofcrayons.com. Be sure to let her know you heard her story on Sew & So!Know someone with an inspiring story? Reach out to us at meg@sew&sewpodcast.com or submit your nomination on our website.Don't forget to subscribe, review, and rate this podcast on your favorite platform. Visit sewandsopodcast.com for more episodes and information. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today's and all of our Guests.
Are we on the brink of a multifamily rental boom? Discover the surprising data points that could reshape your investment strategy in the coming years!In this week's episode, I dive into three critical data points that reveal the current state of the multifamily real estate market. I go into the year-over-year rent growth trends, the unprecedented supply of new apartments hitting the market, and the underlying demand for housing that continues to surge despite flatlining rents. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover: - What are the key trends in year-over-year rent growth across different U.S. markets, and how do they impact multifamily investing? - Why is there a significant gap between current rent growth and wage growth, and what does this mean for the future of rental affordability? - What factors are driving the considerable demand for housing despite flat or falling rents in many areas? - How does the concept of net absorption illustrate the current state of the multifamily housing market, and what does it predict for the future? - Why might Class C apartments be uniquely positioned to benefit from these market dynamics compared to Class A and B properties?Additionally, I'm thrilled to announce our newest investment opportunity: a 72-unit property in Barrington, New Hampshire. This is a direct-to-seller deal with a compelling business plan and minimal execution risk. If you want to learn more, click here to access the deal room.Are you a new multifamily investor looking to grow your portfolio but don't know where to start? Are you an existing multifamily investor looking to scale your business and master advanced topics such as capital structure, finding off-market deals, and establishing JV partnerships? Click here to learn more about 7-Day Multifamily, a program in which I teach investors the foundational skills they need to start and scale a multifamily portfolio rapidly.Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
New Talk Art special episode!!!! We meet leading artist Alvaro Barrington, presented by BMW.We explore his work since we last met him on the podcast a few years ago, his current, epic solo 'Grace' at Tate Britain's Duveen Galleries, as well as a very cool recent collaboration with BMW at Frieze Seoul. Inspired by the BMW Art Car Collection and curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, the artist has paint over seven miniature i7s, drawing inspiration from video games and music.Barrington's practice explores interconnected histories of cultural production. Considering himself primarily a painter, Barrington's multimedia approach to image-making employs burlap, textiles, postcards and clothing, exploring how materials themselves can function as visual tools while referencing their personal, political and commercial histories. Barrington is interested in how the vehicles of the future will have the potential to recognise our moods, emotions and schedules, and as such adapt to them accordingly. The artist explores the future of cars reimagined as self-driving entertainment units and places for meeting that can help bridge different cultures through new technologies such as instant language translation. Utilising artificial intelligence, cars will go far beyond their purely transporting function and instead help us foster new connections and fulfil our daily needs.For this project, Barrington looked into video games centered around cars, which were not only important as play and entertainment, but also as platforms for music and culture. Exploring the history of cars and other vehicles that enable travel and movement, the artist has focused on the intersection of cars and culture and the way they have influenced one another. Merging these references, the artist created 7 unique cars, each featuring a drawing from a film, music video or portraying a cultural figure, which remain influential in Barrington's life and practice.For his Tate Britain commission, Barrington's personal exploration of identity and belonging is a journey in three parts honouring his grandmother, sister and mother.He draws from personal memories across time and place, from his grandmother's Caribbean home where a thunderstorm hammers on the corrugated tin roof, to the exhilarating energy of Carnival. Tate Britain's Duveen Galleries are transformed into a space alive with sound, colour and texture.This is Barrington's poignant celebration of the people and places that make us feel we belong.'GRACE is the constant reimagining of Black culture and aspirational attitude under foreign conditions. GRACE here explores how my grandmother, my mother, and my sister in the British Caribbean community showed up gracefully.' - Alvaro BarringtonGrace runs until 26 January 2025 at @Tate Britain, free entry. Visit: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/alvaro-barringtonFollow @AlvaroBarrington and @BMWGroupCulture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Guest Bios Show Transcript https://youtu.be/g3j3C25thlcMuch research has been done to address individual trauma. But what happens when trauma is collective—when an entire congregation, for example, is betrayed by a pastor they trusted? In this edition of The Roys Report, Kayleigh Clark, a pastor and a pastor's kid, discusses the impact of communal suffering, which church leaders often overlook. Kayleigh, a doctoral student at Kairos University, is completing her dissertation on congregational collective trauma and paths towards healing and restoration. And what she's learned is ground-breaking for churches that have experienced pastoral abandonment or moral failure and are struggling to recover. As was explained in the popular book, The Body Keeps the Score, unhealed trauma—if unaddressed—will manifest itself as physical and psychological ailments in our bodies. Likewise, unaddressed trauma in the Body of Christ will also manifest as corporate dysfunction and pain. But as Kayleigh explains in this eye-opening podcast, this doesn't have to be the case. Healing is available. But it requires congregants and spiritual leaders who understand trauma and don't try to charge forward before the congregation has healed. Given all the unhealed trauma in the church, this is such a relevant and important podcast. It's also one that discusses dynamics Julie knows all too well, as someone who's in a church with others who've experienced deep church hurt. She discusses her own experience in the podcast, which could be a prime case study. Guests Kayleigh Clark Kayleigh Clark is founder and director of Restor(y), which exists to journey with churches on the hope-filled path of healing and restoration. She completed a Master of Divinity at Northeastern Seminary and is currently a Th.D. Candidate at Kairos University with a focus on the interplay between psychology and theology. Kayleigh and her husband, Nate, love exploring the outdoors with their son near their home in Rochester, New York. Learn more about Restor(y) online. Show Transcript [00:00:00] Julie: Much research has been done to address individual trauma, but what happens when trauma is collective? When an entire congregation, for example, is betrayed by a pastor they trusted. According to my guest today, the impact of communal suffering is often overlooked, but the body of Christ keeps score. [00:00:22] Julie: Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And joining me today is Kaylee Clark, a pastor and a pastor’s kid who’s well acquainted with the beauty, joy, pain, and heartache that exists within the church. Kaylee also is a doctoral student at Kairos University, and her dissertation work focuses on congregational collective trauma and paths towards healing and restoration. [00:00:50] Julie: She also is the director of ReStory, a ministry to help churches heal and embody the hope of Jesus, especially after experiencing a devastating loss or betrayal. I had the pleasure of meeting Kaylee about a week ago, and I was so excited by her insights and the work that she’s doing that I was like, you have to come on my podcast. [00:01:10] Julie: So I am thrilled that she can join me today, and I know you’re going to be blessed by this podcast. I’ll get to my interview with Kaylee in just a minute, but first, I’d like to thank the sponsors of this podcast, the Restore Conference and Mark Horta Barrington. If you’re someone who’s experienced church hurt or abuse, there are few places you can go to pursue healing. [00:01:30] Julie: So, Similarly, if you’re an advocate, counselor, or pastor, there are a few conferences designed to equip you to minister to people traumatized in the church. But the Restore Conference, this February 7th and 8th in Phoenix, Arizona, is designed to do just that. Joining us will be leading abuse survivor advocates like Mary DeMuth and Dr. [00:01:50] Julie: David Pooler An expert in adult clergy sexual abuse. Also joining us will be Scott McKnight, author of A Church Called Toe, Diane Langberg, a psychologist and trauma expert, yours truly, and more. For more information, just go to Restore2025. com. That’s Restore2025. com. Also, if you’re looking for a quality new or used car, I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of Barrington. [00:02:17] Julie: Marquardt is a Buick GMC dealership where you can expect honesty, integrity, and transparency. That’s because the owners there, Dan and Kurt Marquardt are men of integrity. To check them out, just go to buyacar123. com. [00:02:37] Julie: Well, again, joining me today is Kaylee Clark, a pastor and doctoral student who’s studying congregational collective trauma and the paths to healing and restoration. She’s also the founder of Restoree and she’s a wife and mother of a beautiful baby boy. So Kaylee, welcome. It’s just such a pleasure to have you. [00:02:56] Kayleigh: Thank you. Thank you for having me. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be with you today. [00:03:00] Julie: Well, I am just thrilled to have you on our podcast and I mentioned this in the open, but We talked last week and I was just like, Oh my word, everything that you’re doing, your work is so important. And it’s so where I’m living right now. [00:03:15] Julie: And I know a lot of our listeners are living as well. And so I’m thrilled about it. But as you mentioned, your work is, is unique. We’re going to get into that, but I am just curious, this whole idea, collective trauma, you know, ministering. To the church. How did you get interested in this work? [00:03:33] Kayleigh: Sure. Um, so I am fourth generation clergy. [00:03:37] Kayleigh: So great grandpa, grandpa, my dad, and then me. So are all pastors. Uh, and so I’ve just always known the church, uh, pastors have also been kind of my second family. I’ve always felt at home amongst the church and amongst pastors. Um, but when you grow up in the parsonage and other PKs will know this, uh, you are not hidden from. [00:03:58] Kayleigh: The difficult portions of church and the really hard components of church. And so then when you add on to that, becoming a pastor myself, you know, my eyes continued to be open, uh, to some of the ways that church can be a harmful place as much of it as it is a healing place. And I began to kind of ask the question, well, well, why, um, what is going on here? [00:04:21] Kayleigh: Um, particularly because when I served and we’ll get into more of this, I think, but when I was serving in my first lead pastor, it’s. So I’m a really young, I was like 27 when they, or 28 when they entrusted me when I first lead pastorate, which is kind of wild. And so they kind of threw me in and what they do with most young pastors is they kind of throw us into these dying churches. [00:04:44] Kayleigh: And so, right, it’s a small. Church with, you know, it’s dying, it’s dwindled in numbers. And so this is my first kind of lead pastorate. And, you know, I read all the books, I’m a learner, I’m a reader. I, you know, I know how to do all the things. And so I’m reading all of the books on how to revitalize a church and raise a church up from it and all those things and nothing is working. [00:05:06] Kayleigh: Um, and it started to kind of really raise my attention to, well, maybe there’s something else going on here. Um, And, and maybe we’ve been asking the wrong questions when we’ve been approaching the church. Uh, and so, uh, again, I’m a learner, so I was like, well, I’m just going to go back to school. If that was the only way I knew how to figure this out. [00:05:25] Kayleigh: So I landed in a THD program that focused on combining the studies of trauma theory with theology. Um, and my undergraduate degree is in psychology, so it felt kind of like a merging of my two worlds. Um, and it was there that I encountered collective trauma and. Really in an interesting way, studying, um, more like childhood development trauma. [00:05:46] Kayleigh: But anytime I looked at it, all I could see was the church, um, and seeing the ways in which there might be a bigger picture. There might be a bigger story going on here. And maybe there’s some collective congregational trauma underneath the, these dying, uh, declining churches that we just aren’t aware of. [00:06:04] Julie: So, so good. And this is the thing that, that just stuns me. When I, I, I do an investigation and the top pastor gets fired, sometimes all the elders step down, but the church, it’s, it’s unbelievably rare for one of those churches to thrive afterwards. And I, and I think so much of it is they think, Oh, we got rid of the bad apple. [00:06:29] Julie: And they have no concept of how that toxicity, one, you know, the toxic, often bullying way of relating and everything was, was taught and learned and trained throughout. But then there is that trauma and, and I just, I think of Willow Creek Community Church, I went to their, it was like a midweek service where they were going to deal with, Supposedly, the women who had been sexually harassed and abused by Bill Heibel’s, the previous pastor, and they didn’t even name it. [00:07:08] Julie: They didn’t name what had happened. They didn’t go into what had happened. They didn’t apologize to the women. The women became like this amorphous something out there, the women, you know? Um, and, and then they talked about, they had a repentance time, like we’re supposed to repent for his sins. It was the most bizarre, unhealing thing I had ever seen. [00:07:27] Julie: And I couldn’t imagine how after something that dysfunctional, a church could go, okay, we’re back, you know, reach the lost, you know, seeker sensitive church. It was just bizarre. Um, so, so much of your work is, is resonating with me. And again, We’ve seen a lot in and it’s really important is dealing with individual trauma and which is super important work. [00:07:53] Julie: Um, and my last podcast with Chuck DeGroat, we talked a lot about that. We talk a lot about that on a lot of podcasts, but we often don’t address again, what’s this collective trauma that, that, you know, that it actually has a social aspect. So talk about why is it important that we begin addressing collective trauma and not just individual trauma, though, you know, obviously we each need to heal as individuals, but collectively as well. [00:08:24] Kayleigh: Yeah. So collective trauma is a newer field, even in psychological studies. So it’s, Not as old as individual trauma studies, and it actually became more popular through the work of Kai Erikson, who’s a sociologist. He’s not even a psychologist, but he studied collective trauma in kind of what he refers to as unnatural disasters. [00:08:43] Kayleigh: And so these disasters that are experienced by communities that have a human, like, blame component. So it was due to somebody’s negligence due to somebody’s poor leadership due to somebody’s abuse, and it’s on a community. And so Kai Erickson notes the, the social, he calls it the social dimension of trauma or collective trauma. [00:09:03] Kayleigh: And what he, he details there is that collective trauma is anything that disrupts and ruptures the, uh, relationships within a community. Distorting and taking apart their, uh, he calls it communality instead of community, but it’s their sense of, like, neighborliness. It’s their sense of being together. It’s their, Their shared identity and their, their shared memories are all now distorted. [00:09:26] Kayleigh: And so I think when we’re speaking specifically about the church, and when we’re looking at religious trauma and congregational trauma, we need to remember that the church is first and foremost, a community. And so sometimes I think that’s missed in our kind of American individualism. You know, a lot of people kind of view spirituality as this individualistic thing, but the church is a community. [00:09:48] Kayleigh: And so when we come together as the body of Christ, you know, when wounding happens, when trauma comes, it breaks down the relationships within that congregation, which really. is what makes it a church. The relationships are what make that a church. And so when trauma comes in and disrupts those and starts causing the divisions and the distrust and the he said, she said, and the choosing of sides and the church splits and all of these things have these ripple effects on the community. [00:10:19] Kayleigh: Um, and they really are, are traumatizing. And so what happens is that if we don’t deal, if we’re only dealing with the individual trauma, In part, that’s usually dealing with people who have left the church, right? And so usually the people who are seeking individual healing from their religious trauma, who are able to name that, who are able to say, I went through this, have often stepped outside of the church. [00:10:42] Kayleigh: Sometimes just for a season, which is completely understandable. They need that time away. They need time to heal. They’re, they don’t, feel safe. But what we’re missing when we neglect the social dimension of religious trauma are often the people who stay are these congregations who can’t name it yet, who can’t articulate that what they’ve gone through is religious trauma, who who maybe are still trying to figure out what that means. [00:11:07] Kayleigh: Often it means that we’re missing, um, you know, these, these the church that I served in, you know, isn’t one of these big name churches that’s going to get, you know, newscasted about. And they can’t necessarily name what happened to them as religious trauma because nobody’s given them the language for it. [00:11:25] Kayleigh: And so we’ve often missed these, these declining churches. We’ve missed because we haven’t remembered that Trauma is communal that trauma is relational. And so we need to, yes, provide as much care and as much resourcing as we can for the healing of individuals, because you can’t heal the community if the individuals don’t know. [00:11:44] Kayleigh: But we really need to remember that the community as a whole. impacted, and that especially when we’re talking about the church, we want to be able to heal and restore those relationships. And to do that means we have to address the social dimensions of the religious trauma. And so [00:12:01] Julie: often the people that, that stay aren’t aware of what’s happened to them. [00:12:08] Julie: Are they not even aware they’re traumatized? [00:12:11] Kayleigh: Right, right. Yeah. [00:12:13] Julie: Yeah. You introduced this, this concept, which is great. I mean, it’s, it’s a riff off of the book, The Body Keeps the Score, which, you know, um, just an incredible book by, uh, Dr. Vander Kolk. But this idea that the body of Christ keeps the score. [00:12:33] Julie: Describe what you mean by that, that the body of Christ keeps the score when there’s this kind of trauma that it’s experiencing. [00:12:40] Kayleigh: Sure. So you kind of alluded to it earlier when you were giving an example of the removing of a toxic pastor, right? And then just the placement of a new pastor. And so often what happens in these situations where there’s spiritual abuse or, um, clergy misconduct or any of those things that’s causing this religious trauma, the answer seems to be, well, let’s just remove the. [00:13:00] Kayleigh: Problem person. And then that will solve everything. Um, well, what happens is we forget that trauma is embodied, right? And so you can remove the physical threat. Um, but if you remove the physical threat or the problem person, but this congregation still has this embodied sense of trauma in which they perceive threat now. [00:13:23] Kayleigh: So they’re reacting to their surroundings out of that traumatized position, because that’s what the collective body has learned to do. And so you see this, um, It’s a silly example, but I use it because I think people see it a lot. So you have a new pastor come in and the new pastor has a great idea, at least he or she thinks it’s a great idea. [00:13:46] Kayleigh: And it probably has to do with removing pews or changing carpet color. Okay. And so they present this, what they think is just a great harmless idea. And the response of the congregation is almost volatile and the pastor can’t figure out why. And often, unfortunately, what pastors have kind of been taught to identify is that they must just idolatry. [00:14:11] Kayleigh: They just have the past as an idol for them and they need to kill this golden cow. Right. And so it becomes this theological problem. Sure, there might be cases where that is the truth, but often I would say that there’s, um, a wonderful. So another great book on trauma. It’s more on racialized trauma, but it deals a lot with historical trauma is, um, rest my Mac mannequins book, um, my grandmother’s hands and in it, he addresses this historical trauma that is embodied and he quotes Dr. [00:14:42] Kayleigh: Noel Larson, who says, if it’s hysterical, it’s probably historical. In other words, if the reaction to the thing happening doesn’t seem to match, like it seems out of proportion, either too energized or not enough energy around it, it’s probably connected to some kind of historical trauma that hasn’t been processed. [00:15:03] Kayleigh: And so we see this a lot in churches who are having a hard time being healthy and flourishing and engaging with the community around them. And. The reason why is often because they have this unhealed trauma that nobody’s given them language for. Nobody’s pointed out, nobody’s addressed for them. Um, and so it’s just kind of lingering under the surface, unhealed, unnamed, and it’s informing how they believe, how they act. [00:15:33] Kayleigh: Um, and so this is really What I mean when I say the body of Christ keeps the score is that the body of Christ has embodied this trauma and it’s coming out in their behaviors, in their actions, in their values, and our pastors are not equipped to address it from a trauma informed perspective. They’ve only been given tools to address it from maybe a theological position, or this kind of revitalization remissioning perspective. [00:16:02] Kayleigh: That often doesn’t work. [00:16:04] Julie: There’s so many things I’m thinking as as you’re talking. I mean one. to come in and do something. And then because people react to, I mean, basically that’s shaming them. It’s guilting them to say, Oh, you have an idol or what’s wrong with you that you can’t get on board. And the truth is they don’t know what’s wrong with them. [00:16:23] Julie: They, they don’t. And, and they’re hurt. And all they know is you just, they’re hurt and now you’ve hurt them. So now they don’t trust you. So way to go. Um, but I’m thinking maybe because we brought this up and I don’t mean to beat up on, on Willow Creek, but I’m thinking about. When the new pastor came in, and I don’t think he’s a bad guy, um, you know, they, they were bleeding money. [00:16:45] Julie: Obviously they, they did not have the resources they did before. So one of the first things they did was they centralized, which meant the campus pastors weren’t going to be preaching anymore. They were going to be pumping in video sermons. Here’s the pastor that people trusted on these campuses. Now, that person’s not going to be preaching, which then of course, all of them left. [00:17:06] Julie: They ended up leaving and the trauma you’d now it’s trauma upon trauma. And it just seems like, especially in so many of these churches, you bring somebody in and they want to move somewhere like, right. They want a thriving church. What they don’t want to do is be at a church and sit in your pain. And yet. [00:17:27] Julie: Unless that’s done, I mean, can these churches, I mean, can they move forward? I mean, what’s going to happen if you come in and you don’t? slow down and say, these people are hurting and I need to, I need to be a shepherd. Then that’s the other thing. It’s so many of these mega churches, and I know this isn’t unique to mega churches that this happens, but I, it’s the world in which I report so often is that these mega churches are very mission vision, five year plan oriented and what they’re not capable of doing. [00:17:59] Julie: I think so many of these, you know, and they always bring in the, the pastor. That’s a good orator, maybe not a shepherd at all. In fact, some of these guys even say, I’m not a shepherd, which that’s another, yeah, I mean, but, but to actually, they need a shepherd at that point. Right. I mean, these, these people need it. [00:18:20] Julie: So, I mean, again, what, what do they need to do? And what happens if they don’t do some of these things? [00:18:28] Kayleigh: So the thing that I have really been drawn to, especially as I study Jesus, and I look at what it means to be trauma informed in the pastorate. So I, I do believe that God is still working through pastors. [00:18:39] Kayleigh: Um, in fact, there’s a really beautiful section of scripture in Jeremiah 23, where God is addressing abusive shepherds and God’s response is, I will raise up new shepherds. So God still wants to work through shepherds. There is still a place for a pastor. The problem is, is I don’t think we’ve taught pastors how to lead out of a posture of compassionate curiosity. [00:19:03] Kayleigh: And so if you follow Jesus and you look at the way that Jesus interacts with hurting people, it is out of this beautiful, humble posture of compassionate curiosity. And so I was always struck by like, he asks the blind man, what do you want me to do for you? And it always seemed like a. That’s a strange question. [00:19:20] Kayleigh: Like, he’s blind, Jesus. What do you think he and often it’s preached on, like, well, we need to be able to tell God what we want. And that’s maybe some of it. But I think it’s also the truth that God knows that it can be re traumatizing to somebody to tell them what they need and what they want. Right? So what we learned when we studied trauma is that it’s not. [00:19:40] Kayleigh: So especially when we’re talking trauma caused by abuse is that abuse is so connected to control. And so what has often happened to these victims of religious abuse of spiritual abuse is that they have had control taken from them entirely. And so when a new pastor comes in and tells them, this is what you need to get healthy again, and never takes the time to approach them from this. [00:20:02] Kayleigh: posture of compassionate curiosity, they can end up re traumatizing them. Um, but our pastors aren’t trained to ask these questions. And so, so often if you read, you know, and they’re well meaning books, you know, they’re, they’re trying to get to what’s going on in the heart of the church. They’re trying to get back to church health, but so many of the books around that have to deal with. [00:20:23] Kayleigh: Asking the church, what are you doing or what are you not doing? And trauma theory teaches us to ask a different question. And that question is what happened to you? And I think if pastors were trained to go into churches and ask the question, what happened to you and just sit with a church and a hold the church and, and listen to the stories of the church, they, they might discover that these people have never been given space to even think about it that way. [00:20:52] Kayleigh: You know, where they’ve just, they’ve had abusive leaders who have just been removed or they’ve had manipulative leaders who have just been removed and they’ve just been given a new pastor and a new pastor and nobody’s given them the space. To articulate what that’s done to them, um, as individuals and as a congregation. [00:21:09] Kayleigh: And so if we can learn to, to follow Jesus in just his curiosity, and he asks the blind man, what do you want me to do for you? He, he says, who touched me when the woman reaches out and touches him. And that’s not a, it’s not a question of condemnation. That’s a question of permission giving. He knows that this woman needs more than physical healing. [00:21:28] Kayleigh: She needs relational healing. She needs to tell her story. And by pausing and saying, who touched me? He provides a space for her to share her story that she’s never been able to share with anyone before. And I think if we were to follow that Jesus, as pastors and as leaders, we would begin to love the Bride of Christ in such a way that would lead to her healing, instead of feeling the need to just rush her through some five year plan to what we think is healing and wholeness, and what actually may not be what they would say is what they need. [00:22:02] Julie: So many things you’re saying are resonating with me. And part of that’s because, uh, like I said, we’re living this. Um, I, I told you last week when we talked that our, our house church was going on a retreat, first retreat we’ve ever had. We’ve been together a little over, well, for me, I came in about two years ago and I think they had been meeting maybe eight or nine months before then. [00:22:29] Julie: Some of the people in our group, Um, don’t come out of trauma. Um, you know, one of our, one of the couples in our church, uh, they’re like young life leaders, really just delightful, delightful, delightful people, but they haven’t lived the religious trauma. One couple is, they’re from the mission field and they had a great missions experience. [00:22:55] Julie: The only trauma they might be experiencing is coming home to the U. S. The truth is they love the mission field, right? Um, and then. The remainder of us come from two, two churches, um, that, that had some sexual abuse that was really, you know, mishandled and the trust with the leaders was, was broken in really grievous ways. [00:23:19] Julie: Um, and then there’s me on top of having that, um, living in this space where, I mean, I just report on this all the time. And so, but one of the beautiful things that happened in this, in this group is that it did have leaders when we came into it and it triggered us. Like, you know, and for us it was like, oh, here’s the inside group and the outside group. [00:23:47] Julie: Like, we’re used to the ins and the outs, right? And, and we’re used to the inside group having power and control, and the rest of us just kind of go along with it. And, and we’re, we’re a tiny little group. Like we’re 20 some people, right? But, but it’s just, and, and we’re wonderful people. Wonderful people. [00:24:02] Julie: And yet we still like, it was like, mm. And um, and so. The beautiful thing is that those leaders recognize, like they didn’t fully understand it, but they said, you know, I think we need to just step down and just not have leaders. And I didn’t even realize till we went on this retreat what an act of service and of love that was for them to just say, were laying down any, any agendas we might’ve had, any even mission or vision that we might’ve had. [00:24:35] Julie: And for one of, you know, one of the guys, it was really hard for him cause he’s just like, Mr. Mr. Energy and initiative. And, and he was like, I better not take initiative because like, it’s, it’s not going to be good for these folks. Um, and on the retreat. So then, I mean, it was, it was really a Holy Spirit. [00:24:54] Julie: experience, I think for all of us, because there definitely was a camp that was like, okay, we’ve had this kind of healing time, but can, can we move forward a little bit? Like, can we, can we have some intentionality? And then there were part of us that were just like, oh my word, if we, if we, if we have leaders, why do we need leaders? [00:25:12] Julie: We’re 20 something people. Like we can just decide everything ourselves. And, and there really was somewhat of an impasse, but it’s interesting. The things that you said for me, And it was funny at one point. They’re like, can’t you just trust? And, you know, kind of like, what, what are you guys afraid of? You know? [00:25:29] Julie: And the first thing that came out of my mouth was control control. Like we’re afraid of control, um, or I’m afraid of control. Um, but what was so, so. Huge for me and I think was one of those again, Holy Spirit moments was when, you know, I was trying to like make a point about power dynamics, like you don’t realize power and like we have to be aware of how power is stewarded in a group like this because everybody has power. [00:25:59] Julie: If you don’t realize as a communicator the power that you have, like I’m aware now that because I can, I can form thoughts pretty quickly. That I can have a lot of influence in a group. I’m aware of that. And so, you know, there was even like a part where I was leading and then I was like, I can’t lead this next thing. [00:26:17] Julie: I’ve been leading too much, you know, and then we, and then we gave, we, somebody had a marker and we gave the marker to, to, um, one of the guys in our group who’s fantastic guy. And, um, And at one point, so, so anyway, I was talking about power and, and one of the guys was like, well, I don’t, I don’t really see power. [00:26:35] Julie: I don’t need. And I’m like, you have it, whether you realize it and you have it. And what was huge is that one of the other guys that sort of a leader was a leader was able to say what she’s talking about is real. Everybody has power. This is really important. And he was quite frankly, somebody with a lot of power in that group because he has a lot of trust, used to be a pastor. [00:26:57] Julie: Um, and for him to acknowledge that for the rest of us was huge. And then this, this other guy, I mean, he said at one point, Oh, well, you know, so and so’s holding the marker right now and he has power, doesn’t he? And I was like, yes, you’re getting it. That’s it. That’s it. Thank you. Because he’s like, you just reframed what we said and I wouldn’t have reframed it that way. [00:27:22] Julie: Like I wouldn’t. And I’m like, yes, exactly. It’s like, and it was like, it was like the light bulbs were going on and people were starting to get it. Um, and then another key, key moment was when one of the women who, you know, wasn’t, you know, from our church where we experienced stuff, who said, can you, can you tell me how that, how that felt for you when we used to have leaders? [00:27:46] Julie: And then for people to be able to express that. And people listened and it was like, and I was able to hear from this guy who felt like he was, he had a straight jacket, you know, because he, he like wants to use his, his initiative. Like he, he. You know, and God’s given that to him. It’s a good thing, you know. [00:28:07] Julie: And all I can say is it was just an incredible experience, an incredible moment, but it would not have happened if, and now I’m going to get kind of, it wouldn’t have happened if people cared more about the mission than the people. And they didn’t realize the people are the mission. This is Jesus work. He doesn’t care about your five year plan. [00:28:41] Julie: He doesn’t care about your ego and the big, you know, plans that you have and things you can do. What he cares is whether you’ll lay your life down for the sheep. That’s what shepherds do. And what I saw in, in our group was the willingness to, for people that have shepherding gifts to lay down their, you know, not literally their lives, but in a way their lives, their, their dreams, their hopes or visions, everything to love another and how that created so much love and trust, you know, in our group. [00:29:22] Julie: And we’re still like trying to figure this out, but yeah, it was, it was hugely, it just so, so important. But I thought how many churches are willing to do that, are willing to, to sit in the pain, are willing to listen. And I’m, I’m curious as you go in now, there’s so much of your work has become with ReStory is, is education and going into these churches. [00:29:52] Julie: You know, normally when this happens, And you told me there’s a, there’s a name for pastors that come in. It’s the afterpastor. Afterpastor. [00:30:00] Kayleigh: Yes. The afterpastor. [00:30:02] Julie: How many times does the afterpastor get it? And does he do that? [00:30:07] Kayleigh: So the problem is, and I can tell you, cause I have an MDiv. I went, I did all the seminary. [00:30:11] Kayleigh: I’m ordained. We don’t get trained in that. Um, so, and there is, um, like you said, so you use this guy as an example who has the clear. Initiative gifts. So