Podcasts about shape us

July 19th, 2026 | Pastor Caitlin Garrett & Cindy Limbrick We all have questions for God, especially in seasons of uncertainty. This week, we explore how bringing our honest questions to Him can deepen our faith and remind us that God is with us through it all.

Bobby and JD are back to talk about childhood upbringing, learning to address fears, the lost purity of stand-up, and a crazy story of Prison Rambo. B.L.A.C.K. Label Art   https://blacklabelart.shop/You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com

What if art isn't simply something we admire, but something that asks something of us?In this episode, Stephen Roach sits down with acclaimed printmaker, educator, and storyteller Steve Prince for a conversation about the vocation of the artist. Drawing from history, faith, family, and lived experience, Steve shares how his work seeks to preserve memory, confront injustice, and create spaces where genuine transformation can begin.From the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement to the power of oral storytelling, from New Orleans kitchen tables to ambitious community art projects, Steve reveals why he believes artists are called to help us "remember to remember" and to imagine a more hopeful future together.Together they explore:Why artists are called to be truth-tellersHow history shapes both our imagination and our responsibilityThe role of beauty in confronting difficult realitiesWhy storytelling is essential to healing divided communitiesSteve's Kitchen Table project and its vision for reconciliationCreating art that challenges, invites, and transformsFaith, social justice, and the spiritual calling of creative workHelping the next generation of artists embrace both courage and adaptabilityWhether you're an artist, educator, historian, or simply someone longing for deeper conversations in a fractured world, this episode offers a vision of art as an act of hospitality, remembrance, and hope.Quote from the Episode"The artist helps us remember to remember.""Art isn't made to divide us, it creates a pathway toward who we could become.""Every table has something to teach us." - Steve PrinceResources MentionedSteve Prince's Kitchen Table community art projectTrinity City graphic novel initiativeHoward ThurmanMartin LutherMedgar EversEmmett TillRosa ParksMartin Luther King Jr.If this episode encouraged you, please consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a review, or supporting the work of Makers & Mystics through Patreon.Produced by Stephen Roach.Music by Some Were at Sea.Keep Creating. The World Needs Your Art. Send us Fan MailSupport the showSign Up for Our Newsletter! http://eepurl.com/g49Ks1Connect with Makers & MysticsWebsite: https://makersandmystics.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/makersandmysticsInstagram: https://instagram.com/makersandmystics

July 12th, 2026 | Pastor Christy Penley Often, evil uses questions to distract us from what we need to focus on, and to lead us to question what we would otherwise know to be true. Learn about what those questions sound like, and how to deal with them.

Zach Varnell continues our sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in Luke 15:11-32 with this week's message titled "God's Joy in Redemption".

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, June 28, 2026, fifth Sunday after Pentecost. “We Know Who We Are” series. ​​​ Texts: Romans 6:3-11; Luke 24:28-35​​​​   Humans are storytelling creatures. Our stories help us understand who we are and how life works. They teach us how people have lived and thought and loved and struggled through the ages. They give us a framework for how to be in relationship. Humans are also ritual-making creatures. Just as the stories we tell shape our sense of identity and reality, so too rituals shape our actions and the way we embody our values. Every culture has stories that shape human imagination and understanding. Every culture has rituals that shape human desires and loyalties. While powerful, formative, and often positive, we know stories can be told in ways that distort truth and do harm. And rituals can include habits that are unhealthy or destructive to persons or communities. Consumerism tells a certain story and has its rituals. White Christian Nationalism tells a certain story and has its rituals. Political tribes tell their own stories and have their rituals. Social media…well… All these things and more tell us who we are and what matters most. Christians also tell a story and practice rituals—it's a story of God's grace, mercy, and liberating love. And the rituals? Water. Bread. Cup. A few weeks ago, as we began focusing on the United Methodist way of living the Christian story, we thought together about the means of grace and the practices that shape us. We reflected on how we are all being formed by something. The question is: What is forming us? What stories, rituals, and practices are shaping our imagination, our desires, and our values? The sacraments are among the primary ways God shapes us into the people we are called to be. And because these rituals are so familiar, it is easy to participate in them without ever stopping to ask what they mean. Why do we call themsacraments? What do United Methodists actually believe is happening when we baptize someone or come to the Lord's Table? These are important questions to ask. Because if we are going to know who we are, then we need to understand the practices that have formed Christians for centuries and the theology that stands behind them. Let's begin with the word sacrament itself. United Methodists define a sacrament as “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” In other words, sacraments are the places where the invisible grace of God takes visible form. I could reasonably argue that, with that definition, every act of beauty, love, tenderness, and justice are sacramental acts. But the two liturgical sacraments recognized by our tradition are those Jesus specifically commanded his followers to practice in the stories recorded in scripture: baptism and communion. Here again, our rituals are embedded in our stories and our stories are embedded in our rituals. Stories and rituals belong together. In many cultures, stories are not merely told. They are enacted. Danced. Sung. The story becomes part of the people through repeated actions that connect memory to the body. Christians do something similar. We do not merely tell the story of God's grace.We enact it. We embody it. In baptism, we tell not just one story, but many: the story of dying and rising with Christ, of being washed by grace and mercy, and of being claimed and named as God's beloved and part of the Body of Christ. The beauty of sacrament is that it can hold multiple meanings at once. And we don't simply talk about those things. We pour water. We listen for the sound of the flow. We feel the water on our skin. In communion, we tell the stories of Christ's sacrificial, self-giving love, of God's provision and faithfulness; we reaffirm the story of God's mercy—of forgiveness, reconciliation, and belonging. But we do not simply describe those things. We break bread. We share the cup. The story is embedded in these rituals. The rituals carry the story. And over time, the story carried by the ritual shapes the people who practice it. One United Methodist resource describes the sacraments as God's “show and tell.” I love that image. If you've ever watched a child during show and tell, you know that simply describing something isn't the same as holding it in your hands. God doesn't simply tell us that grace is real. God shows us. Think about it: God showed us by drawing near in flesh, in Jesus of Nazareth. Andthat is just the most extraordinary way God has revealed a willingness to work through physical things. The God who came to us in a body still meets us through tangible signs: Water. Bread. Cup. So let's linger with some of the stories our sacraments tell. First, baptism tells the story of grace that comes before our response. In many churches, baptism is understood primarily as a public declaration of faith—as a person's decision to accept God's love and to follow Christ. There is truth in that. But United Methodists begin somewhere else. We begin with God's action. Before we choose God, God chooses us. Before we respond to grace, grace is already at work in our lives. Before we seek God, God is seeking us. That conviction lies behind one of the practices that often raises questions: infant baptism. Why do we baptize babies who cannot yet profess faith for themselves?Because baptism is first and foremost a story about God's grace, not our achievement. It is a visible reminder that grace comes first. Before a child can speak a word, God has already spoken a word over them: Beloved. Of course, each person must eventually respond to God's grace for themselves. But regardless of age, baptism reminds us that the first move always belongs to God. Baptism also tells the story of belonging—to God and to one another. In baptism, God claims me. And God joins us. When we baptize someone, we are not simply celebrating an individual spiritual experience or handing someone a ticket to heaven. We are welcoming a new member into the Body of Christ. That is why the congregation makes promises. We promise to nurture, encourage, teach, pray, and journey alongside one another. Baptism tells us who we are—beloved children of God. And baptism tells us who we are together—a people, a community, a body, a family bound together by grace and by a shared story. Baptism also tells the stories of forgiveness and liberation. The waters are a sign of God's mercy and cleansing, assuring us that nothing we have done or will do lies beyond God's capacity to forgive, that we are not bound to the worst things in our past or present, but freed for better things in our future. And the waters tell yet another story. Paul tells us in Romans that in baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. We die to an old way of being.We are raised into new life. Baptism is not simply about where we have been. It is about who we are becoming. It's about claiming the freedom and power God gives us to live a new kind of life. So baptism is the sacrament that initiates us into the Christian life both as persons and community. And Communion is the sacrament that nourishes us along the wayand continually reconnects us to Christ, to one another, and to our neighbors. We call it the Lord's Supper because Christ is the host. We call it Holy Communion because we are united with God and one another. We call it Eucharist (from the Greek word for thanksgiving) because it is an act of thanksgiving. But perhaps the most important thing to understand is that communion is more than remembering a dead prophet. It is being present with a living Christ. Certainly, we remember Jesus at the table. But United Methodists believe something more is happening—that communion is more than merely symbolic. We believe Christ is truly present. We call it a holy mystery precisely because we don't claim to fully understand how. But we trust that Christ meets us here and offers grace through the sacramental meal. Once again, as with Baptism, the sacrament is both personal and communal. At thetable Christ invites, forgives, and nourishes me. At the table Christ forms, nourishes, and sends us. Personally, we come seeking grace, forgiveness, strength, comfort, courage, and renewal. But communion is never merely about “me and Jesus.” Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10 that because there is one bread, we who are many are one body. At the table we practice belonging to one another. We remember that our lives are bound together. We learn gratitude, humility, reconciliation, and love. The table does not simply feed individuals. It forms a community. This conviction also helps explain why United Methodists practice an open table.You do not have to be a member of this church, or a United Methodist, or to have everything figured out, or even to be baptized. The invitation belongs to Christ our host. And because grace comes before worthiness, Christ's table remains open. I will never forget the moment when a committed atheist who had been attendingthe congregation I served with her fiancé for more than a year, presented herself in line to receive the elements saying, “I have no idea why I am here, but I just felt that I needed to come.” People might encounter Christ for the first time in the midst of the gathered Body of Christ around the Table. Because sometimes people are moved to respond before they have language for what is happening. Sometimes grace reaches us before we understand it. John Wesley strongly encouraged frequent communion because he believed it was one of God's most powerful means of grace. Early American Methodists often received communion only quarterly because circuit-riding preachers and ordained elders were scarce. What began as necessity became habit. The church I grew up in still practiced quarterly communion! But in recent decades we have reclaimed Wesley's conviction that we need all the sacramental grace we can get! And so we return again and again to water, bread, and cup. Simple, ordinary things.Yet through them the story of God's grace is told, embodied, and practiced.Through them God reminds us who we are. Through them God reminds us whose we are. And through them God continues to shape us—both as individuals and as a community—into the likeness of Christ. Because over time, the stories embodied in our rituals become the lives we learn to lead. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God.

Tell us your story - who are you, what makes you different, and what sets your journey apart? We want to hear from the people who make our community what it is. Whether it's your favourite songs, meaningful milestones, or the moments that shaped you, come and share them live on air. Today, we're excited to welcome Brett Michielin, into the studio to share his journey and the special stories that have shaped his path. If you'd like to be part of this inspiring new segment, give us a shout at info@lifeandstyle.fm and let your voice be heard! Radio Life & Style on Facebook

Mike Plewniak continues our sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in John 15:4-11 with this week's message titled "Our Union With Christ".

Writing has been a guiding force in Nancy Morgan's life, woven together with her love of language, travel, and cross-cultural learning. Across a career in teaching, curriculum design, media production, and study-abroad leadership, writing has remained at the heart of her work.Now retired, Nancy has turned more deeply to writing as a way to explore life's complex and difficult questions. Drawing on personal experience, she writes fictionalized accounts about the impact of dysfunction, homelessness, and mental illness on family relationships. Curious about the emotional truths beneath the surface, Nancy strives to “get into the soul of her characters.” Homelessness, a central theme in her writing, is also at the heart of her volunteer work and social commitment.At the center of Nancy's life is family. She describes her husband, two daughters, and seven grandchildren as her greatest source of joy and grounding. Today, Nancy says simply and gratefully, “I love the life I am living.”“Stories can help us understand what families often struggle to say out loud.” - Nancy MorganConnect with NancyEmail: nancybattistamorgan@gmail.comThanking our Platinum Sponsor—AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more. Shining the light on Age-Wise Collective—check out Boomer Banter with Wendy Green—it's in a new chapter, with shorter solo episodes focused on her personal caregiving journey and the search for purpose in later life. Going deeper, her Substack, Thriving Through Time, by Boomer Banter is where she really opens up. Find everything on Wendy's website, heyboomer.biz.

Jake Simmons continues our sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 with this week's message titled "Tempted and Kept".

What does it take to turn a house into a home? For Christophe Carpente – the French-born, Swiss-trained architect behind some of the world's most considered luxury interiors – the answer lies in chemistry, trust, and the willingness to let go.In this episode of House Guest, Carpente joins Carole from his Notting Hill studio to reflect on nearly 30 years of practice: from designing flagship stores for Cartier, Burberry and De Beers, to the deeply personal work of building homes for their owners. Sponsored by Aqualisa Showers.

In this episode of Bikinis After Babies , Mandy dives deeper and opens up about a journey she never expected to take. From dreaming of a large family and navigating the heartbreak of infertility and IVF, to finding healing through fitness, bodybuilding, and personal growth, Mandy shares how some of life's greatest setbacks can completely reshape the path we're on. She reflects on the grief of letting go of the future she had imagined and the lessons she learned while rebuilding a life she never planned for.Whether you're facing disappointment, loss, a major life transition, or simply struggling with a reality that looks different than what you envisioned, this conversation is a reminder that setbacks do not define us they shape us. Mandy discusses the mindset shifts, habits, and self-care practices that helped her move forward, find purpose in the detour, and become stronger through adversity. This episode is an honest look at resilience, acceptance, and learning to embrace the life that's waiting for you on the other side of Plan A.In this episode, we are also revealing how our individual preps are going and sharing an exclusive sneak peek into upcoming competitions and team updates!We hope that you enjoyed this episode and if so, we would LOVE it if you would rate, subscribe, and leave us reviews on how this podcast has helped you

Episode 181: Jill Salzman & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape UsABOUT JILLJill Salzman is a business and personal coach who helps clients make more money. Through defying expectations and breaking the rules, she succeeds in inspiring entrepreneurs to figure out what works for them by using meaningful action to create positive results. Jill is the author of The Best Business Book In The World* (*According To My Mom), Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs, and her third book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us was released on January 21, 2026. She's shared the speaker stage with Richard Branson, Sheryl Sandberg, Daymond John, Marilu Henner, and Desmond Tutu among others, and professed her love of Eddie Vedder in her TEDx talk on 11/11/11. CNNMoney calls her a “mogul” and MSN Live says she's a “Cool Entrepreneur We Love.” Forbes rated her a Top 100 Champion Small Business Influencer and voted her third business, The Founding Moms, one of the Top 10 Websites For Entrepreneurs. When she's not speaking to audiences in patterned leggings or podcasting from her basement, she fruitlessly tries to convince her daughters that cassette tapes actually existed.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Jill's unconventional career path from music to law to entrepreneurship• How childhood playfulness influences her business style and writing• The role of joy and authenticity in effective leadership• Recognizing burnout and implementing self-care strategies• The evolution of Jill's publishing journey and her creative process• Using humor and play to introduce joy in work and lifeThe MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Jill is, To both avoid burnout and build upon your own unique energy, how do you incorporate joy and playfulness into the work you do and the life you live? FIND JILL• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jillll• Website: https://jillsalzman.com• Substack: https://jillsalzman.substack.com• Jill's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAFMOHTl44LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article:CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads - Jill Salzman00:53 - Introduction & Bio04:08 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?09:34 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?19:46 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?26:35 - What do you consider your superpower?30:48 - What does leadership mean to you?37:34 - Can you introduce us to the book we're discussing?43:20 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?46:44 - What's next for your writing?50:40 - What book has inspired you?53:58 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on YouTube MusicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Today, we're going to explore a topic that seems to be touching nearly every industry, every workplace, and increasingly every part of our daily lives: artificial intelligence.But this conversation is not just about what AI can do. It's about what AI assumes, what it values, what it misses, and what happens when powerful technologies are deployed into environments they were not designed to understand.My guest today is Dr. James Maisiri, an AI researcher and writer whose work focuses on responsible AI, digital transformation, education, labor markets, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. His work has been featured through organizations and publications including UNESCO, Mail & Guardian, and others, and his message is both simple and profound: AI is not neutral.In one of his 3 TEDx talks, Dr. Maisiri said, ‘If Africa does not shape AI, then AI will shape Africa. While his work often focuses on African communities and institutions, the lesson is much broader. Every industry, including electronics manufacturing, needs to think carefully about how we adopt AI, what assumptions are built into these systems, and how we validate their use before trusting their output.In electronics reliability, we often say that context matters. Materials, environments, residues, humidity, temperature, field conditions, and use cases all influence performance. Today, we'll ask whether the same is true for AI.I'm not really sure how much of this conversation will tie in directly to reliability, but it's a fascinating subject nonetheless. Let's see where it takes us.The hidden danger of AI in Africa | James Maisiri | TEDxUniversity of Johannesburghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1BVZvjLevQHow AI and Robotics Reconnects Us to Humanityhttps://www.ted.com/talks/james_maisiri_how_ai_and_robotics_reconnects_us_to_humanityLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-james-maisiri-7b8069281/

560. 'Daddy issues' gets thrown around as a punchline — but the psychology underneath it is serious, well-researched, and affects people of every gender. This Father's Day week, Dr. Judy Ho reclaims the term and unpacks what paternal attachment wounds actually are, how they shape adult relationships and self-worth across all genders, what 'good enough' fathering looks like neurologically, and three tools for healing — whether your father is still in your life or not.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SavvyPsychologistMore from Dr. Ho on her other channels:Dr. Ho's website, Substack, LinkedIn.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Find a transcript at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake Cronin continues our new sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in Mark 1:40-45 with this week's message titled "Trading Places."

Jake Cronin continues our new sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in Mark 1:40-45 with this week's message titled "Trading Places."

We spend so much time optimizing how we live — our habits, our mindset, our routines. But what about where we live? On today's episode, two authors make a powerful case that the spaces around us matter more than we think. Leidy Klotz, author of In a Good Place: How the Spaces Where We Live, Work, and Play Can Help Us Thrive, reveals how thoughtful design of our environments can support wellbeing and flourishing. And Stefan Al, author of Dwelling on Earth: The Past and Future of the Places We Call Home, takes us on a sweeping tour of humanity's relationship with home — and what it means for the places we'll build tomorrow.

Mike Plewniak begins our new sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 with this week's message titled "God's Inexhaustible Grace."

Mike Plewniak begins our new sermon series, Scripture that Shapes Us in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 with this week's message titled "God's Inexhaustible Grace."

In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with leadership professor and Illuminaire Institute founder Karise Hutchinson to explore what it means to raise wise, resilient, young leaders in a world full of noise and uncertainty. Karise shares how character, courage and curiosity shape healthy leadership, both at home and in the workplace. Together, they discuss the impact of stories, social media, AI, family influence and intergenerational relationships on young people today. This thoughtful conversation offers practical insight for parents, educators and mentors who want to help youth grow in confidence, discernment and integrity.

Sibling relationships are often our longest—and sometimes most complicated—connections. In today's episode, we explore what siblings can teach us about identity, belonging, and who we become, drawing on new insights from Catherine Carr's recent book Who's the Favorite? : The Loving, Messy Realities of Sibling Relationships and the 2023 book How to Be Multiple: The Philosophy of Twins by Helena de Bres.

How much influence did your siblings really have on the person you became?Most of us spend years examining the impact our parents had on our lives, but what about our sibling dynamics or lack thereof for only children? How much of your identity, your confidence, your relationships, your career choices, and even your marriage were shaped by the siblings who grew up alongside you?In this follow-up conversation on birth order and family systems, Karin and Elliott explore the often-overlooked influence siblings have on one another—from childhood decision-making and identity formation to dating patterns, marriage dynamics, leadership styles, and lifelong relationships.Together they discuss why younger siblings often measure themselves against older siblings, how brothers and sisters unintentionally shape one another's interests and ambitions, and why the same family can produce children who are remarkably different from one another. They also examine the role birth order may play in friendships, marriage compatibility, conflict resolution, loyalty, and the ways we pursue connection.The conversation moves beyond birth order stereotypes and into a deeper exploration of personality, family systems, trauma, attachment, and the relational patterns we carry into adulthood. Why do some people walk away from unhealthy relationships while others struggle to let go? How do our childhood roles continue to influence our marriages decades later? And how much of who we are was shaped by the people who came before us?If you've ever wondered why you respond the way you do in relationships, why certain family dynamics still affect you today, or how your siblings helped shape the person you've become, this episode offers insight, self-reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the family stories that continue to influence us.Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

On this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Joshua Poahway, Director of Sports Performance for Cache Public Schools. Josh shares his journey from growing up in Lawton to returning home and leading sports performance efforts in his community. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on leadership, mentorship, relationship-building, and the importance of authenticity in coaching.Josh discusses the process of building a structured sports performance program within a public school system, creating alignment with coaches and parents, and developing trust with athletes through transparency and communication. He also explains how pursuing higher education and embracing his cultural background shaped his perspective as a coach and mentor.The episode dives into how challenges and adversity can become powerful teaching tools for young athletes, and why strength coaches have an opportunity to impact lives far beyond the weight room.Key TakeawaysBuilding trust starts with transparency and consistencyCommunity and culture heavily influence coaching philosophyStrong communication helps align athletes, coaches, and parentsPersonal struggles can become tools for mentorship and leadershipSports performance programs should prioritize human developmentAuthenticity creates stronger athlete buy-in and relationshipsQuote“Struggles shape you into something amazing.” — Josh Poahway

Welcome back T&J fam! We launch into this week with a discussion on uncomfortable experiences - like having an eyelash in your eye during a counseling session. We would love to know what makes getting through your job hard as well. Josh then discusses the new Iceman album by Drake and the behind the scenes drama that is shaping societies perception of Drake and the release of three albums on the same night. This turns into a conversation about societal narratives and how pressure impacts us. We discuss how stress or pressure will either make us or break up, but is something we tend to avoid. Enjoy! tattoosandjesus@gmail.com

Today's Scripture: Psalm 121:1–8 When life feels uncertain, your nervous system may start scanning for safety—looking for reassurance, protection, or some solid place to land. In today's reflection on Psalm 121, Dr. Alison Cook explores how God meets us in that vulnerable place as the One who watches over our coming and going. We explore: *Why your nervous system scans for safety *How hypervigilance develops *Why “God watches over you” may take time to feel true in your body *How dwelling on scripture can slowly retrain your soul toward safety Go Deeper: Get my Masterclass "Healing the Wounds that Shape Us" when you preorder The Secure Soul Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailYall, this week's guest is a storyteller whose words don't just entertain — they heal, challenge, and stay with you long after the final page. Keala Kendall is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author behind Disney's A Twisted Tales novels inspired by Moana and Lilo & Stitch — and now, her powerful new book, That Which Feeds Us, is turning heads across the literary world for its haunting exploration of paradise, culture, and survival. She and I had the best time exploring her creative processes and I'm grateful for her inviting me along for such a fun and immersive conversation. My Mississippi self can even pronounce Hawaii correctly now! AND- ahem,  I had NO idea she was behind Twisted Tales with Stitch! Ummm- that lil guy is HOH in this house! He could have even made an unofficial appearance in our conversation.