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, 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 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

I interview Jared Ayers, head pastor at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, and author of You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul. We discuss the profound impact of shared meals, the significance of the incarnation in understanding human suffering, and the importance of honesty within Christian communities. We explore themes of hope, the illusion of control, the reality of sin, and the necessity of dignity in relationships. Ayers also emphasizes the need for vulnerability and authenticity in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles and foster inclusive communities.

Takeaways

Meals are a reflection of our shared stories.
The incarnation shows God's deep understanding of human suffering.
Hope comes from knowing we are not alone in our pain.
Navigating loss requires community support and understanding.
We often live under the illusion of control in our lives.
Christianity addresses the reality of sin and human condition.
Honesty about our struggles fosters a healthier community.
Dignifying others is essential for building inclusive spaces.
Wrestling with faith and doubt is a normal part of life.
Living an integrated life means embracing all aspects of our experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jared Ayers
02:36 The Significance of Meals and Shared Experiences
05:28 The Incarnation and Its Implications
11:24 Understanding Suffering Through the Life of Jesus
17:16 Finding Hope in Shared Pain
23:15 Navigating Life's Challenges with Receptivity
24:14 Letting Go of Control
26:00 Understanding Sin and Its Impact
28:57 The Importance of Honesty in Faith
32:06 The Power of Grace in Community
34:53 Leading with Vulnerability
37:42 Dignifying Others in a Divided World
40:49 Wrestling with Faith and Doubt
45:31 Living an Integrated Life

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

Jaclyn Michelle Smith is the author of I'm Sorry I Cremated You: Finding the Funny in Life and Loss. It is a memior that quickly and intuitively cuts to the heart of our universal experience with grief and demonstrates how laughing at the irony of our human condition can provide the space to breathe and create meaning from the absurdity of it all.

In my convesation with Jaclyn Michelle Smith she shares her journey through grief, the importance of friendships, and how humor can be a powerful tool for healing. She discusses her experiences with food, community, and the role of improv in enhancing her communication skills. Jaclyn emphasizes the beauty found in pain and the significance of being present in our lives. Through her memoir, she aims to inspire others to cherish their relationships and find joy amidst life's challenges.

Takeaways

Friendship is essential for navigating life's challenges.
Humor can be a powerful tool for healing and coping with grief.
Improv teaches valuable lessons about listening and presence.
Finding beauty in pain can lead to personal growth.
Community support is crucial during difficult times.
Cherishing memories and mementos can help in the grieving process.
A positive mindset can transform our experiences.
Life is a duality of joy and sorrow, and both can coexist.
Being present allows us to appreciate the magic in everyday moments.
We should strive to see the good in every situation and person.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jaclyn Michelle Smith
02:59 The Impact of Food and Community
05:45 The Importance of Friendships
08:49 Navigating Life's Challenges
11:36 The Role of Community in Difficult Times
14:31 Finding Humor in Grief
17:42 The Journey of Writing a Memoir
20:42 Finding Beauty in Difficult Situations
23:33 The Duality of Life's Experiences
27:18 The Impact of Hoarding on Family Dynamics
28:37 Navigating Difficult Relationships with Parents
30:54 Finding the Good in Difficult People
33:58 The Art of Listening and Communication
37:14 Embracing the Unknown through Improv
39:27 Cultivating Childlike Wonder and Positivity
43:20 Living in the Present Moment
46:22 Growth Through Grief and Loss
49:04 Cherishing Life's Small Moments
55:32 Navigating Heartbreak and Memory
58:46 The Power of Kindness and Perspective
59:38 The Impact of a Poem and Family Legacy
01:01:46 Reflections on the Interview Process and Writing Journey
01:09:35 Exploring Faith and Curiosity in Relationships