Podcasts about Pilgrimage

Hour 2 for 6/2/26 Drew and Elizabeth pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (1:00). Then, His Eminence Cardinal Burke joins Drew about his Five Years of Mary campaign (27:40) and Marian Dogmas (42:22). Link: https://guadalupeshrine.org/

How do you write when your heart is broken? How do you go back into the publishing business after years away, knowing it's a very different industry to the one you left? With Jami Albright. In the intro, InAudio is now distributing audiobooks to BookShop.org; The Feedback Loop that Makes Better Writers [Author Nation Podcast]; Bones of the Deep on Goodreads. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Jami Albright is the bestselling author of the Brides on the Run romances and the co-host of the Wish I'd Known Then Podcast. Today we're talking about her new novel, The Summer That Changed Us. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How Jami started writing fiction at 47 and waited a year before publishing her first book Why she fictionalised her sister's terminal cancer story rather than writing a memoir The difference between writing as therapy and writing for the reader Reactivating an email newsletter after almost two years of silence Going wide with a standalone women's fiction novel after years in KU and rom-com Letting go of the frantic hustle of indie publishing and redefining what success looks like You can find Jami at JamiAlbright.com. Transcript of the interview with Jami Albright Jo: Jami Albright is the bestselling author of the Brides on the Run romances and the co-host of the Wish I'd Known Then Podcast. Today we're talking about her new novel, The Summer That Changed Us. So, welcome to the show, Jami. Jami: Thank you, Joanna. I've made it. This is my first time on The Creative Penn, so I can retire tomorrow. Jo: And we were saying before the show, I really thought you had been on the show before, because over the years we've connected a lot. We met over a decade ago, didn't we? At the Smarter Artist Summit. I was like, “I'm sure you've been on the show,” and you haven't. So, yes, welcome. Jami: Thank you. You've been on our show, though. We did an interview with you a few years ago. Jo: Yes. Well, anyway, for anyone who doesn't follow your show— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing. Jami: Okay. So I am the co-host of the Wish I'd Known Then Podcast for Writers. Sara Rosett and I have been doing that podcast since January 2020. Little did we know what was coming, and it really saved me, just mentally, being able to talk to people every week. I never wrote a word of fiction until I was 47. I'd never really written anything. I have really bad grammar. I tell a lot of stories, and I would make up stories, but I'd never write them down because of the grammar thing. But my reading buddy had her birthday coming up in about three months, and I thought, “You know what? I'm going to write Jennifer a book for her birthday. She doesn't care if I have bad grammar.” I just thought it would be on brand. It was so hard. I wrote myself into a corner very fast. When I told her, she said, “Well, now you have to.” So I got Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies, I read that, and I started writing what is now Running from a Rock Star. But then my computer crashed and I lost it, and I was like, “Well, I'm not a writer.” So that was fine. Then I turned 50, and I told my family, “I think the only thing I regret is not finishing that book.” Of course they were like, “Well, you need to just do it again.” I was like, “No, I had 30,000 words.” A few weeks later my daughter came in and said, “Mom, I found this flash drive in my car. I think it has your book on it.” And it was 20,000 of the 30,000 words. So I was like, “Well, it's now or never.” So I joined Romance Writers of America and got involved in a critique group, and they absolutely kicked my butt for a good six months. I think every week they were surprised I came back, because it was so brutal. I knew I didn't know anything, and they taught me to write. Six months after I joined that first critique group, I won my first contest with the first 10 pages of that book. Then I just continued on. Three years later, I published Rock Star. I was going to publish it two years later, but I went to the Smarter Artist Summit, where I met you. I was advised by Julia Cant and Sean Platt and some other people to wait—preferably to have more books written. I had the second book written when the first one came out, but it still needed to be edited. So I waited a year, learned this business, and sold plasma to pay for my edits because I was poor. It was the best decision I ever made. Going to that conference, first of all, was the best $500 I've ever spent, and waiting that year really helped me learn this business. When I published the book, I had an email list of 1,200 people before the book ever came out. None of those things would have been set up had I published right after the Smarter Artist Summit, which is what I'd thought I would do, in the summer. So waiting gave me time to get everything set up so that when I published that book, it really took off from day one. I had 1,200 people on that newsletter list who wanted that book, because I had done a preview promo. Instead of putting out the whole book, I think I put out four chapters, and then people signed up. I don't know that that works anymore. Jo: I was going to say that. We should say to people, what was that, around 2016? Jami: 2017. Things have changed. Jo: Yes, things have changed, and I think this is so important. I had a question about this, and what they were implying was things that, like you said, we learned a decade ago. Things have changed. We'll come back to how you're doing it now, but just in terms of finishing off how you got started—those books did really well, didn't they? You had a couple of years there. How many books did you do? How did that go? Because you did have real success. Jami: Yes. From 2017 until really the beginning of 2021, if you look at my sales graph and my income, it just increased, increased, increased. 2019 was my very best year, but 2020 was only slightly lower as far as book sales and income. I only put out a book a year after the second book. The second book came out about six months after the first one, and after that it was about every nine months to a year that I put a book out. Everyone said you can't make money doing that, but I did. I think those books are very tropey. They're very hooky. That helped. I also think the timing of those books was really good. Rom-com was really coming up, and my rom-com is pretty wacky, but it's also really emotional too. If I get any critiques about them it's usually that “this book was way more emotional than I expected, and I was looking for something a little lighter.” They're just really wacky. They're rom-coms. Wacky circumstances. Small town, so there's all these small-town people. I just think it was a good time to release those. Those were good years. I miss those years. Jo: It's a good lesson, because it's not always up and to the right, is it? We're going to come back and revisit that. So then the pandemic hit, and on a more personal level, over the last few years, you've had a deeply difficult time that has led to The Summer That Changed Us, your latest book. So talk a bit about what's happened, why this book, and also why fictionalise it rather than write a memoir? I had that question. Jami: Okay. So 2021, my income was dropping, but it was still okay. I was still making more than enough that—thank God I don't have to make all the money in our household—but there was a level that I wanted to. At the end of 2021, my sister, who was the fourth of five sisters, had lived with cancer—non-smoker's lung cancer—for 10 years. She had the kind that, if you had a certain mutation, there were medications that worked amazingly well. Until they didn't, and then they put you on another class of that medication. So for 10 years, that's what she did. She missed work maybe three times in 10 years. People who met her never knew she had cancer unless they knew us. She just never acted like she had cancer. We would have to say, “Remember, you have cancer.” At the end of 2021, they ran out of that class of drugs. There were some being tested, but none had been approved. When she was diagnosed, she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. You don't survive very long having stage four lung cancer with no medication. So I saw the writing on the wall pretty much at the end of 2021, but of course I was very hopeful that they could do something. By May of 2022, it was clear things were not going well. In July of 2022, she got a six-to-twelve-week diagnosis. She just went in one day thinking she was about to get radiation, not knowing anything, and they were like, “No, we can't do radiation, and you should get your affairs in order because you have six to twelve weeks to live.” Jo: Oh. Jami: People who've been through it know this feeling. It's like being hit by a wrecking ball. It just knocks everything off your axis. Your whole world implodes into this one moment, this person that you love. I live four hours away from my family. They all still live in the same small town. I was in Dallas at my daughter's at the time, and they live about 30 miles outside of Dallas. So I went to my mom's, and I stayed there. I was there for almost six months, if you count the time I was back and forth, because she was not doing great but she was still okay. She had always rallied and come back. But once she got the diagnosis, I stayed. She would go home, but she would come back to my mom's during the day, because her husband worked. She was a teacher, so she was off during the summer. I was just there, and we all just took care of her. When she decided to go on hospice, she wanted to be at my mom's. She didn't want to be at home—they lived out in the country. She wanted to be at my mom's, so we set her up in the living room. We're redneck country people. We bring our crazy people in, our sick people, just out for everybody to see. She was just in the middle of the living room in her hospital bed, and the world just revolved around that hospital bed. Once that happened, once I knew at the end of 2021 that things were not going to go well—I really did not believe she would die. But she died a month after she went on hospice in October of 2022. That whole year, I was useless. I could not write. I couldn't think of anything to write. I write funny. How do you write funny when your heart's broken? I couldn't do it. After she died, I knew it would take a while. I knew it would maybe even be a year. But as the weeks turned into months and the months turned into years, I haven't written—except for her obituary—I've not written a word since she died until I started writing this book a year ago. I started it on April 19th. Jo: I mean, the stories of grief—there seems to be no way of escaping whatever it ends up being. You didn't choose your response. Your deep grief was just there, and you couldn't write. I feel like sometimes people just try and force it. It sounds like that's what you needed, and you have done that. So what then gave you the impetus to finally write—and to choose fiction? Jami: I didn't write memoir. I did think about doing a memoir, but I don't read memoir, and I don't know how to write it. I was already behind the eight ball, trying to write a book at all because it had been forever. I don't need to learn how to write something completely different. Plus, it just felt too close to write the memoir. I had been in Mexico City with my daughter, who has an event planning company, and we were there scouting locations for one of her events. Janet Margot lives in Mexico City, so I reached out, and we had dinner. We were talking, and she had had two big losses about the same time that my sister passed away. So we were talking about how difficult it is afterwards, just getting your head back into a space of being creative at all. She said, “You really should write this book. You should tell this story. It hits everything: middle-aged women dealing with middle-age things. You've got your parents that you were dealing with, and then your sister. You should write this story.” I said, “No, thank you. I lived it. I don't want to write it.” But it just wouldn't go away. I couldn't figure out how I would tell it. Whose point of view? I couldn't do it from the dying sister's point of view because I didn't think I could be authentic. I was afraid to tell it from multiple POVs because the book has a lot of characters in it. My family is gigantic—my immediate family, my sisters, husbands, nieces and nephews, my kids, my mom and dad—there are 35 of us. Almost all of those are in and out of my mom's house all the time. So I knew I couldn't do multiple point of view. One day, I was driving home to my mom's house, and it just hit me. The whole story laid out in front of me, and that's what I did. The first draft was pretty much just a retelling of what happened to us. I added some fictional elements, but I just wanted to get the story out. It was hard. I started Adderall on April 19th of 2025—I know that, because that's the day I started this book. I do call this the book that Adderall wrote, because I could sit and focus for three or four hours, which I'd never really been able to do. I would come to Starbucks and I would sit and write this book, and I would cry sitting in Starbucks, like a crazy person. People would walk by and slide a napkin onto the table and just keep walking, because I'm sitting there crying like crazy. I was so superstitious, and things were working so well, that I was afraid not to come and write at Starbucks. Staying at home, I think, would have been really hard. I would maybe have sunk into a depression had I done this at home. So I just wrote the whole book at Starbucks. After I wrote the first draft, I went back in and made it more fictional. But a lot of the book—especially her stuff—is a lot of what happened. She was just crazy. I tell a story in the book that, this is the absolute truth, this happened. She was in college, and she had convinced my younger sister to go to a honky-tonk club because they were having a Miss Honky-Tonk contest. Before she could get up on stage to compete as Miss Honky-Tonk, she got in a fight with some girl, and the girl hit her in the head with a bottle and split her head open. She was bleeding. My youngest sister was like, “We've got to go to the ER.” And she just refused, because there was a $300 cash prize for winning, and she needed it to make rent. So she borrowed a towel from the bartender, wrapped it around her head, competed with that bloody towel on her head, and won that stupid contest. That story in and of itself was my sister. Everything about her is in that story. So a lot of the stories in there happened to her in one way or another. What happens to June in the book happened to my sister. Jo: This is interesting, because the same thing memoir writers face is something perhaps you face: how much of the writing is therapy and how much is for the reader? You said you sat there crying. Absolutely, writing for therapy is very important—but when you come to edit, there might be things that your therapy side of you is like, “That's so important to me.” How do you kill your darlings when you're editing your sister's life? Jami: That was hard. I had to take out a lot of what was in the first draft, mostly the stories. Once she came home on hospice, it was just a steady stream of people coming in, and everybody had a story about her. What I found in editing was that Hope, the main character, was mostly a spectator in those scenes instead of being actively part of them. So I had to take those out, because they didn't serve the purpose of the book. I committed early on to: while I wanted to tell the story, I did not want it to be self-indulgent. I did not want it to be a therapy session that I sold to people as a story. Because of that, I think that really helped. I really did think about that as I was revising. I sent it to a developmental editor, and I don't know how great she was, but she gave me some really good advice about a couple of things. One was, “There's just not enough conflict in this book. You say that Hope and the father have this really contentious relationship, yet we don't see it. There's a little bit of it here and there, but you're not really digging into that.” It's hard, because while the rest of the world doesn't know, my family knows that this is a lot of our story. I just had to let that go and not worry about what my family thought. They had all given me permission. I'd sort of said, “I want to do this. Are you guys okay with that?” I talked to her husband, and everybody was okay with me doing it. But I couldn't worry about what they were going to think. I would repeat to myself: if they want to tell this story, they can write their own book. I'm writing what I saw and telling a fictionalised story that will hopefully honour her, but also help other people feel like they're being seen, and also be entertaining. If you're going to write a book, it needs to be somewhat entertaining. Jo: I don't think you can help yourself. You're funny. Jami: Yes. The book is really funny. I tell people that and they're like, “Hmm, really?” And I'm like, “It is really funny.” But it's also really sad. Jo: Well, I think that's the truth—to defend myself. There is a lot of humour in grief. There is death and dying, and it's a human condition. Jami: It is a human condition, yep. Jo: There's comedy in all of the human condition. That's just the way it is, right? I heard you mention on an interview, I can't remember where it was, that you feel very connected to this book, and you're worried that people judging it or giving it a bad review might feel like an insult to your sister. How are you dealing with these kinds of fears about how to separate ourselves from our books? Jami: I've been in therapy—like, literal therapy—for that, because I felt like that would be hard. So far, I've only gotten a few reviews back. They've all been good reviews. I haven't had anyone say they hate it. I just have had to separate myself. It's not personal. Reviews are never personal. People not liking your book is never personal. That's just a mindset. I've had to change my mind about that. Knowing that's a pitfall I could fall into, I really keep it top of mind. My family knows that's an issue, so they know they have to pull me out of that hole if I drop in. So that's really how I've handled it so far. We'll see. Jo: Maybe it's time as well. You're almost back to the “book is your baby” situation. As the years pass, the book almost becomes separate, doesn't it? How you feel about your first bride book is probably like, “It's not even me anymore.” Jami: Right. I learned early that your book isn't really your baby. Once you publish it, it's your product. So that has never been very hard for me. I still hate bad reviews, and I take them personally like everybody else does, if I let myself. But ultimately, this is a book that I'm putting out for entertainment. Yes, it's very personal. Yes, it means a lot to me. But if people don't like it, it isn't because they don't like my dead sister. They just don't like my writing. Jo: It's tough, but it's good to talk about, because this is something many people feel. My memoir Pilgrimage—it's not the same at all—but I was just so scared of judgment. The fear of judgment. What people would think of me. That's kind of different, but— It's this question of how it'll land. The reality is, not many people read these books anyway. Jami: Well, I have worried about how it would land, but mostly I worry about how it would land with the people I love. My mom read it last week. I was there while she was reading it. That was no fun. She laughed, but it was devastating to her. She's like, “It's great, and I hate it.” Because it is so raw and real to her still—well, to all of us. That's where I worry, how it's going to land with them. But again, I've had to let that go. I had to let it go during the writing, because if I worried about that, then I would not have told an honest story. That was another thing—I didn't want it to be self-indulgent, and I wanted it to be honest. As honest as I could make it, even to the point of making people uncomfortable. There's a line. Once you cross it, there's no getting you back after that. So I walked that line really carefully, because I did want it to be honest about how I felt, how other people I know who've been through something like this feel. Also, just relationships. Because when you're in a big family like my sisters and I—we adore each other, but we can also go toe-to-toe real fast. It can get ugly, because we know each other really well. We're also a little bit redneck, so we don't pull any punches. Your sisters are always the most honest people in your life. I wanted that to be true in this book too—both sides of that story. Jo: Let's circle back to the business stuff and some of the things we talked about, because obviously this has been a really difficult time. There was no way to deal with it in any other way, but your business has changed. You had these great few years, good sales, and then you had other priorities. So how are you rebooting the business? Lots of people end up taking a few years out for whatever reason. How are you rebooting the business to try and sell some books? Jami: To be honest, I have the remnants of a business. I have tried over the last four years to run some ads to get the Bride's books going, but here's something that's very interesting, and if somebody can tell me why this happened, I would love to hear it. These books that have sold so many books—I mean, so many books—I could not give them away. It didn't matter what I did. I changed covers, I changed blurbs, I put them on sale, I took them off sale, I ran ads. Ads wouldn't really move the needle. I know that at a certain point, when you haven't published and your books get pushed down in the algorithm, that is an uphill battle. But it was almost like, one day they just fell off, and once they started falling, I could not get them back. I just couldn't. So that I didn't make myself crazy—because also during this time, I was just trying to keep my head above water—when I would deal with my books or go into my dashboard, I would feel horrible. I was already feeling horrible, so I didn't need to feel more horrible. So I just sort of let them go after a certain point. I've now started running some Facebook ads. I have one Facebook ad that's working really well, knock on wood, right now for my first Bride's book. The problem is, this book and my Bride's books are different. The voice and the tone are the same, but they're really different in a lot of ways. They're the same in a lot of ways. This book doesn't have any sex; the other books don't have anybody dying. But some of the things are really similar. So I may have some crossover. For whatever reason, this ad is working. My book one is ranked better than it's been ranked in forever—really good. I'm not spending a ton of money to do it. So I don't know what changed. I don't know if I'll ever know. I've revised my newsletter, and that's worked well. I still have around a 35 to 40% open rate on a newsletter that I didn't send out for almost two years. I was sending it out, but then I kind of stopped, and then I started again. Jo: I was going to ask you about that, because I often get people emailing me. They're like, “I have a really old newsletter from several years ago. I haven't emailed them for years.” So what did you say in that first email? Like, “Hey, I'm back”? Jami: I mean, I'm just like, “Remember me?” It really was kind of like that. Just, “I'm back. You guys know life has happened. I'm sure you understand. If you're still here, thank you so much. I have been writing. I have this book that I think some of you will really love.” That's really how it was. From the first email, even that first email had a higher open rate. I think it was close to 45%. I had not sent out a newsletter in two years literally. Jo: People were like, “What happened?” Jami: They're like, “Oh, she didn't die. That was her sister, not her.” But I've just been really fortunate. They've been really encouraging. Every time I send one out, I get really encouraging emails back. So I've sent out about the book. The majority of my readers are KU readers because my books are in KU. But this book is going wide. One of the things I'm doing because I have been a little concerned about… Janet Margot does a lot of Amazon ads stuff and she knows a lot about Amazon. We've talked a lot about whether I should use my real name, my pen name, or come up with another name. Should I worry about my readers buying the book and messing up my Also Boughts? All of those things, because my readers are romance readers. Some of them read women's fiction, but for the most part, they're romance readers. I've decided to stick with Jami Albright and not worry about it. There are just things you can't control, so I've had to hold everything with a really open hand with this book. I am offering the book on my website. I'm selling it at $7.99—I chose a high price point, because I just feel like, to sit with the other books that I want it to sit with, I need that price point. So I'm offering it on my website, starting at the end of this week, for $5. If they're KU readers and they don't buy books, but they want the book, they can get it for $5 on my website, which I think is reasonable. Jo: Mm. Absolutely. Jami: If that's too much for them, I understand and I get it. Time, things are hard right now, and if they can't do that, it's going to be in libraries, so they can request it at their library. But right now that's the plan. Hopefully that helps with the Also Boughts a little bit too. Even though, again, I just can't worry about those things. As a gift to my readers, I want to do this for them as well—give them a discount. Jo: And obviously this is a standalone, right? This is not— Jami: Yes, it is. Jo: Again, a bit like memoir, all the book marketing we talk about in fiction is “write a series.” It's much easier. So it is difficult to market a standalone in general. And this is something that happened, so it is a standalone situation. So do you feel like you're back in terms of writing? Have you got plans for more books, or is this a business for you going forward? Do you feel like you want to re-enter this whole world? Jami: I do. I have an idea for a book similar to this one—not in the same kind of genre, I mean, of women's fiction, kind of midlife fiction stuff. I have an idea. I had nothing for months and months and months, and a couple of months ago, this idea kind of came to me. I was like, “Oh, that's not bad.” So I'm mulling it over—I do a lot of mulling—and that's the next book I think I will write. I don't know that I'll write rom-coms again. Not because I don't love them. I do, and I love my rom-coms. But I'm just different. You do not go through something like this and come out on the other side the same. I don't know that I could carry an entire rom-com through without it being even more emotional than mine are now. So for right now, I'm going to write another one of these kinds of books where it's got a lot of emotion, family dynamic, tension and dynamics. Jo: That's great. I do feel like once you've written the book that was waiting—your sister's book—then more things arrive, and it's great to hear that that is arriving for you. And of course, we change. One of the nice things about writing for the long term and building more of a name brand is that you change, and your readers either follow you or they don't, but it's your life. So I think that's a good reason to have one pen name. I obviously have two, but my fiction pen name I've written all kinds of genres under. Why else would we keep doing this? I don't want to write the same book over and over again. Jami: Right. Believe me, I've had to eat a lot of crow over the last four years, and it's tasty with ketchup. I have decided that a lot of the stuff I said is true: about you write in one genre, you give the people exactly what they want, and you give it to them over and over again. I believe all of that. I still believe those things. It's just that I don't know that I'm capable of doing that right now. Also, I'm older. I am about doing the things that bring me joy and are not a drudgery. I want to say this, because I miss the success. I miss who I thought I was during that time. I miss the recognition. I'll freely admit it. I miss being the person doing the thing that everybody said couldn't be done. “You can't make money with one book a year.” Well, watch me. And I did. I miss that. What I don't miss, and I've had to be really, really honest with myself, which has been difficult—I don't miss the anxiety that came with that. There was a lot of franticness. I think that if you are in a lot of groups, you see that franticness. I've had to step back, like I've had to step back, and then go back into these groups, you hear authors and see authors, and there's just this frantic sense that we're losing everything, and we have to hold on so tight to everything. I was like that. I checked my ads constantly. I checked my dashboard constantly. My mom used to say, “This should be fun.” I'm like, “Mom, it's a business. It's not fun.” But I recognise that I loved that so much that I held onto it so tight. I don't want to go back to that. I don't have the energy for that. Since this all happened, I've gained four more grandchildren than I had. I have six grandchildren now. I want to spend time with them. I want to spend time with my adult children. I want to spend time with my mom and dad. So I can't be frantic about my sales—are they going up, are they dropping?—and give emotionally to the people I love in my life. If the last four years have taught me anything, it is that the one thing you can never get back is time. You can never get it back, and that is so important to me right now. With this book—and one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you when we were talking about when I would do it—I wanted to do it before it came out, because I've already won. Writing this book, writing a book that honours the bravest person I've ever known and doing the second-hardest thing that I've ever had to do, is the win. That's the win. Whatever happens with this book afterwards is just what happens with this book afterwards. It doesn't change who I am, and you told me that when we were in Vegas two years ago. That conversation really changed a lot for me, because you said, “You are a successful author.” I was still trying to come up with a plan to be a successful author again, and you were like, “You are a successful author. You've had success. That makes you a successful author. You don't have to chase that.” That changed so much of my thinking. If I could leave listeners with anything, it is that we need to recognise the things we can't control and just deal with the things we can control. That's kind of how my sister lived. She could not control her cancer, but she could control how she responded to it and how she went forward. I think a lot of times, when bad things happen, we want to make sense of them. We want a reason for them. And a lot of times there's just no reason. There's no reason my sister died. There's no reason she left two kids and a husband devastated and a family that just has a giant hole in it. There's no reason for that. What defines us is not figuring out why that happened. It's what we do with that going forward. I think that's important for me to remember when I start getting caught up in all the franticness of this business. Jo: Yes. Or not, as the case may be. You can just let the book be what it is. And I do feel like these deeper books, they're more slow burn. You wrote books that ran, ran like the bride. Now we're not running like the bride. Jami: I'm tired. I don't run unless a wild animal's chasing me. Jo: Exactly. Look, we're out of time, but just tell people, if they haven't listened, a bit about your podcast, Wish I'd Known Then with Sara Rosett. Tell people what they can find over on that podcast and why you're still doing it. You've been doing it throughout the whole time. While not writing, you've still been podcasting. Jami: It absolutely saved my life. It's kept me in this business. While I haven't been publishing, I still know what's going on. I know about direct sales, I know about what's happening behind the scenes, with Facebook ads. I've kept in touch with those things because of our podcast. It's an interview podcast like yours, but we talk to people about what they wish they'd known about indie publishing. Most people have some certain thing that they've been working on or doing, and we talk to them a little bit about that too. We ask the same questions every week to every guest, and it's so interesting how different the answers are, and yet how similar they are. I think that helps when you're going through it and you're like, “God, I must be the only one feeling this way.” But you tune into a podcast, and you hear week after week, “Oh, no, there are other people feeling the same way I'm feeling, or struggling with the same things I'm struggling with.” Hopefully we give people things to shoot for and to aspire to. We have some amazing guests. They've all been really gracious and really honest. I don't know if it's the questions, or just because Sara and I are our style, but they're really honest with us when they answer the questions. Jo: It's a great show. I recommend it a lot. Jami: Thank you. Jo: Where can people find you and your books online? Jami: You can find me at JamiAlbright.com—that's J-A-M-I-Albright.com. I'm on all the socials as Jami Albright Author. My books are on Amazon right now, but this book is actually now on all the retailers. So that's where you can find me. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Jami. That was great. Jami: It was an honour. Thank you so much.The post Writing Through Grief And Rebooting an Indie Author Business With Jami Albright first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Summer is here and with that comes vacations. In today's episode we revisit Alec's travel stories. How does he approach it compared to his wife? Talking lessons learned a long the way, Bible in a year, trips to Ireland, and more. Listen back - Welcome to the Forged Ingold Podcast!If you like the show please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating - that and texting it to a friend are the easiest ways you can help us grow. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ForgedIngold and email the show at forgedingoldpodcast@gmail.comAlec Ingold is an author, speaker, philanthropist, and professional football player. Learn more at alecingold.com

On this edition of Catholic Forum after the usual news update from Joe Owens, we'll hear from the winners of this year's Delaware Knights of Columbus Jerry Dawson Memorial Vocations Essay Contest.  This year's winners - Nila Gopez, Carlos Kook, Greyson Pryslak, Lindsay Ewasko, and Ben Oliver, each receive a cash award in addition to presenting their essays on the Catholic Forum podcast.   Each year students in grades 5-8 in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs are invited to submit their essays on the importance or impact of vocations.   Following the essays you'll hear a special invitation from Bishop Koenig to attend the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events taking place across the Diocese of Wilmington on June 11th and 12th -- additional information is available at cdow.org/cabriniroute.  We hope to see you there!  Each week you can listen to The Catholic Forum podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music podcasts every Wednesday; and video interviews featured in the broadcast are available at youtube.com/dioceseofwilm.  You can also listen  on Relevant Radio 640 every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 for those in the Delmarva/South Jersey region. More information is available at cdow.org/CatholicForum and Facebook.com/CatholicForum. Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington (supported by the Faith and Charity Appeal!) Please like, subscribe and share.

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz On Malcolm X Legacy, Trauma, Pilgrimage, Betty Shabazz, Today’s America + MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz On Malcolm X Legacy, Trauma, Pilgrimage, Betty Shabazz, Today’s America + More The robots are coming! To clean your homeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 for 5/28/26 Drew and Zach Dotson discuss the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (4:55). Then, Daniel O'Connor joins Drew to discuss UAPs and if there are demonic (19:54). Topics: are UFOs spiritual? (23:05), discernment (27:46), the problem of trust (42:11), more on discernment (47:04), and The Blessed Mother (48:52). Links: Daniel's Book National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Podcast Notes — CAP 519 with Rey Spadoni In this episode, Rey Spadoni and I explore the Camino de Santiago and the deeper human longing for pilgrimage, meaning, and transformation. Rey shares insights from his experiences walking the Camino and reflects on why ancient spiritual practices continue to resonate in modern life. We discuss: What draws people to the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage as both an external and internal journey The role of uncertainty, solitude, and reflection in transformation How walking changes the pace of thinking and awareness The connection between coaching, spirituality, and personal growth Why meaningful conversations emerge differently on the road Ancient practices that still speak to modern challenges The difference between achievement and deeper fulfillment Community, vulnerability, and shared humanity along the Camino This conversation is reflective, practical, and deeply human — whether you've walked the Camino yourself or are simply searching for greater clarity and meaning in your own journey. #CaminoDeSantiago #Pilgrimage #PersonalGrowth #Coaching #Transformation #Spirituality #Meaning #Podcast #ReySpadoni #ConversationsThatMatter

Can transcendence still make philosophical sense after modernity? John Vervaeke speaks with philosopher William Desmond about Platonism as a living tradition, the meaning of strong transcendence, and Desmond's philosophy of the metaxu: the between. The conversation builds from John's proposal that relevance realization and transjectivity are philosophically grounded in Desmond's ontological account of the between. John begins by distinguishing modern psychological accounts of transcendence from the ancient and Platonic sense of strong transcendence. In this stronger sense, transcendence is not merely a better state of mind. It discloses truths that are otherwise unavailable and changes the knower's relation to reality. That claim challenges modern assumptions about flat ontology, the buffered self, representational cognition, and the fact-value split. Desmond responds through Plato. He presents Plato not as a dry theorist of two worlds, but as a philosophical artist of the between: a thinker of mimesis, eros, mania, dialogue, singularity, and participatory transformation. Plato's dialogues are not ornamental containers for arguments; their drama, characters, and dialogical movement are part of the philosophy itself. The later conversation opens into deep memory, imagination, eternity, possibility, God, Daoism, intercultural philosophy, pilgrimage, and the life-world. Desmond and Vervaeke converge on the need to move beyond the view from nowhere and return philosophy to transformative practice, embodied dwelling, and a richer contact with the sources of intelligibility. Key Insights Strong transcendence has epistemological and ontological significance, not only psychological benefit. The metaxu, or between, names a porous relation before, beneath, between, and beyond modern dichotomies. Modernity's fact-value split risks producing default atheism or default nihilism. Participatory knowing offers an alternative to treating cognition as internal representation of an external world. Plato's dialogical form is integral to his philosophy; the drama cannot simply be stripped away to extract arguments. Mimesis involves relation between image and original without collapsing their difference. Eros and mania point to two directions of transcendence: from below upward and from above downward. Deep memory is a source of imagination and ontological depth, not merely storage of past facts. Possibility should not be reduced to logical possibility; living possibility points toward enabling power. Pilgrimage and theoria are linked: philosophical transformation requires being on the way, not merely observing from nowhere. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and setup 01:00 Relevance realization and the philosophy of the between 02:00 Platonism as living tradition 02:40 The need for strong transcendence 03:50 Transcendence after modernity 04:40 William Desmond introduces his work 05:00 Between system and poetics 06:00 The Western tradition as conversation partner 08:00 John's paper on strong transcendence 09:20 Psychological transcendence in modern thought 10:00 Truths disclosed through transcendence 11:00 Flat ontology and layered reality 12:30 The buffered self 14:00 Fact-value dichotomy and default atheism 15:10 Contact epistemology and participatory relation 17:20 Being realized as you realize 18:20 Anagoge and the cave 18:40 Interior, exterior, and superior transcendence 20:10 Autonomy, heteronomy, theonomy, and theosis 21:30 Desmond responds 22:00 Plato's philosophical art and the Sophist 22:30 Art, origins, and otherness 23:40 Originality, creativity, and modern art 25:20 Mimesis and the difference between image and original 28:20 Plato as thinker of the metaxu 29:00 Eros and self-transcendence 30:00 Mania and divine inspiration 31:30 Inspiration as transmission 33:20 Metaxology and Hegel 34:40 The Sophist and participatory knowing 36:40 The who of the sophist 38:10 Periagoge and the turning of the soul 39:40 Philosophy as a way of life 40:30 Exiting modernity's frame 43:20 The dialogue form is not ornamental 45:30 Socrates as an image of courage 46:20 Dialogos and method 48:00 Diaphanous logos 49:00 Singular incarnation and witness 51:10 Theoria as contemplation and pilgrimage 52:00 John's dialectic-in-dialogos practice 53:20 Anamnesis in practice 54:20 The logos beyond the participants 55:20 Deep memory and imagination 57:00 Muses, memory, and hidden springs 58:20 AI and outsourced memory 59:00 Memory as ontological depth 01:00:30 Eternity and the other to time 01:02:40 Inward otherness and ultimate otherness 01:04:50 Plato's sun and enabling light 01:06:20 Porosity and the buffered self 01:07:00 Living possibility 01:09:00 Possibility, transcendence, and God 01:10:40 What makes intelligibility intelligible? 01:11:40 Eastern and Western approaches to possibility 01:13:30 Coming to be and becoming 01:15:40 Nicholas of Cusa 01:17:00 Wu wei and giving way 01:18:20 Daoist practice and Socratic midwifery 01:20:20 Philosophical Silk Road 01:22:10 The intimate universal 01:23:20 Against philosophical tourism 01:25:30 Elemental porosity 01:26:00 Pilgrimage and practice 01:27:40 Being underway 01:29:30 Theoria as metanoetic passage 01:30:10 Symphonic language 01:34:00 The life-world 01:35:40 Rejecting the view from nowhere 01:36:20 Closing Resources William Desmond, Being and the Between William Desmond, Ethics and the Between William Desmond, God and the Between William Desmond, Art, Origins, Otherness: Between Philosophy and Art Plato, Symposium, Ion, Sophist, Republic, and Laches Plotinus and Proclus Hegel Charles Taylor Catherine Pickstock, Aspects of Truth Paul Tillich Thomas Aquinas Nicholas of Cusa Pierre Hadot Henry Corbin Frank, Gleiser, and Thompson, The Blind Spot Follow John Vervaeke: Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke/videos X: https://x.com/DrJohnVervaeke Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke

Elyrea sells a kind of tour no traveler would think to search for, and Jean-Vladimir Deniau built the whole company around that fact.Jean-Vladimir Deniau is the founder of Elyrea, a French company that builds character-based immersive performances for the tourism market. The format is specific: a professional actor embodies a historical figure, Coco Chanel near Place Vendôme, Hemingway around Montparnasse, a GI on Omaha Beach, and walks a small group through that figure's neighborhood telling the story of their life. Deniau does not call himself a tour operator. He calls Elyrea a "Lego brick" that DMCs and tour operators build into the experiences they sell. The company has 15 of these performances running, almost all in France, and there is a structural problem at the center of it: nobody knows to ask for a tour with Coco Chanel, so the business cannot wait for B2C search demand. That one fact shapes how Elyrea picks its characters, how it sells, and how it funds itself.Mitch and Deniau cover the business behind the tours. Why Elyrea sells to the trade first and keeps its strongest tours off OTAs entirely. The capital-light model that built 15 tours with no outside investor. The four design rules behind a 90-minute performance, starting with the claim that you win or lose the audience in the first minute. And the recruitment problem of training an actor who learns the whole show, performs twice, and quits because the street is not the theater. Deniau also names the advice he would give any operator building an emotional experience: stay true to the place, do not overplay it, and keep the technology out of the way.Resources:Elyrea: elyrea.comLive actor booking for trade partners: elyrea.com/booking"The Colossus of Marousi" by Henry Miller, the travel book Deniau cites as the original spark

Why are hundreds of thousands of people once again walking the ancient pilgrimage routes of Europe?In this episode, we explore the remarkable revival of the Camino de Santiago and other medieval pilgrimage paths — journeys once central to European spiritual life that are now attracting modern seekers searching for meaning, healing, silence, and transformation.From the dangerous pilgrimages of the Middle Ages to the modern Camino revival sparked by Father Elías Valiña's famous yellow arrows, this episode examines why so many people today feel drawn toward experiential spirituality beyond institutional religion alone.We also explore how pilgrimage changes people emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically — and why few return home unchanged.#CaminoDeSantiago #Pilgrimage #Spirituality #ExperientialSpirituality #MeaningOfLife #PersonalGrowth #WalkingMeditation #Mysticism #InnerTransformation #Podcast #Mindfulness #MedievalHistory #SpiritualJourney #SelfDiscovery #SlowLivingUseful Information:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reinogevers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reinodiary.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Books:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sages, Saints and Sinners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Deep Walking for Body Mind and Soul⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Walking on Edge: A pilgrimage to Santiago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"He looked at me, and said, "Go ahead and get up and walk towards the door." I got up and started to walk. I didn't even need to reach the door. All the pain was gone. I busted out crying. I knew that I was healed." ---------- Aaron reaching out during Pentecost week feels fitting somehow. Pentecost marks the birth of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into the world -- an outpouring still seen today through miraculous healings, answered prayers, prophetic gifts, and lives transformed in unexpected ways. Aaron's story includes the healing of his sciatica after prayers from Dr. Issam Nemeh, whose ministry was also central to my very first podcast, Blind Faith Live. Though Aaron admits he has wrestled with skepticism over the years, he now says the evidence is becoming impossible to ignore -- not only through his own experience, but through the many stories shared on Touched by Heaven and Blind Faith Live. Dr. Nemeh: https://www.pathtofaith.com/ Click below to learn more about joining our Pilgrimage to Medjugorge October 2026. Medjugorje Pilgrimage:  https://padrepiopilgrimages.com/trapperjack/ ---------- Share Your Story If you have a Touched by Heaven moment that you would like to share with Trapper, please leave us a note at https://touchedbyheaven.net/contact Our listeners look forward to hearing about life-changing encounters and miraculous stories every week. Stay Informed Trapper sends out a weekly email. If you're not receiving it, and would like to stay in touch to get the bonus stories and other interesting content that will further fortify your faith. Join our email family by subscribing on https://trapperjackspeaks.com  Become a Patron We pray that our listeners and followers benefit from our podcasts and programs and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. We thank you for your prayers and for supporting our efforts by helping to cover the costs. Become a Patron and getting lots of fun extras. Please go to https://patreon.com/bfl to check out the details. More About Trapper Jack Visit Our Website: https://TrapperJackSpeaks.com Patreon Donation Link: https://www.patreon.com/bfl Purchase our Products ·       Talk Downloads: https://www.patreon.com/bfl/shop ·       CD Sales: https://trapperjackspeaks.com/cds/  Join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TouchedByHeaven.TrapperJack Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trapperjack/ Join us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/TrapperJack1

Crystal makes a pilgrimage to Alaska for some D! Who's on your NO THIGH LIST? Why is Dave wearing blue shorts like Tammy?! Tammy, Dave, and Crystal will remain friends no matter what! #ChelcieLynn #JeremiahWatkins #Podcast #LibbieHiggins CRYSTAL'S GO FUND ME: Donate at https://www.crystalscreationsllc.com GET YOUR NEW TRAILER TALES MERCH HERE!: https://thecomedyoutlet.com/collections/trailer-tales New episodes every Friday on this channel. Subscribe! New Trailer Tales merch is here!: https://thecomedyoutlet.com/collections/trailer-tales Jeremiah's Patreon is LIVE: https://www.patreon.com/jeremiahwatkins NEW MERCH IS HERE!: https://www.jeremiahwatkins.com FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailertalespod See Tammy LIVE on tour: https://www.eatmytrash.com  @ChelcieLynn   @TheViralPodcast  See Jeremiah LIVE on tour: https://www.jeremiahwatkins.com  @jeremiahwatkins   @standupots  See Crystal LIVE on tour: https://www.libbiehiggins.com  @LibbieHiggins   @SlopCity  Want to send some mail into the show? P.O. BOX JEREMIAH WATKINS/TT P.O. BOX # 78375 LOS ANGELES, CA 90016 (Sending packages does not guarantee they will be opened on camera) (Some packages may end up on Ms. Crystal's eBay store) Sponsored by: Factor Meals New customers can use code trailer50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box at http://FactorMeals.com/trailer50off Sponsored by: Hims ED Support the show & get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care with HIMS @ http://hims.com/TRAILER Edited by Ryan Armendariz & Jeremiah Watkins Intro Music: Produced by https://www.instagram.com/professorcmusic Intro Vocals: Jeremiah Watkins

Three Renovaré staff members—Carolyn Arends, Monty Harrington, and Brandan Spencer—joined Nathan on Life with God to describe the team's pilgrimage to Montgomery to give sustained attention to injustice against Black people in the United States and celebrate the legacy of God-empowered resistance and resilience.

Vojin Premovic is a dispatcher based in Niš, Serbia. He joins the show to tell his story, and it's one not dissimilar to what many Americans his age have lived. We talk faith, freight, and fitness, and dive into a pilgrimage he took that was over 400km, which is 250 miles, with a diverse group of men. An 11 day journey in total, an incredible feat, with a powerful message and feeling to be had at the "Finish Line"You can follow Vojin on his future adventures and pilgrimages on Instagram at @vojcanisLike my teeshirt? Support the guys at Slav Supply @ www.slavsupply.comNeed truck parking? Go to www.truckparkingclub.com and use the promo code lombard25 for $25 off your next booking!Want to help change the culture of health and fitness in trucking? Support Project61 at www.project-61.org

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Explore the purpose of the annual global pilgrimage for the devout called Hajj,Storyteller Susan Smith shares about her second chance at life, following a heart attack and an audio postcard from a University of Arizona student talent show contest.

Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations). What kind of people does a healthy democracy require?In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Boysen sits down with author, purpose guide, and ManKind Project brother Brandon Peele to explore the deeper questions underneath our current cultural moment: belonging, responsibility, freedom, purpose, and what it means to grow into mature adulthood in a fractured world. Brandon returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Bison Medicine: The Cure for a Troubled Nation, where he offers a provocative but hopeful vision for healing division—not through outrage or ideology, but through purpose, community, rites of passage, and what he calls a return to “good mind.” Together, Boysen and Brandon unpack: Why America may be suffering from a crisis of initiation  The difference between freedom and mature responsibility  What “all men are created equal” might actually ask of us today  The role of rites of passage, men's work, and authentic community in healing isolation  The powerful metaphor of eagles and bison—and what each teaches us about power, belonging, and collective life  Indigenous wisdom, democracy, and the forgotten roots of interdependence  How to stay hopeful in a time of outrage and uncertainty  Brandon's upcoming national pilgrimage across America, visiting historical sites and communities that embody our nation's struggles, painful history, and hard-earned victories as a people Along the way, Brandon shares why he believes healing begins in local communities, in honest conversations, and in the courageous work of becoming fully human.This episode is ultimately an invitation: What would it mean to become the kind of man who leaves things better than he found them?Key Questions from This Episode:How free are you, really?How happy are you, really?What kind of community is helping shape the man you are becoming?This summer - June and July of 2026 - there is a powerful opportunity to be part of Brandon's Pilgrimage across the US. Learn more: https://www.nationalpilgrimage.us/Learn more about Bison Medicine: https://www.bisonmedicine.com/ BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.#Sponsorship #AdSupport the show

“France had long been at the center of her philosophy. She had made France a touchstone in her writing, in which she alchemised life, love, and food in a literary genre of her own invention” - Luke Barr on MFK Fisher, Provence 1970Welcome to Episode #144:Today I share why going to Europe for art, writing, philosophy and liberation has been a necessary evolution for many artists and writers. I contemplate my own journey and the many that have gone before seeking stimulation and artistic freedom amongst the avant-garde and the lively cafes of Paris and other wonderful European cities. Artists and writers have gravitated to these places and cultural epicentres for artistic communities, intellectual stimulation, mentors and teachers, and to attract opportunities for their art and writing careers. Enjoy this share,Michelle xShownotes A Writer in Italy InstagramSubstack - At My TableMichelle's BooksMusical Scores by Richard JohnstonA Writer in Italy is about travel, art and life. A place to share the beautiful travel journeys and the discoveries along the way. Support the show

 When Jeff Chu turned up to work as a farmhand, he didn't know anything about gardening. He says he actually had more experience killing plants than nurturing them. But this wasn't just any farm: this was the Farminary, a 21-acre experiment in sustainable agriculture that's part of Princeton Theological Seminary. Jeff calls it the world's best classroom.  Writer, reporter, preacher and teacher Jeff Chu went on to write Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand, a memoir of his season at the Farminary. In today's conversation, he shared some of the gems of wisdom that he gleaned from his time there.  He shared what we can learn about life and death from the compost pile; how to move through grief; and why belonging isn't something we're entitled to. It's something we create for each other that requires the hard work of intimacy and vulnerability.  Jeff is teacher in residence at Crosspointe Church in North Carolina; parish associate for storytelling and witness at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley in California. He's also a Ph.D. student in theology at the University of Stellenbosch, a Minister of Word and sacrament in the Reformed Church in America and author of Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America and co-author, with the late Rachel Held Evans, of the New York Times best-seller Wholehearted Faith.  With & For is a podcast of the Thrive Center, an applied research center that exists to catalyze a movement of human thriving, with and for others through spiritual health. Learn more at thethrivecenter.org. Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenter Follow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King hosts With & For, and is the Executive Director of the Thrive Center and the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Seminary. Follow her @drpamking. About With & For Host: Pam King Senior Director and Producer: Jill Westbrook Operations Manager: Lauren Kim Social Media & Graphic Designer: Wren Juergensen Senior Producer: Clare Wiley Executive Producer: Jakob Lewis Produced by Great Feeling Studios Special thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and Fuller Seminary's School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. The podcast was made possible through the support from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

This week, we share an exclusive For the Journey conversation between Rev. Bill Haley, Scott Buresh (Coracle Baltimore Community Minister), and Wade Ballou (Co-pastor of the Coracle Community). They discuss Celtic Christianity, Ignatian spirituality, pilgrimage, the Desert Fathers, the development of Western monasticism, and much more. All of this serves as an introduction to A Common Way, Coracle's initiative to translate the riches of monastic wisdom for normal people in the modern world.EXPLORE A COMMON WAYEXPLORE THE CORACLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMinthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the showFor the Journey is a resource of the Coracle Center of Formation for Action and is made possible through the generous support of men and women across the globe.

Welcome to another Friday minisode of May is for Mamas. Today, I am inviting back my friend Kimberly. You heard from her last Friday and she is going to read two more blessings over you. I love these two. The first is called "This is How we Live with Hope" and the second is "A Blessing for Parenting." I hope that it encourages you today as you listen. Resources from this episode: Small Steps: Blessings to Lift Your Soul on the Pilgrimage of Life by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller Kimberly Knowle-Zeller Website Rhythms Reset Discount + Coaching Giveaway Entry Send Nancy an audio message! Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Amazon Cornerstore!  Join my email list!  Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

What if you could walk the exact same road Jesus walked on His way to the Temple, hear the golden bells of the high priest, and stand where pilgrims sang the Psalms of Ascent? Jim Scudder takes you on an unforgettable journey through the newly opened Pilgrimage Road in the City of David—where faith, history, and archaeology come alive in stunning ways.

We're joined by Matt Estrade, founder of Catholic Aging, talks about a dementia-inclusive pilgrimage that will take place this fall. Val Browning, member of Kolbe Prison Ministries, provides update on their ministry.

In this meaningful conversation, Dr. Lynn Hellerstein speaks with Christopher Sansone, PhD, author, soul-centered coach and past-life regression guide about his book, Longing: A Pilgrimage to Your Quiet Power Within, and the transformative power of listening to the soul's longing. Chris explains that many people feel stuck because they are disconnected from their deeper purpose. He shares how suffering or a “sacred calamity,” while painful, can hold meaning and become a path toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. Throughout the episode, Chris discusses powerful stories of individuals who faced profound hardships yet found healing by moving through their pain with courage and openness. He explores the idea of being “spiritual but not religious,” emphasizing that true spirituality comes from within and connects us to a greater source. The conversation also reframes purpose—not as external achievement, but as becoming more fully who we truly are. Chris touches on past-life regression as a tool for healing and accessing the subconscious, reminding listeners that we all carry a deep reservoir of wisdom within us. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, self-love, and authentic connection as they navigate life's challenges and uncover their quiet inner power. Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, Developmental Optometrist, co-owner of Hellerstein & Brenner Vision Center, P.C., award-winning author and international speaker, holds powerful and inspiring conversations with her guests in the areas of health, wellness, education, sports and psychology. They share their inspirational stories of healing and transformation through their vision expansion. Vision Beyond Sight Podcast will help you see with clarity, gain courage and confidence. Welcome to Vision Beyond Sight! Also available on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Audible and Stitcher.

In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Dominique Bouchard, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle and incoming Creative Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming heritage storytelling. They discuss the creation of the world's first interactive historical AI avatar, how Leeds Castle brought Queen Eleanor of Castile to life, and what this innovation means for the future of visitor engagement across heritage attractions. Topics Discussed: How artificial intelligence is reshaping heritage storytelling The creation of Leeds Castle's interactive Queen Eleanor of Castile AI avatar Balancing historical accuracy with AI driven visitor interaction The design and development process behind the world first historical avatar Using AI to create personalised visitor experiences Audience reactions to experimental heritage technology Ethical considerations of AI in museums and heritage sites How AI can support interpretation and visitor engagement The challenges of introducing emerging technology in heritage settings Blending creative storytelling with digital innovation Practical advice for attractions exploring AI adoption The future of AI within museums and heritage organisations Dominique Bouchard's upcoming move to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The potential for future AI driven heritage experience   Show references:    Dr Dominique Bouchard, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle. Soon-to-be Creative Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/about-us/news-media/press-releases/leading-uk-museum-appoints-its-first-creative-director/ Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile https://www.leeds-castle.com/ https://www.leeds-castle.com/events/pilgrimage-of-love-eleanor-of-castile/ https://youtu.be/U29H_PHrh14?si=NDbHAwR0CTTIuApY Museum and Heritage show at Olympia London, Theatre 3 at 2:15 on Wednesday 13th May, 2026 https://show.museumsandheritage.com/     Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here

Patrick answers questions about brown scapular beliefs, Fatima, homebound ministry, and how to respond when a Mass feels more like a game show, blending sharp insights with his signature wit. Pilgrimage sweepstakes and doubled donations bring excitement and urgency, pushing Patrick's mission forward as callers open up, skeptics reflect, and laughter mixes with prayer. Jillian (email) – Is it common for offerings to be left for the Blessed Mother at Mexican restaurants? (02:17) Stewart - Are the confraternity of the brown scapular benefits legitimate? (05:14) Patrick from Highland, NY – Can you explain the five promises Our Lady made at Fatima? (16:00) Monica (email) – What was the free on-line course you recommended for Catholics at the " basic / beginners' level. (27:27) Bill (email) - Is there a protocol to when the home bound minister receives the host from the priest? (30:31) Lisa (email) - I work as a speech therapist and when I was in graduate school, I was assigned a client who was transitioning from a man to a woman. The goal of the sessions was to assist in altering his voice so that he sounded feminine. At the time I did not know the teachings of the church on this subject. I now feel I participated, if only for a short while, in a sinful situation. Is this something I should bring to confession now? (33:22) Amber (email) - Are there different types of miracles taught in the Catholic faith or are these classifications made up? (39:14) Tina - At mass they gave out a bracelet to make a wish for mothers. Is that ok? (41:54) Email – Question about modesty (46:01)

Hour 2 for 5/12/26 Drew and Elizabeth pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (1:00). Then, Fr. Rocky stops by to discuss his upcoming Pilgrimage to Ireland and the UK (28:19). https://relevantradio.com/support/give-now/

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

Recorded live at Heights Yoga Collective in Tampa, FL.

This episode we talk about the League of Legend's comic "Pilgrimage" | All CoR Links | www.podcastcor.com | Music By Slayur | www.linktr.ee/slayur | Story By | Laurie Goulding & Kudos Productions 00:00 Intro 04:00 Part 1 07:00 Part 2 14:00 Part 3 20:00 General Discussion

Join Justin Hibbard and Father Parsad on an epic pilgrimage to France in April 2027, as we trace the paths of French Saints. We'll visit cities like Lisieux, Normandy, Paris, Toulouse, Mont-Saint-Michel and more. Every day will include an apologetics talk by Justin Hibbard and private Mass at some of the world's most iconic churches celebrated by Fr. Parsad. In this episode, you'll also learn about Fr. Parsad's formation and how he went from a recording artist in the Philippines to a priest in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. For more information about the pilgrimage, go to whycatholic.substack.com/pilgrimage.Link to go directly to Select International Tours booking site.Watch the video version of this episode here. SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.* Follow Justin on Facebook.MORE ABOUT FR. KENNETH PARSAD* Fr. Parsad sings at Mass celebrated by Pope Francis* TV Interview with Seminarian Kenneth Parsad* Still Music Video Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Peace Under Vermilion Shadows: A Pilgrimage in Kyoto Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-05-11-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の京都は美しい。En: Spring in Kyoto is beautiful.Ja: 花が咲き、緑が濃くなる季節。En: It is a season when flowers bloom and the greenery becomes lush.Ja: 黄金週間のある日、由紀は家族と一緒に伏見稲荷大社を訪れました。En: On a day during the Golden Week, Yuki visited Fushimi Inari Taisha with her family.Ja: 彼女は兄弟の遥人と愛子を連れて、先祖を敬うための巡礼に来たのです。En: She had come on a pilgrimage with her siblings, Haruto and Aiko, to honor their ancestors.Ja: 朱色の千本鳥居をくぐりながら、由紀は心の中に静かな悲しみを感じていました。En: As she passed under the thousands of vermilion torii gates, Yuki felt a quiet sadness in her heart.Ja: ここ数か月、彼女は大切な人を失い、魂のよりどころを探していたのです。En: In recent months, she had lost someone dear to her and was searching for a spiritual anchor.Ja: 「素晴らしい景色だね」と由紀は遥人と愛子に言いました。En: "It's a wonderful view, isn't it?" Yuki said to Haruto and Aiko.Ja: しかし、二人はスマートフォンに夢中で、あまり興味を示しませんでした。En: However, the two were engrossed in their smartphones and showed little interest.Ja: それに少し心を痛める由紀。En: This pained Yuki slightly.Ja: 道を登るにつれて、由紀は過去の話をし始めました。En: As they ascended the path, Yuki began to talk about the past.Ja: 「おばあちゃんがここに来た時はいつも…」と彼女は話しました。En: "When Grandma used to come here, she always..." she began.Ja: 最初は興味を示さなかった二人も、由紀の話に少しずつ耳を傾け始めました。En: Even though the two initially showed no interest, they gradually started to listen to Yuki's stories.Ja: 登山道の半ばで、由紀は一人になりました。En: Halfway up the mountain path, Yuki found herself alone.Ja: 千本鳥居の下で、彼女はふと足を止めました。En: Under the thousands of torii, she stopped suddenly.Ja: そこに立ち、風を感じながら、目を閉じて祈りました。En: Standing there, feeling the wind, she closed her eyes and prayed.Ja: その瞬間、彼女は先祖の声を感じ、深い安らぎを得ました。En: In that moment, she felt the voices of her ancestors and found deep peace.Ja: やがて頂上にたどり着いたとき、遥人と愛子は由紀に近づいてきました。En: Eventually, when they reached the summit, Haruto and Aiko came up to Yuki.Ja: 「由紀さんの話、面白かったよ」と遥人が言いました。En: "Yuki's stories were interesting," Haruto said.Ja: 「また聞きたいな」と愛子も同意しました。En: "I want to hear more," Aiko agreed.Ja: 由紀は微笑みました。En: Yuki smiled.Ja: 家族と共に登ってきたこの道が、彼女にとって新たな絆の道となったのです。En: The path she had climbed with her family had become a new bond for her.Ja: 家に帰る道筋で、由紀は過去に縛られずとも、今を大切に生きることができると気づきました。En: On the way home, Yuki realized that she could live valuing the present without being bound by the past.Ja: 先祖を敬いながら、彼女は家族とのつながりも深めていきました。En: While honoring her ancestors, she also deepened her connection with her family.Ja: それは彼女にとって、最高の癒しとなりました。En: For her, this was the greatest healing. Vocabulary Words:bloom: 咲くgreenery: 緑pilgrimage: 巡礼vermilion: 朱色torii: 鳥居sadness: 悲しみenshrine: 祭るquiet: 静かanchor: よりどころengrossed: 夢中path: 道ascend: 登るsummit: 頂上descend: 下るbond: 絆honor: 敬うancestors: 先祖spiritual: 魂healing: 癒しlush: 濃いquiet sadness: 静かな悲しみancestor's voices: 先祖の声deep peace: 深い安らぎpathway: 道筋wounded: 痛めるrealization: 気づきconnection: つながりvaluable: 大切past: 過去bind: 縛る

Every Friday in May is for Mamas, I am going to be sharing a blessing or a special bonus interview. It's going to be a short and sweet word of encouragement. To kick it off, I have a sweet interview today with a new friend, Kimberly Knowle-Zeller, who has written an amazing book of blessings. She is going to read one over you today, and she is going to read a few more over you in the next few Fridays. I hope you love it as much as I do. Resources from this episode: Small Steps: Blessings to Lift Your Soul on the Pilgrimage of Life by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller Kimberly Knowle-Zeller Website Rhythms Reset Discount + Coaching Giveaway Entry Send Nancy an audio message! Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Amazon Cornerstore!  Join my email list!  Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

What does it mean to say the world is fundamentally open for play - and why does it take something to even have to say it at all? In this episode - the third and final in a live-recorded three-part series with Ethan Hsieh, Taylor Barratt, and John Vervaeke - the conversation centers on Ethan as he unpacks the distinction between teaching and facilitation, the purpose of TIAMAT, and the deep personal why that drives his work. John maps the teacher/facilitator divide onto Aristotle's sophia and phronesis, while the group works through how theory and practice function as mutual correctives - each able to expose the other's blind spots. They examine phenomenological adequacy (how a theory can be causally sound yet fail to account for what's actually showing up in lived practice), the necessity of an ecology of practices over any single panacea, and why no closed overarching theory can substitute for genuine interdisciplinary dialogue. Ethan unpacks TIAMAT's purpose as psycho-education toward a good life - affording self-knowledge and heightened religiosity (bindedness to self, other, and world) without becoming a religion - and walks through the SPIRE framework (Service, Pilgrimage, Inquiry, Ritual, Enlightenment). The conversation deepens into the primordial nature of relationality, the actor training roots of TIAMAT, and Ethan's core conviction: that serious play - wrestling fully with what matters, using every faculty of one's being - is the most human way to stay genuinely coupled to a reality that always exceeds our grasp. The episode closes on joy: not pleasure, not comfort, but contact. Ethan Hsieh is the Director of Community Development and Partnerships at the Vervaeke Foundation. He comes from an acting background focused on character development. LinkedIn Taylor Barratt is the Director of Practice and Education at the Vervaeke Foundation. He has over a decade of experience in relational leadership through Authentic Relating Toronto. LinkedIn X 00:00 Welcome to the Lectern 01:30 Introducing Ethan - the third and final session 03:00 Teaching vs. facilitation - the core distinction 04:20 The knowing-doing and being-becoming questions 06:30 What truly distinguishes a teacher from a facilitator? 08:00 Responsibility, longitudinal tracking, and development 09:00 Training containers vs. drop-in practice 11:10 Sophia and phronesis - Aristotle on wisdom 12:30 Self-correction and attachment to theory or practice 14:10 Adaptive fit vs. adaptive transfer 17:30 When to bring theory in as a leader 20:00 Theory as legitimation of practice 22:00 Does practice challenge theory? Practice as research 24:00 Phenomenological adequacy - what theory can miss 26:00 Being too precious about theory or practice 27:00 Voice work and the emotional dimension as data 28:30 Deficit, excess, and the normativity of practice 30:30 Ecology of practices as pedagogical design 32:20 Why there's no closed theoretical system 33:00 Why there's no panacea discipline 35:00 TIAMAT as a living, evolving system 35:50 Predictive processing, CBT, and Jungian thought 36:30 Propositional knowledge must afford participation 38:10 What's ours to do? Defining scope of practice 41:20 What is TIAMAT actually for? 43:00 Pathological vs. positive psychology 46:10 TIAMAT: psycho-education for a good life 47:00 Religiosity without religion 48:30 SPIRE - Service, Pilgrimage, Inquiry, Ritual, Enlightenment 49:30 Enriching religio and relationship 50:20 Relationality is primordial - all of it is real 52:00 Depersonalization and the world-as-instrument trap 54:00 Why Taylor does this work 56:40 "The world is open for play" 58:00 Joy as good 59:00 Serious play as anamnesis - recovering what was forgotten 01:00:00 Joy vs. pleasure - genuine coupling to reality 01:01:00 Daoism, Zen, and the blurry line with philosophy 01:02:00 Actor training as the origin of TIAMAT 01:03:30 Anger and sadness at unnecessary suffering 01:08:30 "Why do I have to tell you that you matter?" 01:10:00 Holding the suchness of where someone is 01:11:10 Joy as developing relationship - closing thoughts The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon Thank you for listening!

An address given by Noah Bishop Merrill as the 2026 Perkins Family Lecture hosted by the Quaker Leadership Center, a ministry of the Earlham School of Religion, in Richmond, Indiana on April 24, 2026.Want to share your thoughts on our podcast content? Email podcast@neym.org.To learn more about the life and ministry of Quakers in New England visit neym.org.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here: neym.org/newsletter-signupDonate to sustain our ministry here: neym.org/donate

The Bread That Comes Looking for You Today's Homily reflects on the Gospel discourse of Jesus as the “Bread of Life” . . . . . . alongside the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in the Acts of the Apostles. The central theme is that the true fulfillment of every human longing is found not in places, accomplishments, or temporary satisfactions, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who actively comes seeking humanity. Pilgrimages and Their Implications for Us The Homily begins by exploring the meaning of pilgrimages. While many people focus on arriving at a holy place, the Homily emphasizes that the journey home is often where grace fully unfolds. The Ethiopian official traveled to Jerusalem seeking God, yet he truly encountered God not in the temple itself, but on the road home through the ministry of Philip the Deacon. Still praying, reading Scripture, and remaining spiritually attentive, the Ethiopian becomes open to receiving the fullness of revelation in Jesus Christ. Satisfying Humanity's . . . The Homily highlights how persecution unintentionally spread Christianity beyond Jerusalem. Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian demonstrates that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, carries the Gospel outward into the world. Through Philip's explanation of Scripture, the Ethiopian realizes that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every prophecy and every longing of the human heart. Without delay, he asks for baptism, recognizing that what he had traveled so far to seek was now present before him. The Homily then connects this story to Jesus' teaching in the Gospel: “I am the living bread come down from heaven.” Christ is presented not merely as a teacher or source of doctrine, but as the only true nourishment capable of satisfying humanity's deepest spiritual hunger. Echoing Saint Augustine, the homily reflects on the restlessness of the human heart apart from God. Earthly pursuits cannot ultimately satisfy the longing for meaning, peace, and eternal life. . . . Deepest Spiritual Hunger A particularly moving insight of the Homily is that Jesus does not simply wait to be found; He actively seeks humanity first. Just as Christ came to the Ethiopian through Philip, Jesus continues to come to His people through the Church and especially through the Eucharist. The faithful may come seeking Christ at Mass, but Christ Himself also comes seeking them. Finally, the Homily reflects on the Eucharistic words “eat of it” and “drink from it,” emphasizing the continual nature of Christian life. The Eucharist is not a one-time experience but an ongoing source of divine nourishment. We are called to return again and again to Christ, the Bread of Life, who alone satisfies the deepest hunger of the soul. Listen to this Meditation Media. The Bread That Comes Looking for You -------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Jesus at the Supper of Emmaus: Danish Painter: Carl Bloch: (Lived: 1834-1890 )

John 1:28Matt's book, The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible is available NOW! - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote

After his recent Italy pilgrimage, Fr. Liptak shares with Cari the joys and graces he received on pilgrimage.  Join Fr. Liptak in Malta and Sicily: https://www.pilgrimagesbycts.com/upcoming-tours/st.-basil-the-great-pilgrimage-to-malta-%26-sicily  Come, follow us: Parish Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Spotify Music

John 1:28Matt's book, The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible is available NOW! - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote

Carol booked a Catholic pilgrimage with a stranger named Mountain she found on the internet. No itinerary, no idea where she was staying, and people were DMing Katy asking if she was okay. She's more than okay — she's thriving in Fatima, Portugal and calling in to tell us everything.

John 1:28Matt's book, The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible is available NOW! - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote