Radical Sacred

Julia Postema and Jeremiah Gibson join us today to talk about reciprocity in intimate relationships in this helpful and hopeful episode! Julia and Jeremiah are married therapists whose mission is to support relationships in reclaiming sexuality following adverse religious experiences. Their gentle approach invites us all into new ways of being and knowing, ourselves and others. We loved their kind and thoughtful approach to sex, intimacy, and learning how to listen to our bodies and our yearning. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Come Together by Emily Nagoski Sexvangelicals Podcast When Religion Hurts You by Laura Anderson Relationship Coaching Business - Let’s Heal Together Green Boy by Kai Cheng Thom Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Poetry and Themes of Connection 01:03 Exploring the Wild Goose Festival and Its Impact 02:43 Navigating High Control Environments and Personal Growth 05:40 Defining Reciprocity in Relationships 08:08 Understanding Differentiation and Interdependence 11:09 The Role of Purity Culture in Sexuality 13:53 The Political Nature of Sexuality and Relationships 16:15 Deconstructing Shame and Reclaiming Autonomy 19:05 Steps Towards Healing from Purity Culture 21:42 Intuition, Yearning, and Self-Discovery 24:31 The Importance of Play in Sexuality 27:16 Imagination and Reconstruction of Beliefs 30:24 Experimentation in Relationships and Sexuality 31:25 The Impact of Nature on Intimacy and Connection 34:02 Intimacy as a Pathway to Connection 36:49 Practical Steps to Cultivate Intimacy 39:10 Recommended Resources for Vulnerability and Reciprocity 42:10 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Really lovely and meandering chat this week with the founder of Oikon Studios Mike Whang. Mike began Oikon Studios as a way of learning to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace.Through a gorgeous mixture of liturgy,spiritual formation, lectio divina, and music Mike invites us all to union with God, with true self, and with one another. Our attention is deeply rooted in what we’re attuned to and where our intention lies. What is calling you to divine union? Show Notes: Oikon Studios Phygital Fellows Lectio Divina In the Name by Padraig O’Tuama Chapters 00:00 In the Name of Community and Connection 02:50 Introducing Mike Wang and Oikon Studios 04:31 The Evolution of Liturgy and Ministry 07:20 The Importance of Liturgy in Spiritual Life 11:14 Unforced Rhythms of Grace 14:24 Liturgy as Practice and Reciprocity 17:45 Power Dynamics in Liturgy and Ministry 22:54 Moving from Scarcity to Abundance 27:34 Creating Beauty in Ministry 33:41 Practices of Attentiveness and Reflection 35:57 God's Work Beyond the Church 39:37 Advent Reflections and Ancestral Connections 44:05 Legacy and Ancestral Influence 48:11 Closing Thoughts and Resources

It’s hard to put this episode with Brooke Williams on his new book Encountering Dragonfly into words! The breadth and width of this conversation is vast. We talk to Brooke about dragonflies, prophetic dreams, listening to your inner knowing, animal guides, re-enchantment, imaginal ecology, the veils between worlds, and more! Grateful for this lovely book, and for Brooke’s ability to invite, enliven, and re-enchant. Show Notes: Brooke Williams Website Encountering Dragonfly : Notes on the Practice of Re-enchantment The Earth has a Soul - Meredith Sabini Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front - Wenell Berry Fly, Dragonfly! By: Joyce Sidman W.S. Merwin Chapters 00:00 The Enchantment of Dragonflies 06:19 Exploring Inner Worlds and Personal Truths 12:25 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality 18:49 Animals as Messengers and Guides 26:57 Archetypes and the Symbolism of Dragonflies 34:49 Imaginal Ecology and Natural History 35:41 Imaginal Ecology and Relationships 39:02 Consciousness and Collective Responsibility 42:37 Attention: The Key to Re-enchantment 47:23 Personal and Collective Re-enchantment 54:03 The Power of Passion and Connection 01:01:35 Facing Mortality and Purpose

We were so fortunate to meet Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy at The Wild Goose Festival! This chance encounter led us to reading their beautiful book Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees and to the lovely and deeply rooted conversation in this episode. The way Beth and Leah invite us back to nature, remind us that we are one with the trees, and embody looking to the trees as our teachers have inspired us so deeply. May we each find our love for all beings renewed and reinvigorated by these women and their gorgeous work. Show Notes: Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees Save Our Soil Center for Spirituality in Nature COP 30 BethNorcross.com LeahRampy.com Reweaving Earth and Soul - Leah on Substack When I am among the Trees by: Mary Oliver Chapters 00:00 The Spiritual Connection with Nature 08:59 Personal Journeys and Teacher Trees 18:17 The Wisdom of Trees: Literal and Metaphorical 26:52 The Role of Trees in Spiritual Practices 33:00 The Journey of Spiritual Practices 36:04 Nurse Logs and Ancestral Connections 42:40 Grounding Through Spiritual Practices 48:51 Reconnecting with Nature and Spirituality 57:32 A Message from the Trees

We chat all about relational flow today with eco spiritual director, soul guide, holistic psychotherapist, author, and two time Radical Sacred guest Melissa Fritchle! When we begin to build our relationships based on reciprocity and flow beautiful new pathways begin to emerge. Join us for this invitational conversation on interdependence, creativity, intimacy, and following our yearning. Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Melissa’s Website - Embody & Connect Melissa’s Substack - Soul Entwined with Earth Center for Wild Spirituality - Wild Weavings Night on the Island by: Pablo Neruda Chapters 00:00 The Poetic Introduction 02:39 Exploring Soul Guidance 03:36 Understanding Reciprocity 10:27 Transcending Expectations 16:15 From Scarcity to Abundance 22:56 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 27:26 Creativity in Discomfort 31:43 Reconnecting with Yearning 35:02 The Nature of Suffering and Happiness 37:38 Redefining Work and Retirement 39:33 The Importance of Intimacy 43:12 The Role of Ceremony and Ritual 55:29 Embracing Reciprocity in Relationships

Simon Fulford and Ame Mañon-Ferguson of Parrott Creek Child and Family Services chat with us about reimaging trauma healing and the expansive, gorgeous work they do for families and the 80 acres of land that surrounds their site. We were blown away by their care and intentionality with the folks they serve with and through their Cultural Ecology Project. We learn about treating all people with unconditional positive regard and about what happens when folks healing from trauma heal in an intentional community and heal with and alongside nature. Our hearts and minds were expanded by this lovely conversation. Cool stuff we mention on this weeks episode (or meant to anyways): Parrott Creek Cultural Ecology Project at Parrott Creek Donate to Parrott Creek [email protected] Find them on Instagram Sunrise by Joy Harjo Chapters 00:00 The Power of Poetry and Introduction to Parrott Creek 01:25 Understanding Parrott Creek's Mission and History 05:35 Cultural Ecology and Land Stewardship 09:53 The Healing Power of Nature 14:36 Measuring Success Beyond Metrics 19:06 Unconditional Positive Regard and Trauma-Informed Care 23:26 Community Engagement and Restorative Justice 28:06 Finding Inspiration and Hope in Nature 32:30 Supporting Indigenous Communities and Local Initiatives 36:59 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

We are thrilled to welcome author, pastor, and thinker, Kenneth McIntosh to the pod! We chat about his book Oak and Lotus and how his life has been shaped by Celtic Christianity along with Buddhism. How might our spirituality shift and change in unexpected directions if we were open to new pathways? If you’ve ever been curious about interspirituality this lovely and invitational episode is for you. Cool stuff we mention on this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Kennethimcintosh.com Oak and Lotus Kenneth’s Substack Rumi’s Guesthouse Chapters 00:00 Seeing Christ in Everyday Life 01:18 Introduction to Celtic Spirituality 02:16 Understanding Interspirituality 04:23 Kenneth's Spiritual Journey 12:50 Transcending Evangelicalism 16:18 Celtic and Eastern Spiritual Connections 24:49 Interspirituality and Personal Growth 32:38 Reconceiving Jesus: An Eastern Wisdom Teacher 35:34 Understanding Taoism: Flowing with the Divine 39:59 Everyday Mysticism: Trusting Intuition and Spirit 41:29 Thin Places: Encounters with the Divine 49:17 Reciprocity: Openness and Inter-Spirituality

Jarod K. Anderson, poet, thinker, author, and host of the podcast Cryptonaturalist joins us this week! Jarod chats with us about nature being his church from a very young age, the beauty and invitational nature of moss, writing poetry as a way of making sense of the world, and more. This conversation is not only a breath of fresh air but an invitation back to the forests that make our very breath possible. We are so excited to share with you Jarod’s lovely poems, the ways that nature can be a balm for depression and the weariness of the world, and all the wisdom shared in this gentle, thoughtful conversation. Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Jarod K. Anderson Website The Cryptonaturalist Podcast Jarod’s Substack Jarod’s Instagram Forsythia Poem Chapters 00:00 The Beauty of Nature and Poetry 02:58 The Journey of a Poet 05:48 The Role of Poetry in Mental Health 08:56 Influences and Inspirations in Writing 11:35 Finding Peace in Nature 14:35 The Importance of Presence in Nature 17:07 Unexpected Encounters in Nature 18:10 The Philosophy of Mushroom Hunting 21:02 Nature as a Teacher 23:39 Reciprocity Between Nature and Self 26:56 Reconnecting with Nature 30:40 The Magic of Trees and Moss 34:07 Finding Thin Spaces 41:11 The Nature of Love 43:16 Vulnerability and Healing 51:16 Creative Projects and Future Endeavors

In these wild times we earnestly believe that reconnecting with nature, self, and each other is the only route forward that will lead us into equality, equanimity, and hope. The practice of Terra Divina is a four part devotion that will lead you back to your truest you. In this episode we chat all about how to be present to self and nature, how to set aside deep judgment, and how to walk in the direction that our heart invites us. We hope that you will utilize this spiritual practice, that you will invite your family and friends into it, and that you will begin to know yourself through a different more natural lens. Journey with us into deeper knowing and expand your heart, mind, and spirit with Terra Divina. Cool stuff we mentioned this episode (or meant to anyways): Terra Divina The Treatment by Jarod K Anderson Wild Goose Festival Chapters 00:00 The Healing Power of Nature 02:54 Terra Divina: A Sacred Practice 05:22 The Four Steps of Terra Divina 10:35 Deepening Connection with Nature 15:54 Embracing Discomfort and Transformation 21:06 Nature as a Teacher 26:09 Invitation to Self-Discovery

JD Stillwater takes us on a wild, imaginative ride in this week’s episode! JD is a Science Ambassador, author, speaker and a joy filled former science teacher who invites others into a worldview more aligned with how reality works. We visit all about embracing the flow of the natural world which is rooted in both science and spirituality and how being in the flow invites us into our own unique place in the vastness of the universe. How might it shift the current trajectory of our society if we begin to view science as not only being compatible with spirituality but as a profound source of our spirituality? Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): JD’s website Videos from JD Sign up for JD’s newsletter Cosmology in Concert Closing Poem - Wellsprings Chapters 00:00 The Forsythia Metaphor: Growth Through Adversity 02:31 Introducing JD Stillwater: A Science Ambassador's Journey 06:57 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality 11:47 Curiosity as a Guiding Principle 22:43 The Gateway to Understanding: Touch and Connection 29:19 The Nature of Existence: Flow and Evolution 35:52 The Nature of Existence and Death 38:47 Diversity and Evolution 41:35 Bridging Science and Spirituality 47:03 Reciprocity in Nature 52:47 Interconnectedness of Life 57:22 Cultural Shifts and Learning from Nature 01:02:15 Closing Reflections and Future Directions

Note: This episode was recorded live at the Wild Goose Festival. The audio quality does not meet our typicaly standards, but isn't that life... a little messy and not always meeting the standard? Welcome to Season 3 of Radical Sacred! In our season opener we find ourselves having a beautiful time at The Wild Goose Festival in Harmony, North Carolina. Spending 4 days camping under the stars, listening and learning from progressive speakers from vastly different backgrounds, meeting like minded friends, leading contemplative nature walks, and seeing butterflies of all kinds feels like the perfect start to our season of reciprocity. Moving towards a system that is mutually beneficial to all beings matters not only for our survival, but we believe will lead us on a pathway toward a more equitable, nature centered, kinder world. Join us as we speak to authors, thinkers, scientists, and naturalists this season as we explore the beauty of living reciprocally. Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Wild Goose Festival The Serviceberry, Gathering Moss, or Braiding Sweetgrass by: Robin Wall Kimmerer Living Resistance Kaitlin B Curtice World as Lover World as Self Joanna Macy Terra Divina Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Season Three of Radical Sacred 03:31 Exploring the Wild Goose Festival Experience 06:01 The Spirit of Inclusion and Community 07:11 Introducing the Theme of Reciprocity 07:11 Understanding Reciprocity 15:21 The Importance of Reciprocity in Society 18:17 Nature's Role in Reciprocity 21:23 Personal Stories of Reciprocity 24:13 Reciprocity in Human Relationships 27:13 Exploring Literature on Reciprocity 28:39 Radical Sacred_outro.mp3

We have a lovely, winding, Texas filled conversation with Zach Lambert of Restore, ATX. Zach is a native Austinite, father and husband, the author of Better Ways to Read the Bible as well as Co-Author (alongside Amy Lambert) of the Substack Public Theology. Zach visits with us about his pilgrimage into open hearted theology, his heart for multi-generational community, and his invitation to a more imaginative, empathetic way of being and reading scripture. This episode is dedicated to the Texas Hill Country and her people. References fromt this episode: Restore ATX Substack - Public Theology Better Ways to Read the Bible - Zach’s new book Find Zach on Socials @zachwlambert John Steinbeck quote about Texas Hill Country Theme How to Help Victims of the Texas Floods Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Texas: A State of Mind 03:53 Introducing Zach Lambert: A Texan Perspective 09:43 Navigating the Flood: Community Resilience 15:34 The Journey of Faith: Personal Transformations 23:35 Unraveling Beliefs: The Importance of Community 27:16 Pilgrimage of Faith: The Ongoing Journey 32:23 Restoration and Imagination: The Future of Church 40:26 Staying Rooted: Finding Joy Amidst Struggles

Colleen Moore is the director of Peace With Justice at the General Board of Church and Society for the UMC. She joins us today to talk about a recent Young Adult Pilgrimage of Peace she helped facilitate in South Korea. What can we learn from bearing witness to spaces and places where there has been great suffering? How might walking with others in places very different from our usual bring about personal and communal transformation? Colleen shares about her own personal guides, her deep call to peace and dignity for all, and her commitment to sharing stories to shape real change. Stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Contact Colleen Moore Social Principles of the UMC Young Adult Pilgrimage of Peace - South Korea Korea Peace Now! Book - The Bridge at No Gun Ri: A Hidden Nightmare from the Korean War WomenCrossDMZ - Christine Ahn The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation UMC Action Alerts Pages for Progress - UMC Book Studies ( Faith in the Face of Empire study ) Chapters 00:00 Opening Reflections and Poetic Introduction 01:06 Acknowledging Global Pain and Unrest 02:26 Introducing Colleen Moore and Her Work 03:59 Personal Reflections on Heavy Times 06:39 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles 08:26 Understanding the Pilgrimage Experience 08:38 The Young Adult Peace Pilgrimage Explained 10:04 Witnessing History: The Gowlingeol Massacre Site 12:19 Activating Change Through Pilgrimage 15:43 Surprises and Emotional Impact of the Pilgrimage 18:43 Power, Empire, and Advocacy Challenges 24:24 The Importance of Storytelling in Advocacy 27:20 Personal Narratives and Activism 28:11 Guides and Mentors in the Journey 30:56 The Importance of Bearing Witness 33:56 Christian Nationalism and Its Implications 38:58 Pilgrimage as a Spiritual Journey 41:03 Connecting with Community and Action

Our journey with season 2 continues to meander in beautiful and unexpected ways as we have the extreme privilege of speaking with author, pastor, theologian, and someone well seasoned in the art of pilgrimage: Wes Granberg-Michaelson! Wes blows our minds and invites us into new and deeper understandings of pilgrimage. We delve into pilgrimage as response to empire, important movements that are inviting us back to our truest selves, and what can undergird us in the uncertain times we find ourselves in. This expansive conversation was a gift to us as are all of you, dear listeners! Thanks for making season 2 a wild and lovely pilgrimage. Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): The Wandering Mind: What Medieval Monks did about Mental Distraction by: Jamie Kreiner Wesley Granberg-Michaelson Sojourners Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage The Soulwork of Justice: Four Movements of Contemplative Action A Strategy for Christian Witness against Trump’s Autocracy Summer Stars by: Carl Sandberg Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Radical Sacred and Summer Solstice 01:47 Meeting Wes Granberg-Michelson 02:24 Wes's Journey as a Pilgrim 07:43 Understanding Pilgrimage and Its Dual Nature 09:51 Integrating Internal and External Journeys 16:23 Intentionality in Pilgrimage 25:36 Four Movements of Pilgrimage 31:44 Navigating the Crisis in Seminaries 36:11 Creating a Holding Space for Spiritual Growth 39:50 Walking Away from Empire: The Power of Pilgrimage 50:33 The Role of Nature in Spiritual Connection

Today we leave our pent up indoor spaces and venture out for a walk together, apart. Can walking bring us closer when there’s literal distance between us? Can walking help us bridge the gap between our heart and our actions? Between where we are and where we’re meant to be? We talk about this season, the places and spaces we’ve been, our fabulous guests who’ve invited us into our own pilgrimages, and how we’re doing with all that’s shifting and changing. Join us Saturday June 21st at 8 am for a Conscious Nature Stroll ! Choose your favorite walking spot or find one brand new! Season 2 is drawing to a close and a lot of pilgrimaging has occurred for us since September. We’d love to walk together, apart as we reflect on all that’s been and that’s yet to come. We invite you to bring your favorite pal (dog or human, your choice), your favorite poem of the moment to begin your time, turn your phone to silent, and reflect on one or two of the questions below as you walk: What is drawing my eye to beauty this morning and where in my life am I being invited to bring forth, protect, or create beauty? What is drawing my eye to suffering this morning and where in my life am I being invited to relieve suffering? Suffering in my community, in myself, in the space I’m walking? What journey in your life is ending or needs to end? Reflect on it. What pilgrimage is on your horizon? What is something new calling to you? Walk for however long and you’d like and share your reflections with us on Substack or Instagram. Thank you for walking with us this season! Chapters 00:00 The Power of Walking and Connection 05:43 Embracing Change and New Beginnings 12:01 The Journey of Pilgrimage and Intention 17:45 Attention and Awareness in Nature 23:40 Navigating Endings and New Opportunities 30:57 Embracing Change and New Beginnings 37:02 Creating Without Fear: The Joy of Expression

Carolyn Whitney-Brown joins us in this playful and imaginative conversation around her and Henri Nouwen’s book Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom. Written more than 2 decades after his death and centered around Henri’s late in life experiences with the trapeze group the Flying Rodelighs, this book is a joyous invitation to expand our horizons and to follow our curiosity. What new, high flying adventures might be calling to you? Where are the communities in our lives that encourage us to live fully? Carolyn, Henri, and the Flying Rodleighs invite us all to be joyful risk takers, rooted deeply in self and community. Show Notes: L'Arche Daybreak Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom Carolyn’s Website Chapters 00:00 The Poetic Prelude: Icarus and Love 01:24 Introducing Carolyn Whitney: A Journey with Henry Nowen 02:29 Creative Exploration: Writing and Illustrating Together 04:38 Joyful Risk-Taking: Embracing Change in Uncertain Times 09:11 The Trapeze: A Metaphor for Community and Connection 15:15 Balancing Joy and Angst: The Duality of Henry Nowen 18:47 Surprises in the Process: Reflecting on Henry's Legacy 21:18 Henry as a Guide: Lessons from a Life of Pilgrimage 27:04 The Role of Discipline: Structure in Creativity 31:31 Overcoming Inner Criticism: The Voices in Our Heads 34:46 Community and Creativity: Finding Support in Unlikely Places 40:03 The Artist's Role: Bringing Hope Through Creativity 44:51 Embracing Our Ancestors: The Interplay of Joy and Woe

This week we are joined by Rev. Rebecca Anderson and Rev. Vince Amlin of Bethany United Church of Christ in Chicago. We chat about partnership, creating healing spaces, and learning to move with the seasons of life and the ebbs and flows of our invitations from Spirit. Vince and Rebecca share about their journey with and honest ending of their beloved, queer, storytelling, bar-meeting church, Gilead. Every pilgrimage has a beginning and an end. What might we learn from ending things intentionally and with the Cosmic Christ in mind? And how might the things that truly matter to us transcend literal endings? Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Bethany United Church of Christ (Find Vince and Rebecca here) Earshot Stories Vince Pilgrimages What Sucks About the Afterlife by Andrea Gibson Chapters 00:00 Reflections on the Afterlife and Personal Growth 02:06 Introduction to Gilead Church and Its Mission 03:47 Founding Stories: The Birth of Gilead Church 07:15 The Significance of the Name 'Gilead' 08:54 Queerness and Storytelling: Core Values of Gilead 15:53 Understanding Pilgrimage in the Context of Gilead 16:35 The Essence of Pilgrimage 20:52 Intentionality in Community 27:10 Embracing Endings with Grace 33:20 Transformative Experiences and Future Directions

We are thrilled to chat with Frank and Mary Frost who are partners in life and film making! Today we talk about their fabulous, Emmy nominated, documentary about French scientist and Jesuit Priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Teilhard was a feminist, a visionary thinker, a paleontologist, and a man way before his time. When met with new information that challenged his religious ideals, he didn’t shrink, but he expanded to meet the moment. What might we learn from his ecstatic, open hearted way of moving through the world? Might Teilhard have something to teach us about the intersection of science and spirituality? Join this week's conversation to find out! Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Documentary - Teilhard: Visionary Scientist Teilhard Project American Teilhard Association Divine Milieu Chapters 00:00 The Vision of Teilhard de Chardin 05:32 The Journey of Filmmaking and Discovery 09:37 The Relevance of Teilhard Today 14:35 Loyalty and Steadfastness in Faith 20:27 The Complexity of Love and Relationships 24:07 Expanding Spirit and Curiosity 25:55 The Omega Point and Spirit-Matter Unity 28:17 The Omega Point and Evolution 31:41 Feminism and the Eternal Feminine 35:49 Paleolithic Emotions and Modern Challenges 39:49 Ecstasy and the Mystical Experience 45:04 Pilgrimage and the Search for the Divine

Chelan Harkin joins us today on this meandering and moving conversation about the path of ecstatic movement. When we dial in to our truest selves, what mystical downloads from the universe might we receive? When we follow desire, where might our destination be? And how can a seemingly small act, like learning to trust the gentle nudges of the universe, lead us back to us? Spending time with Chelan is like diving into the deep waters she’s named after, it’s inviting and cool and totally refreshing. We hope you’ll dive in with us, into all the spaces and places that make you, you. Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Chelan Harkin Poetry Find Chelan’s Events on her FB page Chelan’s books Hypno-therapy Somatic Therapy To live in this World by Mary Oliver Chapters 00:00 The Ecstatic Spark of Creativity 02:39 The Journey of a Poet: From Hesitation to Expression 05:34 The Prayer Experiment: Connecting with the Muse 08:27 The Cosmic Connection: Co-authoring with Daniel Ladinsky 10:26 Listening to the Nudges: Intuition and Inner Guidance 11:35 The Pilgrimage of Refining: Embracing Pain for Growth 17:09 Nature as a Healing Force: Reconnecting with the Earth 21:57 Somatic Practices: Grounding in the Body 27:09 Finding Home in Nature: Personal Connections to the Land 28:33 Connecting with Nature and Desire 32:51 The Power of Surrender and Flow 36:14 The Evolution of God and Language 41:42 Myths and Collective Consciousness 46:01 Guides and Mentorship on the Journey Announcement Radical Sacred will be at this year's Wild Goose Festiva l leading a nature walk we are calling, "Walking the Illuminated Path: A Conscious Stroll in Nature." Using the practice of terra divina (reading nature as a sacred text) we will go for a conscious nature walk employing our 5 senses. When we slow down and center nature what might we hear from the Divine? From the depths of our own heart? From the earth? Invitations from our still wild selves are waiting for us in nature. How will we respond? If you'd like to join us August 28-31 in Harmony, NC Radical Sacred listeners get a discount on their registration. When checking out use code A-RS for $50 off the total price.

Today we go on a journey back to our truest selves with Dr. Tamice Spencer-Helms. They talk to us about finding uncoerced worship amongst the redwood trees, the beauty in connecting with other folks who invite us into our own aliveness, and all the ways we are being asked to remember that we ARE nature. What if we started actually emulating Jesus? What beauty and healing could come from us wandering around in wild spaces with our weird friends? Tamice shares about finding a deep well of courage from their ancestors and from within in one of our favorite interviews of Season 2. Cool stuff we mention this episode (or meant to anyways): Tamice Namae Speaks Website R.E.S.T. Mixtape Faith Unleavened The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin & George Floyd Texas Methodist Foundation Christian Community Development Association Ryan Coogler Snake Plant by: KB Brookins Phygital Preaching Fellows Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth 03:02 Embracing Ancestry and Nature 05:53 Navigating Identity and Belonging 09:04 The Power of Non-Coercive Worship 12:03 Reconnecting with Intuition 14:57 Expanding Spiritual Frameworks 17:54 The Great Awakening and Community 20:57 Wandering Together in Faith 30:07 The Power of Community and Flock Religion 31:04 The Hush Harbor: A Historical Perspective 34:47 Resurrection Technology: The Impulse for Freedom 42:34 Courage in the Face of Adversity 48:59 Rethinking Freedom and Resistance 54:52 Wrestling with Scripture and Spirituality

Bill Holston, CEO of Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, joins us today on the pod! We hear from Bill about eviction advocacy, the importance of all people having access to representation and safe housing, as well as how he finds connection and rest in nature during these trying times. What can we learn when we reflect on the slow movement of the trout lily? Bill reminds us that oftentimes advocacy work begins with noticing what’s happening in our towns and to our neighbors. What have you noticed lately that breaks your heart or invites you into advocacy? By all means, pay attention, and get started on the good work of doing your good work, friends. Cool stuff we mention this episode (or meant to anyways): Human Rights Initiative of North Texas Faith Commons Eviction Advocacy Center - Donate to help support Bill’s work on evictions Spring Creek Forest Preserve Greenland Hills Methodist Church Book - The Myth of Certainty by Daniel Taylor Mission Tejas State Park Deep Vellum Publishing Vaclav Havel Quote - The Politics of Hope chapter from Disturbing the Peace Bill Holston on Instagram for nature pictures May by Mary Oliver Chapters 00:00 The Beauty of Nature and Spirituality 03:04 Pilgrimage: A Journey of Purpose 06:02 Nature's Influence on Personal Growth 09:01 Justice and Advocacy: A Life's Calling 11:49 Faith and Activism: A Complex Relationship 14:51 Dallas: A City of History and Justice 18:10 Nature's Tenacity and Fragility 21:05 The Importance of Companionship in the Journey 33:45 Finding a Church That Aligns with Values 34:10 The Role of Churches in Social Justice 36:34 The Gap Between Desire and Action 39:18 Practical Solutions for Asylum Seekers 42:08 Finding Beauty in Nature 46:30 The Power of Small Actions 49:42 Navigating Hope and Despair 52:43 Understanding Hope vs. Optimism 55:35 Connecting with Community and Nature

This week we chat with Rev. Tim Clifford about his journey out of cynicism and how he’s learning to reengage with joy. Tim’s substack, Theology of a Recovering Cynic, follows his movement back towards a truer version of himself through endurance sports, theology, TTRPG’s, imagination, and more. In these dark times it can be tempting to give into cynicism and hopelessness. Rev. Tim reminds us that we can walk a different path, one that’s intentional and filled with curiosity and connection. Cool stuff we mention this episode (or meant to anyways): Theology of a Recovering Cynic Arlington Heights UMC Encounter Worship Fort Worth Thomas J. Oord Dan McClellan Tripp Fuller Tim on Bluesky Radical Sacred at Wild Goose Epiphany by Sophie Strand Remember by Joy Harjo Chapters 00:00 The Power of Love and Connection 06:29 Endurance and Personal Growth 10:55 The Nature of Love 15:45 Theological Reflections on Power 20:00 Endurance Sports and Spiritual Resilience 28:00 The Importance of Self-Care in Ministry 29:53 Overcoming Cynicism Through Endurance 31:23 Guides on the Journey: Theological and Athletic 34:03 Finding Inspiration in Community 35:17 The Meditative Nature of Endurance Sports 37:04 Rest and Hobbies: Balancing Life and Wellness 40:16 Creation as a Route Away from Cynicism 42:30 Integrating Theology and Daily Life 43:00 Connecting Through Community and Events

This week’s episode is a creative and soulful collab with Stephanie Adelina and Satchel Victory of Pegasus Tattoo and Wellness! While Stephanie gives Jenny a gorgeous strawberry tattoo we chat about trauma informed care, creating safe spaces for everyone, therapy and the coming together of all of the above. Steph and Satchel share with us about being partners in life and in business and all the ways care, connection, and community can bring us together. What happens when tattooing and wellness are combined in an inclusive space? Join us to find out! Cool stuff we mention this episode (or meant to anyways): The Strawberry Poem by Keaton St. James Pegasus on Insta Pegasus Tattoo Satchel Victory Psychology Today The Sandlot

On this bonus episode we talk about vigil and the things that call to the depths of our hearts. What can’t you turn away from? What is currently calling you to deep attention and care? We chat about swans, the weird wildness of the Easter Vigil, following our joy and our heartbreak, and everything in between. May you turn your loving gaze to the places and spaces that invite you into vigil. And may your loving gaze be the spark that ignites the flame of your actions. Cool stuff we mention in this week’s episode (or meant to anyways): Radical Sacred will be at Wild Goose Fest Get tickets for the Wild Goose , use code A-RS for a $50 discount Dogfish by Mary Oliver UMC tradition of Easter Vigil Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Radical Sacred and Wild Goose Festival 04:01 Easter Vigil: A Time of Reflection 08:09 The Importance of Sitting Vigil 11:55 Experiencing Grief and Loss 15:58 The Journey of Vigil and Resurrection 19:57 Nature as a Source of Vigil 24:08 The Complexity of Modern Church Services 27:50 Finding Joy in Vigil 31:55 The Call to Attention and Action 36:05 Conclusion: Embracing the Fullness of Life

We chat with Victoria Loorz and Valerie Luna Serrels about their fabulous new offering: Field Guide to the Church of the Wild. Victoria and Valerie are sisters who create uniquely wild offerings through Seminary of the Wild Earth, eco spiritual direction training and more. In this honest and deeply rooted conversation we learn how Victoria and Valerie are creating a mycelial hub for the emerging wild spirituality movement. When we listen to the wild call of our hearts what might we discover? How can being in relationship with the more than human earth transform how we see all things? Cool stuff we mention this episode (or meant to anyways): Field Guide to the Church of the Wild Seminary of the Wild Earth Sheri Kling The Holy Wild Podcast Coffee Cup Spirituality- Susan Alker Chapters 00:00 Listening to the Land: A Spiritual Practice 10:07 Reimagining Roles and Language in Spiritual Leadership 20:00 The Intersection of Process Theology and Wild Church 29:51 Rituals as a Means of Connection and Healing 39:47 Witnessing Urban Nature: Finding the Wild in Concrete 44:05 Technology and Nature: A New Paradigm 49:50 Embracing Grief and Joy in Community 54:44 Reciprocity: The Essence of Relationships 59:56 Finding Sacredness in Place