they’re what would be called kind of the Apostle, um, evangelist gifts in like the pastoral gift assessment kind of deal. You’ve got the Apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher. [00:30:34] Kayleigh: And right now there’s a lot of weight kind of being thrown behind the Apostle evangelist as kind of the charismatic leader who can set the vision. And so most of the books on pastoral You know, church health and church are written kind of geared and directed that way. Um, so we’re really missing the fact that when we’re talking about a traumatized church, what you really need is a prophet shepherd. [00:30:57] Kayleigh: Um, you need somebody who can come in and shepherd the people and care for them well, but also the prophet. The role of the prophet is often to help people make meaning of their suffering. So if you read closely, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, particularly who are two prophets speaking to people in exile, what they’re really doing is helping people make meaning of that suffering. [00:31:17] Kayleigh: They’re helping people tell their story. They’re, they’re lamenting, they’re crying with them. They’re, they’re asking the hard questions. Um, and they’re able to kind of see between the lines. So prophet, Pastors who have kind of that prophetic gifting are able to see below. They’re able to kind of slow down and hear the actual story beyond the behaviors, right? [00:31:35] Kayleigh: So the behaviors aren’t telling the whole story, but we need eyes to see that. And so the problem, I would say, is that a lot of well, meaning pastors simply aren’t taught how to do this. And so they’re not given the resources. They’re not given kind of the, um. this like Christian imagination to be able to look at a church and say, okay, what has happened here and what healings take place here? [00:31:59] Kayleigh: Um, the other problem is, you know, we need to be able to give space. So denominational leaders need to be able to be okay with a church that maybe isn’t going to grow for a few years. And I think that is whether we like it or not. And we can say all day long that we don’t judge a church’s health by its numbers. [00:32:19] Kayleigh: But at the end of the day, pastors feel this pressure to grow the church, right? To have an attendance that’s growing a budget that’s growing and. And so, and part of it is from a good place, right? We want to reach more people from Jesus, but part of it is just this like cultural pressure that defines success by numbers. [00:32:36] Kayleigh: And so can we be okay with a church that’s not going to grow for a little while? You know, can we be okay with a church that’s going to take some like intentional time to just heal? And so when you have an established church, um, which is a little bit different than a house church model, it can be. A really weird sacrifice, even for the people who are there, because often what you have is you have a segment of the church who is very eager to move forward and move on and and to grow and to move into its new future, and they can get frustrated with the rest of the church. [00:33:15] Kayleigh: That kind of seems to need more time. Um, but trauma healing is it’s not linear. And so, you know, you kind of have to constantly Judith Herman identifies like three components of trauma healing. And so it’s safety and naming and remembering and then reconnecting, but they’re not like you finish safety and then you move to this one and then you move to this one. [00:33:36] Kayleigh: Often you’re kind of going, you’re ebbing and flowing between them, right? Because you can achieve safety and then start to feel like, okay, now I can name it. And then something can trigger you and make you feel unsafe again. And so you’re now you’re back here. And so, um, um, Our churches need to realize that this healing process is going to take time, and collective trauma is complicated because you have individuals who are going to move through it. [00:33:57] Kayleigh: So you’re going to have people who are going to feel really safe, and they’re going to feel ready to name, and others who aren’t. And so you have to be able to mitigate that and navigate that. And our pastors just aren’t simply trained in this. And so what I see happening a lot is I’ll do these trainings and I’ll have somebody come up to me afterwards and go, Oh my goodness, I was an after pastor and I had no idea that was a thing. [00:34:18] Kayleigh: And they’re like, you just gave so much language to my experience. And you know, and now I understand why they seem to be attacking me. They weren’t really attacking me. They just don’t trust the office of the pastor. And I represent the office of the pastor. Okay. And so sometimes they take that personally again, it becomes like these theological issues. [00:34:38] Kayleigh: And so helping pastors understand the collective trauma and being able to really just take the time to ask those important questions and to increase not only their own margin for suffering, but to increase a congregations margin for suffering. You know, to go, it’s going to be, we can sit in this pain. [00:34:58] Kayleigh: It’s going to be uncomfortable, but it’s going to be important, you know, learning how to lament, learning how to mourn. All of these things are things that often we’re just not trained well enough in, um, as pastors. And so therefore our congregations aren’t trained in them either. You know, they don’t have margin for suffering either. [00:35:14] Kayleigh: Um, and so we need to be able to equip our pastors to do that. Um, and then equip the congregations to be able to do that as well. [00:35:20] Julie: So good. And I’m so glad you’re doing that. I will say when I first started this work, um, I was not trauma informed. I didn’t know anything about trauma really. And I didn’t even, you know, I was just a reporter reporting on corruption and then it turned into abuse in the church. [00:35:38] Julie: And I started interfacing with a lot of abuse victims. who were traumatized. And I think back, um, and, and really, I’ve said this before, but survivors have been my greatest teachers by far, like just listening to them and learning from them. But really from day one, you know, it’s loving people, right? It really, it like, if you love and if you empathize, which You know, some people think it’s a sin, um, just cannot, um, but if you do that and, and that’s what, you know, even as I’m thinking about, um, within our own, our own house church, there were people who weren’t trained, but they did instinctively the right things because they loved. [00:36:28] Julie: You know, and it just reminds me, I mean, it really does come down to, they will know you are Christians by your love. You know, how do we know love? Like Christ laid down his life for us. He is our model of love and, and somehow, you know, like you said, the, in the church today we’ve, we’ve exalted the, um, what did you say? [00:36:49] Julie: The apostle evangelist? The apostle evangelist. Yeah. Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. Um, we’ve exalted that person, um, you know, And I think we’ve forgotten how to love. And too many of these pastors don’t know how to love. They just don’t know how to love. And it’s, it’s tragic. Because they’re supposed to be I mean, the old school models, they were shepherds, you know, like you said, like we need apostles, we need evangelists. [00:37:16] Julie: But usually the person who was leading the church per se, the apostles and evangelists would often end up in parachurch organizations. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong. I think the church needs all of those things. Um, and, uh, But yeah, we’ve, we’ve, we’ve left that behind, sadly. And there’s nothing sexy about being a shepherd. [00:37:37] Kayleigh: Yeah, no, I, all, all of the Apostle, I mean that, well, the whole thing is needed, um, and it’s most beautiful when we just work together, and, and when they can respond to each other. So, I mean, me and you’re an example in your house, you’re a visiting example of this. You can’t, even if just listening, you have some clear Apostle evangelists in your group, right? [00:37:54] Kayleigh: I mean, Um, right? And so you have these people wired for that, and yet they’re able to, to learn and respond to some of the people in the group who have more of those prophet shepherd tendencies. And so I think that that’s really what, and that’s loving, right? So we should go back. It’s just loving one another and learning from one another. [00:38:17] Kayleigh: And knowing when to lean into certain giftings and to learn from others giftings. This is why it’s the body of Christ. And so when a component of the body of Christ is left out, we can’t be who God’s called us to be. And so when we neglect the role of the shepherd and neglect the role of the prophet or minimize them, or see them as secondary, then we’re not going to do called us to be. [00:38:44] Kayleigh: You know, we may need all of it to come together to do what God has called us to do. God is working in this church. He’s worked all through this church. He has established it and called it, and He’s going to use it. But we need to be learning how He has built it and how He framed it. For me to love one another and not elevate one gifting above another. [00:39:07] Julie: And it’s interesting too, you mentioned the office of the pastor. Um, I