Faith and spirituality sometimes leave us with more questions than answers. The Compass podcast shares stories about deconstructing faith, finding meaning, seeking justice, and deepening spiritual connection through contemplative practices and worship. Join fellow spiritual seekers Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn as they seek orientation to the Divine presence in the day-to-day through a Christian perspective. A production of United Methodist Communications.
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Michelle McIntyre Podcasts
Your new best friend and fitness instructor Michelle McIntyre is going to help you with motivation and advice to unleash your inner Fit Bitch!
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Is it just us or.....is marketing getting a little dull? We are a bit over hearing the same old voices selling us the same old spin about how they’re going to drive awareness, build reach… but not doing anything for client business. Where creativity used to dominate, it just feels… well… kinda predictable. Ads have lost their jazz, data drives creative and media plans… Google, Facebook, Amazon, Linkedin - rinse and repeat. It’s time for marketing to get a hustle on .....and that is where the ...
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My So-Called Whatever is a weekly 80’s/90’s nostalgia and NKOTB podcast (New Kids on the Block) based on awkward moments and experiences of two life-long friends and their listeners. If you love New Kids on the Block, you'll love our biweekly "Block Party" episodes where we share NKOTB fan stories from our listeners or even get lucky enough to have a special guest. Be sure to check out our Original Cover Girl episode where we find and talk to the Original Hangin' Tough Cover Girl - or dive i ...
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Discovering Better Ways to Read the Bible with Zachary Lambert on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. In this episode, Zach Lambert and host Ryan Dunn explore how many of us have been handed rigid, harmful ways to interpret the Bible—and how moving toward healthier, life-giving lenses can transform both our understanding of scripture and…
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Unpacking faith, masculinity, and hope with Rev. Angela Denker on Compass 164: Disciples of White Jesus. Dive into a candid conversation exploring how our images of Jesus, shaped by culture and media, influence everyday faith, identity, and relationships. Discover practical wisdom for nurturing authentic spirituality at home, at church, and in dail…
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Are your phone habits feeding your soul or draining your spirit? Host Ryan Dunn reimagines “screen time” as “soul time” in this insightful episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Ryan introduces practical and inspiring apps designed to support your spiritual journey—transforming everyday moments into opportunities for sacred refle…
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What does it mean to live out faith in real, tangible ways? In this moving episode, Compass host Ryan Dunn sits down with Rev. Ingrid McIntyre—a United Methodist pastor and seasoned community organizer based in Nashville, Tennessee—to explore activism, justice, and the spiritual fuel that sustains hope in challenging times. Ingrid shares her journe…
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What happens when your questions about faith lead you into the world of YouTube? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Reverend Matt Patrick—Oklahoma pastor, theologian, and creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel—as we explore how digital spaces are reshaping spiritual discovery. Matt shares his journey from campus ministry to online …
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In a world that feels overwhelming, hope isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s vital for resilience and growth. This episode of Compass helps cultivate a mud-on-the-boots kind of hope, even when it feels like too much. Real hope isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about facing it and choosing to believe in something better anyway. Hope is spiritual defiance,…
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NOTE: New episodes of Compass will resume July 9, 2025. Feeling overwhelmed by digital noise and daily stress? In this mini-episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn introduces the Ignatian Examen—a centuries-old contemplative prayer practice that helps bring clarity, gratitude, and peace to modern life. Discover how …
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Join Bishop C. Andrew Doyle—Episcopal Bishop, author, and passionate vinyl record collector—and explore the sacred within the ordinary and the power of embodied spiritual practice. Bishop Doyle opens up about his latest book, “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World,” and shares practical wisdom on carving out sacred spaces,…
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How do we find spiritual belonging and healing in a world filled with loneliness, uncertainty, and division? In this special episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn is joined by Dori Grinenko Baker and Anna Del Castillo for a heartfelt conversation about tapping into the “deep wells” of soulful practice, community c…
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Navigating spiritual growth through the Enneagram with Hunter Mobley on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Hunter shares his personal journey from evangelical “five-step spirituality” to a deeper, more contemplative faith that sees spiritual practices as pathways to soul transformation. Discover how the Enneagram can help unearth your t…
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Let’s explore the fascinating and often complex world of Christian eschatology, unraveling the various interpretations of end times theology. In this episode, Ryan leads us through the evolution of eschatological beliefs—from historical premillennialism to amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennial dispensationalism.…
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[154] Fantastical beasts and where to find them (in the Bible)
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28:40It’s a Biblical exploration of the strange, fantastical and mysterious. From Leviathan to unicorns to UAPs, we’re inspiring curiosity and awe as we see what these strange occurrences and observations in the Bible tell us about the Divine. In this episode: [00:00] Introducing a little levity [02:01] God-human hybrids [05:18] Sea monster [07:11] The …
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Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you. Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.By United Methodist Communications
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[152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms
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35:23In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing human complexity and the practice of truth-telling in spirituality. From Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar, see how a cultural mixtape can guide one’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss insights on how spiritual seekers can curate a personalized connection to the divine through grounded traditions and e…
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[151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature
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39:26Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless. Core…
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[150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation
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32:54
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32:54Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape…
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[149] Humor, theology, and asking the deepest questions with Erin Hicks Moon
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30:00Discovering Faith Through Questions with Erin Moon on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Join host Ryan Dunn in a conversation with Erin Hicks Moon, a dynamic podcaster and author of the upcoming book “I’ve Got Questions.” Together, they investigate the powerful role of curiosity in deepening one’s faith and navigating skepticism. Explo…
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[148] Spiritual voyeurs and engaging with the Divine
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13:10Let’s get dirty and honest about our often voyeuristic relationship with the divine — and how prayer can profoundly disrupt and enrich our everyday lives. Explore the curious phenomena of spiritual fascination from a safe distance and the transformative power of genuine engagement with the divine through prayer. Rev. Ryan Dunn uses relatable analog…
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[147] Revelation’s Real Story: Hope, Justice, and God Amidst Chaos
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37:12Matthew Ian Fleming on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Matthew dives deep into the enigmatic Book of Revelation, shedding light on its broader message of hope, justice, and new creation, far from its often misinterpreted doom and gloom reputation. Learn about his unique approach to understanding Revelation, anchored by Psalm 139, and…
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[146] Your favorite Rethink Church stories of 2024
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37:02Join us on this special episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday as we celebrate Rethink Church’s impactful journey by revisiting some of their most beloved stories from 2024. Dive into the heart of community, mindfulness, and spiritual practices, all while exploring how innovative faith expressions can redefine modern spirituality.…
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We're back after not putting an episode out since APRIL! Listen this episode as we give you a very brief life update and celebrate 300 episodes.
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[145] Contentment and connecting with all life with Edith and Randy Woodley
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40:40Edith and Randy Woodley invite us to rediscover our connection with nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of community-based ecological practices. Uncover their approach to land stewardship, communal living, and the rejection of individualism for a more holistic and balanced way of living. Edith and Randy Woodley…
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[144] Measuring your spiritual intelligence with Paul Burns
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29:41We’re working through our fear and fostering a bit of empathy in this conversation with Rev. Dr. Paul Burns on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us as Paul Burns dives deep into the core of human spirituality and relationships, addressing the instinctual divisions between people and how finding common ground can create bridges of …
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[143] Do Christians believe in ghosts? And other Halloween questions
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16:43It’s an exploration of the mysterious, spooky, awe-inspiring realm of Halloween. This episode looks at Halloween questions through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—the Wesleyan quadrilateral—to uncover multifaceted answers. We’ll ponder biblical stories, explore John Wesley’s haunted childhood home, and consider contemporary beliefs abo…
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[142] Rage prayers and authentic peace with Elizabeth Riley
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30:46We’re unleashing the power of “Rage Prayers” with Reverend Elizabeth Riley. Dive into the transformative practice of honest, heartfelt prayers that express our deepest emotions and frustrations. Explore how embracing our anger and lament can lead to spiritual healing and personal transformation. Rev. Elizabeth is an Episcopal priest currently servi…
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[141] Community, comedy and church renovation
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31:54
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31:54We’re exploring the innovative ways churches in Northern Virginia are blending spirituality and community outreach–from improv church to affordable housing. In this episode of Compass, we’re visiting four unique and innovative expressions of church in Northern Virginia and Maryland. See how Central United Methodist Church in the Ballston neighborho…
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[140] Real church in digital space with J.J. Warren
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44:55
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44:55We’re borrowing an important interview from the MyCom Podcast. Host Ryan Dunn talked with Rev. J.J. Warren about what defines a church and how J.J. is putting the definition into practice through the Church of the Young Prophets. Drawing from his theological background and experiences with the Young Prophets Collective, J.J. discusses the evolution…
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Neelley Hicks shares her experience that landed her picture in papers across the globe, stemming from a recent Unity Rally in Nashville, Tennessee. It was attended by a diverse and vibrant community and disrupted by the alarming presence of Neo-Nazis. This episode looks into the complex emotions and motivations behind such extremist actions and exp…
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[138] Faith and outrage: Jesus’ teachings in a polarized culture
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23:23We’re tackling the topic of living out our faith in a complex and often polarized world. Recently, the outrage sparked by the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly a controversial scene perceived to mock Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” has ignited debates and outraged responses. We’ll explore how to express our faith au…
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Summarizing Faith and Theology with Bruce Reyes-Chow on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Bruce shares the importance of distilling and articulating beliefs in simple, digestible formats. Discover his innovative concept of a “faith montage” and how it serves as a primer on progressive Christianity to guide individuals through faith dec…
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Pastor David Livingston discusses the concept of abundant life and how it can be experienced in the present. He emphasizes that abundant life is not solely about material well-being or a perfect life, but rather about finding spiritual and emotional well-being in the midst of life’s challenges. Pastor Livingston shares his personal experience with …
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[135] Exploring Hell, Purgatory, and God’s Love with Derek Kubilus
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44:56Unpacking the mysteries of hell and love with Derek Kubilus on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Derek takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the complex relationship between a God of love and the concept of eternal torment. Explore his ideas on purgatorial universalism, the evolution of hell in Christian theology, and how the…
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Rediscover centering and spirituality with Andrew Lang on “Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday.” Andrew Lang, a guiding voice in spiritual practices, shares transformative insights on integrating centering practices into daily life, overcoming the “dark night of the soul,” and finding creative ways to connect with our spirituality. Listen…
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Curious about maintaining compassion and engaging in meaningful conversations in your daily life? On Compass 133, join Ryan Dunn as he speaks with John Pavlovitz about finding common ground and exploring spirituality amidst life’s challenges. Discover how to navigate differences with empathy, find solace in nature, and embrace your faith journey au…
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[132] A historic shift in inclusion for the United Methodist Church
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13:10We’re exploring a pivotal moment in the life of the United Methodist Church—the historic 2024 General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina. This conference marked a significant turning point, as 93% of the delegates voted to lift long-standing bans on the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and the hosting of same-sex weddings by clergy and churche…
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United Methodists in the news and missing episodes
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6:32The United Methodist Church is going to be in the news due to the big General Conference Gathering. Here’s why. ALSO, we’re going to miss a couple of full episodes due to the big event. We’ll be back with new episodes on May 15, 2024.By United Methodist Communications
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Step 299 - New Kids on the SYNC: A NKOTB NSYNC Mashup Episode
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1:41:17Join us this episode as we discuss the new New Kids on the Block song, "Kids", and the new NSYNC song, "Paradise". We will be on hiatus until the week of May 1, 2024. Also, if you are wondering what the heck is up with the episode image - you can thank AI.
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[131] Keeping Christianity weird with Dr Richard Beck
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37:30Join us as Dr. Richard Beck discusses mysticism in daily life, and how enchantment can transform our view in “Hunting Magic Eels.” Feeling world-weary? Richard discusses how moral beauty & acts of kindness can awaken awe. Explore the mystical in the mundane on the Compass Podcast! Richard is a Professor of Psychology at Abilene Christian University…
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[130] Faith vacations and lostness with Debie Thomas
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27:57
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27:57Are you sometimes afraid to ask questions about faith and spirituality? Does doubt scare you a little bit? Do you have some questions you’re skeptical about ever finding the answers to? Debie Thomas’s approach to faith as a storied theology challenges the conventional beliefs. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on the dynamic nature of fai…
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[129] Beats, peacemaking and authenticity with lenny duncan
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44:19Lenny duncan takes us through a spiritual journey in hip-hop on Compass. Engage in conversations about systemic change and personal faith. If you want to hear some cultural commentary from a spiritual perspective, if you want to explore how hip-hop music speaks to both our human experience and our longing for spiritual connection, and if you want t…
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Step 298 - Block Party #160: NKOTB Fan Stories From Our Friends Christina and Jenn
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39:41Join us this week with two amazing New Kids on the Block fan stories from the vault from our friends, Christina & Jenn!
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[128] Lent, fasting and spiritual nourishment with Christine Valters Paintner
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32:09We’re talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine. Christine outlines th…
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Step 297 - Internet Love, Friendship, and Burger King
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50:40Join us this week as we hear some really amazing Internet love stories as well as an Internet friendship story from our listeners. We also tangent as always and discuss many other things including Burger King.
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[127] Engaging faith and reason: Kara Slade’s spiritual journey
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39:11Faith, science and life calling! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation. Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade holds a PhD in Christian theology and ethics from Du…
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Step 296 - The Early Days of the Internet
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1:11:45This week, we take a trip back in time to the 90's and early 2000's to remember what things were like in the early days of the Internet (or "The Net" as we used to call it lol).
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Step 295 - Block Party #159: Cruise Moments with Shawn & Michelle
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38:52It's ANOTHER Block Party! Tune in this episode and hear some amazing cruise moments recorded by our friends Michelle & Shawn! We would LOVE to hear your stories (80's/90's & NKOTB related) and we would LOVE to hear them - IN YOUR VOICE! Send us your stories via voice memo, or call our partyline at 857-271-1047...and you can still send us your stori…
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[126] Church Rethought: Embracing Unconventional Spaces for Community and Spirituality
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46:24
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46:24We’re talking with Rev. Heather Jallad about the creative, fun and innovative ways that church is coming together and meeting the world. It’s an invitation to Rethink Church. This episode of Compass dives into new expressions of church like Dinner Church and Messy Church. It’s all inspiring… and it gets us thinking about how we, individually might …
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Step 294 - Block Party #158: Carnegie 2023 Quick Recap, Charlene Goes to Joe's Podumentary, a "Why Are We Not Dead" Update from Brooke, and 80's/90's Secrets from Our Listeners
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41:07Lots to unpack this episode! First, Nikki does a quick recap of Carnegie 2023, Charlene sends us an audio message and talks about her experience at the Gary Marshall Theater at Joe's Podumentary, we hear a couple funny secret stories from our listeners and last - we get an unexpected "Why Are We Not Dead" update from Brooke! You won't want to miss …
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Step 293 - Block Party #157: New Kids on the Block Fan Stories From Our Friends Jennifer and Robbie
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36:46We're continuing the Block Party and are sharing two brand new NKOTB fan stories from our new friends Jennifer and Robbie!
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[125] Cultivating everyday spirituality in 2024 with Abigail Browka
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34:22In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Browka, the curator of the Everyday Sanctuary app, and we get into the importance of real-life experiences and faith journeys. Pastor Abigail shares profound insights into tapping into creative spirituality, from the necessity of supporting one another in our spiritual paths to the role of brief, accessible…
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