In my conversation with Blair Speed, a writer and photographer, she shares her profound journey through grief and healing after the loss of her husband, Travis. Blair reflects on the importance of community, the role of pets in her life, and how moments of play and connection can help us navigate life's challenges. She emphasizes the significance of being present and open to the beauty around us, even in the face of loss, and how love can transform our experiences, allowing us to grow and evolve through pain.

Blair recounts her experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and the unexpected kindness of strangers, illustrating how these moments of connection can lead to deeper insights about life. The conversation also touches on the importance of acceptance, vulnerability, and the power of love in shaping our lives. As they discuss the complexities of grief, Blair shares how she has learned to embrace her emotions and the lessons they bring, ultimately leading to a richer, more integrated life.

Blair Speed is a Bozeman, Montana-based photographer, writer, and speaker. She crafts intimate images that communicate beauty, empathy, and spirit. Whether shooting personal, fine art, or commercial, her ability to hold moments is seen through her lens and an ever present appreciation for connection. Blair's lens shows her heart.

In my conversation with Joshua Coburn, he shares his transformative journey from Iowa to Nicaragua. He underscores the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and service to others. He discusses the power of reframing frustrations, facing personal demons, and the significance of forgiveness in achieving personal growth. Coburn highlights the value of community and shared humanity, encouraging listeners to embrace their capabilities and thrive through trauma. His insights offer actionable steps for living a more integrated and fulfilling life.

Joshua and his wife Cynn and their children live in Nicaragua, and are the owners of Dissident Cigar company.

Takeaways

Joshua Coburn emphasizes the importance of authenticity in all aspects of life.
Experiences in Nicaragua have shaped his perspective on unique culinary adventures.
His journey from Iowa to Nicaragua reflects a transformation driven by passion and purpose.
Defying societal expectations is a core part of his punk rock mindset.
Reframing frustrations into gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Facing rock bottom can lead to profound personal growth and the realization of one's capabilities.
Forgiveness is essential for personal freedom and healing.
Curiosity about others' experiences fosters empathy and understanding.
Finding joy in ordinary moments is crucial for appreciating life.
Practicing gratitude daily can shift one's perspective and enhance overall well-being.
Service to others is a fundamental aspect of living a meaningful life.
Facing one's demons requires vulnerability and the courage to seek help.
Thriving through trauma can lead to greater resilience and strength.
Recognizing one's capabilities is key to overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
Community and shared humanity are vital for a fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joshua Coburn
02:24 Unique Culinary Experiences in Nicaragua
05:53 From Iowa to Nicaragua: A Journey of Transformation
10:25 Defying Expectations: The Punk Rock Mindset
14:57 Reframing Frustrations and Embracing Gratitude
18:58 Facing Rock Bottom: The Power of Choice
22:11 The Importance of Forgiveness
26:30 Curiosity and Understanding Others
30:45 Finding Joy in Ordinary Moments
32:35 Purpose and Practicing Gratitude
38:33 Service to Others: A Life of Meaning
43:39 Facing Demons and Seeking Help
48:24 Thriving Through Trauma
51:41 The Power of Capability and Experience
53:39 Confronting Demons and Seeking Forgiveness
01:00:37 Shared Humanity and Community
01:05:32 Living an Integrated Life

Join us as we explore the profound insights of Jay Stringer, a psychotherapist and author, on desire, healing, and living an integrated life. Discover how understanding your desires and past can lead to transformation and a more authentic existence.

Jay Stringer—is a licensed mental health counselor and researcher. For 15+ years He's helped thousands make sense of unwanted patterns and unmet longings and turn them into a path for healing and growth.His work equips you to read your story and form desire into your greatest ally.

Jay is the author of two books,Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing and his latest book esire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow which offers a new framework for five core longings—wholeness, growth, intimacy, pleasure, and meaning—and shows how to form desire into a force that restores connection and purpose.

In my conversation with Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon and author of his new book,The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery:Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life

Dr. Lee talks about the transformative power of self-brain surgery, emphasizing the connection between neuroscience and faith. Dr. Lee explores themes of gratitude, preparation for adversity, and the importance of agency in shaping our responses to life's challenges. He also shares personal experiences, insights on trauma, and the significance of mentorship, encouraging listeners to take command of their minds and live purposefully. Our discussion highlights the impact of incremental growth and the ripple effect of personal change on future generations.

In my conversation, with Dustin W. Stout we discuss the importance of embracing one's unique journey, overcoming the fear of failure, and shifting focus from personal success to serving others. Emphasizing that perfectionism can hinder progress and that true fulfillment comes from helping others rather than seeking personal accolades.

Dustin is the founder and creator of Magai.co combining 50+ AI Models In One Chat for the Price of a Single ChatGPT Subscription. It's a brilliant app that doesn't lose site of the humanity behind AI.

In my conversation I speak with author Sarah Billups about her new book, 'Nervous Systems,' which explores the intersection of anxiety, caregiving, and spirituality. We discuss the importance of presence in everyday life, the beauty found in ordinary moments, and the interconnectedness of suffering and joy. Sarah shares her insights on self-kindness, the challenges of caregiving, and the need for compassion in a divided world. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, writing, and the pursuit of love and acceptance as essential elements of living a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

The importance of presence in enjoying meals and life experiences.
Anxiety is a common experience, even for those who don't identify with it.
Caregiving can be both challenging and beautiful, offering moments of presence.
Finding beauty in ordinary moments can lead to deeper appreciation of life.
Suffering and joy are interconnected, providing a fuller understanding of life.
Practicing mindfulness can help us slow down and appreciate life.
Self-kindness is essential for personal well-being and kindness to others.
Learning to lose can foster compassion and understanding in relationships.
The pursuit of love and acceptance is a fundamental human desire.
Writing can transcend time and connect us with others' experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Billups and Her Work
02:58 The Impact of Food and Presence
05:53 Navigating Anxiety and Caregiving
11:52 The Role of Care in Life's Challenges
15:07 Finding Beauty in Ordinary Moments
20:19 Desire, Control, and Acceptance
25:36 The Importance of Letting Go
28:16 Learning to Lose in a Divided World
30:35 Raising Compassionate Kids
31:38 Historical Context of Division
32:31 The Beauty of Grace in Sports
35:19 The Power of Words and Writing
38:58 Finding Connection Through Literature
41:11 The Role of Fiction in Understanding
43:15 The Illusion of Wellness
45:29 The Quest for Dignity
48:28 Practicing Kindness
52:10 Embodiment and Spirituality
53:16 Living an Integrated Life

In my conversation, with Heath Hardesty, pastor, and author of All Things Together:How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.

Heath explores the profound effects of sin on humanity, emphasizing how it dehumanizes individuals and obscures the beauty of the world. He discusses the importance of being in a relationship with the Creator to process grief and cultivate gratitude, which are essential for true joy. We talk about how fiction informs reality and how stories help us better understand the world. Heath is able to show through his new book, how apprenticeship is the way we are formed.

Takeaways

Sin compresses us and desaturates the beauty from the world.
We become wonder blind due to sin.
Healthy processing of grief is possible when our heart is aligned with God.
Lamenting can be a healthy expression of grief.
Offering our grief to God allows for redemption and transformation.
Gratitude is essential for experiencing true joy.
A relationship with the Creator is fundamental for healing.
Without gratitude, joy cannot exist in the human soul.
The great Giver provides us with reasons to be thankful.
Healing comes through connection with God.

In my conversation with J.R. Briggs the author of The Art of Asking Better Questions:Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith.

J.R. discusses the transformative power of asking better questions and how they can lead to deeper relationships, personal growth, and a more integrated life. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality, curiosity, and the role of questions in fostering community and connection.

Through personal anecdotes and insights, J.R. illustrates how living with arrows pointing out—focusing on others—can create a more fulfilling and joyful existence. He also explores the neuroscience behind questions, the four levels of questioning, and how Jesus exemplified the art of inquiry in his ministry.

Dr. J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to equipping leaders through the intersection of spiritual formation and actionable leadership. An author of 15 books and host of the Resilient Leaders podcast, he also serves as a university instructor and denominational director.

Takeaways

Asking better questions can lead to deeper relationships.
Hospitality is a healing practice that benefits both the host and the guest.
Living with arrows pointing out encourages selflessness and community engagement.
Curiosity is essential for personal growth and understanding others.
Questions can transform conversations and create connections.
The four levels of questions help deepen interactions and understanding.
Jesus modeled the importance of asking questions in his ministry.
Celebration and joy are vital components of community and relationships.
Living an integrated life requires awareness of our masks and vulnerabilities.
Depth in conversations is more valuable than efficiency.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of J.R. Briggs
02:16 Cultural Roots and the Power of Food
05:32 The Importance of Hospitality and Community
07:14 Living with Arrows Pointing Out
10:04 Celebration and Joy in Life
12:39 Transforming Self-Criticism into Curiosity
15:52 The Art of Asking Better Questions
18:11 Curiosity as an Invitation
20:49 The Impact of Questions on Our Brains
22:49 Four Levels of Questions
31:13 Vulnerability in Asking Deeper Questions
34:26 Jesus and the Power of Questions
37:33 The Power of Questions in Engagement
39:45 Jesus as a Model for Asking Questions
41:17 The Depth of Questions vs. Answers
44:16 Inefficiency vs. Effectiveness in Leadership
46:30 The Importance of Asking Questions
48:35 Rediscovering Curiosity and Playfulness
52:52 The Impact of Questions on Personal Growth
56:07 Living an Integrated Life Through Questions