Pause/Play

Martial arts instructor, breathwork practitioner, and death doula Ritu Nanos joins Pause Play for a conversation on spiritual autobiography, midlife transformation, and finding restoration through play! *Note: there were some technical issues with Ritu's mic quality during recording, so parts of the interview are tougher to hear than normal. Ritu on Instagram _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paus...

United Methodist elder Sarah Heath joins Pause Play to talk ministry burnout, creativity, and play — drawing from her former podcast REVcovery podcast and her own experience stepping back from pastoral exhaustion. Plus: a preview of Theology Beer Camp 2026 (Oct 8–10, Kansas City). Learn more about Sarah | Revsarahheath.com _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Prea...

Dr. Chelsea Brooke Yarborough Rejoins us as we prepare for our Annual Gathering! (registration deadline June 1). We explore “micro rituals” of pause, attunement to the body as a loving signal rather than a problem, and the costs of living on adrenaline, perfectionism, and “macro” rest that arrives too late. Chelsea's Book: ⁠Proclamation Beyond the Pulpit: The Expansive Homiletical Practice of Blac...

**Get your Early-Bird tickets for our Annual Gathering!** ~Order by the end of April for $100 off!~ In this episode of the Pause/Play Podcast, Soyinka Rahim, explores the transformative power of play, collective spiritual practices, and love as a unifying force. We delve into improvisational movement, racial justice, and the importance of authentic self-expression in community. Soyinka's Website |...

In this episode of the Pause/Play Podcast, KJ Song, founder of Sing Praise and a passionate voice facilitator, reveals how embracing playfulness and releasing perfectionism can transform not only how you sing, but how you serve. KJ's Website | Kjsong.com KJ on Instagram | @Kjpraisesong _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠htt...

In this episode of the Pause/Play Podcast, Molly Brummett Wudel shares her insights on the importance of dialogical preaching, emphasizing the role of play in fostering meaningful discussions within the church. This ~dialogue~ encourages a deeper understanding of the church's role in contemporary society and the necessity of embracing playfulness in spiritual discussions. Molly's Church Website |...

In this episode of the Pause/Play Podcast, we sit down with Tripp Fuller, and explore the transformative power of play in preaching and ministry. From medieval battles to the theology of play, this conversation delves into the joy and vulnerability that play brings to our lives and faith. Find all things Tripp is doing @ Homebrewedchristianty.com _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter....

In this episode of the Pause/Play Podcast, we sit down with Ayrika Watson and Colleen Runty to delve into the profound importance of healing through play and grounding practices. They also explore the necessity of slowing down, befriending our nervous systems, and overcoming the discomfort associated with healing. Colleen's Website | Colleenrunty.com Ayrika's Simple Practive Page _______________ ⁠...

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we talk with I’m Rev. James Admans (they/them), also known as Rev. Marge (she/her) about their winding journey through spiritual leadership, entrepreneurship, writing, and the creative arts as a preacher and drag artist! Join us for this amazing discussion! Marge's Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/cw/theologyqueen Theologyqueen.com/about _______________ ⁠...

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we talk with DeAnna Skedel, exploring how to create playful and inviting spaces for creativity, the role of community in artistic expression, and the significance of environment in fostering creativity. DeAnna on Instagram | ⁠@Deannaskedel⁠ DeAnna's Artist Page | ⁠Artskcgo.com/artist/deanna-skedel⁠ Chapters 05:28 Exploring the Process Over Product 08:09 Cr...

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we're recapping our wonderful 2025 Pause Play Gathering! Stay up to date with next years gathering | Pauseplaycenter.com/conference _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Produced by J...

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we talk with Chelsea Brooke Yarbrough to explore the intersections of playfulness, creativity, and preaching. Chelsea shares her journey to discovering her calling as a preacher, emphasizing the importance of community, risk, and the transformative power of storytelling. Pre-order Chelsea's Book: Proclamation Beyond the Pulpit: The Expansive Homiletical Pr...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 2! Lora Andrews joins Casey and Amy in person, sharing the joy of founding Roots Church KC. Lora shares her journey as a queer pastor and her commitment to creating an inclusive church that centers the voices of LGBTQ, BIPOC, and young people. You don't want to miss this one :) Rootschurchkc.org Higlights! 07:06 Laura's Spiritual Journey and Call to Ministry 16:52 Pl...

We introduce Season 2 with an excellent conversation with Daniel Hilty, host of the Podcast Play Saves the World. Daniel shares his journey of rediscovering the joy of board games and how it became a powerful ministry tool that brings diverse people together. Tune in to learn how embracing play can foster connections, alleviate loneliness, and restore joy and grace in ministry and personal life. H...

Come To Our Annual Gathering in Kansas City!! https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/conference Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Spiritual Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationship to spiritual exhaustion and the complexities of preaching in a modern context. We invite all to find what it means to source spiritual rest for themselves. Come along for the journey!* Resources Mentioned:...

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Creative Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on the importance of nurturing creativity through practices like creative rest and artist dates, which help replenish the creative reserves necessary for effective preaching. Ultimately, we encouraging preachers to embrace their artistic identities and prioritize their creative well-being. Come to our second Pause Pl...

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Mental Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationship to their mental exhaustion, decision fatigue, and the complexities of preaching in a modern context. We invite all to find what it means to source mental rest for themselves. Come along for the journey! _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lill...

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Physical Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationship to their body, physicality, and find what it means to source physical rest for themselves. Come along for the journey! Macklen's Website | Macklenmayse.com Macklen on Instagram | @macklenmayse _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowme...

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Social Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationships and the energy dynamics involved, encouraging authenticity and playfulness in social spaces. Come along for the journey! _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www....

In this spontaneous conversation, Casey & Amy explore the emotional toll of the current political climate on clergy and communities, discussing feelings of heaviness, disappointment, and the need for rest and play as vital components of spiritual care. They emphasize the importance of addressing these feelings openly and the role of play and rest in navigating challenging times. _______________ ht...

In this episode of Pause/Play, we’re diving deep into the world of sensory rest and overload with our special guest, Jessica Nichols—a Kansas City-based therapist with a spiritual approach to self-care and boundaries. Jessica, a virtual sensation and a dear friend of our host Amy, shares her expert insights on balancing sensory input in a chaotic, tech-filled world. Join us as we explore how pasto...

This Pause/Play conversation delves into the emotional labor that pastors undertake, emphasizing the importance of emotional rest and the need for safe spaces where they can express their feelings. It discusses the challenges of maintaining boundaries, the impact of emotional exhaustion, and the significance of authenticity in preaching. The dialogue encourages pastors to embrace their emotions an...

Welcome to our conversation from the very first Pause/Play Gathering! We explore themes of play, pause, and the integration of these concepts into worship and daily life. Marcia McFee joins to express the importance of play in finding joy, healing, and connection, emphasizing the need to let go of expectations and embrace the freedom of improvisation. They also highlight the role of play in shifti...

Welcome to our Series on ~Rest~ Where does Rest fit into our roles as preachers? To kick off this ~rest~ series, we’re covering the full spectrum of rejuvenation. Many pastors juggle endless to-dos, feeling pressured to stay busy. The church often treats busyness as a badge of honor, overshadowing the magic of stillness. It fuels our well-being and spiritual growth, making us the best versions of...

It's time to ~PLAY~ In this episode, Casey and Amy talk about the importance of free play for adults and how societal norms impact our playfulness as we age. From solo imaginative play to team sports, we explore the different experiences of play within the Pause/Play community and their impact on our mental and physical health. We wrap up with a practical exercise you can integrate into your daily...