Holy Shenanigans

In this summer ☀️ episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman reflects on the simple yet powerful image of a cup of cool water 💧 and what it means to offer refreshment, hope, and welcome in a weary world. Beginning with the everyday care of fresh flowers, Tara explores how small acts of love and kindness can nurture life, just as cool water helps flowers flourish. Drawing wisdom from...

Summer is here, and with it comes an invitation to embrace the sacred practice of faithful fun. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans Podcast, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman explores how joy, play, rest, and community can become powerful spiritual practices that renew the soul. Drawing from experiences at the Wild Goose Festival's silent disco, community Pride celebrations, and the June Rainbows ph...

In this special Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman welcomes Rev. Holly Clark Porter for a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, belonging, and the expansive love of God. Drawing inspiration from Matthew 9, Tara and Holly explore how Jesus continually reached across social boundaries to embrace those who had been marginalized, misunderstood, and exclud...

In this windy Pentecost episode of Holy Shenanigans, Tara Lamont Eastman reflects on the simple childhood joy of flying a kite and how it connects to spiritual renewal, communion, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Through stories, scripture from Acts 2, prayer, and poetry, Tara explores what it means to lift up our hearts, release burdens that weigh us down, and open ourselves to bold new direc...

Step into the spirit of Easter and Spring renewal with a conversation about creativity, nature, and the sacred rhythms of everyday life. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans , Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman sits down with floral artist Kate Fenstermacher of Bough and Bend Floral to explore how beauty, art, and the natural world can help us slow down, heal, and reconnect. Together, they reflect on the p...

In a world where loneliness is more common than ever, what if the path back to connection is simpler than we think? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans , Tara shares a heartfelt story of an unexpected friendship that began with ordinary morning walks—and became a lifeline of encouragement, belonging, and lasting connection. Through this personal reflection and the powerful story of the road to Emm...

Experience Holy Week in a deeper, more imaginative way. 🌿 What if you didn’t just read Scripture—but entered into it ? In this Holy Week episode of Holy Shenanigans , we explore the transformative practice of imaginative prayer , rooted in Ignatian spirituality , and how it can help you encounter Jesus in a more personal, sensory, and meaningful way. Through a guided reflection on Palm Sunday (Ma...

In this Lenten reflection, we step into the wilderness with Jesus and explore what it means to encounter God in seasons of hunger, testing, and uncertainty. Drawing from Matthew 4, this episode reflects on the powerful symbols of stones and bread—reminders that even in life’s most difficult moments, God’s presence is closer than we think. Have you ever found yourself in a “wilderness” season—feeli...

In this meaningful Lenten conversation, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is joined by Rev. Ellen Corcella --author of "Walk With Me: A Journey Through the Landscape of Trauma" and host of The Faith and Resilience Podcast--to explore the power of resilience and the sacred hidden within everyday life. Together, they reflect on how resilience is not just an individual trait, but something nurture...

Think Lent is only about giving things up? Join Tara as she describes the season as a way to “make room” - for meditation, reflection, and acts of service. She invites you to take up a new spiritual practice or write your own spiritual autobiography. She describes how two stories - Madeleine L’Engle’s Circle of Quiet & the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17 - taught her that transformation...

Tara interviews Dr. Crystal Hall from Crystal Hall Coaching about supporting and affirming women in ministry. Dr. Hall shares her journey, the challenges women face in ministry, and the importance of cultivating sustainable and life-giving ministries. The conversation explores themes of patriarchal structures and the significance of women's voices in proclaiming the gospel. Listen in on an in...

Tara welcomes Emily Goodstein, the Founder + CEO of Greater Good Strategy. They discuss how to find fulfillment and purpose while contributing to the greater good. Emily shares her journey of establishing a digital marketing and fundraising firm that supports mission-driven organizations, emphasizing the power of community and sustainable work practices. She wears really cool glasses too! Send Tar...

Kickstart the New Year as we embrace 2026 through the lens of love-inspired New Year's resolutions. Dive into reflections from Bonnie Smith Whitehouse's 'Season of Wonder' and hear uplifting stories of simple, everyday acts of love—from sharing pens and art to donning joy sweaters and making Sunday soup. Let's explore how ordinary gestures can bring more life, liberation,...

Join pastor and podcaster Tara Lamont Eastman as she explores the sacredness in everyday life during the Advent season. This episode delves into the significance of the Advent wreath, the lighting of the pink candle for Gaudete Sunday, and the story of a special purple and pink stole gifted to Tara. Through personal anecdotes, biblical stories, and inspirational quotes, Tara invites listeners to e...

Welcome to Season 7 of the Holy Shenanigans Podcast with Tara Lamont Eastman. This Advent-themed episode explores the intersection of faith and art through storytelling, reflections on hope and peace, and poetry. Tara shares a personal story from the AKG Art Museum and introduces the concept of theopoetics—speaking about the divine through the arts. Dive into the themes of hope, peace, joy, and lo...

Join Tara Lamont Eastman , host of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, as she welcomes her friends and classmates Kellie Brown and Joni Bouma for a heartwarming discussion about giving thanks. They reflect on small kindnesses, everyday graces, and the beauty in ordinary life. Listen for an inspiring online poetry slam and discover the power of gratitude practices in finding joy and meaning in life'...

Tara discusses the significance of All Saints Day and different ways to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Tara shares her personal practices of remembrance and introduces listeners to the life and poetry of Welsh poet Ruth Bidgood, who dedicated her work to remembering the people and places of Wales. The episode includes a reflection on Bidgood's poem 'The Pause' a...

Pastor Tara welcomes Heidi Marsh Stayboldt , artist and founder of Sanctuary & Table . They discuss the intersection of art, spirituality, and the celebration of Halloween. They reflect on the origins of Halloween, emphasizing community, creativity, and remembrance of loved ones. Heidi shares experiences from her travels and the impact of art in her spiritual journey, including a profound enco...

Join Tara in this episode of Holy Shenanigans, live from the Wild Goose Festival. Guests Charles Bretan and Natalie Hamrick, Ph. D. explore how Psalms, songs, poetry, and people help them navigate life's challenges. Hear touching personal stories, powerful poems, and reflective thoughts that inspire hope, strength, and the recognition of holy moments. Engage with a community that values conne...

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and Charles Bretan of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah in this live crossover from the Wild Goose Festival 2025. Dive into discussions about the intersection of faith, social justice, inclusion, and intentional living. This episode covers thought-provoking insights on engaging deeply with texts, the impact of compression culture, and personal storie...

Join Tara Eastman in this heartwarming episode recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2025, as she interviews Ellen Corcella, an ordained minister with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and author of the book Walk with Me . Ellen shares her transformative experience with Mary Oliver's poem 'Wild Geese,' which provided her with hope and clarity during a challenging time in her li...

Join Tara and her book club friends as they discuss the timeless wisdom of Madeleine L'Engle's 'A Wrinkle in Time.' Discover why this book remains vital today as a source of inspiration and insight into community, love, and inner strength. Hear personal reflections from Lynn, Ariel, and Janita on how the book has impacted their lives. Tara highlights the book's themes of v...

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and special guest Rachel Postler of Create Your Way Through as they delve into the importance of creativity and expressive arts in our lives. Rachel shares her journey from ministry and nonprofit work to founding Create Your Way Through , a unique space emphasizing the intersection of community and expressive arts. Discover how creative play can help us emotionally...

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman in this enriching episode of Holy Shenanigans as she delves into the concept of wholehearted living, inspired by the actions of Captain Marvel and the wisdom of Parker Palmer and Brene Brown. Discover Parker Palmer's 'Habits of the Heart' and learn how integrating mind, body, and spirit can strengthen individuals and communities. This episode also inv...

Join us on this week's episode of the Holy Shenanigans podcast as we share powerful stories of love, healing, and divine presence in everyday life. Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman converses with Colleen Viegnere, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Pennsylvania. Colleen shares her personal journey of navigating divorce, rediscovering self-love, and the vital role her faith and communi...