Episodes

  • Father's Day Special

    Father's Day Special
    Jun 16 2024
    On this week’s special episode Phil and Jenny share memories and stories about their dads. Father’s Day can be a mixed bag for so many of us for so many different reasons. If your day feels complicated or heavy with grief you are not alone! We invite you to find joy where it can be found, to grieve however you may need to, and to do one small thing today that makes you feel connected to yourself, to God, and to those you love.

    Connect with us on instagram at Radical Sacred to let us know your favorite memory of your father or a father figure and to find out about our upcoming episodes and summer gatherings!

    Things we mentioned in this episode (or meant to anyways):
    • On the Death of the Beloved by: John O’Donohue
    • For a Father by: John O’Donohue
    • Guide to Texas Wildflowers
    • Saugatuck, MI

    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • A Time to Reflect...

    A Time to Reflect...
    May 29 2024
    Thank you for hanging with us for this first season! Phil and Jenny reflect on the last 25 episodes of Radical Sacred! Did you have a favorite episode or guest? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on Instagram.As we look forward to having some time to rest and reflect this summer this episode features conversations about where we’re finding hope and inspiration in podcasts, music, and books. If you love very random playlists that include music from Zach Bryan to Outkast to Ani Difranco to Childish Gambino find Radical Sacred’s here.We will have some in person offerings for this summer in mid-late July in the DFW area. Potentially an evening on Purity Culture, a birding outing, and maybe something to do with grief. If you want to join us for any or all of these let us know! Stay tuned (especially to our Instagram) for more info on connection this summer. Jenny (podcasts, music, books) Podcasts-Falling back in love with The Robcast lately.Poetry Unbound Mythic Masculine-Living MythWe are Man Enough Music Zach Bryan (ultimate sad cowboy music)Maggie RogersKacey MusgravesBirdtalkerBooksWhat my bones know -Stephanie FooThe Body is not an Apology - Sonya Renee TaylorFor the Love of Men - Liz Plank You Could Make this Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith Phil (podcasts, music, books)PodcastsVox: Pivot, Today Explained, The Gray AreaYour Undivided Attention - Center for Humane Technology Weekly Witness - Texas ImpactOn BeingThe Ezra Klein ShowFuture Now - IFTFHomebrewed ChristianityThe Bible for Normal PeopleReligion and Justice - Wendland Cook Program at VandySANDMusicTaylor SwiftMelanie MartinezDua LipaBeyonce Childish Gambino BooksThe Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley RobinsonRefugia Faith by Debra RienstraThe Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Tim AlbertaBlack Transhuman Liberation Theology by Philip ButlerAll about Love by bell hooksJohn O’Donohue from time to timeChapters:00:00 Season Reflections and Literary Engagements04:45 Exploring Embodiment and Self-Acceptance10:47 Nature, Masculinity, and Podcast Recommendations27:00 Podcasting, Guest Interviews, and Reflections30:14 Aging, Adaptation, and the Pursuit of Wisdom32:31 Gratitude and Engagement
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Transformation over Information: A Discussion on Palestine, Israel, Curiosity, and Concern

    Transformation over Information: A Discussion on Palestine, Israel, Curiosity, and Concern
    May 22 2024
    There is so much information circling around what is taking place in Palestine/Israel. This episode is not a history lesson on the founding of Israel, the displacement of Palestinians, nor the current military occupation taking place in Gaza. There have been many books, documentaries, podcasts, etc created to do that. This episode is an invitation to join us in our journey as we wrestle to make sense of geo-politics and how religion is so often used to divide us, rather than bring us together.

    As stated in the episode, neither of us are experts in terms of the Middle East. We debated bringing experts into the conversation but decided to focus on our own experiences and what has led us to our current concerns, our own going curiosity, and ultimately how we can continue to value the radical sacred in every human being, and all creation.

    Resources that have been helpful to us in our journey:
    • Science and Non Duality with Gabor Mate and Angela Davis
    • The 100 Year War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
    • A Palestinian Theology of Liberation by Naim Stefan Atik
    • Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour and David Hazard
    • The Rapture Exposed by Barbara Rossing
    • Israelism
    • Al Jazeera
    • Noura Erakat
    • Criticism of Israel and Antisemitism: How to tell where one ends and the other begins
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context
    05:49 Reading from Richard Rohr and Setting the Intention
    09:23 Phil's Journey and Experiences in Israel and Palestine
    27:04 Repression of Journalists and Activists
    30:05 The Misuse of Religion as a Tool for Power and Violence
    35:02 Interpreting Religious Texts with Love and Kindness
    42:11 Seeking Diverse Sources for a Nuanced Understanding
    46:20 Embracing the Shared Humanity of All People
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • Exploring the Complexities of Grief with Hillary Owen

    Exploring the Complexities of Grief with Hillary Owen
    May 15 2024
    "The only time you can do grief wrong is when you judge yourself for grieving."Note: this episode about grief is heavy and it is long. If you are not in a space to address your grief, maybe save this one for later.Shout out to Hillary Owen of Driftwood Healing for joining us in this personal conversation all about grief. This episode opens with a gorgeous poem by Ada Limon - from her book Bright Dead Things - Tossing Around the AshesHillary, Phil, and Jenny have all had different dealings with grief over the years. We’ve all lost and all responded differently.How can we learn from one another and from remaining open about our grief?What might help us collectively and individually in the midst of deep grief?Does our Enneagram number play into how we might handle our grief?Join us as we delve into what makes us human, our capacity for deep love and deep grief. Grief Resources (Things we mentioned, or meant to anyways):Everything Happens for a Reason (and other lies I’ve loved) by: Kate Bowler The Myth of Closure by: Pauline BossHow We Live is How We Die & When Things Fall Apart by: Pema Chodron Crying In H Mart by: Michelle Zauner On Grief and Grieving by Elizabeth Kubler Ross and David KesslerBreathing Underwater by: Richard Rohr It’s Ok to Not Be OkGrieving and the Enneagram by: Suzanne Stabile Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guest01:50 Ada Lamone Poem04:09 Resistance to Talking About Grief07:47 Unresolved Grief and Funeral Experiences09:30 Different Coping Strategies for Grief21:07 Grief as an Antidote to Trauma26:41 Differentiating Trauma and Grief32:08 Engaging with Feelings in Grief36:36 The Importance of Relational Buffering38:26 Individual Approaches to Healthful Grieving40:23 The Need for Supportive Relationships in Grief43:04 Different Approaches to Grief: Thinking, Feeling, and Doing45:27 The Power of Human Connection in the Healing Process47:13 Finding Your Own Path to Healing50:40 The Role of Spiritual Direction and Therapy in Grief52:28 Creating Space for Grief in Society and Faith Communities56:07 Addressing Barriers to Grief Support01:00:38 Embracing Grief as a Part of Human Experience01:03:14 The Practice of Mindfulness in Grief01:05:42 Weird and Unique Ways of Processing Grief01:10:41 Closing Thoughts on Grief and the Importance of Connection
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Purity Culture... Again (Because it's that bad!)

    Purity Culture... Again (Because it's that bad!)
    May 8 2024
    We’re back with Jessica Brazzeal of The Haven Wellness Center for her third visit! We heard from so many of you after our episode on purity culture we knew had to expand the conversation! If you missed our previous episode on purity culture start here.

    We discuss how purity culture affected us individually and collectively, the orgasm gap that exists in the evangelical world, resources and more. We also dive into the etymology of the word pastor. What is at the root of the word and how we can tell the difference between someone whose words and behaviors are actually pastoral versus a bully with a pulpit. We expand more on Josh Howerton (of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, TX) and male pastors like him who use fear, shame, and blame to control. If you’ve been affected by purity culture and want to connect, find us on Instagram.
    Resources
    • Sex with Emily
    • Erica Smith Sex Ed
    • Come as You Are by: Emily Nagoski
    • Esther perel - where should we begin
    • Dr. laura anderson
    00:00 Introduction
    00:43 The Impact of Purity Culture
    04:00 Personal Experiences with Purity Culture
    09:47 The Role of Pastors in Purity Culture
    12:31 The Etymology of 'Pastor'
    16:08 Platforming Abusive Leaders
    21:09 Patriarchal Norms in Religion
    24:01 Challenging Patriarchal Structures
    24:32 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations
    31:47 Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity
    39:31 The Power of Authentic Friendships
    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • Attachment Styles with Hillary Owen

    Attachment Styles with Hillary Owen
    May 1 2024
    In this week's episode Jenny and Phil are joined by Hillary Owen to discuss attachment theory and attachment styles. Hillary, a licensed mental health professional, shares her expertise on the topic and explains the four attachment styles: secure, disorganized, anxious, and avoidant. They also explore the concept of attachment-focused EMDR therapy and how it can help individuals heal from attachment wounds.

    In this conversation, Hillary Owen discusses the importance of understanding attachment styles and how they impact our relationships and parenting. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness and self-compassion in order to create healthier and more secure connections. Hillary also explores the intersection of attachment theory and spirituality, highlighting the sacredness of doing inner work and showing up for ourselves. She provides practical steps for individuals to begin their own attachment journey, including reading about attachment styles and practicing mindfulness. Hillary concludes by sharing where she is finding inspiration and, of course, her favorite bird.

    The conversation around imagination and the brain will likely blow your mind (pun intended). Let us know who your safe character/person is.

    Find out more about Hillary and her work at Driftwood Healing.

    Resources:
    • Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love by Amir Levine.
    • Life Kit Quiz "What's your attachment style?"


    00:00 Introduction and Background
    09:06 Introduction to Attachment Theory and Attachment Styles
    25:00 Attachment-Focused EMDR Therapy
    31:27 Imagination and Healing
    47:38 Practical Steps for Embarking on an Attachment Journey
    59:12 The Power of Human Connection and Storytelling
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Queer Theology and UMC General Conference with Jenny Bates

    Queer Theology and UMC General Conference with Jenny Bates
    Apr 24 2024
    In this episode of Radical Sacred, Jenny and Phil are joined by Jenny Bates a United Methodist in North Texas who is finishing up graduate school at Brite Divinity and recently was approved for Commissioning as a clergyperson in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

    They discuss how Jenny used the Radical Sacred episode on the Sacred Masculine as a resource for a pub theology she hosted, queer theology, and the United Methodist Church General Conference that officially started yesterday.

    Throughout the episode, Jenny emphasizes the need for inclusivity and the importance of holding space for different perspectives and experiences in the United Methodist Church and beyond. She shares her journey of exploring her own gender identity and the support she receives from her chosen queer family.

    In the episode she states, "Queer theology showed me that I do have sacred roots," what has helped you identify your sacred roots?

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
    • Our previous episode on The Sacred Masculine
    • Queering Wesley, Queering the Church by Keegan Orsinski
    • The Revised Social Principles of the United Methodist Church
    • The Advanced Daily Christian Advocate for the UMC General Conference
    Also, if you are a United Methodist looking to follow what is happening at General Conference follow these accounts:
    • The Queer Clergy Cacus
    • Rev. Maria Dixon Hall
    • Rev. Jeremy Smith
    • Scott Atnip



    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction Jenny Bates and her use of Pub Theology
    07:55 Positive Masculinity and Biblical Examples
    34:00 Exploring Sacredness through Queer Theology
    51:58 Jenny's Journey of Gender Exploration
    59:09 The Importance of Community in the Journey
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Transcend and Include with Marcus Jones

    Transcend and Include with Marcus Jones
    Apr 17 2024
    In this week's episode Phil and Jenny are joined by Marcus Jones, Director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Texas at Arlington. After referencing this concept in many episodes, Phil and Jenny invited Marcus to discuss this idea of Transcend and Include. They reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the various faith traditions they have been a part of, while also emphasizing the importance of deep spirituality and spiritual disciplines in their lives. Marcus shares how he incorporates grace into his growth process and how he engages in conversational scripture reading to challenge and dismantle preconceived notions. They also discuss the future of the church and the need for lay-driven ministry.

    References from this episode:
    • Sankofa
    • Integral Theory by Ken Wilber
    • Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times by Otis Moss III
    • Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human by Cole Arthur Riley
    • Hope is Here!: Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community by Luther E. Smith
    You can find Marcus:
    • Marcu's blog Informed Scholar
    • on social @marcus.m.jones
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    00:27 Transcendent Include
    04:24 Faith Background and Spiritual Formation
    06:37 Youth Ministry and Sneakers as a Ministry
    09:21 Transition to United Methodist Church
    10:20 Progressive Theological Development
    12:03 Themes of Social Justice and Missionary Baptist Background
    12:25 Moving from Conservative Theology to Liberal, Progressive, and Centered
    15:40 Clothing Ideas and Concepts in Grace
    17:46 Learning from the Past and Mentors
    20:00 Purity Culture and Guilt
    20:27 Moving Past Shame
    20:45 Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines
    25:39 Reading Scripture Formationally
    30:57 The Future of the Church
    33:16 Expanding Worldview
    36:32 Eliminating Poverty
    Show more Show less
    41 mins