God Talk with Medene and James

In this episode we talk a little about Astro-theology; ideas surrounding fertility religions; dominion vs dependence, and our responsibility to the Earth as good stewards. This is an episode to think deeply about as it relates to our human relationship to all of creation. Be ready to learn; be ready to introspect; be ready to do God Talk with Medene and James! As always, read Laudato Si 🌱

This episode calls us to explore the world of comparative mythology; the Document Hypothesis Theory, and ancient cosmology; all found in Genesis 1. Many are shocked to know that there are competing creation stories; we analyze the first in this episode. We attempt to discuss the ingredients that made/make meaning for various people-groups the world over and for all time. We are not interested in s...

This episode explores an intimate moment between Jesus and his disciple, Simon Peter (John 21), in regards to their love for one another, and how Jesus meets us where we are, no matter where we are seated on the love train. This exploration begs the questions: do we love the Lord, as we should, and how should we better love our neighbors, as well as ourselves? Brilliant religious educator and narr...

Through all of our choices in life, we go deeper into our humanity. Through all of our experiences, we journey further into the purpose of our lives. Mr. Mark Knell, co-founder of the 'Table Read Podcast’ and long time television producer, helps us to become more conscious of the ways we can lean into the challenges of life and maximize our own potential. Moreover, he pulls inspiration from Jesus’...

When studying Romans 16:1-2, we are forced to think about a few important questions: who is truly called to do “diaconal work”; is Phoebe ordained, and can women be deacons in the church? Leading Catholic scholar on women in ministry, Dr. Phyllis Zagano, Hofstra University in New York, helps us respond to these concerns in a more faithful and prophetic way. Dr. Zagano helps us better hear and unde...

We're reading the Bible with friends! And Friend, we hope you've been blessed so far. This is a week to get caught up on interviews you may have missed. Next week....Dr. Phyllis Zagano joins us!

What is "the Word of God"? Is it the Bible? Is it Jesus? Or is it a cosmic Love language/energy force, expressing Itself in a multitude of ways through our world? Let's take theo-cosmic ride through John 1 with a brilliant scholar, religious sister, and (modern-day) Christian mystic, Sr. Darlene Kawulok, CSJ. This is Sr. Dar's second time on God Talk; she a great friend to the podcast, and happens...

John 11 invites us into one of the most deeply human and intimate moments in the life of Jesus, the story of Lazarus. We meet a savior who does not remain distant from human pain, but steps directly into it, weeping alongside Mary and Martha. Jesus reveals his power over death, but more than that, enlists his followers to dispel it and free those who are bound. Our friend, Russ Petrus, the executi...

If we read with Mary, will we be linked more closely to God? The Bible tells Mary's story primarily in the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 1. There we find Mary's longest speaking lines - The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Spoken by Mary during her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat expresses deep joy, humility, and trust in God’s saving power. Mary links her life story with the story of Hannah, who...

God Talk Season 3 starts on April 7! Welcome to Bible Study with Friends. We will read the scriptures together with dear friends, studying God's Word and praying with the Spirit to receive the Living Word in our lives today.

Self-promotion 🤳salesmanship 💸 commercialization 🤑 busyness 🏃‍➡️ Arguing, fighting, violence, hatred, war 💥💥💥 Why make another podcast? Won't we just add to the noise? 🔉🔉 🤲 We exist as a response to our spiritual calling. We seek to: 🔵 Expand Consciousness 🔵 Raise the Level of Theological Conversation 🔵 Practice & Model Community and Cultural Engagement This is God Talk. 🎧 We lov...

Cradle Catholics raised on the prairie of Northwest Iowa, Connie Koeck and Beth Derr are true Midwest gals. Educators, moms, and church choir members, these women credit the influence of their parents - James' grandparents - for shaping them to be active in faith and good works. As we discuss their past, present, and future, the sacredness of life and our life stories is evident. Each of us are ch...

Medene pops off on things happening in the world. Take it or leave it, but here's his perspective! ICE, Zorhan Mamdani, Inflation, Venezuela, Fellowship, Volunteerism, and more.

Trying to balance the soul enriching formation of small town country folks with the hustle and bustle of big city adulting. James gives insight into his self and soul by exploring his vocational call to Christian ministry, his self-actualization as a gay man, and his sacred call to serve the Lord and His Church/Creation. From Kentucky to Los Angeles, James details the conscious transformation he h...

How do we bring our questions to God, about God, and how do we question the “answers”? In this episode we unpack the things we are taught and told about faith, religion, and spirituality, in attempt to make sense of it all. Do we believe in God in the ways we were told we are "supposed to", and how has that changed for us over time? Family trauma is explored; church hurt is re-examined, and our em...

So many hide who they are in the church out of fear: fear of persecution; fear of ostracism, and more! What does it look like to live without fear; without self-judgment; self-hatred? A great theological educator, Jared Anderson-Minor, of Los Angeles helps us live further into this brave and Godly proud reality, while also speaking truth to power! Listen to his story; hear his intentions, and then...

After decades of abortion cemeteries, clinic rosaries, and trodding middle and high school students to DC marches, the Archdiocese and Archbishop of Boston have drawn a sacral line against ethical-political engagement at a simple sign pointing to the realities of ICE in 2025. The real story of Christmas is one of danger and vulnerability in the face of empire, of an out-of-town pregnant mother den...

Tyler Bieber, author and higher education administrator, has penned a new book detailing the life of one of America's first Catholic priests to openly minister to LGBTQ people, Fr. Tom Oddo, CSC. A capable speaker and professor, Fr. Tom's first major pastoral audience was Dignity USA, the groundbreaking national organization for LGBTQ Catholics. He served warmly and bravely, bringing light to many...

These four short weeks before Christmas can be for more than shopping and full calendars. Colder days and longer nights are a summons to contemplate our existence in God.

The late Pope Francis, through the ethics of Catholic Social Teaching, challenged the world often to “care for the common home (Earth)”, and engage in dialogue for how we are shaping the future of our planet. One person that does this work very well is Jill Mather, founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities, a major community service based organization in Los Angeles County. Every single day volun...

God Talk attends the @IgnatianSolidarity annual event, the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice, in Washington, DC and advocates for human rights, the planet, and non-violence on Capitol Hill. It was a trip of community building, spiritual growth, and action for social justice. Many blessings! Lots of work to do!

The problem of ‘suffering’ is one of the deepest theological questions humanity has, universally. Why do bad things happen in a “good world” created, maintained, and sustained by a “good God”? This conundrum often causes us to lose faith and forsake hope. In this episode, we want to touch on that reality, while also lifting up another: the color purple. How can recognizing beauty and the vibrancy...

Our lives are Theo-dramas, lived and expressed as best we can. We have to be honest about who we are; what happened to us, and how we are responding to it. As you listen to our Theo-journeys (journeys in God), think more about your own. What happened to you; why did that happen, and how are you responding to it…in/with GOD in mind?! Welcome to season 2 of God Talk with Medene and James!

Welcome to Season 2 of God Talk with Medene & James! The first episode of Season 2 drops on Tuesday, November 11. Here's a preview of the season - all dedicated to the sacred stories of our lives.

We culminate an awesome inaugural season of our podcast with levity, inspiration, and the ideas that matter most to us. We examine what propels our desire to seek justice in the world, supporting the most vulnerable among us. We look back on season 1 and all the memorable moments of truth and spiritual empowerment. And we share stories from the experiences that shaped us into who we are. This firs...