Episodes

  • Nathan Shultz on the Wisdom of Wild Places

    Nathan Shultz on the Wisdom of Wild Places
    Jan 15 2025
    Nathan Schultz, founder of Path Wise Ventures, joins us today to talk about the wisdom of wild places. Raised as a missionary kid outdoors, Nathan’s journey from coporate funraising to pilgrimage leader is one of following his own interior knowing. We dive into the importance of connecting with natural spaces, of following the call of our hearts, and of embracing mystery. Nathan’s imaginative view of the world reminds us that we’d all be better off if we remembered we were friends with the trees.

    Cool stuff we mentioned this episode (or meant to anyways):
    Path Wise Ventures
    Center for Wild Spirituality
    Sometimes a Wild God - Tom Hirons
    Matthew Fox
    Bill Plotkin - Animist (Eco psychology)
    Gilead - Marilynne Robinson
    When I was the Forest - Meister Eckhart



    Chapters
    00:00 Exploring John Muir's Legacy and Evolution
    02:44 Nathan's Journey: From Missionary Kid to Eco-Spirituality
    05:40 The Concept of Rewilding and Its Personal Impact
    08:31 Walking in Reciprocity: A New Perspective on Pilgrimage
    11:21 Resistance and Transformation on the Spiritual Path
    13:59 Embodiment and the Journey Within
    16:47 The Monotony of Pilgrimage: Finding Depth in Repetition
    25:54 Nature as a Spiritual Guide
    27:41 Exploring Eco-Spirituality and Healing
    29:00 Encountering the Wild God
    31:25 Sources of Inspiration and Wisdom
    35:25 The Call for Reciprocity with Nature
    36:31 Emerging from Extinction: A New Perspective
    39:12 Building Communities for Sustainability
    39:18 Delighting in Connection with Nature
    43:00 Finding Guidance in Nature
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    45 mins
  • Carl McColman Invites Us into Mystery

    Carl McColman Invites Us into Mystery
    Jan 8 2025
    This week pilgrimage with us into the expansive mind of spiritual director, author, and contemplative teacher Carl McColman. Carl’s vast knowledge of mysticism, Thomas Merton, and contemplative concepts makes this a fascinating and open ended conversation. Carl walks us through four fundamental questions he journeys through as a spiritual director:

    Throughout this imaginative chat we are reminded of what is possible when we approach the world in a spirit of hospitality and carve out time for intentional silence.
    1. Who am I?
    2. Who is God?
    3. Who are we?
    4. Who are they?
    Throughout this imaginative chat we are reminded of what is possible when we approach the world in a spirit of hospitality and carve out time for intentional silence.

    Cool things we mentioned this episode (or meant to anyways):



    • Carl McColman
    • Encountering Silence Podcast
    • The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton
    • Mysticism by: Evelyn Underhill
    • Carl’s Instagram
    • Eagle Poem by: Joy Harjo

    Chapters
    00:00 The Epiphany of Thomas Merton
    02:54 Introducing Carl McColman
    05:51 The Influence of Monastic Spirituality
    08:33 The Importance of the Interior Life
    11:30 The Future of Christianity and Mysticism
    22:28 Understanding Mysticism
    32:41 Entering Silence: Practical Steps
    38:09 Embracing Silence and Solitude
    40:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery
    43:11 Understanding Relationships: Who Am I and Who Are They?
    46:39 Saint Makers: Growth Through Conflict
    48:32 Metaphors of Mysticism: Marriage and Pilgrimage
    50:35 Interfaith Dialogue and Spiritual Growth
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Cheers to an Enchanting New Year

    Cheers to an Enchanting New Year
    Jan 1 2025
    Cheers to you dear listeners! Thank you for your support of Radical Sacred. This week we reminisce on all the ways the year has unfolded since our first episode of 2024 and we look towards our hopes and discuss our honest fears for 2025. Join us as we choose an intentional word as we head into this new year. Even if you’re not down with the Gregorian calendar, we recognize the beauty and potential of viewing each day as a new beginning.

    Cool stuff we talked about this episode (or meant to anyways):
    Radical Sacred 2024 New Year’s Episode
    Rob Bell Episode
    Kelly and Jess Love Story
    The Enchanted Life By Sharon Blackie
    A Benediction for the New Year by Sophie Strand
    For a New Beginning by John O’Donohue


    Chapters
    00:00 A New Year Benediction
    06:33 Nature's Healing Power
    12:05 Tools for Self-Reflection
    17:18 Exploring Enchantment: Four Aspects of Connection
    22:46 Imagination and Childhood: Rediscovering Enchantment
    28:26 Embracing Creation: A New Year’s Intention
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    34 mins
  • Y'all Want to See a Fresh Baby?

    Y'all Want to See a Fresh Baby?
    Dec 25 2024
    Quick note, we had a little issue with Jenny's audio in this episode. Apologies for the few places her audio drops out. If you have questions about what she said, or you think she said, feel free to reach out to us!

    Merry Christmas from Radical Sacred! This week we went on a walk instead of having a meeting and it unexpectedly led to the delight of holding a friend's brand new baby. When we’re met with the Incarnation of God in a beautiful moment whether it be through the story of Mary’s Journey and the birth of Jesus or through holding a neighbors “fresh baby” we are reminded that God is with us and invites us into Incarnation as well. This Christmas season we invite you to listen to this episode and think about the ways you too can tap into the depth and breadth and love of Mary’s sacred heart.

    Cool things we talked about this episode (or meant to anyways):
    • Rev. Bill Lamar Dec. 22nd sermon
    • Chris Yost. Dec. 22nd sermon
    • Wake up Child by: Birdtalker
    • Sway by: Kacey Musgraves
    • Luke 1:39-56 (CEB)

    Chapters
    00:00 Christmas Reflections and Introductions
    04:24 Mary's Journey and the Magnificat
    08:43 The Importance of Community and Support
    13:00 The Significance of the Incarnation
    16:47 Songs of the Season and New Beginnings
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    28 mins
  • Winter Solstice and the Pilgrimage of the Firefly

    Winter Solstice and the Pilgrimage of the Firefly
    Dec 18 2024
    When the seasons are changing how do we respond? This episode we talk about the light that is found when we begin to look within, the wisdom of learning to walk in the darkness, and the different ways that we can honor the changing weather and our changing humanity. Whether we call it Winter Solstice, Advent, or simply the movement from fall to winter- how are we being invited into our own depths and what will our response be?

    Cool stuff we mentioned this week (or meant to anyways):
    Find "Common Eastern Firefly" in the book "All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings"
    Snowy Night by Mary Oliver
    Advent from a United Methodist Perspective
    Advent: In Anticipation
    Winter Solstice
    To Know the Dark by: Wendell Berry
    Barbara Brown Taylor


    Chapters
    00:00 The Life Cycle of Fireflies: A Metaphor for Transformation
    05:22 The Winter Solstice: A Time for Reflection and Growth
    10:54 The Beauty of the Night Sky: Nature's Wonder
    16:22 The Journey of Advent: Waiting and Anticipation
    21:52 Apocalyptic Texts: The Promise of New Birth
    27:00 The Journey into Darkness
    32:17 Disorder, Reorder, and Orientation
    37:28 Finding Connection in the Dark
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    43 mins
  • Pilgrimage into Storytelling with Kim Powers

    Pilgrimage into Storytelling with Kim Powers
    Dec 11 2024
    This was a fun and wide ranging conversation with visual artist Kim Powers! Kim shares with us the importance of storytelling and the ways that our stories can either bring us together or tear us apart. We talk about why art and beauty matters, particularly when everything feels kind of dark and the importance of finding the wholeness of all the things. Kim invites us to make room for the fullness of others, and in doing so, we also make room for the fullness of ourselves.

    Cool stuff we talked about this episode (or meant to anyways):
    • Art Sanctuary by Nikki Giovanni
    • How to Die Alone
    • Adrienne Maree Brown
    • Kim’s gorgeous website
    • How to Bridge Deep Divides with Loved Ones - Ted Talk with Betty Hart
    Chapters
    00:00 The Power of Art as Sanctuary
    02:39 Creative Pilgrimage and Personal Journeys
    05:29 Storytelling as a Connective Tissue
    08:13 The Nature of Pilgrimage
    10:52 Spirituality and Creativity Intertwined
    13:19 Navigating Foreign Lands in Storytelling
    16:08 The Wholeness of People in Storytelling
    18:55 Safety and Fear in Narrative
    21:38 Creating Tension vs. Fear in Theater
    24:25 The Impact of Audience Expectations
    27:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
    31:23 Re-centering and Finding Balance
    32:42 Guides and Relationships
    34:23 The Importance of Connection
    36:13 Branching Out and Expanding Worlds
    38:04 Creativity and Imagining Possibilities
    39:47 Art as a Reflection of Reality
    43:50 Balancing Activism and Enjoyment
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    52 mins
  • Pilgrimage Can Be a Real Trip with Rev. Kerra English

    Pilgrimage Can Be a Real Trip with Rev. Kerra English
    Dec 4 2024
    We are thrilled to have Reverend Kerra English, spiritual director, retreat leader, pastor, and a no bullshit guide join us today to talk about the many pathways of pilgrimage. In this invitational and thoughtful conversation Kerra talks to us about leading with curiosity, recognizing when things need to shift, and all the ways that pilgrimage is really about opening your eyes, your heart and your mind, to the world around you. When we are invited into new ways of knowing whether it be through a conversation with a fellow traveler, or through a Psilocybin study at John’s Hopkins, we become more ourselves.

    We are thankful to Kerra for her work in the world and for her new book dropping in June of 2025 True Awakening: The Highs, the Lows, and the Mess of Spiritual Transformation.

    Cool stuff we talked about this episode (or meant to anyways):
    • Love is People By Mr. Rogers
    • RUAH School
    • Doug Ottati
    • Kerra’s Website

    Chapters
    00:00 The Essence of Love and Community
    03:28 Curiosity as a Spiritual Gift
    08:40 Understanding Pilgrimage
    13:45 Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul
    18:41 The Importance of Community and Vulnerability
    21:47 Guidance Through Change and Despair
    24:02 The Quest for Authentic Truth
    25:34 Braving the Wilderness: Spiritual Journeys
    27:56 Courageous Spirituality and Personal Growth
    32:34 Transformation in the Dark
    35:38 Exploring Psychedelic Spirituality
    38:55 Building Community and Connection
    43:05 Exploring Key Themes and Insights
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    44 mins
  • Keep Your Fork with Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe

    Keep Your Fork with Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe
    Nov 27 2024
    This week we are thankful for this gorgeous conversation with Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe of Vista Ridge UMC! Ashley Anne walks us through her own pilgrimage which began with an honest conversation and call out from a fellow clergy woman. This thoughtful invitation is about learning to walk in our own darkness, the truly radical practice of loving all that is, and the deeply intimate connection that only comes with vulnerability. We are grateful for Ashley Anne and for her reminder in these wild times to “keep your fork cause sweeter things are coming”.
    We are also grateful for you, our dear listeners! We know that this holiday season might be tricky to navigate. A gentle reminder to take good care and keep your fork. You are not alone and you are loved deeply by the very source of love.

    Cool stuff we mentioned in this episode (or meant to anyways):

    • Howard Thurman quote on the growing edge
    • Turning Red
    • Barbara Brown Taylor
    • The Sin of Certainty by Pete Enns
    • Catherine of Sienna
    • Teresa of Avila
    • Brother Lawrence
    • Jen Hatmaker
    • Backpacking with the Saints


    Chapters
    00:00 The Growing Edge: A Journey of Hope
    02:57 Defining Pilgrimage: A Spiritual Journey
    05:54 Personal Pilgrimages: Stories of Transformation
    09:07 Embracing Darkness: The Journey Within
    12:02 The Monster Within: Understanding Our Shadows
    14:40 Pastoral Care: A Shift in Perspective
    17:53 Building Community Through Vulnerability
    26:00 Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
    28:10 The Power of Mystics in Healing
    30:54 Navigating Paradoxes of Faith
    34:29 From Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy
    38:59 The Challenge of Radical Love
    39:32 Finding Hope Through Childlike Wonder
    43:45 Chasing Beauty and Gratitude
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    48 mins