Podcasts about Parker Palmer

Since 2018 The Courageous Life Podcast has invited many of the world's leading thinkers, researchers, creators, writers, poets, athletes, healers, and teachers to explore how we can find the courage to live an authentic life, to derive purpose and meaning, and to meet ourselves, others, and the world around us with an open heart - as we navigate the complexity and the beauty of what it means to be human. Like the show itself, this “trailer” is intended to be akin to good poetry. It's an invitation to slow down, to deeply exhale, and to feel the stir of the soul.Press play to get a feel for what we are creating on The Courageous Life. Featuring originally composed music by Matthew Patrick Donner (Executive Producer)And clips from Courageous Life episodes featuring: Mark NepoAmy DongJerry ColonnaStephanie HarrisonFrank OstaseskiAnd an excerpt from Parker Palmer's original poem: 'Everything Falls Away' (read live by Parker on the show). Support the show

Welcome to the second in our 2025 series of short Bonus Epsiodes! At IHS40 (2008), hosted by Susan McCullough and Jesse McCormick at the Lamont School of Music in Denver, Colorado, Honorary Member Douglas Hill organized a series of four panel discussions, entitled "Pedagogical Pearls." The first presenters are Douglas Hill and Lin Foulk. The handout referred to by Lin Foulk may be downloaded here. She discusses the book The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer. Next, Patrick Hughes talks about the book Don't Shoot the Dog as it relates to teaching the horn. The episode closes with an excerpt from Catherine Roche-Wallace's lecture on Frames of Mind. The theory of multiple intelligences by Howard Gardner. For more archived audio from past symposiums, visit Symposium Highlights on the IHS website.

In this introspective episode, Jackie invites listeners to explore a foundational question: What is your native way of being in the world? Rather than diving straight into behavior or belief, she challenges us to uncover our truest self—our Imago Dei—before the world told us who we should be.She introduces the concept of a rule of life, not as a rigid list of dos and don'ts, but as a gentle structure or trellis that supports spiritual growth rooted in who we truly are. Drawing from ancient Christian practices, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, the Rule of St. Benedict, and modern voices like John Mark Comer and Parker Palmer, Jackie suggests that a life of flourishing begins with reclaiming our birthright self.Jackie shares her own journey, reflecting that her native way of being is captured in the word WITH—a value that has shown up across her life in relationships, presence, and ministry. She encourages listeners to consider what has always been true about themselves, especially before the pressures of performance, ego, or cultural roles set in.This episode blends spiritual reflection with practical tools, offering questions for personal discovery and inviting listeners to create a rule of life rooted in their truest identity, not their striving. It's an empowering reminder that we aren't here to manufacture a holy life but to live from the goodness already woven into us.Links for the episodeJohn Mark Comer, https://www.practicingtheway.org/Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Life-Speak-Listening/dp/0787947350Three Questions: Take a moment to think about who you were before the world told you who you should be. What do you think is your native way of being—who you've always been at your core? If you were exactly the same person you were at age 7—but grown—what would still be true about you? What's stayed unchanged about how you move through the world? Take a breath and think of a moment when you felt most yourself. Not performing. Not proving. Just present. What did that version of you feel like?

In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Allison Schultz, coach, writer, and co-founder of Reboot—to explore a deeper, more human-centered approach to leadership.At Reboot, coaching goes beyond developing managerial skills. It's about transformation—helping leaders access their full humanity through radical self-inquiry, embodied presence, and spiritual integration.Drawing from her rich background, including a master's in Religious Studies, a lifelong bond with horses, and her new book The Art of Being Human at Work,  Ali shares candid stories and powerful insights. She speaks openly about how childhood emotional invisibility and early discomfort with corporate norms shaped her path. Her connection with horses, which she describes as a sacred devotional practice, has deeply informed her understanding of relational intelligence and inner work.Together, Andrew and Ali explore how spirituality, shadow work, and embodiment can shift the very foundation of how we lead and show up in the workplace.Key TakeawaysThe connection between early family dynamics and later leadership patternsWhy Religious Studies offers a surprisingly practical lens for coachingHow horses taught Ali the power of presence, embodiment, and devotionThe sacred importance of shadow work in leadership developmentWhy “making peace with your shadows” is foundational to authentic leadershipHow The Art of Being Human at Work bridges spiritual depth with professional growthThe impact of edited spiritual traditions—and what was left outHow journaling and reflection support sustained leadership growthLeadership as a relational and inner-development practice—not performanceIn This Episode:[00:00] Opening reflections on coaching and religious studies[01:05] Meet Ali Schultz: co-founder of Reboot and horsewoman-philosopher[03:48] Her early tension with work and the seeds of integration[07:53] The practicality of a Religious Studies degree for coaching[11:20] Horses and embodiment: a devotional relationship[15:25] Growing up emotionally unseen—and being witnessed by animals[18:45] Do coaches talk enough about religion and meaning?[22:23] Turning blog essays into a leadership wisdom book[24:37] Parker Palmer quote + spiritual wisdom in the workplace[26:52] How to use the book + journaling for integration[28:44] Reboot's approach to coaching and shadow work[33:55] The sacred act of holding space as a coach[36:59] Where to learn more: Reboot.io and beyond Resources and LinksSpirituality in Leadership Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406Allison SchultzWebsite:             https://www.reboot.io/Book:             The Art of Being Human at WorkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alschultzAndrew CohnWebsite: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/Music: Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

Jerry Colonna is a world-renowned executive coach, a former venture capitalist, and the co-founder and CEO of Reboot, an executive coaching firm that combines practical leadership development with deeper self-inquiry. With over 27 years of coaching experience, he has guided countless leaders through the challenges of scaling companies, building teams, and navigating the emotional complexities of leadership. Known for his radical-self-inquiry approach, Jerry helps leaders uncover the unconscious patterns that hold them back and empowers them to lead with authenticity, compassion, and clarity.In our conversation, we cover:1. A powerful question that unlocks self-awareness: “How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don't want?”2. Jerry's foundational equation for leadership success: practical skills + radical self-inquiry + shared experiences = enhanced leadership and resilience3. Why teams most often fail (hint: it's not lack of talent or strategy)4. How busyness often masks deeper issues of self-worth5. Why a “growth mindset” can be problematic6. The importance of legacy and what it means to live a meaningful life7. The role of AI in self-inquiry and how tools like ChatGPT can help uncover blind spots8. Jerry's advice for navigating the unsettling rise of AI and its implications for leadership and humanity—Brought to you by:Eppo—Run reliable, impactful experimentsContentsquare—Create better digital experiencesOneSchema—Import CSV data 10x faster—Where to find Jerry Colonna:• X: https://x.com/jerrycolonna• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-colonna-reboot/• Website: https://reunion.reboot.io/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Jerry Colonna(04:12) Jerry's key question(06:55) The equation for great leadership(09:37) The big lie of success and happiness(12:12) The consciousness hack(15:56) Getting over the fear of consequences(20:23) The problem with bypassing our childhood baggage(23:22) Radical self-inquiry: asking the tough questions(27:05) Shared experiences: the power of community(30:25) The trap of busyness and attachment(40:45) Understanding our own intentions(46:58) Legacy and purpose(55:43) Writing for self-discovery(57:12) The impact of AI on humanity(01:05:00) Turning a growth mindset into a fixed mindset(01:11:30) The role of radical self-inquiry in leadership(01:19:24) Final thoughts and reflections—Referenced:• Naropa University: https://www.naropa.edu/• Fitler Club: https://fitlerclub.com• Chris Fralic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfralic/• Will Smith on the price of fame: ‘I have been deeply humbled and deeply inspired': https://www.today.com/popculture/news/will-smith-fame-rcna127830• Seth Godin's best tactics for building remarkable products, strategies, brands, and more: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/seth-godins-tactics-for-building-remarkable-products• The life of Buddha: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Buddha-founder-of-Buddhism• 10% Happier with Dan Harris podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821• Simon Sinek's website: https://simonsinek.com/• Mike Tyson Gives Morbid Response to Young Interviewer's Question About His “Legacy”: https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/mike-tyson-morbid-response-young-interviewer-legacy-1234944054/• Dan Shipper's post on X about asking ChatGPT for blind spots: https://x.com/danshipper/status/1910387987487318318• Evernote: https://evernote.com/• Claude: https://claude.ai• Peter Senge on X: https://x.com/petersenge• Carl Jung's quote: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/44379-until-you-make-the-unconscious-conscious-it-will-direct-your• Parker Palmer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-j-palmer-5a92b110/• The unexamined life is not worth living: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_unexamined_life_is_not_worth_living—Recommended books:• Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up: https://www.amazon.com/Reboot-Leadership-Art-Growing-Up/dp/0062749536• Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong: https://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Leadership-Longing-Jerry-Colonna/dp/0063142139• Born to Run: https://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Bruce-Springsteen/dp/1501141511• 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works—A True Story: https://www.amazon.com/10-Happier-Self-Help-Actually-Works/dp/0062265431• Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling: https://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Kings-Survival-World-Smuggling/dp/0593298586• The Giving Tree: https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Tree-Shel-Silverstein/dp/0060256656/—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