know as we were discussing some of this, we have one guy who’s very, I mean, actually our entire group, and I think this is probably why we’ve been able to navigate some of this. It’s it’s a really spiritually mature group. A lot of people. [00:39:26] Julie: who have been in leadership, um, which sometimes you get a lot of leaders together and it can be, you know, but this hasn’t been that way because I think people really do love the Lord. Um, and they love each other. Um, but one of the things that was brought up, um, is Is the pastor an office or is it a role and have we made it into an office and, and what we realized in the midst of that and I, you know, I, I’m like, well, that’s really interesting. [00:39:57] Julie: I would like to study that. And I find there, there’s a curiosity when you talk compassionate curiosity, I think there’s also a curiosity in, in people who have been through this kind of trauma. There’s a curiosity in, okay, what, what did we do? that we did because everybody said that’s how we’re supposed to do it. [00:40:18] Kayleigh: Yeah. [00:40:18] Julie: Yeah. Do I really have that conviction? Could I really argue it from scripture? Is this even right? And so I find even in our group, there is a, there is a, um, there’s a curiosity and maybe this is because we’re coming through and we’re in, you know, I think a later stage of healing is that now we’re like really curious about what should we be? [00:40:44] Julie: Yes. Yes. What should we be, like, we, we want to dig into what, what is a church, what should it really be, and what, why, how could we be different? Of course, always realizing that you can have the perfect structure and still have disaster. Um, it really does come down to the character of the people and, and that, but, but yeah, there’s a real, Curiosity of, of sort of, um, digging, digging into that. [00:41:10] Julie: And, and let me just, I can ask you, and, and maybe this will be a rabbit trail, maybe we’ll edit it out. I don’t know. Um, , but, but I am curious what do, what do you think of that idea that the, the pastorate may be a role that we’ve made into an office and maybe that could be part of the problem? [00:41:27] Kayleigh: I think that’s a lot of it. [00:41:28] Kayleigh: Um, because when we turn the, the pastorate into an office, we can lose the priesthood of all believers. So that I think is often what happens is that, um, you create this pastoral role where now all of the ministry falls on to the pastor. And so instead of the pastor’s role being to equip the saints for the ministry, which is what scripture says, the scripture describes a pastor as equipping the saints for the ministry. [00:41:56] Kayleigh: Now the pastor is doing the ministry, right? There’s, there’s just all of this pressure on the pastor. And that’s, that’s where I think we start to see this. The shift from the pastor being the one who is, you know, encouraging and equipping and edifying and, you know, calling up everybody to live into their role as the body of Christ where we’ve seen. [00:42:19] Kayleigh: You know, I have a soft spot for pastors. Again, I’m like, they’re all my relatives are them. I love pastors and I know some really beautiful ones who get into ministry because that’s exactly what they want to do. And so what has often happened though, is that the, the ways of our culture have begun to inform how the church operates. [00:42:40] Kayleigh: And so we saw this, you know, when, when the church started to employ business In kind of the church growth movement. So it’s like, okay, well, who knows how to grow things? Business people know how to grow things. Okay. Well, what are they doing? Right. And so now that the pastor is like the CEO, people choose their churches based on the pastor’s sermon, right? [00:43:00] Kayleigh: Well, I like how this pastor preaches. So I’m going to go to that church. Um, so some of it is. So I would say that not all of it is pastors who have like that egotistical thing within them at the beginning. Some of it is that we know that those patterns exist. But some of these men and women are genuinely just love the Lord’s people and then get into these roles where they’re all of a sudden like, wait, I, Why, why is it about me and others, this pressure to preach better sermons and the person down the road or, you know, run the programs and do all of these things instead of equipping the people to do the work of God. [00:43:38] Kayleigh: And so I think it’s, it’s about, and right, I think it’s happened internally in our churches, but I also think there’s this outward societal pressure that has shifted the pastor from this shepherding role to the CEO office. Um, And finding the, like, middle ground, right? So again, like, we can swing the pendulum one way and not have pastors. [00:44:05] Kayleigh: Or we can swing the pendulum the other way and have pastors at the center of everything. But is there a way of finding, kind of, this middle ground where people who are fairly calm and gifted and anointed by God to do rich shepherding can do it in a way that is Zen sitting that church that is equal famous saint that is calling the body of Christ to be what it is called be. [00:44:27] Kayleigh: And I guess I’m, I’m constantly over optimistic and so I’m convinced that there’s gotta be a way , that we can get to a place where pastors can live out of their giftings and live by their callings and live out of their long dreams in such a way. That leads to the flourishing health of the church and not to its destruction. [00:44:45] Julie: Yes. And, and I think if it’s working properly, that absolutely should be there. They should be a gift to the church. Um, and, and sadly we just, we haven’t seen enough of that, but that is, that is, I think the model. Um, let’s talk specifically, and we have talked, or we might not have named it, um, but some of the results of this collective trauma. [00:45:08] Julie: in a congregation. Um, let’s, let’s name some of the things. These are ways that this can, that this can play itself out. [00:45:17] Kayleigh: Sure. So when we’re talking about congregational collective trauma, one of the main results that we’ve talked about kind of in a roundabout way is this lack of trust that can happen within the congregation. [00:45:27] Kayleigh: And this can be twofold. We can talk about the lack of trust for the leadership, but it all also can be lack of trust. Just, In the congregation itself, um, this often happens, particularly if we’re looking at clergy misconduct that maybe wasn’t as widespread. So I think this is some of what you’ve kind of talked about with Willow Creek a little bit, and I’m, I wasn’t in that situation, but I’ve seen it other places where, you know, in our system, the denominational leadership removes a pastor. [00:45:56] Kayleigh: And so what can happen in a system like that is that denominational leadership becomes aware of abuse. They act on the abuse by removing the pastor. And what you have happening is kind of this, um, Betrayal trauma or this, you know, bias against believing. And so because the idea that their clergy person who they have loved and trusted, you know, shepherd them could possibly do something that atrocious. [00:46:24] Kayleigh: That idea is too devastating for them to internalize. So it feels safer to their bodies to deny it. And so what can happen is you can have a fraction of the church. that thinks it’s, you know, all made up and that there’s no truth to it. And they began to blame the denominational leadership as the bad guys or that bad reporter that, you know, the [00:46:45] Julie: gossip monger out there. [00:46:47] Julie: It’s so bad. [00:46:48] Kayleigh: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So you have this split. Now, sometimes it literally splits and people will leave. Um, but sometimes they don’t and they all stay. And so you have these fractions of people who believe different things about what happened. And so now there’s, there’s a lack of shared identity. [00:47:08] Kayleigh: So I would say one of the key components of collective trauma in a congregation is this mistrust, which is often connected to a lack of shared identity. And so they can’t really figure out who they are together. What does it mean for us to be a community to get there? Um, and so trauma begins to write their story. [00:47:27] Kayleigh: And so when we talk about the embodiment of trauma, one of the ways that that works in individuals, and this is like a mini neuroscience lesson that many of your listeners are probably aware of, because I think you have a very trauma informed audience. Audience, but, um, you know, that it, it makes us react out of those fight, flight, or freeze responses. [00:47:46] Kayleigh: And so that happens individually, right? So something triggers us and all of a sudden we’re at our cortisol is raised. We’re acting out of the, uh, you know, those flight flight places that happens communally too. So a community gets triggered by, you know, a pastor again, having what they think is just a creative idea, you know, but maybe it triggers that time that that pastor. [00:48:09] Kayleigh: Had a creative idea that was, you know, and ran with it without talking to anybody and just like wield the control and manipulated people. And now, all of a sudden, this pastor who thinks they just have this innocent, creative idea is now seen as manipulative. And what are they going to try to do behind our backs? [00:48:27] Kayleigh: And what are they going to try? And, and. What are they going to take from us? Right? And so trauma, trauma takes from people. And so now they’re living kind of out of this perpetual perceived fear, perceived threat, that something else is going to be lost. And so when you have a congregation that’s constantly operating out of, you know, this fight, flight, or freeze response. [00:48:52] Kayleigh: Collectively, I mean, how can we expect them to live out the mission that God has given them? Um, you know, they’re not, they’re not there. They’re not able to, um, they’re not able to relate to one another in a healthy way. And so we, we see a lack of kind of intimate relationships in these congregations, right? [00:49:09] Kayleigh: Because so the Deb Dana, who has helped people really understand the polyvagal theory, when we’re talking about, um, trauma talks about your, your, um, Nervous system, your autonomic nervous system is kind of being like a three rung ladder. And so in this three rung ladder, you have the top rung being your ventral bagel state, which is where you can engage with people in safe and healthy ways. [00:49:32] Kayleigh: And then you move down into kind of your sympathetic nervous system. And this is where you’re in that fight flight freeze and then dorsal bagels at the bottom. And in those two middle and bottom, you can’t build these deep relationships. And again, deep relationships are what make a church a church. And so if you have a congregation that’s stuck in these middle to bottom rungs of this ladder, they’re, they’re fight, flight, freeze, or they’re withdrawing from one another. [00:49:54] Kayleigh: You’re, you’re losing the intimacy, the vulnerability, the safety of these congregations to build those kinds of relationships. And so I would say that, that distrust, that lack of shared identity and that inability to build deeper kind of relationships are three kind of key components of what we’re seeing in congregations who are carrying this collective trauma. [00:50:16] Julie: And yet, if you work through that together, like I will say right now, I feel a great deal of affection for, for everyone. Uh, in our house tours because we went through that chaos together, but also it was, it was an opportunity to see love and people lay down their lives for each other. So to, to be able to see, I mean, you begin writing a new story instead of that old story that’s been so dominant, you know, that you have to tell, you have to work through. [00:50:50] Julie: Yeah, you do. And, and, and you have, you do. I love where you say, you know, people need to, to hear that from you. Yeah. I think that’s really, really important for people to have a safe place. But then at the same time, you can’t, you don’t want to live the rest of your life there. You don’t want that to define, define you. [00:51:09] Julie: Um, and that’s, that’s what’s beautiful though, is if you work through it together, now you, you’ve got a new story, right? You’ve got, you’ve got Dodd doing something beautiful. Um, among you and, and that’s what he does. [00:51:23] Kayleigh: That’s why we call our organization Restory. Um, it is a word used in trauma theory and in reconciliation studies to talk about what communities who have experienced a lot of violence have to do is they have to get to a place where they’re able to, it’s exactly what you’re talking about with your house churches doing is you guys have kind of come to a place where you’re able to ask the question, who do we want to be now? [00:51:45] Kayleigh: And this is this process of restorying. And so what trauma does is in many ways, for a while, it tries to write our stories. And for a while, it kind of has, because of the way that it’s embodied, we kind of, it has to, right? Like we have to process like, okay, I’m reacting to this. trigger because of this trauma that’s happened. [00:52:05] Kayleigh: So how do I work through that? You know, how do I name that? How do I begin to tell that story? And so we, and we have to tell the story, right? Because I mean, trauma theory has been the dialectic of traumas, but Judith Herman talks about is it’s very unspeakable because it’s horrific, but it has to be spoken to be healed. [00:52:22] Kayleigh: Right. And so with this trauma, it can be hard to speak initially. But it needs to be spoken to be healed. But once we’ve done that, once we begin to loosen the control that trauma has on us. Once we’re able to speak it out loud, and then we can get to a place individually and communally where we can start to ask ourselves, Who do we want to be? [00:52:45] Kayleigh: And who has God called us to be? And no, things are not going to be the way they were before the trauma happened. I think that’s the other thing that happens in churches is there’s a lot of misconception. That healing means restoring everything to the way it was before. And when that doesn’t happen, there’s this question of, well, well, did we, did we heal? [00:53:06] Kayleigh: And we have to remember that we’re never going back to the way it was before the trauma happened. But we can begin to imagine what it can look like now. Once we begin to integrate the suffering into our story, and we begin to ask those helpful questions, and we take away the trauma’s control, now we can ask, who do we want to be? [00:53:24] Kayleigh: And we can begin to write a new beautiful story that can be healing for many others. [00:53:29] Julie: A friend of mine who has been through unspeakable trauma, I love when she talks about her husband, because they went through this together, and she often says, he’s like an aged fine wine. You know, and I love that because to me, no, you’re not going back to who you were, but in many ways who you were was a little naive, little starry eyed, a little, you know, and, and once you’ve been through these sorts of things, it is kind of like an aged fine wine. [00:54:01] Julie: You have, you’re, you’re aged, but hopefully in a beautiful way. And, you know, I, I think you’re way more compassionate. Once you’ve gone through this, you’re way more able to see another person who’s traumatized and And to, you know, reach out to that person, to love that person, to care for that person. And so it’s a beautiful restoring. [00:54:26] Julie: And we could talk about this for a very long time. And we will continue this discussion at Restore, [00:54:33] Kayleigh: um, because [00:54:34] Julie: you’re going to be at the conference and that was part of our original discussions. So folks, if you wanna talk more to Kaleigh , come to Restore. I, I’m, I’m gonna fit you in somehow because , I’m gonna be there. [00:54:46] Julie: you’re gonna be there. But do you just have a wealth of, uh, I think research and insights that I think will really, really be powerful? And I’m waiting for you to write your book because it needs to be written. Um, but I’m working on it. , thank you for, for taking the time and for, um, just loving the body. [00:55:07] Julie: And in the way that you have, I appreciate it. [00:55:09] Kayleigh: Well, thank you. Because, you know, when I heard about your work and your tagline, you know, reporting the truth, but restoring the church, you know, I was just so drawn in because that’s what we need. The church is worth it. The church is beautiful and she is worth taking the time to restore. [00:55:24] Kayleigh: And I’m so thankful for the work that you’re doing to make sure that that that happens. [00:55:28] Julie: Thank you. Well, thanks so much for listening to the Roy’s Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And if you’ve appreciated this podcast and our investigative journalism, would you please consider donating to the Roy’s report to support our ongoing work? [00:55:47] Julie: As I’ve often said, we don’t have advertisers or many large donors. We mainly have you. The people who care about our mission of reporting the truth and restoring the church. So if you’d like to help us out, just go to Julie Roy’s spelled R O Y S dot com slash donate. That’s Julie Roy’s dot com slash donate. [00:56:07] Julie: Also just a quick reminder to subscribe to the Roy’s report on Apple podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. That way you won’t miss any of these episodes. And while you’re at it, I’d really appreciate it if you’d help us spread the word about the podcast by leaving a review. And then please share the podcast on social media so more people can hear about this great content. [00:56:29] Julie: Again, thanks so much for joining me today. Hope you are blessed and encouraged. Read more
In this episode, Danny sits down with Josh Newton, the Pastor of Student Ministries at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Barrington, Illinois to discuss the challenges and joys of engaging in relational discipleship with students. Danny and Josh discuss some practical ways youth leaders and volunteers can dig deeper into the lives of students, as well as offer gospel encouragement for youth ministers who feel disappointed with how they've navigated relational discipleship. Whether you are in a fruitful or frustrating season with relational discipleship, we hope you'll be blessed by Danny and Josh's wisdom in this episode. Resources:Check out more Rooted resources on relational discipleship here. Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!
Public Health Careers podcast episode with Darnell Barrington, MPH
Are you ready to elevate your negotiation game in the multifamily real estate space?In this episode of the Multifamily Wealth Podcast, I share three tactical negotiating tips that can help you secure better deals and increase your chances of success in your next investment. Discover how to craft compelling offers that stand out, understand the importance of deal terms beyond just price, and learn the psychological tricks that can create urgency in your negotiations.Join us as we answer: - How can you leverage specific data points to justify your offer and increase its appeal to sellers? - What other terms should you consider to strengthen your offer? - How can setting expiration dates on your offers create a sense of urgency for sellers to act quickly? - What are some creative deal points you can include that benefit you without materially affecting the seller's position?Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, these strategies will give you the edge you need to stand out in a competitive market.Additionally, I'm thrilled to announce our newest investment opportunity: a 72-unit property in Barrington, New Hampshire. This is a direct-to-seller deal with a compelling business plan and minimal execution risk. If you want to learn more, click here to access the deal room.Are you a new multifamily investor looking to grow your portfolio but don't know where to start? Are you an existing multifamily investor looking to scale your business and master advanced topics such as capital structure, finding off-market deals, and establishing JV partnerships? Click here to learn more about 7-Day Multifamily, a program in which I teach investors the foundational skills they need to start and scale a multifamily portfolio rapidly.Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
In this episode of the Multifamily Wealth Podcast, I dive into five critical lessons that only experienced multifamily investors truly learn over time. These insights are not merely the result of making poor investment decisions, but rather stem from the complexities and challenges that arise as investors scale their businesses.Join us as we explore: - The challenges of managing cash flow when scaling quickly - The importance of committing to your original business plan - How to define the type of investor you want to be—whether it's large-scale deals or smaller, high-return investments - The long-term costs of hiring cheap vendors versus investing in quality services - The value of prioritizing well-located assets over higher yieldsWhether you're a new investor looking to avoid common pitfalls or an experienced operator aiming to scale your business, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you navigate the multifamily investment landscape more effectively.Additionally, I'm thrilled to announce our newest investment opportunity: a 72-unit property in Barrington, New Hampshire. This is a direct-to-seller deal with a compelling business plan and minimal execution risk. If you want to learn more, click here to access the deal room.Are you a new multifamily investor looking to grow your portfolio but don't know where to start? Are you an existing multifamily investor looking to scale your business and master advanced topics such as capital structure, finding off-market deals, and establishing JV partnerships? Click here to learn more about 7-Day Multifamily, a program in which I teach investors the foundational skills they need to start and scale a multifamily portfolio rapidly.Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton
Is the Holy Spirit moving us towards a spirituality that is practice-based and practice-oriented rather than faith-based and belief-oriented? This week, Ruth and Fr. Michael Sparough sit down to discuss this question and their own experiences with a practice-based spirituality. Fr. Michael shares the ecumenical spiritual practices that have been the most transformative and the power he finds in praying and acting together across different faith traditions. They also discuss the ways in which a belief-oriented faith leaves us feeling responsible to defend the faith and God above all else. This season we are exploring the future of Christian spirituality. Based on her own experience and the lives of people she accompanies on the journey, Ruth has been naming what she is noticing and observing regarding the future of Christian spirituality– how the Spirit is moving and how we can align ourselves to participate in the future God is leading us into. Elements she is naming include respect for the role of desire; emphasis on spiritual direction; welcoming and inclusive; committed to justice; and more. This season Ruth will sit down with thoughtful Christian leaders to discuss their thoughts on one of these elements, as it has to do with the future of Christian spirituality. This season was inspired by the Beyond Words series by the same name. Check out those posts here. Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, is a retreat director, storyteller, itinerant preacher, poet, and spiritual director at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington. He is also the President of Heart to Heart: A Catholic Media Ministry. He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. A prolific writer and speaker, Fr. Michael has published extensively on prayer. His latest co-authored book is What's Your Decision? An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making and is published by Loyola Press. Each week he sends out a weekly video homily that can be seen on-line at: HtoH.US Join us for our upcoming Online Oasis: When the Road is Dark and Dim: Navigating the Dark Night, Depression, and Grief on the Spiritual Journey. In this Online Oasis event, Dr. Bob Watson, a licensed clinical psychologist, joins Ruth to explore the differences and the overlaps between the dark night of the soul, depression, and the experience of grief on the spiritual journey. Whether you are wondering about this for yourself, for someone you love, or someone you are accompanying as a pastor, psychologist or spiritual director, this conversation will equip you to more wisely discern what is really going on, help you learn how to welcome God's presence into this aspect of the journey, and identify the appropriate resources for each. It is ideal for: pastors, spiritual directors, psychologists, individuals, spiritual friends. Join us on Wednesday, October 30 from 12-1:30 CST. Learn more and register HERE. Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Dusk from Music in Solitude Support the podcast! This season patrons will receive special bonus episodes with each guest, guiding listeners on how to pray into these different topics. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page! The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders. Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! Learn more and apply HERE. *this post contains affiliate links
In this inspiring episode of Gamechangers LIVE, host Sergio Tigera sits down with aviation trailblazer Barrington Irving—the first Black, first Jamaican, and youngest person to fly solo around the world! Barrington shares his incredible journey, from overcoming countless obstacles to achieving an aviation world record. His story of determination, grit, and vision will motivate you to pursue your boldest dreams, no matter the challenges. Topics Covered in This Episode: - The struggles and triumphs of Barrington Irving's solo world flight. - How he broke through barriers in aviation as a Black and Jamaican pilot. - The importance of mentorship and community impact. - How you can take control of your own destiny, no matter where you start. About Barrington Irving: Barrington Irving made history at just 23 years old by becoming the first Black and youngest person ever to fly solo around the globe. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation through his nonprofit, Experience Aviation, and other educational programs aimed at exposing youth to STEM careers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamechangerslive/support