Poema Podcast

Poema S7 043 | The Trace Bell Experience

My friend Trace Bell joins me for the first time today Trace has done a lot of work, some with his dad Rob Bell, on talking about spirituality, awareness, time and spiral dynamics.
Today he shares his own spiritual journey, and in particular how his curiosity led him into an understanding of awareness. He shares how he began to see his own consciousness and awareness as separate from his body and even time itself, and how this impacted his understanding of spirituality, his work and his personal journey.
We both share stories of experiences we've had which have given us a greater awareness that time and our bodies are constructs/people which exist within our awareness/consciousness, rather than the other way around. It's a powerful, eye opening and fascinating conversation you won't want to miss. 

Poema S7 042 | Jim Woods on Storytelling & Writing His First Novel

I'm delighted to welcome back my friend, writer, author and coach Jim Woods to the show this week! Jim's just released his first novel 'Bite the Bullet', and today we talk about the creative process behind the novel, how long it took to write, and the experience of novel writing.
Jim talks about the power of storytelling, why stories resonate with us why the best stories connect with us. He also tells me about the process of creating characters and writing their stories, and the interesting dynamic which can happen between author and character.
Jim has such wisdom about story, and has great insight on the creative process. Well worth a listen. 

Poema S7 041 | Jennifer Mathews on Grief, Loss & Connection

Today I'm joined by TED speaker and grief/loss facilitator Jennifer Mathews.
Jennifer tells her own tragic, in some ways unique, and powerful story of loss...and how her response to the death of her life partner was not one she calls grief, and the lessons this experience taught her about dealing with loss.
Jennifer explores how processing loss can lead to connection, and how she experienced this, and why it's so important for our healing and thriving that we confront our trauma and loss, rather than hide from it.

Poema S7 040 | Kat Armas on Abuelita Faith

Today on the podcast I'm joined by author Kat Armas (MDiv and MAT), who shares her own story, and talks about the wisdom of women on the margins - mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters - and how & what it teaches us about spirituality and the divine. 
Kat shares her own experiences and lessons she's learned, as well as some other powerful stories, and we see how some of the great theologians of our time have been previously overlooked women.

Poema S7 039 | Living with ADHD: Robert Vore APC, NCC, CCATP

Today my occasional series on ADHD continues with therapist, mental health advocate and podcast host Robert Vore sharing his own story. 
Robert shares his own unique experience of growing up with ADHD and then becoming a therapist and advocate himself and encountering/working with others with ADHD and trauma. 
Robert gives us a valuable insight into the lived experience of ADHD and insight into working with others with the condition. 

Poema S7 038 | Living with ADHD: Elle Rose

Today my series on ADHD continues with the return of my friend Elle Rose, to share their lived experience of ADHD, and the challenges and stigma they have experienced growing up with ADHD and in getting a diagnosis. 
Elle shares honestly, and with great courage, about their day to day experience of ADHD, patterns of behaviour which can be linked with the condition, and the difference getting a diagnosis and medication can make. They also share words of solidarity, encouragement and wisdom for those with ADHD and for those who know people with ADHD.
I'm so grateful to Elle for sharing their story. 

Poema S7 037 | Sheologian (Sarah) on Living with ADHD

Today I'm delighted to welcome my friend Sarah ('Sheologian' from Twitter) to the podcast for a new series of episodes focussing on ADHD. I myself have undiagnosed ADHD and there's a lot of stigma and misunderstanding about it. This series aims to raise awareness.
Sarah shares her own story and experiences growing up with ADHD, in particularly in evangelical patriarchal culture, the day to day challenges she encounters, her own lived experience and lessons she's learned. She also talks about the challenges she faces as a therapist with clients who themselves often have ADHD. 
Sarah has a lot of wisdom, solidarity encouragement and insight into living with ADHD and supporting people ADHD, this is a powerful episode we all need to hear.

Poema S7 036 | Geek Philosophy: Emma Morrison on Star Wars, Deconstruction and Grief

Today in the vlatest of my 'Geek Philosophy' series I'm joined by good friend Emma Morrison, and we talk about the world of Star Wars and its links to deconstruction and processing trauma.
Emma tells her own story, sharing how Star Wars - and in particular the character of Leia Organa - influenced her growing up, how she inspired her and how as she went her own deconstruction journey she saw this reflected in the character development of Leia and others in the Star Wars canon.
We also explore the topic processing grief and how this ties in with the journey of Anakin/Darth Vader, the importance of Qui-Gon Jin, and how the Jedi and Sith can be metaphors for toxic religion and religious certainty. We talk about where we see embodiment and the journey of identity, and where we can see hope in these stories. 
This was such a fun and insightful conversation, I hope you like it!

Poema S7 035 | Geek Philosophy: Kevin M Nye on the Theology of the MCU

Today I'm joined by author and writer Kevin M Nye, contributing author of the book 'Theology of the Marvel Universe' to explore this subject in more depth.
As the latest MCU movie 'Black Widow' hits theatres we explore some of the deeper themes behind several characters stories and different movies within the MCU.
We talk about where we see metaphors for faith deconstruction, decolonialism, patriarchy and other massive issues/lived experiences which we see playing out in today's world and in the realms of spirituality. We also each discuss where we see stories in the MCU reflecting our own spiritual and personal journeys.
We conclude by highlighting, how these movies, stories and characters can inspire and challenge each of us. 

Poema S7 034 | Geek Philosophy: Mario-Francisco Robles on the Philosophy of Superman

In this new series, I explore with guests the philosophy, theology and mythology of geek world - superheroes, Star Wars, and more. 
This episode, I talk to Mario-Francisco Robles of 'Superman on Film', about the mythology and philosophy around Superman and the early Superman movies. We each share our own experiences of this character and what he's meant to each of us.
We also talk about Superman's journey, his experiences - including those of grief and loss - as well his identity and values. We explore how these have shaped each of us, and why they're more important than ever in our wider cultural context.
This was such a fun and meaningful episode to do, one of my most personal too.