This is a different type of episode for the Just Schools Podcast! This time Jon Eckert is interviewed by Beck Iselin.  The conversation explores the role of joy in education and how it connects to feedback, engagement, and well-being (FEW). Jon shares how his research builds on past work, emphasizing that joy isn't something artificially created—it comes from a deep understanding of our identity and purpose. He reflects on how students today often equate happiness with well-being and why educators must help them see joy as something deeper and more enduring. This conversation offers insight into how teachers can cultivate meaningful engagement and resilience in their classrooms. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Mentioned: How to Know A Person by David Brooks Reset by Dan Heath Lincoln Versus Davis: The War of the Presidents by Nigel Hamilton   Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl Baylor MA in School Leadership EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership Jon Eckert LinkedIn BCSL LinkedIn   Jon Eckert: Welcome back to Just Schools. We have a treat for you today. We have a guest host in the studio all the way from Brisbane, Australia. We have Beck Iselin. She's a returning Just Schools podcast person, but the last time she was the person I got to interview along with her dad about the work that she does as a school teacher in Brisbane, and so she listens to Just Schools and we were discussing this over the weekend and she said, there's so many questions I would like to ask you as someone who listens, and she said, "Do you ever do the podcast where someone interviews you?" So I said, "Well, why don't you take that role?" So we have our first ever guest host, so take it away Beck, you get to be the interviewer. Beck Iselin: Thank you, Jon. I'm so grateful for the one and only Dr. Jon Eckert joining us on the other side of the podcast today. Yeah, I guess I wanted to really start off by asking you, I know that you're involved in a lot of current research at the moment, stemming out of your real passion for kids and for the educational leadership space. So can you speak to a little bit about what your current research looks like? Jon Eckert: No, I'd love to do that. So all of my research always builds on previous research. So the collective leadership work became the feedback, engagement, and wellbeing for each educator and each student work. That was what animated Just Teaching, and now what I've realized is our profession needs more joy and it can't be artificially cultivated. It comes from the deep joy that comes from our knowledge that we are created in the image of God and we're broken and flawed, and out of that brokenness comes joy and so when we think about FEW, feedback, engagement, wellbeing for each kid, we need to make sure they understand what joy is because I'm not sure kids do understand that right now. I think they think if they don't feel happy that they aren't well, and if they aren't well, then they don't feel like they should show up and our happiness is circumstantial. Beck Iselin: It's not contingent. Jon Eckert: Right, it's this self-focused thing where joy should effervesce through struggle and in the Bible you see this over and over again. Joy is always connected to adversity and suffering, and we don't wish adversity and suffering on people. We certainly don't wish trauma on people, but there is this idea that in a classroom, we have to be able to move through adversity with others and as we do that, that builds that gritty optimism that we can do more. Beck Iselin: That's where the joy is, some would say. Jon Eckert: That's it. That's where the joy is, well said. So that's what we're researching right now. We've gotten about 20,000 surveys in from around the world on what that looks like in classrooms and so that's the next book that we're working on, Joy Over Happiness and what that looks like. Beck Iselin: How fantastic. Yeah, great and so what are you then seeing in the schools, I guess challenges or trends or insights that you're noticing? You mentioned children not quite grasping that concept of joy. Is there any other things that you're noticing in the schools at the moment? Jon Eckert: So teachers that understand this and administrators that understand this are cultivating this in their students, and so students are doing amazing things all around the world and in contexts that you couldn't even imagine joy effervescing through. So we're going to have a couple of guests on in the next couple of months from around the world who are doing amazing things. So one educator I was speaking to last week at an international conference of Christian leaders from all over the world, she led a school of 250 students, 80% of whom had either been trafficked or were children of prostitutes, and they stick with those kids in a residential model all the way through internships and job placement. Beck Iselin: Wow. Jon Eckert: And that's joy to be able to step into that work. It's really hard and that is trauma, and we do not wish trauma on anyone, but to see God at work and that is amazing, and other woman shared the story of her sister who was six years old, it was her twin and she passed away when she was six and that educator didn't speak for five years, and so at 11, she began to speak again when she was reading aloud with a teacher, it just happened and now she fierce advocate for giving students' voice and she's the most eloquent, articulate, succinct speaker of profound truths, I think largely because she had five years where she just listened and watched. Beck Iselin: Something we could all gain a lot from, right? Jon Eckert: Right, and you don't wish that trauma on anyone and that adversity, even not speaking for five years, but somebody reminded me just today, Maya Angelou went through a long period of not speaking as well after trauma, and so there is this joy that comes from really horrible, hard things, not because of the hard thing, but because hey, we're made to be resilient and that brokenness leads us to be able to see others in different ways that I think is powerful and is a lot of the why behind what those leaders are doing. So I get really excited when I get to see that, and I always say I have the best job in the world because I just go around and find those things that are working even in really hard places through adversity in these really meaningful ways. So excited about that. Beck Iselin: Yeah, and I think what a blessing it is to be able to be in classrooms and school contexts that don't look like what you have previously taught in yourself. You would gain so much from the joy that you see in these countries like you said, India and overseas in the UK or back in Australia. There's so much to be gained from that, and so I think for me as a teacher, what I see in the research space is everything is at our fingertips these days, and so one article that you read can be completely contradictory to the next and book that you read, and so is there anything that I guess you've read recently or research that you've been looking into that you could recommend for teachers where we're just swarmed with everything at the moment? Jon Eckert: I love the way you frame that. And so here's the challenge with recommending books. Part of my job is to read, and that is a huge blessing, and I realize that and when you're in the hard work of meeting individual kids' needs every day, you don't have time and space for that. So take all this with a grain of salt and there are great ways to get summaries of these things. Beck Iselin: Yeah, podcasts. Jon Eckert: Right, yes, but what I'd say is always use the filter of your own experience for what is true. So when I talk to educators like you, when we were talking about your classroom and where joy is and where the hard things are and where it leads to joy and some of these breakthroughs you've seen in kids that struggle to read and write, but they know everybody in the classroom when you play the game where the missing student is out of the classroom and they have to figure out who's out of the classroom, and that's the kid who gets it. Each kid is uniquely created, and so when we read books, read articles, put that always through the lens of your lens as a teacher, Beck Iselin: Like the human-ness part of it. Jon Eckert: That's right, and so I think there's wisdom and this is your seventh year of teaching? Beck Iselin: Correct. Jon Eckert: Yeah, so you've gained a lot of wisdom. So use everything through that filter. So three books. My favorite book of last year was How to Know A Person by David Brooks. It's how do you listen well, how do you ask questions? How do you elicit stories from people? And he does a beautiful job writing about that and I think it's really a beautiful book for being a better human being, not just a better teacher. So love that. Then the one I just finished was Reset by Dan Heath. It's how do we do meaningful work in better ways? And so some really good ideas about before you try to make a change, really dig in and look at the work. So it's great to read research, but they don't know your context. Beck Iselin: Correct. Jon Eckert: How do you get in and find the bright spots in what's happening and where are you finding resistance and how do you get through that resistance? And we want autonomy, but we want it within constraints. We don't want just full-blown, everybody does what's right in their own eyes. That's the time of the judges, we don't need that. It's like how do we do good work that we're suited for? And so I thought Reset was very helpful. The last book right before I read that was Lincoln Versus Davis. It's The War of the President. So it looked at the US civil war, and I've read a lot of civil war history, but what I liked about this, especially in our current time is looking at things from two leaders' perspectives that were on opposite sides and the hardest point in the history of the United States where Lincoln is coming into just horrific circumstances and he has to lead through that against another leader who is actively trying to break up the country. And it was so hard to read and see the pain and the families that were spread apart and this fight over slavery, which is just one of the most horrific sins of our country, and to see the brokenness of that, but the encouragement was, as this is part of the reason why I read history. When I get depressed about where we're at as a nation now, I can't say, "Oh, I wish we could go back to that." It's like, "No, we've had flaws." I love our country. I think we have a great country, but we have things that have not been great and we haven't always treated marginalized populations well. We haven't always done things in a just way, but I do think there is great potential for things being better and not getting so down on how polarized our society is now. Because certainly civil war when your families are polarized and you're literally fighting on other sides of this and killing each other, that would've felt horrific, but Lincoln led with hope through that even though he lost hope at points, but there was an undergirding. I think it was a God-given providential piece of hope. It's not like we need to hold onto that as leaders. So those are three books. Sorry, I can never just recommend one. Beck Iselin: No, it's fantastic. I love what you said, just touching back on that first book by David Brooks, How to Know a Person about this craft in storytelling, and I think that's so essential to us as teachers and educators. I remember I had a student a few years ago and he said to his mom one morning, I wonder what story Ms. Iselin is going to tell us today because there's vulnerability in telling a story, right? And I think that that then is going to build trust within your classroom communities and I guess that then brings me to your book, Jon, that you've written. Just feel free to humblebrag as much as you want to, Just Teaching, which is, let me get it up, feedback, engagement and Well-being for each student. It was a bestseller for its publisher and something I really loved about reading your book was that it wasn't I guess a set of definitive strategies that are going to guarantee success with any student that you come across, and neither was it a book full of buzzwords that seemingly meaningless after five minutes in the classroom. So can you tell us about why you chose to write a book in the first place? Jon Eckert: So I felt like it was a book that we had to write because at the center, we'd been working with schools all around the world in response to COVID because we shifted school in a way that never have in the history of the world, but we still had to make sure kids were well, if they were engaged, if they were receiving feedback. So in 2020 that summer, we were helping schools figure out how they were going to roll out school, where they still maintain those three pieces, and so from 2020 to 2023, we were collecting evidence of how that was happening and so that formed the book. So some of the things were things I had done when I taught and things I was doing with college students, but largely it was what's working around the world in these three categories, and so Just Teaching is kind of a tongue in cheek title that many teachers in the US refer to themselves as just a teacher. We should never do that because that disempowers us and if we are the profession that makes all others possible, there's no such thing as just a teacher, but how do you teach for justice and flourishing and what does that look like? Well, you do that by making sure that you've addressed well-being, engagement, and feedback. The acronym is a nice easy FEW. That's why we start with feedback. You do those few things, not for some kids or all kids, but for each kid. That's how God sees us, that's how we're called to see them, and that's what leads to justice and flourishing. It's a really fun book to write because I was just harvesting stories from the work we were doing with schools all over. Beck Iselin: Almost like a collection, right? Jon Eckert: And then the key is though, you have to make it so that it feels doable, because there's amazing educators doing things that it just can overwhelm people, and hey, it's only those three things. That's it. Now, doing that for each kid makes teaching infinitely interesting, but also hard, but that's what we're called to and that's why I taught some science labs 16 times. It's not about the lab, it's about the way each kid comes to the lab, and so every time you do that, you have to see it through his or her eyes, and that's fascinating. How a does a 13-year-old see that chemical reaction for the first time. What does that look like? And the same thing for college students and for graduate students, you're not teaching a book. You're teaching individuals how to better understand their context and be more of who they're created to be through a great resource. So that's the beauty of Just Teaching at whatever level you're at. Beck Iselin: And so where to next then for Author Dr. Jon Eckert, is there another book in the works? Can you tell us? Jon Eckert: So yeah, the next book is a Joy Over Happiness and it's for parents and educators this time because it's anybody that works with kids, and I had to find kids from anywhere from toddler to 21 years old because I couldn't find a better term, but how do we engage a more joyful generation? So it's joy over happiness, engaging a more joyful generation through gritty optimism. Now, we'll see, publishers may change that title, who knows? But that's the idea that everyone has a story. It's worth telling and we can do this in ways that build optimism through evidence and experience. So naive optimism is just the belief we can become more of who we're created to be. Gritty optimism is the belief we can become more of who we're created to be through evidence and experience. So in order to do that, you got to do hard things with other people, and then you've got to be able to articulate them in your own story, and then great leaders elicit stories from others. So there's story seeking even more so than storytelling. How do you seek those stories and bring those and those in ways that privilege engagement over comfort and others over self and grittiness over naivete? Humility over arrogance. Beck Iselin: Or pride, yeah. Jon Eckert: Yes. Hospitality over service. What does that look like? So each chapter lays out how we get to joy through those vehicles, and so that's been a fun one. Again, gathering stories and evidence and data from all over and now it's just packaging it into okay, how do we get to joy? Beck Iselin: And I think parents are asking those same questions too, right? They're also inundated with voices that are telling them which way they should go and just hearing I think from lived experience from stories and that connect people from different nations and different contexts and different spaces, I think, yeah, there's something really special about that. I can't wait to read it. Jon Eckert: Well, and so I would be curious to hear from you because you are an educator right now. How are you seeing joy percolating in your classroom or in your school? What is that looking like in 2025? Beck Iselin: For me, I've just moved up to what is middle school. Life in the middle at my school, and I think joy in my classroom looks like kids becoming more independent and I think there's this joy in seeing, yeah, that thing of going, everything is new to them. Their uniforms are two sizes too big. They've got lockers and they've got to learn locker combinations for the first time. They've got to make sure they've got all their stationery and organization ready for each class. So there's a lot going on for their little brains and bodies, but to see just the sweetness of just a smile when they know, "Okay, I did it. It was really hard week one, but I finally got my locker combination." And it's funny, you see what would be our seniors, our year 12 students go, "Oh, I can do mine in five seconds." And I see my little year six shoulders just shrink a little more, but it's celebrating the little wins and I think that's where the joy is for me at the moment in my classroom context I guess in particular in just celebrating little success, because I think as well as kids get older and into those teen years, we stopped doing that. A lot of the play is just pushed to the wayside. A lot of nurture is pushed to the wayside and it becomes a lot about conformity, and we've got to shape you so that you're following these rules, but I think that there's something to be said about little wins that are celebrated as a whole classroom community, and furthermore, a school community. That's what I'm loving. Jon Eckert: No, that's good. I think that's what we do as educators, fan those small successes into big flames, and that is joy, and that's gritty optimism and when you've seen that year after year, it's not this belief that isn't grounded in reality. It is reality and the more kids can see that and articulate that story for themselves, that's where they find joy, and we find our greatest joy when our students find joy. Beck Iselin: Correct. Jon Eckert: And that's real and I definitely have appreciated that about you. Beck Iselin: Yeah, Mr. Eckert, I think it is time for our lightning round, something we do at the end of every podcast, but we'll ask a few questions. This is one of my favorite parts of podcasts to listen, to be very honest. I feel like you can learn a lot about a person through some of these answers. So I'd love to start with my favorite one. What is the worst piece of advice you have ever been given? Jon Eckert: That's good. This really stinks that I'm on this side because I always say, I'm terrible at this part. Beck Iselin: At least you're prepared. Jon Eckert: I did have some sense of the questions this time, which is good. Don't go into teaching. Beck Iselin: Oh, really? Jon Eckert: Yes, you're too smart to go into teaching. Beck Iselin: And who told you this? Jon Eckert: Multiple people. When I was graduating from high school, when I was starting, I always say it was a huge blessing to me. I graduated from a small rural school in West Virginia, and so I got a federal scholarship because I looked like Appalachian poverty to go into teaching, and it required me to teach for two years every year I took the scholarship, and I took it for three years. So I had to teach six years. Beck Iselin: You were forced into it. Jon Eckert: And so it was so good for me because my pride and arrogance might have said that I don't think I want to be an education major because people look down on education majors. Beck Iselin: And do you think as a young male, you found that as well? Jon Eckert: Oh, absolutely. I am quite certain. There are many reasons why women would not have dated me in college, but being a teacher was not a strong endorsement of that's somebody I want to date, and even friends would openly mock that in ways that were kind of good-natured, but would also sting a little bit. So yeah, don't go into teaching. Worst piece of advice I've gotten. Beck Iselin: Which is so hard when you have a gift and no matter what context you're in, you're going to teach, whether it's called being a teacher and you've got an education major or not. Do you think that times have changed and that still would be the case for our young men that are looking at studying education? Jon Eckert: Well, 77% of educators in the US are female. So 23% are male, really don't go into elementary education, which I started in fifth grade. So love that. I had them all day, got to know them as a family, and it was just a beautiful thing, but yeah, I think it's still a problem. I actually think we've gotten worse. I think administrators have made administration look unappealing to teachers, so nobody wants to go into it. Beck Iselin: As a whole. Jon Eckert: Yeah, then only go into administration, and then teachers have made teaching look pretty miserable to students and some of their best students I had don't do this go into something else. Even good teachers are telling students to do that. I know I've heard that multiple times that I don't want my child to go into this profession, and so we're cannibalizing a profession, and I understand where that comes from, but I don't think that's going to help our society. Beck Iselin: That's not the answer, right? Jon Eckert: Yeah, that's a tough place to be. So I just did a horrific job on the first lightning round question, Beck. Beck Iselin: Yeah, lightning, come on. Okay, best piece of advice you've ever been given. Jon Eckert: So it's on my wall in my office. It's Parker Palmer's quote, "Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique. Good teaching comes down to the identity and integrity of the teacher." And so that's either super encouraging to you or super like, "Oh, that's it." It can't just be a series of techniques, but that is the encouragement. It's who we are in Christ. Beck Iselin: It's about the heart. Jon Eckert: That is animating what we do. Now, techniques help. It can't be reduced to it, but it's the identity integrity of the teacher, which to me is like, "Oh yeah, that's what it is. I get to live life alongside these kids." Beck Iselin: Yeah, it's reassuring. Jon Eckert: Right. Beck Iselin: Great. A fun one, if you could invite two people over for dinner, dead or a life, who would it be and why? Jon Eckert: Well, thank you for not eliminating Jesus from that. I've done this multiple times. Beck Iselin: Always, it's assumed. Jon Eckert: But how could you not invite Jesus over to find out what that was like? Beck Iselin: Be unreal. Jon Eckert: To be God in human form on earth. That would be amazing, and then the other one, whenever people eliminate Bible characters if they do that, which I think is mean, it's Abraham Lincoln. I mentioned the book that I just read, but I find him to be one of the most fascinating leaders ever because of what he led through and the way he had to think through unbelievably hard things. So I think it would've been fascinating to hear what that experience was like. Beck Iselin: That's great, and do you have a word for this year? I feel like we're kind of in March now, aren't we? So I feel like it's past the time where all the New Year's resolutions, they're well and truly up and running or well and truly, completely faded away into the abyss, but do you have a word that you're holding onto for this year? Jon Eckert: Yes, so the word is joy and it's a word that obviously we've talked a lot about today that I journal every morning and I write five things every morning that I'm grateful for, and then I just pray like, "Hey, Lord, what's your word for me today?" And whether that's just my conscience, it's just on the mind or it's really a supernatural intervention, joy has been that word 95% of the mornings for the last six months. That's been what it is and I'm so grateful for that and then I jump into my Bible and read, and then I spend a little more time praying, but I want my life to be marked by joy. That doesn't mean life is easy, but that means that there's going to be joy through hard things because there are hard things. Teachers see this, administrators see this. If your eyes are open, you see hard things and meaningful work in front of you all the time. Beck Iselin: And so what would you say? Would you then say that one of the greatest challenges you are seeing in education is that lack of joy in that same way? Jon Eckert: Yeah, I think it's the lack of understanding of what joy is. I think we've lost sight of it. We think if there's adversity that there's not joy, and so to me, I want educators to grab onto joy because that's what we pursue is joy and recognize that yeah, this is a hard job, but it's meaningful, and I have all these friends who are worried about AI taking their jobs or the way their jobs are shifting, and they get paid a lot more money because they have to be paid a lot more money because their work a lot of times is hollow and doesn't feel very meaningful. We have meaningful work to do with human beings every day, and there's great joy in that, and so I think that is the biggest challenge I think for society right now, but I think for educators that there is great joy in this profession. We just have to see it. Beck Iselin: And your greatest hope then for education as well, looking into the future? Jon Eckert: Yeah, I think it's what I've seen through the center, we get to work with educators all over the world is the hope that comes from seeing people lead with each other through adversity. We certainly can celebrate the easy wins, but the hard wins when they come, and the successes that come when you see a kid become more of who they're created to be, or a leader more of who they're created to be. It's just huge blessing. Beck Iselin: Yeah, special. Well, thank you so much, Jon. It's been such a blessing to have this conversation with you today. I know so many people are going to gain so much from you. You're just a wealth of wisdom and I'm grateful for our time. Jon Eckert: Well, thank you for that kind overstatement at the end and for allowing me to talk to you and be on the other side of the microphone. Beck Iselin: Yeah, it's great, thank you.  

What do Andrew Tate's return, Netflix's “Adolescence”, the film “Manodrome”, and the Department of Education shutdown all have in common? I break it down here - why it's harder than ever to combat bullying in our school communities - and I provide a fundamental approach that I take. Hopefully all educators can apply this at their school site once they listen to this.This episode was inspired by my conversation with Trevor Slater. Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/episodes/18--The-Solution-to-the-Manosphere-Male-Educators---with-Trevor-Slater--Alternative-Education-Teacher-e2vn32p---(0:00) Class in session(1:25) Andrew Tate returns to the US, and what that teaches our young boys(5:55) A middle school Andrew Tate fan, and what I learned(11:30) Netflix's Adolescence and the movie Manodrome(13:10) Eliminating the Department of Education will make the “manosphere” stronger and more prevalent in schools(16:00) My prediction was worse than correct - Department of Education layoffs and some stats about that(20:45) Parker Palmer's tragic gap(25:00) “I didn't know what they were watching.”(27:00) Information about our Dance-a-thonContribute to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser: https://charity.pledgeit.org/EFC-DanceAThon ---Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345 Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/ ---Connect with Ashanti Branch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksTwitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/---Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support ---Connect with Ever Forward Club:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubTwitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on March 17, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.

It's here and then it's gone. In so many ways this is the through line of our experience. From the sunny day,To a common cold,To time spent with loved ones,Or the experience of our wedding day.Joy, love, heartbreak, and ultimately Life itself - All by nature impermanent. To walk through this lifeIs to walk hand-in-hand with change. It is simply part of what it means to be human -  Part of what connects us all. This season on the podcast we wanted to make these shared experiences a focal point of our larger conversation. So for 3 episodes we have brought together some of the great teachers, physicians, writers, and leaders of our time.To reflect on how we might embrace impermanence,Relax into uncertainty, Loosen our grip of control,And open up the possibility of appreciating, and taking in, the preciousness and beauty of this one life which we are given. Two weeks ago we kicked off this seriesWith world renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg and palliative care physician and author, Dr. Sunita Puri. Last week we continued unpacking these themes with CEO Coach Jerry Colonna and legendary teacher, activist, and author, Parker Palmer.Today we close this epic 3 part mini series by inviting two pioneers in end-of-life care to engage two of the great mysteries of human life:Love and Death. Legendary Buddhist teacher, activist, author, and founder of Upaya Zen Center, Roshi Joan HalifaxAnd Buddhist teacher, best-selling author, and founder of the Zen Hospice Project, Frank OstaseskiWill explore themes related to:How we might embrace the experiences of loving and dying in ways that lead to living as fully as we can.And the possibility of meeting impermanence with greater wisdom, compassion, and courage. During our time together they will offer reflections on: Mindfulness as a practice of intimacyLearning to let goSurrenderThe joy of discoveryAnd how we might meet all that life gives us with loving awareness. For more on Roshi please visit: joanhalifax.org or upaya.orgAnd for more on Frank please visit: frankostaseski.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On Work, Friendship, and Embracing Impermanence | Parker Palmer & Jerry ColonnaImpermanence, Letting Go, and Finding Freedom | Sharon Salzberg & Sunita PuriEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show

Summary This episode of "Coping" covers what a calling is, and debunks three major misconceptions about it. Kathy and Kevin discuss that calling isn't just for certain people but is universal, and it doesn't always manifest as a clear, dramatic moment. They discuss the difference between jobs (which pay bills), careers (climbing the ladder), and callings (which provide meaning and purpose). The conversation concludes with a reading of John Donahue's poem 'For the Traveler.' Highlights Introduction to Calling and Its Evolution The speakers begin by introducing the topic of calling and its importance. They establish that calling isn't static but evolves over time. Statistical evidence is presented showing the evolution of job changes: from 1-2 jobs in 1950, 4-6 in 1980, to a projected 12 jobs by 2025. Yale professor Amy Rosinski's framework is discussed, distinguishing between jobs (for paying bills), careers (ladder climbing), and callings (meaningful purpose). Myth 1: Calling is Unchanging and Linear The first myth addressed is that calling remains unchanged throughout life. Kevin emphasizes that people are called, not jobs, and that calling evolves as individuals grow. Kathy uses the metaphor of Russian stacking dolls to illustrate how calling evolves into larger versions while maintaining core identity. Parker Palmer's quote about listening to one's life is referenced to emphasize the connection between calling and identity. Myth 2: Calling is Only for Other People The second myth discusses the misconception that calling is only for special individuals. Both speakers share personal experiences: Kathy initially resisted following her family's educational legacy, while Kevin, as a chaplain, notes how people often associate calling only with religious vocations. They emphasize that everyone has a unique purpose to fulfill. Myth 3: Calling is Always Clear and Obvious The final myth addresses the misconception that calling appears as a dramatic moment of revelation. The speakers reference Bill Burnett's work on Design Your Life Thinking and discuss how calling often emerges through small moments rather than dramatic 'burning bush' experiences. They emphasize that calling develops through exploration and reflection, with Kevin introducing the concept of 'lowercase c' calling moments versus 'capital C' moments.

Things are changing all the time. From the seasons,To the weather, our emotions, and our relationships.We are born, we grow old, and ultimately we die. To walk through life means to walk hand-in-hand with impermanence. It is simply part of what it means to be human. And this season on the podcast we wanted to make these shared experiences of change and uncertainty a focal point of our larger conversation. So for 3 episodes we are bringing together some of the great teachers, physicians, writers, and leaders of our time.To reflect on how we might embrace impermanence rather than push it away. From learning to relax into uncertainty, To loosening the grip of control as we aspire toward what matters to us with less attachment to the outcome,To opening up the possibility of appreciating the preciousness and beauty of being alive. Last week we kicked off this series with world renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg and palliative care physician and author, Dr. Sunita Puri. Today, we are continuing with a deeply moving conversation between - Legendary teacher, activist, and best selling author Parker PalmerAnd CEO Coach, and co-founder of leading executive coaching firm Reboot, Jerry Colonna. Both Parker and Jerry have taught, written, and coached extensively on the topic of work - so today that's where much of our conversation will go. Some of the questions we'll explore include:How might we lean into the dynamic ebb and flow of our work experience with greater levity, wisdom, and compassion?What are the ways in which we can work in greater alignment with the imperatives of our soul? And for those on the unconventional path how can we find the courage to keep going in the face of doubt and fear?For more on Jerry please check out reboot.ioAnd for more on Parker please visit: newcomerpalmer.comDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Impermanence, Letting Go, and Finding Freedom | Sharon Salzberg & Sunita PuriThe Courageous Journey Toward Wholeness | Parker Palmer Pt. 1Reflections on Living With an Open Heart | Parker Palmer Pt. 2Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for tuning in!Support the show

"Our relationship with money is a mirror of our deepest values and fears." - Parker Palmer

What do courage, inspiration, burnout, and the soul have in common? A lot, actually. We'll dig into the 'Courage Work' framework developed by author and teacher Parker Palmer and how it can help us navigate out of burnout and create space for inspiration and renewal. We'll also get into some important details about the causes of burnout, the importance of deep listening and soul work, and how some of the most powerful aspects of our courage show up in surprisingly quiet ways. Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. Center for Courage and Renewal Deep Listening episodes: Learning to Love Well: Listen Deeply [ep. 24] Easing Anxiety with Curiosity & the Power of Deep Listening [ep. 62] Seeing Our Innocence & Listening Deeply [ep. 65] The Compassion of Understanding & How to Practice Deep Listening [ep. 178] Full transcript here. Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

God's preferred method of communication is through a still, small voice. – Dallas WillardDear Friends, Who have I become, and who am I becoming? For over two decades, I've relentlessly asked these questions and found myself lovingly interrogated by Jesus and His Kingdom at every turn of my journey. Now, as I transition from one season to the next, I sense another pair of soul-searching questions rising from the depths: Who is God, really? Who will I allow Him to become in the decades ahead? Parker Palmer beautifully wrote, “Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must first listen to my life telling me who I am.” God comes to us brilliantly disguised in the ordinary moments of our everyday lives. Let us look back and see afresh the God who has prevailed. Let us look forward with confidence and hope, trusting in the God who will continue to prevail. This episode offers a brief, real-time reflection for the soul. My hope is that it will beckon you deeper still. As you engage with this Examen, may you receive a renewed and personal invitation to explore the updated version of "A Soul's Review," BGS Podcast Episode 151. While this exercise can be done individually, many allies have found it to be an especially transformational experience when shared as a couple or small group during a half-day or full-day retreat. Pray about it. You and your community are worth the time it takes to transition well from one season to the next. So, as a prologue, come along. Let us slow down and dare to tune in to the still, small voice of God. For the Kingdom, Morgan & Cherie

DateDecember 22, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we dive into what happens when vulnerability meets blessing through the lens of Mary's visit to Elizabeth. We explore how creating safe spaces for truth-telling—like Elizabeth's home and the muskrat's winter den—allows us to encounter transformative love that empowers us to sing new songs of hope. This fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that authentic love makes room for our whole selves, not just our highlight reel.ReferencesScripture: Luke 1:39–55 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

From Amy:I met Nicole Diaz in the life-coaching world around the time that I was first envisioning my online community for real-life writers. She demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the creative process, and I had this idea of hosting Idea Parties as the centerpiece of my work with writing groups, with Parker Palmer's work as my model. Nicole was a Parker Palmer fan too. So for a few years, we collaborated to host once-a-month calls on Saturday mornings where we let beautiful words draw us into our writing.Afterwards, people spoke their voices into the room, and nobody corrected or coached or edited each other. Instead, we let you be at the heart of your story and reflected your words back. And books began to be written and friendships began to be made.Together, Nicole and I developed a flexible and potent Idea Party format that works to this day, even after she has moved on.There were other experiments Nicole and I tried, among them this little series of three podcasts. It was going to be available in the community library only, as one of many exclusive features. Since then I've streamlined my online Writing Circle space to center on writing calls and there's no reason to house a three-part podcast series with a leader who's no longer there.On the other hand, Nicole and I agree that these three episodes would make a beautiful Winter Solstice gift to YOU, my podcast listeners, at a time when creativity could bring us all comfort if we could just calm down about the creative process itself.These are shorter than my other episodes, and I find talking with Nicole delightful. I hope you enjoy.Happy holiday season.Love, AmyPS–Nicole sends her love too.Nicole Diaz is a creativity coach and business strategist. She works with business professionals to access their creative flow, and with creatives to build the structure they need to stay on track without losing inspiration. Through private coaching and workshops, she helps people balance strategy and creativity so they can bring their ideas to life. www.nicolemdiaz.com Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Get Amy's Books and AudiobooksLearn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

From Amy:I met Nicole Diaz in the life-coaching world around the time that I was first envisioning my online community for real-life writers. She demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the creative process, and I had this idea of hosting Idea Parties as the centerpiece of my work with writing groups, with Parker Palmer's work as my model. Nicole was a Parker Palmer fan too. So for a few years, we collaborated to host once-a-month calls on Saturday mornings where we let beautiful words draw us into our writing.Afterwards, people spoke their voices into the room, and nobody corrected or coached or edited each other. Instead, we let you be at the heart of your story and reflected your words back. And books began to be written and friendships began to be made.Together, Nicole and I developed a flexible and potent Idea Party format that works to this day, even after she has moved on.There were other experiments Nicole and I tried, among them this little series of three podcasts. It was going to be available in the community library only, as one of many exclusive features. Since then I've streamlined my online Writing Circle space to center on writing calls and there's no reason to house a three-part podcast series with a leader who's no longer there.On the other hand, Nicole and I agree that these three episodes would make a beautiful Winter Solstice gift to YOU, my podcast listeners, at a time when creativity could bring us all comfort if we could just calm down about the creative process itself.These are shorter than my other episodes, and I find talking with Nicole delightful. I hope you enjoy.Happy holiday season.Love, AmyPS–Nicole sends her love too.Nicole Diaz is a creativity coach and business strategist. She works with business professionals to access their creative flow, and with creatives to build the structure they need to stay on track without losing inspiration. Through private coaching and workshops, she helps people balance strategy and creativity so they can bring their ideas to life. www.nicolemdiaz.com Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Get Amy's Books and AudiobooksLearn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

From Amy:I met Nicole Diaz in the life-coaching world around the time that I was first envisioning my online community for real-life writers. She demonstrated a brilliant understanding of the creative process, and I had this idea of hosting Idea Parties as the centerpiece of my work with writing groups, with Parker Palmer's work as my model. Nicole was a Parker Palmer fan too. So for a few years, we collaborated to host once-a-month calls on Saturday mornings where we let beautiful words draw us into our writing.Afterwards, people spoke their voices into the room, and nobody corrected or coached or edited each other. Instead, we let you be at the heart of your story and reflected your words back. And books began to be written and friendships began to be made.Together, Nicole and I developed a flexible and potent Idea Party format that works to this day, even after she has moved on.There were other experiments Nicole and I tried, among them this little series of three podcasts. It was going to be available in the community library only, as one of many exclusive features. Since then I've streamlined my online Writing Circle space to center on writing calls and there's no reason to house a three-part podcast series with a leader who's no longer there.On the other hand, Nicole and I agree that these three episodes would make a beautiful Winter Solstice gift to YOU, my podcast listeners, at a time when creativity could bring us all comfort if we could just calm down about the creative process itself.These are shorter than my other episodes, and I find talking with Nicole delightful. I hope you enjoy.Happy holiday season.Love, AmyPS–Nicole sends her love too.Nicole Diaz is a creativity coach and business strategist. She works with business professionals to access their creative flow, and with creatives to build the structure they need to stay on track without losing inspiration. Through private coaching and workshops, she helps people balance strategy and creativity so they can bring their ideas to life. www.nicolemdiaz.com Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Get Amy's Books and AudiobooksLearn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

In this insightful conversation, I'm joined by poet James Pearson to explore personal growth, vulnerability, and the creative process. The discussion centers on themes of transformation, wholeheartedness, and navigating life's difficult "winter seasons," a metaphor for the times of struggle, uncertainty, and rebirth. Pearson shares personal stories from his journey of self-discovery and healing, including the moments of asking for help that led to unexpected lifelines. Together, we delve into the wisdom found in nature's cycles and the power of messy, in-between times for personal growth.James reflects on his poetic work, particularly his debut collection The Wilderness That Bears Your Name. We discuss the idea of being "mirrored into existence" and the importance of human connection in helping us see and embrace our true selves. This conversation is both a meditation on the cyclical nature of life and an invitation to make room for uncertainty.Episode Highlights:* Wholeheartedness: The challenge of connecting to wholeheartedness during difficult, desolate times, and the courage it takes to ask for help.* Unordinary Emergence: Inspired by David Whyte's concept of the hidden essence within us that emerges when we are invited and supported.* Mirroring and Connection: The importance of being "mirrored into existence" through human relationships and how communal reflection shapes our sense of self.* The Mud Season: The metaphorical season between winter and spring, where growth is messy but crucial.* Nature's Lessons on Transformation: Lessons from Parker Palmer and Richard Rohr on the humility and grace found in life's messy, humbling experiences.* Reclaiming Authenticity: Facing existential crises and shedding old identities to make space for more authentic versions of ourselves.* Seeing Beauty in the Mess: Reflections on how even life's "weeds" and imperfections hold beauty and significance.This episode is an invitation to embrace life's muddy seasons with patience, courage, and the willingness to see possibility in the mess.* Learn more about James and The Wilderness That Bears Your Name at Jamesapearson.com.* Connect with James on Instagram: @Jamesapearson* Subscribe to The Guest House on Substack for regular essays, podcast episodes, and more.* Shawnparell.com - Check out Shawn's website to sign up for 5 free meditations, join Shawn's email list for monthly field notes and music alchemy, and learn more about her work and upcoming events.* Stay connected with Shawn on Instagram @ShawnParell for live weekly meditations and prompts for practice.* Join David Keplinger and me on January 24-25, 2024, for Mary Oliver and the Quest of Openness: "Are You Willing"?—a yoga, meditation, and somatic inquiry workshop hosted by YogaSource in Santa Fe. Drawing on his many years of friendship with Mary Oliver, David will help us explore themes of openness and willingness in her poetry. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe

In times of profound crisis, when violence and hatred seem to dominate our world, we often search for voices that can help us navigate through the darkness while holding onto our humanity. Today's conversation with Parker Palmer, one of America's most respected Quaker elders and thought leaders, explores the complex landscape of faith, hope, and healing in the context of the Israel-Gaza war. As an Israeli educator now living in America, I sit down with Parker to explore not only the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, but also how this crisis has become a mirror reflecting deep tensions within American society. Through our dialogue, we examine what it means to maintain faith in the possibility of change when reality seems to offer no hope, and how the wisdom of touch and bodily connection might offer pathways to healing that weapons never could." About Parker Palmer: "Parker J. Palmer is a world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. For over five decades, his work has focused on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. His books, including 'The Courage to Teach,' 'Let Your Life Speak,' and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy,' have inspired millions worldwide. As a Quaker elder, Palmer brings a unique perspective that combines contemplative wisdom with practical engagement in social justice, making him a vital voice in conversations about faith, community, and social healing." 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 times of profound crisis, when violence and hatred seem to dominate our world, we often search for voices that can help us navigate through the darkness while holding onto our humanity. Today's conversation with Parker Palmer, one of America's most respected Quaker elders and thought leaders, explores the complex landscape of faith, hope, and healing in the context of the Israel-Gaza war. As an Israeli educator now living in America, I sit down with Parker to explore not only the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, but also how this crisis has become a mirror reflecting deep tensions within American society. Through our dialogue, we examine what it means to maintain faith in the possibility of change when reality seems to offer no hope, and how the wisdom of touch and bodily connection might offer pathways to healing that weapons never could." About Parker Palmer: "Parker J. Palmer is a world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. For over five decades, his work has focused on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. His books, including 'The Courage to Teach,' 'Let Your Life Speak,' and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy,' have inspired millions worldwide. As a Quaker elder, Palmer brings a unique perspective that combines contemplative wisdom with practical engagement in social justice, making him a vital voice in conversations about faith, community, and social healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

In times of profound crisis, when violence and hatred seem to dominate our world, we often search for voices that can help us navigate through the darkness while holding onto our humanity. Today's conversation with Parker Palmer, one of America's most respected Quaker elders and thought leaders, explores the complex landscape of faith, hope, and healing in the context of the Israel-Gaza war. As an Israeli educator now living in America, I sit down with Parker to explore not only the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, but also how this crisis has become a mirror reflecting deep tensions within American society. Through our dialogue, we examine what it means to maintain faith in the possibility of change when reality seems to offer no hope, and how the wisdom of touch and bodily connection might offer pathways to healing that weapons never could." About Parker Palmer: "Parker J. Palmer is a world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. For over five decades, his work has focused on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. His books, including 'The Courage to Teach,' 'Let Your Life Speak,' and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy,' have inspired millions worldwide. As a Quaker elder, Palmer brings a unique perspective that combines contemplative wisdom with practical engagement in social justice, making him a vital voice in conversations about faith, community, and social healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

In times of profound crisis, when violence and hatred seem to dominate our world, we often search for voices that can help us navigate through the darkness while holding onto our humanity. Today's conversation with Parker Palmer, one of America's most respected Quaker elders and thought leaders, explores the complex landscape of faith, hope, and healing in the context of the Israel-Gaza war. As an Israeli educator now living in America, I sit down with Parker to explore not only the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, but also how this crisis has become a mirror reflecting deep tensions within American society. Through our dialogue, we examine what it means to maintain faith in the possibility of change when reality seems to offer no hope, and how the wisdom of touch and bodily connection might offer pathways to healing that weapons never could." About Parker Palmer: "Parker J. Palmer is a world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. For over five decades, his work has focused on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. His books, including 'The Courage to Teach,' 'Let Your Life Speak,' and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy,' have inspired millions worldwide. As a Quaker elder, Palmer brings a unique perspective that combines contemplative wisdom with practical engagement in social justice, making him a vital voice in conversations about faith, community, and social healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/israel-studies

In times of profound crisis, when violence and hatred seem to dominate our world, we often search for voices that can help us navigate through the darkness while holding onto our humanity. Today's conversation with Parker Palmer, one of America's most respected Quaker elders and thought leaders, explores the complex landscape of faith, hope, and healing in the context of the Israel-Gaza war. As an Israeli educator now living in America, I sit down with Parker to explore not only the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, but also how this crisis has become a mirror reflecting deep tensions within American society. Through our dialogue, we examine what it means to maintain faith in the possibility of change when reality seems to offer no hope, and how the wisdom of touch and bodily connection might offer pathways to healing that weapons never could." About Parker Palmer: "Parker J. Palmer is a world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. For over five decades, his work has focused on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. His books, including 'The Courage to Teach,' 'Let Your Life Speak,' and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy,' have inspired millions worldwide. As a Quaker elder, Palmer brings a unique perspective that combines contemplative wisdom with practical engagement in social justice, making him a vital voice in conversations about faith, community, and social healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

In times of profound crisis, when violence and hatred seem to dominate our world, we often search for voices that can help us navigate through the darkness while holding onto our humanity. Today's conversation with Parker Palmer, one of America's most respected Quaker elders and thought leaders, explores the complex landscape of faith, hope, and healing in the context of the Israel-Gaza war. As an Israeli educator now living in America, I sit down with Parker to explore not only the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, but also how this crisis has become a mirror reflecting deep tensions within American society. Through our dialogue, we examine what it means to maintain faith in the possibility of change when reality seems to offer no hope, and how the wisdom of touch and bodily connection might offer pathways to healing that weapons never could." About Parker Palmer: "Parker J. Palmer is a world-renowned writer, speaker, activist, and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal. For over five decades, his work has focused on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. His books, including 'The Courage to Teach,' 'Let Your Life Speak,' and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy,' have inspired millions worldwide. As a Quaker elder, Palmer brings a unique perspective that combines contemplative wisdom with practical engagement in social justice, making him a vital voice in conversations about faith, community, and social healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

How do we stay hopeful in the face of despair and disillusionment—especially when politics threaten to tear us in two? Kate speaks with Parker Palmer, a writer, teacher, and activist. As you'll hear, he has gone through seasons of deep clinical depression, and has hard-won wisdom to share with us on how to survive, how to regain a sense of agency, how to remain hopeful despite it all.  In this episode, Kate and Parker discuss: finding agency in the midst of depression and despair (including his trick of redefining achievement) why it is important to recalibrate our sense of reality—especially in the face of 24-hour news cycles and social media algorithms how a broken heart can either shatter or break open into a larger, more compassionate way of being So on a day like today when we all might be thinking about the state of our nation or the state of our world or the realities at stake for our families and friends (....or perhaps, more tempted to keep our head in the sand to just make it through Thanksgiving), might we pull up close and listen to what Parker has to teach us about how to keep our hearts soft and remain hopeful, still.  If you liked this episode, you'll also love:  Sharon McMahon on the small differences we can make Will Willimon on aging into a new vocation   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John 11:32-44 When Mary came to Jesus and saw him she said to him, “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and the other Jews with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said to them, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone lying against it. Jesus said to them, “Take away the stone.” But Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I've said this for the sake of those standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Death and dying have been hanging heavy on my mind lately – and I know that's true for many of you, too. We had Steve Ellenberger's celebration of life last Saturday. I had another funeral last Sunday afternoon, for the father of a college friend, down in Southport. We're getting ready to do the same for Dick Bowen this weekend. On Monday night, our Stephen Ministers did some “continuing education” about what it means to pre-plan your funeral – a session we scheduled months ago. And Wednesday, a group of us wrapped up a seven-week conversation about what it means to die well – to approach, and even embrace, the gravity of getting old … and the nearness and certainty of our own demise.All of these things, each in their own way, were pointing me toward what we're up to on this high, holy, festival we call “All Saints Sunday” in the Church. We've already read our names and tolled our bells toward that end. We've been reminded about the power of baptism and we will receive the power and blessing of Holy Communion, in light of it all, too – as we should.But the catch to all of this, of course… the thing that sometimes gets lost in the mix, or glossed over, or denied by the rose-colored glasses of Sunday morning worship; by the bright lights and the white paraments; by the pretty flowers and the rousing music of it all… is that in order to be the kind of saint we're commemorating and celebrating… in order to become the kind of saints we're remembering and honoring this morning… a person first has to be dead.And Jesus reminds us this morning, with the help of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, that death and mortality are sad, scary, messy, and mystifying parts of life in this world. But part of life, nonetheless.Even Jesus weeps in this bit of John's Gospel as he makes his way to his friend's tomb, and when we find him there this morning, he's still “greatly disturbed,” even though, presumably, he knew what he was going to try to do for Lazarus. And Martha and her sister Mary are so distraught over their brother's dying, that they have the nerve to blame Jesus for not coming to the rescue sooner.But Jesus does come. And he's not afraid of what awaits him there: the mourning of the sisters; the sadness of the crowds; his own deep grief; the improbability of the task before him; the grave clothes; the large stone; the stench of a four-day-old corpse in the Judean heat.So, I feel like I'm being invited, again this morning – in the light of recent events and on this All Saints Sunday – to get up close and personal with death and mortality – mine, yours, ours – in another new, holy kind of way. And I think we honor those who've gone before us – whose deaths we commemorate, whose lives we celebrate, and whose love we remember – when we open ourselves to connecting the dots between their living and dying and our own more deliberately. That seven-week class that just ended – the one about the grace and gravity of getting old – was based on a book by Parker Palmer, called On the Brink of Everything. (Some in our group thought that the title was the best thing about the book, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt!)But, “On the Brink of Everything?” I am captivated and encouraged and inspired by that hopeful perspective about dying and by what it means to inch closer and closer to death and to whatever waits for us on the other side of this life – and to do it deliberately, intentionally, and with your heart and mind and life wide open to God's possibilities.And what Jesus does this morning, in a way I thought about differently this time because of it, is he shows us how thin the veil is between this life and the next when he's part of the mix – and I don't just mean the “veil” of that stinky cloth that was wrapped around Lazarus head when we stepped out of his tomb.No, what speaks now to me about all of this is what it means to live with one foot firmly and faithfully planted in life as we know it, on this side of Heaven, and another foot poised and ready to land safely, securely, and fearlessly on the other side of Heaven, whenever that time comes.And Jesus' little stunt with Lazarus gives me hope to remember that there are saints on both sides of it all. And it challenges me to remember that I'm called to be one of them – here and now, whenever and wherever and however I can muster it – just as surely as I hope to join saints like Steve Ellenberger and Dick Bowen and all the rest, on the other side of God's eternity, too.For some reason, I've found myself recounting for a couple of people lately, something my dad's heart surgeon told me, my brother, and my mom, while my dad was still in the ICU following his second open-heart surgery, more than 20 years ago. After recounting all of the ways my dad was going to have to continue changing or maintaining his lifestyle as a heart patient – eating this, not eating that, exercising, monitoring his stress, and so on – the doctor said, “BUT, it's also important to remember that the point of living is not NOT to die.”“The point of living is not NOT to die.”And that's great, practical advice when it comes to having a steak or a drink or a cigar every once in a blue moon. But it's also great, practical, solid spiritual advice, too, if you ask me. “The point of living is not NOT to die.”I believe when we live our lives pretending or denying or keeping our distance from death – as we are so often inclined to do – it is that much harder to face, or digest, or journey through it in healthy, faithful ways when death comes – for us, for someone we love, or when it shows up in the world around us.And I believe keeping our distance from death keeps us from living as fully and as faithfully as we should, could, would, or want to be living, if we truly considered what it means to be “on the brink of everything” – on the verge of God's heavenly, holy ground, more often.So, I wonder, what if we saw ourselves and others – more readily – as saints already, on this side of heaven, not just the next?What if we saw all that we experience in this life – the beautiful and the bland, the joy and the sadness, the hopeful and the despairing – as holy stepping stones on a pathway to the brink of God's great eternity?What if we lived more acutely aware and accepting of the notion that a sacred, holy communion of saints surrounds us – right where we live, as we make our way through life in this world?What if we stopped pretending that death was this untouchable thing to be avoided at all costs – that we could or should live forever and always, even though we know that's not possible and was never the plan?What if we lived like God's Kingdom was closer, nearby, within and around – not only in the communion of saints who've gone on to glory – but close, nearby, within and around those of us who are called to be saints here and now, just the same?I think it would impact how we give, how we serve, how we forgive, how we live, and how we die, too.Because Jesus shows up – if we're paying attention, and reminds us – like he proved to Lazarus, and like he reminded Martha – that if we believe … if we keep our eyes open … if we invite the presence of God's grace to live among us – we will see the glory of God in this life, in ways that fill us with hope – now, and for whatever's yet to come.Amen

In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we'll explore the 'compassion of understanding'—the second level in Dr. Gabor Maté's five levels of compassion. We'll first highlight the power of moving beyond judgment and into curiosity and understanding, using depression as an example. We'll then get into the practice of deep listening, inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh and Parker Palmer's work, to help cultivate compassion both for ourselves and others Sources and Notes: Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. Your Joy Lab membership also includes our NMH Community! Gabor Mate's website. Sometimes I Just Sits... (the power of solitude) [Joy Lab ep. 74] Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

The Grown-Up Catholicism series wraps up with an episode on continuing education. As in each episode in the series, this one is descriptive not prescriptive in that I'll model my own discernment on these issues with scripture, contemplation and prayer but I'll never direct your grown-up Catholic choice as that's between you and the Lord! I hope this episode is a blessing to you, thanks for giving it a listen. If you'd like to connect with me, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠find me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you'd like to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠help support this podcast financially⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, there's a way to do just that ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on my page at buymeacoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Thanks for sharing, subscribing, rating, and reviewing, as this helps our community to grow. Thanks as always to my friend, Peter Vaughan-Vail, for providing the beautiful harp music you hear in this and every episode. Here are some resources I hope will help you to engage with this week's topic in a deeper way for yourself: 1. The Bible Project - helpful videos and other content 2. Article: Lectio Divina beginner guide from Busted Halo 3. My website, kerrycampbell.org - find podcasts, transcripts, additional writings and more. Check out the show notes of each Raised Catholic episode for lots more resources. 4. A few authors/speakers/podcasters I recommend: C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Kate Bowler, Rachel Held Evans, Fr. Richard Rohr, Shannan Martin, Henri Nouwen, Emily P. Freeman, Parker Palmer, Anne Lamott, Fr. Greg Boyle, Sarah Bessey, Eugene Peterson, Beth Moore, Timothy Keller, Annie F. Downs, Carlos Whitaker

In this episode, Rabbi Feigelson discusses the importance of friendship and teamwork, drawing comparisons between famous fictional characters like Hermione Granger and Buzz Lightyear. These characters symbolize the idea of friends as true teammates — people who help us accomplish things we never thought possible. He then reflects on how these friendships relate to Parker Palmer's fifth habit of the heart: the capacity to create community. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

Expressing sadness over the events that took place at Apalachee High School last week. Topics include: Apalachee High School, school shootings, Colt Gray, Colin Gray, Ricky Pearsall, Union Square San Francisco, parents being charged for children's actions during school shootings, bodycam footage of Colin Gray, school shooting data, the Second Amendment (0:00) Welcome (2:00) Honoring the victims of a senseless act, and two more shootings have occurred since (5:30) Making trauma-informed and student-centered decisions (8:20) Parker Palmer's books, specifically The Courage to Teach (11:20) The US Surgeon General's Advisory about parents (15:30) Bodycam footage of the police visiting Colt Gray a year before the shooting (24:50) Final thoughts --- Join our Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/efc-young-mens-advocates-2345  Create your own mask anonymously at https://millionmask.org/  Email us questions and comments at totmpod100@gmail.com  --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/ Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/ --- Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support  --- Connect with Ever Forward Club: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclub Twitter: https://twitter.com/everforwardclub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-club/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support

In this fourth episode of our five-part special series leading up to the U.S. election, Rabbi Feigelson explores the importance of finding "A Sense of Personal Voice and Agency," one of the "habits of the heart" outlined by Parker Palmer. Through a whimsical yet profound story involving the Muppets' rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the episode illustrates how using even the smallest voice can inspire others and encourage deeper participation in democracy. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

In the third episode of our five-part series leading up to the U.S. elections, Rabbi Feigelson delves into a crucial aspect of living in a multicultural democracy — the art of holding tension in life-giving ways. Drawing inspiration from Parker Palmer and the biblical narrative of King Solomon, he explores how embracing the inevitable tensions in our lives can foster growth, deepen our understanding, and strengthen our relationships. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, Programs Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk reflects on her transformative experience at the Subaki Grand Shrine in Japan, focusing on the ritual of sweeping as a metaphor for personal and spiritual purification. The act of sweeping symbolizes the removal of life's metaphorical debris that obscures our innate brightness and connection to nature. The speaker explores the concept of vocation, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's inner voice rather than external expectations. Drawing on Parker Palmer's insights, Nicole encourages deep self-reflection and ongoing commitment to vocational discernment, stressing that true vocation is about aligning with one's deepest values and desires. SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Parker J. Palmer. He is a legendary writer, traveler, teacher, and activist who has dedicated his life to understanding and promoting an authentic and practical kind of compassion: his magnificent paper, The Gift of Presence. The Perils of Advice highlights the common mistake of trying to help people when they often only need our presence.   In today's conversation, Parker shares his views about our culture and democracy, how leaders can avoid burnout, and a simple practice for building resilient communities at the beginning of every staff meeting.   About Parker J. Palmer: Parker J. Palmer is the founder and Senior Partner Emeritus at the Center for Courage and Renewal. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, thirteen honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, and an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press.  Palmer is the author of ten books, including several award-winning titles, that have sold nearly two million copies and been translated into ten languages.   Key Takeaways: [3:29] Parker talks about the purpose and mission of the  Center of Courage and Renewal. [6:02] Parker describes what he calls his ‘red thread'. [9:25] Parker discusses the role of conflict in compassionate accountability. [12:52] What is happening with conflict in our society? [15:43] What kind of internal work do humans need to do to see abundance in relationships rather than scarcity? [18:41] Parker shares the five habits of the heart for democracy to function. [24:49] Parker talks about leadership and presence in the context of burnout. [29:33] Parker shares his advice to leaders. [31:59] What is life trying to teach Parker now?   Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results, Nate Regier Visit Next-Element   The Gift of Presence. The Perils of Advice, Parker J. Palmer. POETRY + PROSE + POLITICS: Pro-democracy, Pro-civil discourse, Pro-decency   Tweetables: “Our Education system educates people largely on external realities, and they are rarely taught on their inner journeys, their psyches, and souls.”  — Parker Palmer #oncompassion   “If you choose to live an unexamined life, please do not take a job that involves working with other people.” — Parker Palmer #oncompassion   “Conflict demands that we let go of internal narcissism to understand others deeper.” — Parker Palmer #oncompassion   “By working together, we create abundance.” — Parker Palmer   #oncompassion   “The more you know about someone's story, the less possible it is to despise or dismiss them, which builds compassion and can be done in the workplace.” — Parker Palmer #oncompassion   “Knowing the ground in which you are standing is called presence.”— Parker Palmer #oncompassion

In the second episode of our five-part series leading up to the U.S. elections, Rabbi Feigelson explores "habits of the heart," offering spiritual insights on living harmoniously in a multicultural democracy. Drawing from Parker Palmer's Healing the Heart of Democracy, he delves into the second habit: "An Appreciation of the Value of Otherness," and connects it to the Jewish priestly blessing as a meditative practice for fostering understanding and unity. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

This podcast offers a reflection of the encounter Jesus had with the Gadarene Demoniac as recorded in Luke chapter 8. Jesus asked him and us, "What is your name?" "The soul wants to tell us the truth about ourselves." - Parker Palmer  

With election season approaching, emotions often run high. In this episode, Rabbi Feigelson explores the emotional and mental challenges that come with this time, discussing how constant news updates, social media, and everyday conversations can become overwhelming. Drawing from Jewish teachings and Parker Palmer's book, “Healing the Heart of Democracy,” he delves into the first of five key principles: “We are all in this together.” ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews

This bonus episode features highlights from conversations that aired during the fourth season of Callings. In these clips, our guests offer advice for today's students and for anyone who teaches or mentors young adults. Listen to this compilation of insightful and interesting advice from Parker Palmer, Norman Wirzba, Katharine Hayhoe, Shirley Hoogstra, Miroslav Volf, Sarah Bassin, Anantanand Rambachan, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Geoffrey Bateman, and Christi Belcourt.

“Human beings trigger other human beings, right? My teacher and friend, Parker Palmer, likes to say, riffing on Socrates, "the unexamined life may not be worth living," but if you choose to live an unexamined life, please don't take a job that involves other people, right? And in classic Midwestern Wisconsin brilliance, Parker's got it, I mean, because what he's saying is that we all have a responsibility to tidy up ourselves as we interact, because we've all been in relationships with people or had encounters with people who are kind of a mess. I often visualize little kids in adult clothes swinging their arms all around and say, Whoa, wait, to use a "Jerry-ism", use radical self inquiry to confront the parts of yourselves that you'd really rather not think about so that you're less likely to project them onto other people and cause damage. And if everybody was doing that, we might create better interpersonal relationships.” So says Jerry Colonna, founder of Reboot, and one of the most sought after CEO coaches in the world. Before he began coaching executives, Jerry was a burnt out VC, convinced that there must be a better way to impact the world—and also convinced that if he could influence the upper reaches of corporate structures, if he could help leaders heal, he could vastly improve the lives of all the employees. After all, he had observed the ripple effect of unhealed emotional wounds being taken out on other people—specifically people with less power. This is the focus of Jerry's two great books about leadership: His first one is Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and his second is Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong, which takes a probing look at power and privilege and how it can alienate those who already don't feel like they belong. In today's conversation, we talk about all of this and specifically one of Jerry's main queries. This passage is from Reunion: “While necessary, it's not enough for us to do the inner work of unpacking our childhood wounds and, with fierce radical self-inquiry, free ourselves from the need to reenact the old stories of our pasts. Radical self-inquiry that stops at the question of how we have been complicit in creating the conditions we say we don't want—a core tenet of my coaching and my book Reboot—is insufficient if it fails to look out to the world as it exists and ask how it could be better.” MORE FROM JERRY COLONNA: Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Reboot Coaching Follow Jerry on Instagram 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

How do we find a way back to one another, across shrill voices and opposing ideologies? How might we reclaim a democracy which appreciates the value of 'the other', creating community and living with tension in life-giving ways? With the recent release of the updated version of his classic book, "Healing the Heart of Democracy: the Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit", Parker Palmer rejoins the podcast to talk not just about the political landscape in the United States but how we all might take up the challenge and responsibility of a participative democracy in our local contexts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month Parker Palmer is taking a sabbatical. This is a re-broadcasting our June 1 2020 conversation with Author/Activist/Filmmaker Valarie Kaur. In this episode we discuss her book " See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love". Two months after the 2016 election, Valarie spoke words that went viral, offering millions of people a lasting image of hope, the kind of hope we still desperately need today: “The future is dark. But what if this darkness is not the darkness of the tomb but the darkness of the womb?” Those words became the seeds of The Revolutionary Love Project, a movement that continues to reframe and lift up the tradition of nonviolent action for social change for our era. Tested and tempered by suffering, but rising up with hope and joy, Kaur explores with us how to how to love others, love our opponents, and love ourselves in ways that will bring us closer to the Beloved Community. We're proud to call Valarie a friend, and to feature her important work on The Growing Edge.

Join us on this captivating episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast as Ginny Yurich sits down with Sheila Quinn, the brilliant author behind the heartwarming novel So Long As It's Wonderful. Sheila's book transports readers into the vibrant world of the Roosevelt County Community, inspired by her own large family and the wild, fascinating stories of pioneers. Sheila shares her dream of emulating Wendell Berry's ability to create a deeply interconnected community through her storytelling. Despite cultural limitations and expectations, especially those faced by women, Sheila's novel delves into the timeless struggle for identity and belonging. Her characters navigate a world where societal norms often clash with personal desires, emphasizing the importance of finding one's place and the unconditional support mothers, daughters, and sisters provide one another. In this episode, Sheila reveals the creative process behind her richly populated narrative, including the challenges of capturing historical authenticity. She also discusses her role as a life coach, offering insights on balancing writing with her coaching practice, and the transformative power of reading—a recurring theme in her work. Discover how a good story can keep your mind occupied, the importance of getting kids hooked on reading early, and the joy of expanding your vocabulary with delightful words like “somnolent” and “detritus.” Sheila also shares her reading routine and favorite authors, ranging from Kate DiCamillo's children's books to the profound works of Parker Palmer and Sue Monk Kidd. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and the significance of capturing family stories for future generations. Sheila emphasizes the value of writing down these tales, even if interest isn't immediate, and modeling attentive listening to our children. For more on Sheila's life coaching services and to dive deeper into her literary world, visit sheilaquinn.com. Tune in for a heartening conversation that celebrates the magic of storytelling and the profound connections it fosters. ** Purchase your copy of So Long As It's Wonderful here Learn more about Sheila, her Substack, and her coaching services here ** Download your free 1000 Hours Outside tracker here >> https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/trackers Find everything you need to kick off your 1000 Hours Outside Journey here >> https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/blog/allthethings Order of copy of Ginny's newest book, Until the Streetlights Come On here >> https://amzn.to/3RXjBlN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Invest always in relationships before you need them, be vulnerable with them,” says Courtney E. Martin, journalist, author, podcaster and speaker. In this episode, she shares with us an essential question for all journalists and creatives and discusses how it shaped a specific project, plus she offers advice for living a creative life based on Parker Palmer's thoughts on “the tragic gap.” This is an episode focused on transparency, vulnerability, community and humility.Courtney E. Martin is the author of four books, most recently, Learning in Public, a popular newsletter, called Examined Family, host of “The Wise Unknown” podcast from PRX, and co-host of the Slate “How To!” podcast. She's also a co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network and FRESH Speakers, and the Storyteller-in-Residence at The Holding Co. Her literal happy place is her co-housing community in Oakland, Calif. Her metaphorical happy place is asking people questions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

Jordan Nahmias shares his journey from law school to lawyer to know coaching others on how to change careers at Unstuck Consulting. He discusses his dissatisfaction with his law career and the moment he realized he needed a change. Jordan talks about the fear and terror he experienced when deciding to leave his law practice and the support he received from his family and friends during his career transition from being a lawyer to becoming a coach and therapist. He shares his passion for helping people and his ability to listen and understand others.About Jordan Nahmias:Jordan Nahmias is Founder and Principal at Unstuck Consulting Inc. At Unstuck Consulting, he helps lawyers and other professionals find purpose in their careers through coaching.Before starting Unstuck, Jordan was a lawyer working at Goldenberg Nahmias LLP, Hall Webber LLP, and his own law firm, Nahmias Law Professional Corporation.Jordan studied law at the University of Toronto and the University of Hong Kong, earning his Juris Doctor in 2008. He also has a B.A. in Philosophy from Huron University.In this episode, we discuss:(01:34) - Jordan's journey growing up and his early career path(03:49) - His time after law school teaching yoga and doing legal work on the side(04:29) - Starting his own legal practice and focuses on film and TV work, growing the practice, and merging with another firm(05:19) - The decision to leave legal practice in 2021(06:30) - Reflecting on dissatisfaction with the legal profession from the beginning(08:52) - Realization that a drastic change in career was needed.(09:13) - COVID and having a child as critical factors that sped up the decision to leave law(10:00) - Impact of not bringing the best self home to the family(12:39) - Hitting the "wall" in a career similar to the scene in "The Truman Show"(14:43) - Feelings of terror and preparation involved in making a career change(16:45) - Fear of failure and responsibility in making the decision to change careers(18:15) - The privilege of being able to make such a change and the importance of a supportive network(20:47) - Feedback received during the transition and the importance of accepting one's feelings(24:11) - Explanation of the new career path in helping others navigate periods of stuckness(27:18) - Working with clients to help them navigate career changes and find satisfaction(30:51) - Insights from the keynote on doing scary things and the importance of facing fears(32:39) - Dealing with regret by practicing gratitude(34:13) - Emphasis on focusing on feelings and the person rather than rushing to solutions(39:10) - The role of habits and practices in helping people manage their careers and personal lives(41:13) - Using social media to connect with others and shared experiences(42:40) - What's next for his career and how people can get in touch with himFast Favorites:*

In our previous Episode 157 we heard about Mothers' Day Movement and the African Education Program and I was struck with the fact that $35B is spent on Mother's Day gifts. How could that be? And what's the history of the holiday? And where's the motivation coming from? So I dug into some articles and searched for insights I thought you might find interesting.   https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day Mother's Day 2024 https://time.com/4771354/mothers-day-history-origins/ The Surprisingly Sad Origins of Mother's Day, by Olivia Waxman, 2018   https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/mothers-day-origins-more-than-a-commercial-holiday Mother's Day origins: More than a commercial holiday, by Buse Keskin, 2022   Brene Brown, Atlas of the Heart   Katherine Lane Antolini's Book: Memorializing Motherhood: Anna Jarvis and the Struggle for the Control of Mother's Day. 5 Languages of Love: https://5lovelanguages.com/ ⁠https://www.popneuro.com/neuromarketing-blog/consumer-psychology-mothersday-guilt⁠Consumer Psychology And Mother's Day Guilt Samsung's Texts From Mom Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEVsiKYnSBs Ep. 42, Receiving Feedback & Resentment, Shame, Anxiety, Fear, and Curiosity – With Help from the Masters (Brené Brown, Parker Palmer, & Cory Muscara)   Ep. 157, Mothers' Day Movement 2024: Supporting African Education Program   Ep. 68 Mothers' Day Movement 2023: Addressing Global Maternal Mortality   Ep. 14 Mothers' Day Movement 2022   Mothers' Day 2024 AEP campaign: https://www.africaneducationprogram.org/mothersdaymovement   Donation Link Mothers' Day Movement   How to reach Yo Canny:    Our website: www.girltaketheleadpod.com  You can send a message or voicemail there. We'd love to hear from you!   email: yo@yocanny.com (Yo)   FB group: Girl, Take the Lead https://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748/?ref=share   IG: yocanny (Yo)   YouTube   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/  

April is National Poetry Month in the US, and we're celebrating with an episode on Quakers and poetry. We know many people love poetry, but it can also feel opaque. So, we called up two Friends who have found a home both in Quakerism and in verse.In our first segment, bestselling author Parker Palmer tells us how he gained a love of poetry and how it helped him during a mental health crisis. He'll also help us find a way into the practice of reading poetry for ourselves.For the second half of our episode, award-winning writer Leah Naomi Green gives us an intimate and experiential look into how her poetry connects with motherhood and the natural world.Learn more about our guests, find discussion questions and more on the episode page. Become a monthly supporter!Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Today we're continuing our conversations with people who have a lot of wisdom to offer when it comes to leaving rooms and finding new ones. My guest today is a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change. He is the founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal and his name is Parker J. Palmer. He's the author of 10 books including one of my favorites, Let Your Life Speak. He's a member of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers, and he lives together with his wife Sharon in Madison Wisconsin. I invited Parker on because his work has had a profound impact on my own personal formation and has helped to shape my own understanding of the human soul. I'm grateful he said yes to sitting in the room with me today. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Center for Courage and Renewal Here are all of Parker Palmers books in one place The Growing Edge with Parker Palmer and Carrie Newcomer Order a How to Walk into a Room Order from your favorite bookseller below (or another one not listed): Barnes and Noble Amazon US Amazon CA Bookshop Books-A-Million Bookmarks (for personalized copies!) Subscribe to The Soul Minimalist on Substack Download the transcript

In this episode, Parker Palmer explores ways to embrace the mystery of the human spirit as he shares his profound insights on embracing wholeness. He discusses the importance of nurturing positive qualities within ourselves and the responsibility we have in shaping our micro-environments. He also emphasizes the powerful impact of finding genuine connections and supportive people in your life. Parker's journey to the depths of depression and the valuable role of authentic friendships during those tough times will leave you feeling inspired. In this episode, you will be able to: Embrace personal development and authenticity to unlock your full potential Experience the transformative power of meaningful relationships in your life Discover the impact of genuine connections and support on your mental well-being Learn how to navigate mental health struggles with grace and resilience Nurture the positive qualities with ourselves and what we bring to the world To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is depression so hard for us to bring out into the open? Why does it stir up so much shame and fear? How can we shift our view of depression from a problem that needs to be fixed to a gateway to empathy, courage, wholeness, and belonging? These are the profound questions explored by Tami Simon and Parker Palmer in this incisive, insightful podcast.  Join Tami and Parker as they discuss: Being present for those in depression; suffering and empathy; courage and resilience; integrating (rather than disowning) experiences of depression; showing up in the world as who you really are; the vast intelligence of life—and the weaving of shadow and light; embracing paradox; Parker's metaphor of "living at altitude" (or the level of ego) vs. living from one's soul; depression as a befriending, grounding energy; how Abraham Lincoln's depression served as a force of reconciliation for a nation at war with itself; learning to be "hallowed by our diminishments"; and more.