Podcasts about Belonging

Parents everywhere feel the December pressure: "What on earth do I buy my kids this year?" In today's Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy and Wayne unpack the gift-giving stress that so many families carry, whether it's the hunt for the "perfect" present, or navigating Amazon wish lists, trying to understand what a nine-year-old even likes anymore is dynamic. Together, Dr. Kathy and Wayne explore how gifts can honor a child's identity, how the 8 Great Smarts can guide meaningful choices, and why experiences often build deeper belonging than toys ever could. With stories, humor, and deeply practical wisdom, this episode reframes holiday giving as a chance to communicate connection, confidence, and love, not pressure. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend, this conversation helps you give with purpose, joy, and peace.

Laura Gómez moderates a conversation with Yvette Borja, Laura E. Gómez Latinx People and the Law Teaching Fellow, UCLA School of Law, Gabriela Ibañez Guzmán, staff attorney at Somos Un Pueblo Unido, Mariel Bustamante, PhD student at the UC Berkeley School of Jurisprudence and Social Policy, Emily Morel, community organizer with Red De DefensAZ, and Alejandra Pablos, co-founder of Red De DefensAZ. They discuss the successful policies passed in New Mexico during the last 25 years that allow immigrant New Mexicans to pursue higher education and workforce training, obtain driver's licenses, receive protection from wage theft and discrimination, and access state guaranteed-basic-income pilots. By contrast, Arizona has passed several anti-immigrant laws, including a ban on cities passing sanctuary policies, served as the center stage for racist policing as immigration enforcement, and is home to many localities that use immigration detention centers as a means for economic development. But Arizona has also served as an incubator for participatory defense community organizing led by directly impacted people, from Puente to Red De DefensAZ. This roundtable explored the reasons behind these divergences and what they can teach us about non-carceral futures in the Southwest.To support the podcast, become a patreon member at: https://patreon.com/radiocachimbona?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkFollow @radiocachibona on Instagram, X, and Facebook

This podcast is a short daily audio provided by the online recovery group Transitions Daily. The daily content includes different recovery quotes from various sources, including; Twenty-Four Hours a Day, A.A. Thought for the Day, Daily Reflections, Big Book Quote, Just for Today, As Bill Sees It, and more! Transitions Daily also delivers the same content in a daily email with a secret Facebook group for discussion. Visit www.DailyAAEmails.com for more information. Do you want to stop drinking? Have you ever listened to sobriety podcasts? Does alcoholism or addiction run in your family? Have you tried Alcoholics Anonymous or the 12 Steps of A.A.? Are you considering how to get sober? Are you seriously thinking about sobriety for the first time? Is alcohol controlling your life as never before? If so, you will definitely want to check out this recovery podcast.

Send us a textIn this episode of Navigating the Customer Experience, we sit down with Jean-Pierre LaCroix—President and Chief Strategy Officer of SLD, brand visionary, author, and creator of groundbreaking tools such as the Trust Ladder and the Ideal Omni Experience Model. With more than 46 years of experience helping global organizations transform their retail, brand, and customer experience ecosystems, Jean-Pierre brings deep insight into what it truly takes to build emotionally resonant brands.Jean-Pierre begins by sharing his personal journey—from growing up on an Air Force base in Germany to working long days on his family's farm, to discovering his passion for design at Sheridan College. Launching his first firm just two years after graduating, he eventually built SLD into a leading global strategic design agency.He then dives into his latest book, ThinkBlink Manifesto, which distills decades of experience into seven core tenets for creating emotionally connected brands. Jean-Pierre explains why emotional equity—not features, benefits, or promotions—is what customers respond to most deeply. The seven tenets include:Owning the Emotional MomentPersonifying the Emotional Value Through DesignCommunicating a Compelling Brand StoryUnderstanding Target Personas Beyond DemographicsCreating Belonging ExperiencesMeasuring What Truly Matters (Emotional Metrics)Future-Proofing the BrandJean-Pierre discusses how leaders can shift beyond pre-COVID thinking by embracing new metrics, strengthening community and belonging for employees and customers, and leveraging SLD's newly launched ThinkBlink AI Assessment tool to evaluate emotional connection, differentiation, and future readiness.He also highlights companies that exemplify these principles—such as Apple, Harley-Davidson, and Canadian innovator Cineplex—organizations that have built loyalty and community through purpose-driven experiences.A voracious reader, Jean-Pierre shares the books that have shaped him most, including Blue Ocean Strategy, The Challenger Mindset, and Nudge. He also opens up about what he's currently excited about: becoming a grandfather and being invited once again as a keynote speaker at the Financial Brand Forum.To close the episode, he shares his personal mantra for challenging times: “Leadership is about seeing the opportunity in the challenges versus the challenges in the opportunity.”Connect with Jean-Pierre on LinkedIn or visit www.sld.com for tools, insights, and free resources.

What if the real discomfort zone isn't the big rapid, the waterfall, or the leap into the unknown — but the murky middle between who you've been and who you're becoming? In this powerful, honest conversation, Anna sits down with lifelong adventurer and Color My Outdoors founder Simone Adams to explore what it really takes to navigate fear, identity, and belonging in outdoor spaces. Together they dive into:

When hope is tied only to a desired outcome, disappointment becomes inevitable. Katherine Wolf knows this truth more personally than most. At just 26, with a newborn in her arms and a lifetime ahead of her, she suffered a massive and unexpected stroke that changed everything.Today, through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit ministry Hope Heals, Katherine invites others into a deeper, sturdier hope—one that can withstand even the darkest valleys.On today's show, she joins us to share her journey: how suffering reshaped her faith, her understanding of God's goodness, and even her family's finances.A Life Forever ChangedIn 2008, without warning or symptoms, Katherine experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke caused by a congenital condition she never knew she had—an arterial venous malformation (AVM). Overnight, she went from fully able-bodied to fighting for her life.A 16-hour surgery saved her, but her new reality included significant impairments. Today, she uses a wheelchair, has facial paralysis, reduced function in her right hand, and additional physical limitations. Still, she radiates joy and purpose.“I did live—and I'm doing great,” she says with her trademark resilience.Katherine describes the stroke as the moment “the pebble hit the metal”—a collision between everything she had learned about Jesus and the hardest chapter of her life.Years of Scripture, sermons, prayer, and discipleship prepared her for a moment she never imagined. “This is no longer a drill,” she remembers telling herself. Her long walk with Christ, though imperfect, had built a foundation strong enough to stand when everything else fell apart.In her memoir Hope Heals, she writes that suffering is not the end of the story—but the beginning of a new one. Christian hope does not deny pain; it declares that pain will not have the final word.Katherine's more recent book, Treasures in the Dark, draws from Isaiah 45:3—God's promise to give “hidden treasure” in the shadows of our lives so we might know Him more deeply.“If we must walk through darkness—and we all do at some point—why not gather the treasure God has placed there?” she asks. In other words, don't waste your pain. Let God use it to form you, deepen you, and show you His faithfulness in ways comfort never could.Hope Heals: A Ministry Born from SufferingOne of the greatest treasures to emerge from Katherine's hardship is Hope Heals, the nonprofit she and her husband, Jay, founded.Hope Heals CampTheir flagship outreach is a fully scholarship-supported summer camp for families affected by disability. Guests experience rest, community, and the love of Christ through what Katherine calls “inter-ability community”—people with and without disabilities sharing life together.Volunteers and families leave forever changed. The joy is contagious.Mend Coffee ShopIn Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, Hope Heals also operates Mend, a universally accessible coffee shop that employs people with disabilities and creates a space where everyone belongs.Katherine describes both initiatives as “glorious,” a word she uses often—and always with delight.The Financial Realities of SufferingMedical crises don't just affect the body; they often reshape a family's finances. Katherine knows this firsthand.When disability or sudden illness enters a story, she notes, “the finances can be ravaged.” Many families drain savings, take on debt, or scramble to fund treatments and therapies.But Katherine also speaks about “invisible wheelchairs”—the unseen burdens that hold people back. Financial instability, she says, can be one of the most crippling.Her encouragement? Everyone carries some kind of hardship. You are not alone. God gives us community and wisdom so we don't walk these valleys in isolation.For Katherine, surrender has become a central theme of her spiritual life, including how she views money.“Surrender is relief,” she says. “It's not God binding us up—it's letting Him take the wheel.”This posture doesn't magically erase financial challenges, but it reframes them. It anchors us in trust rather than fear. And it reminds us that provision comes from God, not our own strength.Hope for Anyone Facing UncertaintyKatherine's story speaks to those walking through overwhelming medical challenges—but her final encouragement reaches everyone, regardless of circumstances.Trusting God means you don't have to live afraid of what may happen next.Your circumstances may feel anything but okay, but when Christ lives in you, the deepest good in your life is already secure.“The good things of God,” she says, “are not external—they're inside of you when you know Him.”That truth allows us to face uncertainty with confidence, surrender our financial fears, and discover a hope that holds—no matter the storm.Learn MoreTo explore Katherine's ministry or support her work, visit HopeHeals.com.If you're near Atlanta, stop by Mend coffee shop in Buckhead—a place of belonging, beauty, and community. Katherine will also be speaking at the upcoming Kingdom Advisors Conference, where thousands of financial professionals gather to grow in biblical wisdom and stewardship. Learn more at RedeemingMoney.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I invested based on the advice of a family friend who said it was guaranteed, but I lost $15,000. I'm single, I don't have much, and I was expecting this investment to return about $25,000. Now I'm just praying I'll have enough for rent next month. I'm calling to ask how I can recover from something like this.I have some real estate properties I want to leave to my children, and I've heard that putting them in a trust can help avoid capital gains. Do I need a trust for that? And should I also have a will?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Hope Heals | Hope Heals Camp | Mend Coffee & GoodsHope Heals: 
A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine and Jay WolfTreasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf with Alex WolfWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christmas is all about the birth of the Messiah. The promised King. If you were to close your eyes and envision a ruling and reigning king of kings coming to save the world, what would you see? I'd bet you wouldn't envision the same kind of king that Isaiah described in his prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7. This series will shine a fresh light on the four descriptors Isaiah gave Him, showing us a King whose presence brings promise for all of us. -At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

In An Unformed Map: Geographies of Belonging Between Africa and the Caribbean (Duke UP, 2025), Philip Janzen traces the intellectual trajectories of Caribbean people who joined the British and French colonial administrations in Africa between 1890 and 1930. Caribbean administrators grew up in colonial societies, saw themselves as British and French, and tended to look down on Africans. Once in Africa, however, they were doubly marginalized—excluded by Europeans and unwelcome among Africans. This marginalization was then reproduced in colonial archives, where their lives appear only in fragments. Drawing on sources beyond the archives of empire, from dictionaries and language exams to a suitcase full of poems, Janzen considers how Caribbean administrators reckoned with the profound effects of assimilation, racism, and dislocation. As they learned African languages, formed relationships with African intellectuals, and engaged with African cultures and histories, they began to rethink their positions in the British and French empires. They also created new geographies of belonging across the Atlantic, foundations from which others imagined new political horizons. Ultimately, Janzen offers a model for reading across sources and writing history in the face of archival fragmentation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

In this episode, we explore what it really means to honor life's transitions — emotional, professional, or personal. We're joined by Camila Gómez Wills, founder of mareia, who helps women slow down, reconnect, and find clarity from within.Camila shares her own story of feeling stuck, explains the Mareia Method, and talks about why so many high-achieving Latinas struggle even after mindset work. We discuss overthinking, the difference between thinking about clarity vs practicing it, and simple rituals to support you during change.If you're moving through a transition, craving clarity, or feeling stuck, this conversation is for you. Tune in and learn how to move forward with more trust, presence, and ease.Connect with Camila:@mareia.lifewww.mareia.life/linkBook a free Consult with CamilaSend us a textSupport the show@dosboldlatinas

When high performance turns into never enough, it creates burnout, decision fatigue, and a constant sense of falling behind. In this episode, Julie Holly helps you redefine “enough” through identity, alignment, and embodied clarity—not metrics.If you're a high-capacity human who quietly wonders why you always feel behind, even when you're achieving more than ever, this episode will land deeply. Today, Julie guides you into one of the most foundational identity shifts in the entire recalibration journey: redefining what “enough” really means for you now.Most high performers were conditioned to override their natural signals—pushing past their limits, measuring their worth by output, and living inside the quiet hum of not enough. This episode softens that internal pressure and helps you name the deeper truth: Enough is a feeling, not a finish line.Inside this episode, you'll explore:• why you've never felt “done” (role confusion, identity drift, narrative identity patterns)• how overriding your body's cues creates burnout, success fatigue, and spiritual exhaustion• why your estimations of “enough” were shaped by past environments—not present identity• how to reclaim an embodied sense of enough through clarity, safety, and internal congruence• how meaning—not metrics—reveals where your true capacity liesJulie teaches through Narrative Identity, a psychology lens that explains how old stories shape your current definition of worth, success, and adequacy. She also frames “enough” through a faith-rooted perspective—inviting you to trust the One who names you before you produce anything.Unlike mindset work or productivity strategies, ILR (Identity-Level Recalibration) helps you rewrite the internal story beneath your behaviors—so you can stop pushing from pressure and start living from aligned identity. It's not another tactic. It's the root-level recalibration that makes every other tool effective again.Today's Micro Recalibration: Enough is a feeling, not a finish line.Ask: “What does enough feel like in my body?”Enough feels like space. Enough feels like exhale. Enough feels like release.Team Extension: “What does ‘enough' look like for us as a team—not in metrics, but in energy and presence?”This is the kind of episode your future self will thank you for.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Howie Danao grew up in an affluent Tel Aviv home as the adopted son of a secular Israeli family, alongside his Filipino mother who worked as a caretaker. A gifted singer fluent in Hebrew, he rose to the semi-finals of a major Israeli reality competition and later served in the IDF even before he gained citizenship. A transformative Jewish-identity program pushed him to confront his past and his purpose, sending him on a spiritual journey that led to conversion, religious life, and using his music to share his story of faith, belonging, and love for Israel.Howie's music: https://bit.ly/4pjRew6IG: https://www.instagram.com/imjusthowie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowieDanaoHoodie: https://www.makeyourmarkculture.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/makeyourmarkculture/✬ SPONSORS OF THE EPISODE ✬ ► Twillory: 50% OFF NowGo online for the season's BEST Deals!→ https://bit.ly/4eBHeKb► Wheels To Lease: #1 Car Company For over 35 years, Wheels To Lease has offered stress-free car buying with upfront pricing, no hidden fees, and door-to-door delivery. → CALL/TEXT: 718-871-8715 → EMAIL: inspire@wheelstolease.com → WEB: https://bit.ly/41lnzYU → WHATSAPP: https://wa.link/0w46ce ► Feldheim: 20% OFF A Lot!NEW Kichels, NEW Amoraim books and more! Chanukah gifts live here.Get here→ https://bit.ly/3MIHiOj► Kol Eched: Powerful and Free E-MagazineThe OU's latest issue is here. See Yaakov's article too!See here→ https://go.ou.org/KolEchad_____________________________________✬ IN MEMORY OF ✬ This episode is in memory of: • Miram Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe • Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima This episode is for the speedy recovery of: • Yosef Chaim ben Devorah Chaya Golda#iftn Lchaim.

In An Unformed Map: Geographies of Belonging Between Africa and the Caribbean (Duke UP, 2025), Philip Janzen traces the intellectual trajectories of Caribbean people who joined the British and French colonial administrations in Africa between 1890 and 1930. Caribbean administrators grew up in colonial societies, saw themselves as British and French, and tended to look down on Africans. Once in Africa, however, they were doubly marginalized—excluded by Europeans and unwelcome among Africans. This marginalization was then reproduced in colonial archives, where their lives appear only in fragments. Drawing on sources beyond the archives of empire, from dictionaries and language exams to a suitcase full of poems, Janzen considers how Caribbean administrators reckoned with the profound effects of assimilation, racism, and dislocation. As they learned African languages, formed relationships with African intellectuals, and engaged with African cultures and histories, they began to rethink their positions in the British and French empires. They also created new geographies of belonging across the Atlantic, foundations from which others imagined new political horizons. Ultimately, Janzen offers a model for reading across sources and writing history in the face of archival fragmentation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In An Unformed Map: Geographies of Belonging Between Africa and the Caribbean (Duke UP, 2025), Philip Janzen traces the intellectual trajectories of Caribbean people who joined the British and French colonial administrations in Africa between 1890 and 1930. Caribbean administrators grew up in colonial societies, saw themselves as British and French, and tended to look down on Africans. Once in Africa, however, they were doubly marginalized—excluded by Europeans and unwelcome among Africans. This marginalization was then reproduced in colonial archives, where their lives appear only in fragments. Drawing on sources beyond the archives of empire, from dictionaries and language exams to a suitcase full of poems, Janzen considers how Caribbean administrators reckoned with the profound effects of assimilation, racism, and dislocation. As they learned African languages, formed relationships with African intellectuals, and engaged with African cultures and histories, they began to rethink their positions in the British and French empires. They also created new geographies of belonging across the Atlantic, foundations from which others imagined new political horizons. Ultimately, Janzen offers a model for reading across sources and writing history in the face of archival fragmentation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/caribbean-studies

In An Unformed Map: Geographies of Belonging Between Africa and the Caribbean (Duke UP, 2025), Philip Janzen traces the intellectual trajectories of Caribbean people who joined the British and French colonial administrations in Africa between 1890 and 1930. Caribbean administrators grew up in colonial societies, saw themselves as British and French, and tended to look down on Africans. Once in Africa, however, they were doubly marginalized—excluded by Europeans and unwelcome among Africans. This marginalization was then reproduced in colonial archives, where their lives appear only in fragments. Drawing on sources beyond the archives of empire, from dictionaries and language exams to a suitcase full of poems, Janzen considers how Caribbean administrators reckoned with the profound effects of assimilation, racism, and dislocation. As they learned African languages, formed relationships with African intellectuals, and engaged with African cultures and histories, they began to rethink their positions in the British and French empires. They also created new geographies of belonging across the Atlantic, foundations from which others imagined new political horizons. Ultimately, Janzen offers a model for reading across sources and writing history in the face of archival fragmentation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Today our guest is Leandra Torra, Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Care Manager at Jefferson County Public Schools. We talk with Leandra about an innovative approach to Tier 2 support that solves capacity issues by partnering elementary schools with neighboring high school student mentors. She shares how this student-led model helped younger students "graduate" from support groups while significantly improving attendance and belonging. She highlights the necessity of a strong Tier 1 foundation and why leaders must prioritize connection before students are truly ready to learn. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Why success feels empty for so many high performers — and how redefining achievement through identity restores meaning, clarity, and drive. Discover how intrinsic motivation, not pressure, sharpens your edge and leads to aligned, sustainable success.High performers often assume that if success starts feeling empty, something must be wrong — with their motivation, their pace, their ambition, or their capacity. But emptiness isn't failure. It's a sign of identity misalignment, the quiet drift between who you were and who you're becoming.In this episode, Julie reframes success through intrinsic motivation, showing why meaning — not metrics — is what truly sustains high-capacity humans. Through the lens of burnout recovery, role confusion, decision fatigue, and spiritual exhaustion, she reveals why external validation stops working and how internal congruence sharpens your drive instead of softening it.You'll revisit the story of Sara Blakely, not as a billionaire founder, but as a woman who built her success from alignment, intuition, and play — a reminder that identity-led ambition multiplies effectiveness.This episode is a core expression of The Recalibration — Julie's psychology-backed, faith-rooted pathway that goes beneath mindset shifts and habit stacks to realign identity at the root. ILR isn't another strategy; it is the root-level recalibration that makes every other tool effective again.In this episode, you'll explore: • why success stops feeling like success when identity evolves • how cultural expectations shape outdated definitions of achievement • the difference between intrinsic motivation and external pressure • why alignment deepens drive rather than dulling it • how meaning becomes the new metric for sustainable excellenceToday's Micro RecalibrationIf success didn't need to impress anyone — not your peers, not your mentors, not your past self — what would success look like now? Let your success flow from alignment, not anxiety.Team RecalibrationAsk your team: “If success didn't need to impress anyone, what would we focus on differently this week?”If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

How do we weave more beauty, purpose, and belonging into our days? This question sits at the heart of this closing episode of this series. A gentle inquiry for anyone feeling the speed of modern life, the subtle ache of disconnection, or simply the desire to live more fully.  Through personal stories from India and home, grounded research on longevity and connection, and ancient Indian wisdom from Yoga and Ayurveda, she explores what truly sustains us, the simple human threads we've carried for thousands of years. Together we look at what actually helps us thrive: relationships as the strongest predictor of health and happiness the deep physical impact of isolation (Harvard + Holt-Lunstad's research) the shared traits of long-living communities across the world the way nature lowers stress and restores vitality how meditating together synchronises our physiology the role of purpose in extending life and the ancient languages of rhythm, breath, presence, and intention Amisha weaves these with teachings on Prana (life force), Dinacharya (daily rhythm), the five elements, and the deeper meaning of Dharma, offering ten simple, human principles for living a beautiful and connected life. This episode is a reminder.  A way of returning to what we already know. A soft invitation to belong again.  The show notes and details of all mentioned courses and events will appear here at www.allthatweare.org (make sure you are on the newsletter for all the updates!)

What does it look like for a church to become a place where every individual—regardless of ability—belongs, is valued, and is discipled?In this inspiring episode, we take a deep dive into the heart behind Embrace Ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church and the incredible work happening through the Rowan Glenn Center, a space created to love and serve individuals with special needs and their families.You'll hear how this ministry didn't begin with a facility, a strategy, or a perfect plan—it began with a few families and a church willing to step into the calling of true inclusion. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, our guests share how churches of any size can build cultures of advocacy, accessibility, and gospel-centered care.Whether your church is just starting this journey or looking to grow, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take the next step in loving families with special needs well. This episode will remind you that special needs ministry doesn't require perfection—it requires presence. Whether you're a Kids Ministry leader, pastor, volunteer, or parent, you'll walk away with hope, direction, and a clearer vision of what it means to build a church where everyone truly belongs.SHOW LINKS:Lifeway Kids Special Needs Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!

There is a moment in every spiritual practice when something shifts, and you see your life from a new place. This discussion opens that doorway. Colleen shares how the Blessing Exchange with the Divine Animal Kingdom restores belonging, reveals the truth of human nature, and prepares you for the upcoming Eagle Mouse Vision journeys. This session explores why blessing energy is a real field on the earth and how it changes your perception when you connect with it through Reiki. In this recording, Colleen describes the Blessing Exchange Reiki Journey and the benefits of meeting the Divine Animal Kingdom in sacred space. The journey itself is in the next video. This conversation helps you understand how blessing energy works, why it is part of the natural world, and how receiving blessings from the animals, the earth, and the Tree of Life strengthens instinct, intuition, and inner knowing. You will hear how the Blessing Fields first appeared through years of Reiki and shamanic practice and how the Divine Animal Kingdom invites every person to take their place in the circle of life as the human being in that circle. This perspective heals the belief in separation and supports your ability to listen to your path through eagle vision, mouse vision, and your own inner sight. In this session you will learn: What blessing energy is and why it exists on the earth How the Divine Animal Kingdom participates in the Blessing Exchange Why belonging is an essential part of your spiritual and human nature How blessing energy supports clarity during times of change How this prepares your perception for the Eagle Mouse Vision series Colleen shares stories of working with the spirit of the earth, the animals, and the Tree of Life, including teachings that shaped the Animal Reiki courses and the Blessing Exchange practices. You will hear how Reiki can support solutions, insight, compassion, and the activation of higher frequencies in daily life and in the world. The guided Blessing Exchange Journey is offered in the next recording, where you will be invited to meet the Divine Animal Kingdom, receive blessings, and connect with the energy that supports your path forward. Next Step Reiki and Explore the 12 HeavensThese year long trainings blend Reiki with journey practices like this one, preparing you to work with higher frequencies, intuitive awareness, and the wisdom of the natural world. Registration is available at ReikiLifestyle.com. **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

What if the stories you repeat every day aren't yours—but someone else's script running your life?In this episode, Byron and Michael look closely at narratives—the powerful stories we absorb from media, culture, and community—and how they shape what we feel, believe, and choose. They explore the difference between raw facts and the emotional storyline built around them, naming how hype can manipulate attention, belonging, and identity. They invite a return to truthfulness (Satya) and witness consciousness (sakshi bhava)—seeing the story without becoming the story—so decisions come from inner integrity, not crowd pressure. He also touches on collective “open secrets,” victim narratives, and why neutrality can get misread as opposition. For teachers, he offers a practical lens: every class is a narrative—so what are you feeding? Ego, or autonomy and intention? They close with a simple map for crafting transformational stories in class: personal lesson → yogic principle → clear bridge back to the student's life. Curious where your choices end and the narrative begins? This conversation is your mirror. —-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:43 Rebrand Tease00:02:08 What Is a Narrative?00:03:39 Algorithms & Echo Chambers00:07:16 Facts vs. Story (Manipulation & Hype)00:10:56 Self, Other, and Collective Narratives00:15:29 Belonging, Shame, and Agreeableness00:20:50 “First to Share” and Worthiness00:24:57 Satya & Witness Consciousness00:27:28 Language: From Truth to Spin00:28:38 Victim Narratives00:29:40 Why Old Stories Stick00:33:17 Truth in the Present Moment00:34:40 Teaching as Narrative00:37:07 From Personal Story to Student Insight00:39:40 Neti Neti & Ego Softening00:41:07 Closing—-------—-------—-

On this podcast, for years we've discussed issues such as conspiracy theories, mis- and disinformation, polarization, and the ways in which the design and incentives on today's technology platforms exacerbate them. Today's guest is Calum Lister Matheson,  associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh and a faculty member of the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center. He's the author of Post-Weird: Fragmentation, Community, and the Decline of the Mainstream, a new book from Rutgers University Press that applies a different lens on the question as he searches for insights into the seemingly inexplicable behaviors of communities such as serpent handlers, pro-anorexia groups, believers in pseudoscience, and conspiracy theorists that deny the reality of gun violence in schools.

In this episode of RiseUp Live: Joy Your Way, certified coach Kamini Wood unpacks how to create healthy boundaries without losing connection. Learn how to stop people-pleasing, communicate your needs clearly, and build relationships rooted in safety, respect, and authenticity.If you've ever struggled to say no, feared losing love by setting limits, or wondered how to belong without self-abandonment—this conversation is for you.You'll learn:The difference between walls and boundariesHow to honor your needs without guiltWhy true belonging starts with self-respectSimple steps to set healthy emotional boundariesSubscribe for more weekly episodes on self-leadership, emotional healing, and authentic living.#Boundaries #Belonging #SelfWorth #PeoplePleasing #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney

Today as we worship around our Lord's table, as we celebrate with our family their bold declaration, as we honor our King, remember His sacrifice, remember His crucifixion is so much more than our passage to Heaven. Days like today acknowledge that we are “born again” new creations in Christ! John 3:3, 5-6 (NKJV) “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” v.5-6, Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Speaker - Paul Bergin Message - What Do These Stones Mean To You? "I Said Yes To Jesus" - Click Here! The Belonging Cø • Nashville, TN USA For the latest on what's happening at church, visit thebelonging.co

Speaker - Alex Seeley Message - As Irons Sharpens Irons "I Said Yes To Jesus" - Click Here! The Belonging Cø • Nashville, TN USA For the latest on what's happening at church, visit thebelonging.co

High performer pressure often comes from decision fatigue and role conditioning — not ambition. In this episode, discover why you push past your limits and how predictive processing keeps you ahead of life instead of in it. Learn the identity-level shift that frees your nervous system to choose peace.High performers often assume they push too hard because they're ambitious, responsible, or wired for excellence. But beneath the burnout, decision fatigue, spiritual exhaustion, and success-without-fulfillment lies something deeper: identity misalignment shaped by predictive processing.In this episode, Julie reveals why your system learned to stay ahead of pressure — not from fear, but from efficiency, stability, and the desire to keep everything steady. Through the lens of predictive processing, performance psychology, and lived experience, she shows how high-capacity humans begin anticipating pressure before it arrives and why this autopilot keeps you out of the present moment.You'll also revisit the story of Sara Blakely, not as a billionaire entrepreneur, but as a woman who built from identity instead of urgency. Her path illustrates what happens when ambition flows from alignment rather than anticipatory pressure.This episode is a core part of The Recalibration — Julie's psychology-backed, faith-rooted pathway that goes beneath habits, mindset hacks, and performance strategies to recalibrate identity at the root. ILR is not another tool; it's the recalibration that makes every other tool effective again.In this episode, you'll explore: • why your nervous system moves before your mind realizes a move is needed • how predictive processing shapes pressure, pace, and overfunctioning • the hidden cost of staying ahead of life instead of living in it • the difference between identity-led ambition and anticipatory hustle • the kind of peace your body can't access when it's always bracingToday's Micro Recalibration You are allowed to stop anticipating pressure and start anticipating peace. Ask yourself gently: What expectation have I been hedging myself from? Your system learned those expectations — your identity has outgrown them.Team Recalibration With your team, ask: “What would change around here if we anticipated peace instead of pressure?”If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Raising Kids with a Faith Rooted in Love—not Fear In this tender and hope-filled episode, Wendy talks with author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor, creators of The Book of Belonging—a reimagined children's Bible centered on original goodness, emotional literacy, inclusive imagery, and a deeply compassionate view of God. Together, they explore what it means to raise kids with a faith rooted in love, equity, and belonging—especially when you're navigating your own journey of healing from high-control theology or rethinking inherited beliefs.

The raw terrain of belonging, identity, and authenticity, inspired by Brené Brown's powerful concept of “braving the wilderness.” Through personal reflection, psychological research, and spiritual wisdom, Stuart explores the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, why so many of us feel lonely in crowded rooms, and how we can build real connection without betraying who we are.Reference:Braving the Wilderness by Brené BrownBelonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides by Geoffrey L. CohenThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brené BrownThe Art of Belonging by Hugh MackayThe Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money is never just about numbers; it is about identity, belonging, and whether you feel you have options. In this candid conversation, Dr. Felecia Froe sits down with financial services professional, author, and nonprofit founder Michelle Campbell to trace her journey from five evictions, four repossessions, three bankruptcies, and over half a million dollars in debt to becoming a fierce advocate for financial literacy and social change.    Together, they unpack the emotional roots of overspending, why shame and silence keep people stuck, and how working-class earners are often the most overlooked when it comes to support and education. You will hear how Michelle connected her money patterns to a childhood wound, rebuilt her financial life by facing every envelope and every number, launched her nonprofit Hashtag Stability to serve people facing homelessness and financial crisis, and now uses tax law, planning, and advocacy to help others avoid the traps she fell into.    00:00 – From Omaha To Overwhelmed 05:58 – The Personal Side Of Financial Literacy 16:12 – Belonging, Overspending, And Rewriting The Story 26:34 – Hashtag Stability And The "Hidden Demographic" 38:23 – Money, Mental Health, And Access To Knowledge 48:17 – Tax Shell, Planning, And Choosing A Different Future  

AI changes everything. Stanford's Dr. Denise Pope, Co-Founder of Challenge Success, returns to discuss the "volcanic level of change" in education.In this episode, Dr. Pope reveals:The WEBB Foundation: Why Well-being, Engagement, and Belonging are critical defenses against cognitive offloading.The Real Solution to Cheating: Why schools must shift to Authentic Assessment (real-world, engaging work).Guiding Principles: How parents can use the "Does it make us better?" test for new technologies.The Loneliness Risk: Why human-to-human connection and empathy are more vital than ever.

An internal communication profession in an impenetrable bubble is no use to anyone. It helps, from time to time, to reach out, listen, learn – fill yourself up with a story from outside the corporate carousel. It's in that tradition that Katie Macaulay invited poet, playwright, author, former university chancellor, official poet of the London Olympics, honorary fellow of Oxford and Cambridge colleges, winner of the 2024 Hay festival medal for poetry and three-time Sunday Times bestseller Lemn Sissay to the podcast. Together they sat down to discuss everything from the British care system in which Lemn grew up to Microsoft PowerPoint. They also explore the value of taking the word ‘busy' out of your lexicon so you're forced to say something more exciting, the one crucial element of any story, and following a writing scheduling that means you start each day ‘facing the fact that somebody might see what you're doing as no good.' Extraordinary, insightful and – to use a word Lemn doesn't like to use too much –inspiring. Share your thoughts on this and any episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using #ICPodcast Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie

High performers often don't realize how performance pressure shapes their identity until success stops feeling like success. In this episode, Julie Holly helps you release the quiet drive to earn worth through achievement and return to identity-led belonging.High performers rarely see performance pressure as a problem — it feels like responsibility, excellence, or simply “how life works.” But when success feels good while slowly disconnecting you from yourself, you're not dealing with burnout. You're experiencing identity misalignment — the quiet gap between who you are and who you've learned to be.In this episode, Julie names how high-capacity humans begin tying worth to outcomes. Not from insecurity, but because achievement brought affirmation, opportunity, and belonging. Over time, success becomes identity, creating emotional exhaustion, decision fatigue, spiritual depletion, and role confusion that no mindset tactic can solve.Through attachment science, performance psychology, and lived experience, Julie reveals why you keep pushing even when success stops feeling like success — and offers a compassionate path back to the self beneath the striving.Here, you'll understand why the Identity-Level Recalibration Pathway (ILR) isn't another strategy or habit stack. It is the root-level realignment that makes every other tool effective again, restoring presence, belonging, and worth that doesn't depend on production.What You'll LearnWhy achievement feels like the “right” thing even when it drains youHow identity misalignment quietly forms beneath successThe difference between ambition and the internalized pressure to performWhy high performers drift into spiritual exhaustion and emotional numbnessHow role conditioning and early success experiences shaped your identityThe first step to reclaiming the truest version of yourselfWhy ILR offers the psychological and spiritual realignment your system is cravingToday's Micro RecalibrationYou don't have to earn belonging — you get to embody it.Team Recalibration PromptOffer your team this identity-first reflection:“What would it look like for us to work from belonging instead of performance this week?”This simple question softens urgency, restores clarity, and reshapes culture.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Many high-achieving people look successful on the outside while part of them remains frozen in childhood survival patterns. Through the Biology of Trauma® lens, I share how trauma disrupts the natural flow and movement of life—and the healing roadmap that takes us from stuck to truly alive. If we've ever wondered why we can reach every external goal and still feel disconnected from our own life, this episode explains why. I share Elena's story, a 45-year-old Chief Operating Officer whose autoimmune diagnosis revealed what her body had been holding for decades. When her thirteen-year-old daughter had thoughts of suicide—and felt she couldn't talk to her mom—Elena finally understood: a part of her had been frozen since before she could walk. We'll explore how nervous system dysregulation shows up as professional success masking emotional unavailability. We'll see how trauma stops our natural movement through life—and discover the six-step roadmap from survival to authenticity, belonging, and flow. In this episode you'll learn: [00:00] Why successful people can still be frozen in survival patterns from childhood [02:15] How Elena's birth trauma created a freeze response before she could walk [06:40] The moment her daughter's crisis revealed decades of emotional unavailability [09:10] Trauma defined: the biggest disruptor of movement in our life [12:45] Why everything inside us is movement—and what happens when trauma stops it [16:05] The healing destination: authenticity, belonging, and flow as what it means to be alive [19:50] Why state shifts matter more than neuroplasticity on your healing journey [24:05] How neuroplasticity wires in whatever state you're in—including overwhelm [26:30] The six-step roadmap: from "I am alive" to connection with others [28:15] How Elena broke the generational cycle with her daughters Main Takeaways: Trauma Is the Biggest Disruptor of Movement: Trauma isn't just an event—it's the shock that stops us. It disrupts movement at every level: physical, emotional, relational, and through our life stages. Successful and Frozen Can Coexist: High achievement doesn't mean our nervous system is regulated. Elena built an impressive career while part of her remained that terrified little girl, hiding and staying still to survive. State Shifts Come Before Neuroplasticity: Whatever state we're in is what neuroplasticity wires in. If we're frequently in stress and overwhelm, our brain builds pathways that make that pattern automatic. We must shift our state first. The Destination Is Authenticity, Belonging, and Flow: These three elements define what it means to be truly alive—free to be ourselves, grounded in connection, and moving with ease through life. You Can't Skip the Sequence: The roadmap follows a specific order: recognizing we're alive, choosing to live, shifting our state, being here, wanting to be here, deserving to be here, and finally connecting with others. Each step prepares us for the next. Healing Breaks Generational Patterns: When Elena addressed her frozen patterns, her daughters noticed changes they never expected. The "resting bitch face" disappeared. Presence replaced absence. Notable Quotes: "Trauma becomes the biggest disruptor of movement in our life." "I can still see myself as a little girl, hiding with my dolls, quiet, still and absolutely terrified." "Whatever state we are in is what neuroplasticity wires in." "Being in calm alive can actually become a habit. Imagine that." "Your body's decision to freeze wasn't a failure—it was survival. But you don't have to stay frozen." "My 12-year-old girl didn't realize that I had grown up and that I am alive—which means that she did it. She made it. We're alive." Episode Takeaway: Frozen doesn't mean broken. Elena's story reveals what happens when trauma stops our natural movement through life—not just physical movement, but emotional presence, relational connection, and our ability to truly arrive in the life we've built. Her freeze response began at birth, reinforced through childhood, and showed up decades later as professional success masking emotional unavailability. Her daughters felt it. Her body felt it. Her autoimmune diagnosis confirmed it. The healing roadmap offers a way forward. First, we help that frozen part recognize we're alive—that survival happened. Then we consciously choose to live, rather than simply existing because we had no choice. We learn to shift our state into calm and aliveness, practicing until it becomes our new default. And finally, we move through the deeper work: being here, wanting to be here, deserving to be here, and opening to genuine connection with others. Neuroplasticity works for or against us depending on our state. If overwhelm has become our habit, our brain has built pathways that take us there automatically. But when we build the habit of calm aliveness first, neuroplasticity starts working in our favor. The destination isn't perfection—it's authenticity, belonging, and flow. Movement is possible. Coming home to ourselves is possible. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional. Related Episodes: Episode 9: What is One Thing the Freeze Response Needs for Healing? (Part 2) with Dr. Arielle Schwartz Episode 87: Stress & Freeze Response: How to Achieve & Sustain High Performance with Olympian Louise Tjernqvist Episode 142: Why Stress Isn't Trauma: How to Spot Overwhelm and Start Healing Your Nervous System with Dr. Aimie Apigian   Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing.

S9 E5 — There is a lot of conversation right now about the role of women and men in society. Whether we're talking about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal or the viral essay "The Great Feminization" and all the commentary it sparked, it's clear we're in a cultural moment where we don't quite know how to talk about men and women. Should we see men and women as interchangeable? What does equality look like when our bodies are not the same? Can we admit our neediness and maintain our dignity as women or as men? These are some of the questions I'm asking Leah Libresco Sargeant as we talk about her new book, The Dignity of Dependence.00:00 The World is the Wrong Shape for Women6:14 The Lie of Autonomy and How It Harms Everyone21:09 Building a Just Society: Dismantling False Anthropology22:52 Understanding Disability and Unemployment25:43 Societal Examples of Dependent Communities30:15 The Dignity of Dependence32:51 Legacy of Care in Society38:20 The Costs of Devaluing Vulnerability41:14 Practices for Embracing DependenceMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto by Leah Libresco SargeantSara Hendren's What Can a Body DoAmy Julia's interview with Sara Hendren: Who Belongs? Disability and the Built World with Sara Hendren_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Leah Libresco Sargeant is the author of several books, including The Dignity of Dependence. She runs the substack Other Feminisms, which focuses on how to advocate for women as women in a world that makes an idol of autonomy. She lives in Maryland and works in family policy in D.C.Other Feminisms: https://www.otherfeminisms.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/leahlibresco__We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

In this episode podcaster and spiritual director, Josh Banner with Keith Reynolds, and Robert Caldwell explores how the church can embody creative, justice-oriented responses to today's social realities by centering marginalized communities and reimagining spiritual formation as social transformation. Guests: • Keith Reynolds (Western Theological Seminary) • Robert Caldwell (Answer Poverty) Key Topics: • Church and social justice • Community development • Faith in action • Racial equity • Creative ministry models 00:00 – Introduction • Opening thoughts on not being anxious about current events and the call for the church to focus on supporting marginalized people. 00:32 – Organizing for Impact • Discussion on how resources are used to meet material needs in the community. 00:47 – New Wine, Old Wineskins • Reflection on the need for new approaches in faith and community work. 01:03 – Suffering and Imagination • The idea that suffering requires imagination and leads to collective genius, especially in the Black community. 01:25 – Robert Caldwell's Influence • Robert's non-reactionary approach and the wisdom gained from elders. 01:51 – Episode Overview • Host Josh introduces guests Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, and outlines the themes of the episode: church planting, justice, and hope. 02:36 – Orientation and Vision • Robert shares his story; Keith discusses his vision for a new kind of church. 04:20 – Turning to Hope • Encouragement to focus on good news and practice hope despite a difficult news cycle. 05:40 – Love and Justice • Exploring the connection between loving God, neighbor, and self; justice as love in action. 09:00 – Personal Journeys • Keith and Robert share their backgrounds, vocational journeys, and the importance of mentorship and legacy. 16:36 – Church Planting and Community • Keith describes the influence of Robert on his approach to church and community development. 36:14 – Closing Reflections • The episode closes with thoughts on witness, legacy, and the ongoing journey of faith and justice. For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/

What does youth ministry look like when the world — and young people — are changing faster than ever? In this in-person episode recorded at Broomfield United Methodist Church, host Loren Richmond Jr. sits down with longtime student ministries director Mike Orr to talk about faith formation, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, belonging, spiritual maturity, and what it really means to cultivate community in a post-Christian culture. With warmth, honesty, and decades of ministry experience, Mike reflects on: Highlights from the Conversation His early spiritual experiences and how actual transformation — not willpower — shaped his faith. The surprising power of belonging-first ministry for Gen Z & Gen Alpha. Why emotionally coercive youth ministry of the 90s left deep marks — and how churches can do better. How to hold space for students with radically different political or cultural views. Why youth ministry should never be about indoctrination, but about helping young people own and explore their faith. How to handle deconstruction as a natural part of spiritual growth. The crisis facing young men — and how to model a healthier version of Christian masculinity. Why the future of church isn't about producing spiritual “products,” but creating a context where real faith can flourish. The essential role parents play in forming faith, whether they realize it or not. His hope for Christianity: “Keep adding leaves to the table. There's room for everyone.” This is a rich, grounded conversation about what actually works in youth ministry today — and what kind of church the next generation is longing for. Mike Orr has been a youth worker since the late 1990's, serving churches in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, California, and Colorado. He earned his MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. For over 10 years he has been the Director of Student Ministries at Broomfield United Methodist Church, located in the northern suburbs of Denver, CO. He lives with his wife and 3 dogs in Denver, CO. He has written zero books.    Mentioned Resources:

Click here to send me a quick message :) How does living in deep relationship to the seasons and cycles of nature impact your sense of belonging on the earth?Today's guest, co-founder of Moon Seeds planner - Erica Ela Bartoli, spent some formative years traveling and living in intimate connection with the elements, first in a yurt and later as she traveled around Africa, with the sky often as her ceiling.During these "rewilding" years, she began to more deeply connect with the lunar cycles (new and full moons), the seasons, and her own body.Eventually, she began leading moon circles, and from there found her way to co-creating this planner which got her more in touch with tracking her menstrual cycle and realizing how aligned cyclical living was with her lifestyle of seasonal living.Her story is hers to tell and in this conversation, you'll hear how life-changing synching to her cycle has been, and why she's chosen to continue living in a yurt with her children in the forests of Oregon.We also talk about the history and practice of holding red tent spaces in large gatherings or in communities, what they entail, why they're important and so much more!Resources:Sign up for the waitlist for winter 2026 Natural Contraception the Herbal Way program!Free Track Your Cycle Naturally (FAM) guideEpisode 42: Reclaim your menstruation with rest, ritual & replenishmentCheck out the planner! Moonseeds.love (discount code: wombwisdom)If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, or take a screenshot and share on social media and tag me @herbalwombwisdom.  And if you love this podcast, leave a rating & write a review! It's really helpful to get the show to more amazing humans like you.  ❤️DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I'm an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.Support the show

Send us a textThere's a reason some fundraising stories feel easier to tell than others. Stories about animals, "grateful" clients, and non-political solutions raise money quickly because they tap into what donors already believe about who deserves help. But what happens when those easy stories erase the complexity and humanity of the people you actually serve? On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio sits down with Esther Lee, a fundraising and equity strategist who's part of the inaugural Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council and a leader of the Asian Fundraisers in Canada Collective. The Highlights: The "Ideal Victim" Framework: Esther introduces sociologist Nils Christie's concept of who society deems "deserving" of compassion; those seen as weak, vulnerable, respectable, and harmed by a clearly bad offender. Sound familiar? Nonprofits unconsciously replicate these biases every time we sanitize stories to make donors comfortable. The Dog Campaign That Never Was: When Esther and her team of survivors gave extensive input on an intersectional campaign, the contractor delivered a direct mail piece featuring a cartoon dog. The entire appeal hinged on the shelter's pet program, completely erasing the refugee, immigrant, harm-reduction clients they actually served. It would've raised money but she refused to send it. What Gets Left Out When You Lead with Pets: Every time Esther talked about the shelter's pets, donations poured in. But when she talked about systemic poverty, substance use, or the reality of being a newcomer survivor in Toronto's housing crisis? Uneasiness. The pattern revealed who donors saw as "deserving" of help or not. Audit Your Storytelling Practices: Esther challenges listeners to look at who gets featured in newsletters, grant applications, and appeals. Are you sharing the full scope of challenges? Or are you scared to talk about complexity because you're trying to cultivate a donor base that wants simple stories? The Cost Beyond Revenue: If you only measure success by money raised and ignore the trust you're losing with your community, staff, and the people you serve—that's a cost you can never fix. Esther asks: What metrics are you using? And who are you leaving out of your stories? Resources and Links: Connect with Esther Lee on LinkedIn or visit Elevate Philanthropy Consulting. You can also read Esther's article here: "You're Not Feeling Imposter Syndrome, You Are an Imposter: Identity and Belonging in Nonprofit Work" Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

Growing up, our Christmases were steeped in tradition—family gatherings with parents and grandparents, Christmas Eve on one side, Christmas Day on the other. There was always food, music, laughter, and that wonderful feeling of belonging. Over the years, life has shifted—our kids are grown, families live farther apart, and even health and travel have changed what holidays look like. This year, our celebration looks a little different too. In this episode, Greg and I reflect on how to find meaning when traditions change, how to create new rhythms that fit this season of life, and how to hold on to what truly matters most. See full article with free download here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/redefining-traditions Click here for Personalized Mentorship: https://goalsforyourlife.com/personalized-mentorship  Get POWER OF AFTER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3GpEGlJ Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter  CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Holidays Change 06:44 - Setting Broad Goals 10:22 - Creating a Sense of Belonging 16:40 - Fostering Belonging in Relationships 21:59 - Perseverance and Resilience 24:20 - Summary of Key Points 29:30 - Conclusion and Takeaways 31:15 - Final Thoughts

What are the core habits of highly collaborative teams?Since Google's Project Aristotle, we've understood that high-performing teams are defined by how they interact, not by who is on them. For today's diverse, multigenerational, and decentralized workforce, supporting healthy interactions requires a strong commitment to specific strategies: the selection of accessible tools and technologies, clear methods to depersonalize conflict, and strong awareness of cognitive biases like “groupthink” and “risky shift.” By integrating these practical and relational strategies, teams can ensure diverse ideas are truly heard and valued.On this episode of Just One Q, Dominique chats with guest Jennifer Porritt, the founder and principal consultant of JP Consulting. Jenn is a human resources and training professional with more than 25 years experience helping leaders evolve and grow to support successful organizations. They discuss the core habits and strategies of highly collaborative teams, exploring the importance of psychological safety, managing constructive conflict, avoiding “groupthink,” and more.Keep Up with Jennifer:https://jp-consulting.ca/Try Learning Snippets:https://dialectic.solutions/signupContact Us to Be a Guest on Just One Q:https://dialectic.solutions/podcast-guest

If you're a mom who feels like you've lost yourself in motherhood, this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast is for you.Host Shannon Russell, business coach for women and author of Start Your Second Act, sits down with former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and community builder Michelle DeKeyser, founder of Mama Genius and the Mama Genius Hub.Michelle shares her honest journey from teaching to being a stay-at-home mom to searching for community with other women, and creating her own Mama Genius community. If you've ever thought, “I checked all the boxes—marriage, kids, house—so why do I still feel empty?”, Michelle's story will help you feel seen, less alone, and inspired to create your own second act.We talk about motherhood, identity, mom burnout, community, and starting a business as a mom, and how to find the courage to listen to that quiet now-what voice inside.Key Takeaways:Losing Yourself in Motherhood: Why so many moms feel stuck, burned out, and out of alignment after years of putting everyone else first.From Stay-at-Home Mom to Mom Entrepreneur: The moment she realized she needed “something more” and how she slowly transitioned into launching a second-act business for moms.Why Moms Need Community & Belonging: How Michelle created Mama Genius, a safe community for moms to be vulnerable, share ideas, and rebuild their identity beyond “just mom.”This episode is perfect for:Stay-at-home moms wondering what's nextWorking moms who feel misaligned in their careersWomen craving community, purpose, and a second-act businessAnyone interested in personal growth, mom entrepreneurship, and identity after kidsSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/225Connect with Michelle DeKeyser:https://connectingmamas.com/https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mama-genius-hub/episodes/https://mamageniushub.com/------Tell us what you think and what you want to hear on the podcast! You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!CONTACT Shannon and share your feedback about what you'd like to hear on the podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/contact Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategyWork with Shannonhttps://secondactsuccess.co/coaching FREE Resourceshttps://secondactsuccess.co/resources READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life https://startyoursecondact.com. LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/listenLET'S CONNECT!Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccessLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoach *Want to be a guest on Second Act Success Podcast? Send Shannon Russell a message on PodMatch,...

Jay Acunzo and Mark Schaefer discuss their success in sustaining their personal content production for years, even decades. They discuss their mindset and strategies of incorporating a content lifestyle and beating the odds.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," "Belonging to the Brand," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.     Jay Acunzo consults experts and entrepreneurs to differentiate their messages and content. He hosts the podcast How Stories Happen, where guests dissect signature stories piece by piece. Learn more at jayacunzo.com

Sometimes our doubts feel like a monster hiding in the dark - awkward, intimidating, and bigger than it really is. We try to ignore it or hide it, afraid that admitting our questions might make us seem faithless. But the real danger isn't doubt itself; it's keeping it in the dark. In The Shadow of Doubt, we'll bring that “monster” into the light and discover that it's not so scary after all. We will see, biblically, that God isn't threatened by our questions - He meets us in them. Through this series, we'll give practical tools for wrestling with doubt and strengthening faith. -At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

What happens when your workplace values aren't just posted on the wall, but actually shape how people lead, teach, and show up every day?In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl Broom talks with Andy Vaughn, President & CEO of Alliant University, about what it takes to build a campus culture of authenticity, inclusion, and mental wellness from the inside out.Andy shares his personal journey as a leader in higher ed, how Alliant's impact values were created by faculty and staff, and why that grassroots approach matters. The discussion also explores the mental health challenges facing today's students, staff, and leaders, and how Alliant's community clinics and telehealth services are making care more accessible across California.What you'll learn:The surprising 100-year history behind Alliant's inclusivity rootsWhy codifying values with your team builds trust and accountabilityHow to support faculty and staff mental health without burning them outWhy vulnerability is one of the most underrated leadership traitsHow Alliant's low-cost clinics provide real-world experience and real supportIf you're in San Diego or LA County, visit alliantclinics.org for information on low-cost mental health services. Learn more about Alliant University at alliant.edu.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram: @gradcommunicationsFacebook: @GradCommunicationsLinkedIn: @gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

In this deeply moving conversation, Jessie sits down with longtime friends Jessica and Andrew Arnold to talk about their journey raising and discipling their daughter Sarah, who is autistic, vibrant, socially curious, and wonderfully unique. The Arnolds open up about Sarah's early diagnosis, the beauty and complexity of her faith, and the ways they've learned to release expectations, trust God, and embrace who she is rather than who they once imagined she might become.With honesty and tenderness, they share what it looks like to navigate neurodivergence, emotional highs and lows, identity questions, and spiritual formation in real time. They talk about Sarah's love for cosplay, her evangelist's heart, her deep honesty, her struggles with jealousy and belonging, and the remarkable way she makes space for others on the margins. The conversation also highlights how faith communities can support neurodivergent individuals—not by fixing them, but by attuning, welcoming, and creating belonging.This episode is an invitation to reimagine discipleship with gentleness, patience, and grace. It reminds us that God's image is reflected beautifully in every person, and that those who experience the world differently often teach us the most about vulnerability, love, and the heart of Jesus.ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Belonging at work is one of those things everyone claims to care about… right up until someone shows up as their full self and suddenly it's “not professional!”  I hate the idea that someone has to assimilate to belong, so Erica Lydell and I pull the curtain all the way back on masking, identity, neurodiversity, and why belonging is less warm fuzzy feeling and more daily emotional CrossFit.  If you've ever been the only one in the room (or felt like you had to earn your seat) this episode will hit you square in the gut…in a good way! Teamtailor is the fun, intuitive ATS that candidates actually like and recruiters don't dread opening on Monday mornings. Create branded career sites, automate the boring stuff, and give candidates the hiring experience they dream of  — without burning out your team. Check them out ⁠⁠⁠here. 0:02:23 - Erica's Experience Riding a Camel 0:07:02 - Learning That Belonging at Work Isn't Automatic 0:10:02 - Having to Mute Yourself in Professional Settings 0:18:13 - The Concept of Professionalism 0:26:59 - What Does Belonging at Work Feel Like? 0:42:01 - What Leaders Need to Understand About How Identities Impact How People Show up at Work 0:49:29 - Where to Find Erica And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba's newsletter! It's for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/   And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!   Follow Erica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-lydell-b0933840/  Follow Hebba:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Will Brereton: longtime group fitness leader, Les Mills presenter, and founder of SH1FT Fitness. They dive deep into how group fitness has evolved over the decades, why hybrid community is the new frontier, and how instructors, technology, and member expectations have transformed. Will shares powerful insights from the front lines of group exercise across NZ, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. This episode is essential listening for club operators, instructors, boutique owners, and anyone passionate about the future of fitness. Key Topics Covered: • The five historical eras of group fitness and the new hybrid community era. • Why Gen Z treats the gym like a social hub, even replacing nightlife. • How meaningful interaction drives 2-3x higher retention. • Why instructors are harder to find and how tech is filling the gap. • The changing role of certifications and what members actually want. • Where Pilates, strength, and boutique programming are heading next. • Why big 'rock-star' classes faded and which events replaced them. • How digital fits into real‑world class experiences today.  

 If the coaching space feels different right now — heavier, slower, more discerning — you're not imagining it.   The market is shifting. And it's not shifting in the way most coaches think. It's not that people don't want coaching. It's not that the economy is bad. It's not that Instagram is "over-saturated."   It's that people are no longer buying information.   They're buying identity. And because of that — the strategies that worked in 2021, 2022, even early 2024… they simply don't hold the same weight today.   If you want to be relevant in 2026, you need to understand the deeper shift that's happening underneath the tactics — the cultural shift shaping how people choose mentors, how they commit to transformation, and who they trust with their future.   Today, I'm going to walk you through the 10 coaching industry trends that we think will define the next year — and exactly what to do about them now.   Time Stamps:   (0:20) The Future of Online Fitness Coaching (3:26) DM Us For More Information (4:02) #1: Rise of The Hybrid Coach (5:20) #2: Niche Depth > Niche Category (6:54) #3: Coaches Are Becoming Media Personalities (8:36) #4: AI Becomes Invisible (10:03) #5: Identity and Behavior Coaching Goes Mainstream (11:00) #6: Lifestyle Optimization (11:50) #7: Death To $200 A Month Coach (13:28) #8: Community and Belonging (13:49) #9: Immersive Experiences (15:13) #10: Coaches Who Can Speak Win ----------

If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today. In this hour, stories of finding community and comfort—among neighbors, in church, and at the movies. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Julie Baker finds comfort in Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. The Rocky Horror Picture Show takes conservative Christian teen, Steven Michael Carr, out of his bubble. Julie Vieira wants to belong to something bigger than herself. Sue Moreno moves to Kansas City in search of community. Podcast # 950 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices