POPULARITY
The story of Mt. Rushmore begins with the story of the state in which it is found: South Dakota.Audio Clips Used (Theme):“President Franklin D. Roosevelt attends dedication of Jefferson sculpture at Mount Rushmore -SDPB” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqCm4SSgQvc)“Trump in South Dakota: Mount Rushmore Will Never Come Down” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU-GvozCC2g)“Journey Discussions: The Mount Rushmore Vision” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PRlGbE_kWk&t=443s)“Episode 73 - Gutzon Borglum, The One Man War” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzZkYActJxQ&t=79s)“Mount Rushmore Interview 1” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZtSa-BOPuQ&t=2s)“Mount Rushmore - Documentary Films” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUo0GlWqhaw&t=3187s)Theme Music:“Anchor Crawl,” written and performed by Cody Martin. License available upon request.Episode Music (License available upon request):“Every Life Matters,” written and performed by Cody Martin.“Darkest Space,” written by Dustin Ransom; performed by Lost Ghosts.“A Kind Word,” “Echoes of Solitude,” and “Stroll the Westbury,” written by Adrian Dominic Walther; performed by Moments.“High Above” and “Wilderness,” written by Stephen Keech; performed by Wild Wonder.“LightHeart,” written by Joshua Sudduth; performed by TAYME
I'll be taking a sabbatical from my denominational work in May and June. Here's why I'm taking it now, and what I'm planning to do, (and not do).Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
A reading from my new novel, Dunamis. SPOILER WARNING for major plot points of the preceding novel, Mirrobius.Mirrobius: A NovelDunamis: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
There are those inevitable items on our to-do lists that we'd rather avoid due to their difficulty, or the discomfort that they may cause for us. This episode explores a different way to approach them.Meditations for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.John 20:1-18Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sometimes we get so bogged down in the imperfections of what we're doing that we can miss how good it turned out to be.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
If you were asked to write a six-word story that conveyed who you are, how would you approach it?No Perfect Time: Brief Essays on Life and FaithThe Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My experience at this year's Cleveland Fan Expo was very different, and gave me a newfound appreciation and respect for some much-maligned elements of Star Wars.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I have a new novel out in the world, and I want to tell you more about it.Mirrobius: A NovelDunamis: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We often have such good intentions about self-care that can quickly become sabotaged or rationalized away. Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Several episodes ago, I talked about how well-rested I've been. So of course that didn't last. Here are some ways to work through bouts of insomnia.Episode 201: Nowhere to Be, Nothing to DoMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio for Sunday, February 15, 2026.Matthew 17:1-9Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sometimes the simplest realization can help us get the rest that we need.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
This is my 200th episode, and I'm trying to figure out how to celebrate.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Abscission is the process by which trees shed their leaves as part of their preparation for winter. We can learn something from this process as we move into new seasons of our lives.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on January 18, 2026.John 1:29-42Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Sauna has become an important practice for me the past few years. Here are some things that I have learned from the experience.Wintering by Katherine MayMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We have ways to display achievements for ourselves and others, but the deeper work of ongoing dedication and practice can't be measured so easily.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We still have just over a month until 2026 begins, but I've already been thinking about what I hope that it brings.Mirrobius: A NovelTri-VocationalMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The increased dark and cold that this time of year brings can affect us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This episode explores what to watch for, and what to do in response.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote extensively about the practice of reciting Gathas, short verses that reframe mundane activities. This week's episode explores the practice and considers its application.The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat HanhGathas for Daily Living Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety TimesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon for All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025, at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio.Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The Johari Window is a self-awareness tool perhaps not as widely known as some of its counterparts. In this week's episode, I provide a brief introduction and explain its possibilities.Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the EverydayMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Martial artists and other athletes learn "contact courage" in order to become more comfortable applying their techniques on other people. Scenarios elsewhere in our lives necessitate this same kind of comfort and courage as well.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The story of an unexpected side quest that my work team encountered when we attended an event in Lexington, Kentucky.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Allison chats to bestselling, award-winning author Tim Winton about ‘Ningaloo: Australia's Wild Wonder', his first picture book in 20 years, illustrated by Cindy Lane – and his best tips for young writers.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com.au Connect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on Facebook Visit allisontait.com | megandaley.com.au
The sermon on my first Sunday at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on October 5, 2025.Luke 17:5-10Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at Emanuel UCC in Doylestown, Ohio on September 28, 2025.Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I'm making a change in my vocational life, and I want to share it with you.Episode 178: What's the Worse Part?Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Just like Jason Segel's character in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, we may be putting off a creative dream. What is it, and how could you begin pursuing it?Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the EverydayMirrobius: A NovelMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
I recently had COVID again, and skipped a week of recording a new episode as a result. Here are all the reasons why that was a good idea.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at Congregational UCC in Canton on August 24, 2025.Luke 13:10-17Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at Dover Congregational UCC in Westlake, Ohio on August 17, 2025.Hebrews 11:29-12:2Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Our house flooded the other week, and we're still sorting through the aftermath. This episode tells the story, as well as identifies what can help us get through such difficult times.Episode 180: They Bring ThemselvesMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The sermon at New Vision UCC in Canton, Ohio on August 3, 2025.Luke 10:1-11Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
How do we handle disappointment related to what we create? When only so many people engage with or purchase our work? This episode explores this question, and encourages you to keep going.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
My sermon at St. Michael's UCC in Marshallville, Ohio on July 20, 2025.Luke 10:38-42Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The month of July always carries a transitional feel to me. Maybe you can name other months or other times of year that carry that for you. The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The sermon I preached on July 6, 2025 at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Doylestown, Ohio.2 Kings 5:1-14The Final Season by Tom Stanton Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Ecotones are unique third spaces in between two starkly different environments. Our lives also have these transitional spaces, and they can be unique places of growth and possibility.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
We are part of a web of relationships, connections, resources, and wisdom. We're not meant to handle many things by ourselves. This episode discusses the web metaphor used in my new book.The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
There are no shortcuts to the creative process. This episode reflects on the importance of starting, the value of first drafts, and overcoming writer's block.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
In honor of May the Fourth, I re-present a prior episode of the podcast that reflects on some theological implications of the Star Wars franchise.Episode 11: A Theology of Star WarsEpisode 12: A Theology of Star Wars, Part 2Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
An introduction to and reading from my new book, The Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of Transition.Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Giving a second life to what I thought at the time was not my best Easter sermon. When I re-preached it for this episode, I don't know why I thought that.Mark 16:1-8Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
The physical items that we collect can help tell the story of our lives and identity.High Fidelity by Nick HornbyHigh Fidelity (movie)Music: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Brief introductions and readings from my three most recent books, including a preview of my newest, which releases this month.Episode 61: All My Books, Part 1Episode 62: All My Books, Part 2Four Weeks: Reflections for AdventMirrobius: A NovelThe Unintentional Interim: Ministry in Times of TransitionMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Whenever we go through a time of needing to heal from something, we may do so with the mindset that we need to get back to some former version of life as soon as we can. But this time of healing can bring clarity about who we are, and who our new healed self can and should be as well.NEW BOOK AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER: The Unintentional InterimMusic: "Reflections" by Wild Wonder
Trump Tariffs and how they will affect CPG Brands and consumers, Emerging Brands New Launches in Retail, and Expo West Gouging The controversial Trump Tariffs announced over the weekend will be going into effect on Tuesday, February 4th, placing up to a 25 % tariff on all goods with exception to energy which is at 10 %. Canada has since retaliated and is threatening to impose their own tariffs on up to $300B worth of US goods coming into Canada starting in February. According to Trump: He has said he plans to impose tariffs for three reasons. “Number one is the people that have poured into our country so horribly and so much,” he said on Thursday. “Number two are the drugs, fentanyl and everything else that have come into the country. Number three are the massive subsidies that we're giving to Canada and to Mexico in the form of deficits.” These tariffs are expected to affect thousands of CPG brands manufacturing and shipping from Canada and Mexico, resulting in higher prices in retail, and potentially affecting velocities and a reduction in sales for these brands looking to continuing to grow in retail According to Mike Fata, Founder of Manitoba Harvest, an entrepreneur who resides in Canada, his latest Linkedin Post says: "Remember, We can be pro-family, pro-team, and pro-country, without crapping on others" In retail expansion news: Glonuts has expanded to Texas and is rolling out to 153 HEB Stores. Also, it may be slightly old news, but WIld Wonder has also expanded nationally in Whole Foods New Hope's Expo West is catching some flack for their high prices for this year's Natural Products Expo West Show, with badge passes costs for manufacturers, suppliers, and other business service companies as high as $4,500 per person. This definitely locks out some emerging brands and service providers looking to grow their business and network
Steve Duda is a Midwesterner turned west coaster. He describes writing as the only thing he can do. Currently, Steve is Head of Fish Tales at Patagonia. His work has appeared in numerous magazines, websites, and newspapers. Anglers know him as the former editor of The Fly Fish Journal. His new book titled River Songs is his first ‘solo album' that consists of short stories from his travels and observations. The book is full of history, science, nature, and anecdotes. In this episode we learn about Steve's youth as a sports fan, angler, and writer. The conversation was indented to focus on his book, however, these guys went off course quickly. Steve discusses his disdain for the semi-colon and farmed raised salmon. He tells stories about pranking his fising buddies, the ability to smell a school of fish moving in, and wild vs hatchery steelhead in the Pacific and Great Lakes. This podcast wouldn't be right if the conversation didn't lead to sandwiches. Don't be the person that catches the last wild steelhead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices