Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Dr Don Beck, who joins me today, is a leading authority on Spiral Dynamics. This is a theory about the development of human consciousness, and the human journey. It divides the human journey up into 2 levels of consciousness, and within those two levels are different stages, all of which are part of both our individual journeys, and the journey of humanity as a whole.
Don and I outline these different stages in a very basic way, how they have unfolded through history and we discuss how this revolutionary concept is tied into politics, culture, faith, church, and creativity. We in particularly consider the political situation in America & the world right now, and what the theory means for church and the Christian faith.
Finally, we discuss how we are meant to transcend and include all the different stages, and use the best of each stages, to come to a more unified, inclusive church, life, and world.
I'm still at the beginning of this journey myself, and it's already blown my mind. I think Don's going to blow your mind too.
*****
For more on Spiral Dymanics check out SpiralDynamics.com & to understand stages of consciousness (which are all colour coded), go here, or download this PDF:
www.humanemergence.org/images/Spiral%20Dynamics%20model.pdf
Wednesday May 18, 2016
Wednesday May 18, 2016
Jory Micah joins me today to share her own story, and discuss the important issue of gender inequality in the church today. We discuss her own vision, and what gender equality looks like for Jory in her day to day life, marriage and church.
Jory then shares some practical steps we can take against patriarchy in our own churches or Christian communities, understanding the different perspectives on this issue, and finally offers genuine hope to those who are in the midst of this struggle in their own communities.
Jory has such a passion & heart for this subject, and those who suffer as a result of patriarchy in the church and culture, and it really shines through in our conversation. It's really worth a listen.
*****
Jory blogs about this issue regularly at her site JoryMicah.com & is currently writing a book on this subject. You can follow her on Twitter at @JoryMicah
Tuesday May 10, 2016
Tuesday May 10, 2016
John Williamson and Adam Narloch, AKA The Deconstructionists join me today. John & Adam are two friends with a nerdy passion for discovery, deconstruction, grace, acceptance, authenticity and humble wrestling. They run a hugely successful podcast, 'The Deconstructionists' where they discuss this themselves & with guests.
Today they share their story, and in the process we talk about faith, doubt, certainty, and how to hold our faith - even those things we are certain of - with open hands, so we can keep on growing & deepening our spirituality.
John & Adam are top dudes with great wisdom, insight and enthusiasm - join us today & you'll learn so much from them, as I did.
*****
(NB: Apologies, later on in the show we had an issues with sound quality - keep listening, it works itself out!)
Tuesday May 03, 2016
Tuesday May 03, 2016
Alexander Shaia joins me today to explore a revolutionary way of reading & understanding the gospels which he calls 'Quadratos' - a four fold journey of identity & transformation.
We explore how this journey takes us back to Jesus as 'the' Christ, and opens us to read the gospels in the ancient & now restored sequence for Sunday worship - and as we do, to understand what these books really meant to those who read them.
Finally, we explore the four stages of the Quadratos journey:
First Path: How do we face change? - Matthew
Second Path: How do we move through suffering? - Mark
Third Path: How do we receive joy? - John
Fourth Path: How do we mature in service? - Luke
Join me and Alexander as we explore this journey - it could transform how you read & understand the gospels - and scripture itself - forever.
Tuesday Apr 26, 2016
Tuesday Apr 26, 2016
Lisa Delay from the Spark My Muse podcast returns to James Talks today to talk about spiritual practices from what's called 'ignatian spirituality'. Lisa shares how these can help give us spiritual discernment and make wiser decisions about what we're going to do with our lives.
You can find out more about this work in Lisa's book, 'Forked', which is available on Amazon now. Connect with Lisa at on Twitter at @LisaDelay or at her website www.LisaDelay.com.
Tuesday Apr 19, 2016
Tuesday Apr 19, 2016
Mike McHargue, from the 'Science Mike' & 'Liturgists' podcasts, joins me today and shares his powerful and deeply moving testimony, of how he lost his faith, became an atheist, and then rediscovered the way of Jesus in a whole new way - grounded in reason, science, logic...and wonder.
We also talk about the fascinating interconnections between science and spirituality, and, the idea that how we were created scientifically, is connected to how we relate to God & should impact how we live in the world.
You won't want to miss this.
Wednesday Apr 13, 2016
Wednesday Apr 13, 2016
Dr Kate Hendricks Thomas & Dr Theresa Larson both return to the podcast today, as we discuss in more detail the three scientifically proven principles for a healthy balanced life, as Kate outlines in her book, 'Brave Strong True'.
Kate, Theresa and I discuss the three principles of social support, self-care and spirituality/religiosity, how they are key to our individual thriving, and how science shows their benefits to our lives. Kate & Theresa both have expert knowledge and wisdom in this field and they share some fascinating insights from their own knowledge and experience, on a topic which is potentially life changing.
Dr Thomas' book, which outlines these principles in more details, is out now. And Dr Larson's new book 'Warrior', where she shares her own powerful journey (as she touched on in Episode 38 last week) was released only a week ago.
Monday Apr 11, 2016
Monday Apr 11, 2016
Chasing Lovely, the musical/creative duo of Chloe & Taylor Turner, return to James Talks today. They were my first ever guests, and appropriately enough, are my first returning guests.
Today I catch up with the Taylor sisters, talk about their latest work, seasons of life both in work & creativity, why they are stopping touring for a while, and what lies ahead for them creatively. We also talk about the interesting & endless connections between spirituality and creativity. And of course, we have a lot fun too!
Tuesday Apr 05, 2016
Tuesday Apr 05, 2016
Dr Theresa Larson joins me today. Dr Larson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Movement Rx, a physical therapy and wellness company that offers support to wounded warriors and individuals with health and movement issues. She has just released her first book, a memoir called 'Warrior'
Today Theresa shares her own powerful story of overcoming grief and bulimia nervosa, how she overcome demands for perfection, in life, healthy, and career, and discovered a warrior spirit within herself In the process, she discovered the rhythms and science of what a healthy life, and person wellness, looks like - for both her, and all of us.
Dr Larson shares great practical advice, on personal wellness & some basic tips on how to live a healthier life, and discover our own inner warrior, even in the midst of struggle.
Tuesday Mar 29, 2016
Tuesday Mar 29, 2016
Nish Weiseth, author, speaker, mom & fan of Dr Pepper, joins me today. With great vulnerability, Nish shares her own powerful story, including her struggles with depression, and how this shaped both her faith & her creative life.
Nish also shares how she discovered the incredible power of story to shape lives, and began a website as an expression of this. A site which took her on the path to a writing & speaking career, and writing a book 'Speak' on the power of story.
Nish is insightful, fun, down to earth and authentic, and has so much wisdom to share with us.
You can find more of Nish's work at nishweiseth.com