Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

How do you think our personal beliefs and values shape the way we see the world? In this episode, as we continue to explore the theme of learning to see nature as a gardener, Brian explores the concept of worldviews with futurist Cassidy Steele Dale. They delve into the "Knight" and "Gardener" perspectives, examining how these contrasting ways of seeing the world impact our relationships, our fait...

What if the way we see nature could be the key to a more sustainable future?  In this two-part series, we're turning to see nature as a gardener. In this conversation, Brian speaks with two of his children, Brett and Rachel McLaren, about their love for nature and gardening. They discuss their childhood memories of exploring and appreciating the natural world, the joy and importance of gardening,...

How does time in nature benefit you? In this episode, Brian is in conversation with James White, Tony Jones, and Wes Granberg-Michaelson exploring the experiences and perspectives of those who have awe-inspiring experiences with the transformative power of being in nature. Together, they reflect on the meaning of fishing and hunting, the connection to our ancestral roots, the contrast between the...

How do you feel when you witness the destruction of creation? In this episode, Brian interviews Teresa Martella, an environmental scientist and spiritual ecologist, about the interconnectedness of ecology and spirituality. Together they discuss the ecological crisis, climate change, and the deep grief that comes with witnessing the destruction of the natural world. Teresa shares her personal journ...

How does the connection between nature and spirituality influence your understanding of the environment and the challenges that it faces? In the next two-part series, we're exploring a new way of seeing nature, as a doctor -- but not in the traditional sense. Through conversations with academics, activists, scientists and spiritual directors, we're examining the issues facing our climate and as we...

What shapes the connection between your inner and outer landscapes?   On the second part of seeing nature like a lover, Brian interviews a non-profit leader in sustainable development, Miriam Smith. In this episode, Miriam shares her powerful story of growing up in Chad during a civil war. She discusses how these experiences shaped her perspective on life and instilled a deep passion for nature an...

What can you do, big or small, to create a positive impact on the planet? In this episode, Brian interviews Scott Smith, a retired wildlife ecologist, about his career in conservation and the importance of protecting the natural world. Scott shares his early love for nature and how it led him to become a wildlife ecologist. He discusses the work of conservation, including habitat preservation, spe...

What sparks your sense of wonder in the natural world?  In this episode, we're continuing our exploration of learning how to see like a scientist with botanist and author Susan Tweit. Brian McLaren and Susan Tweit explore how a hike in the Badlands sparked Susan's passion for sharing nature's wonders. In this conversation, they explore the power of science and storytelling as a way of deepening ou...

Can we look at nature with both wonder and a scientist's eye? In this episode, we're learning how to see nature from the perspective of a scientist. In Part 1, Author and professor Paul Wallace joins Brian to explore the intersection of science and spirituality in the natural world. Together, they discuss the awe-inspiring scale of the universe, the contemplative nature of scientific inquiry, and...

What can children teach us about loving nature? In the first episode of season 6, three of Brian’s grandchildren — Ella, Ada, and Lucas — drop by to talk about how to take responsibility and care for the planet. In this conversation, we see the from the perspective of a child as three of Brian's grandchildren highlight the impact of climate change through a shared love of animals and emphasizing t...

Welcome to the sixth season of Learning How to See which focuses on learning how to see nature in a new way. In this season, we'll look at nature through the lens of a child, a scientist, a lover, a doctor, a seeker, and a gardener. The goal is to develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world. We need to see every tree and stone, every bird and fish, every stream and prairie a...

What if we could reimagine the future of storytelling? In the last episode of Season 5 of Learning How to See, join in the conversation about how to create a new kind of space in which we can all participate in shifting our world towards greater Love and justice.   Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. To learn more about Gareth Higgins, click here. To learn more about Bria...

How do you embrace the wisdom of letting go? In this episode, Brian and Gareth explore the power of sharing to explore the Accumulation Story, a justification of our human need to hold onto things, people, and circumstances.  Gareth explains: “This is a story about money and fear. It's a story about being possessed by things rather than enjoying and sharing them. And it's a story nested within a b...

How do you tell the story of a time you have been wronged or betrayed?  Many of us experience victimization. But when does "victim" become an outdated part of our identity? Brian McLaren offers us: “If victims allow themselves to take an offramp from their victimizing stories, they embrace another way to define their lives.”   We're continuing forward with powerful explorations of storytelling as...

“To be fully in the world is to believe that we can love other people and places more than we fear them.” –Gareth Higgins   Have you convinced yourself that you are better off alone? Today we're exploring the dynamics of the Isolation Story — the belief that we can avoid pain by avoiding others. As Gareth Higgins explains, “While it may not be physically violent, the Isolation Story is more than h...

“Almost everybody who does evil has convinced themselves that they are doing good.” —Brian McLaren   Have you ever convinced yourself that an unloving act was justified? In this episode, we're asking ourselves the tough questions and peeling back the layers of the Purification Story — a narrative with complex dynamics that can lead us to harmful interactions with others and ourselves.   Resources:...

“If you want a better world, tell a better story — especially one that centers justice without vengeance.” –Gareth Higgins  How do we tell stories that offer us the best chance of creating a more peaceful and loving reality? In this episode of Learning How to See, we're exploring stories of revolution. Although these tales often contain values of heroism and liberty, they are more likely to feed i...

“Stories shape our reality, whether they are true or not.” —Gareth Higgins  What if you told the story of your life differently? Explore the powerful influence of stories in shaping our experiences in the newest season of Learning How to See with Brian McLaren and Gareth Higgins.  In this episode, we explore the Domination Story, a way of understanding our world that distorts our relationships wit...

“Becoming conscious of the stories we’re telling can be lifesaving to individuals and entire cultures.”—Gareth Higgins  How do you recount life’s biggest triumphs and failures? What about your deepest loves and biggest betrayals? In this season, we'll be exploring the power of storytelling to help create a more just and loving world.  This season, Brian McLaren dives into conversation with the co-...

Have your spiritual views impacted your romantic relationships? In the next episode of our listener questions series, Brian and the team examine how our faith often impacts our relationships. Together, they respond to listener questions from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to help the listeners understand how to navigate the challenges these situations can bring.  Today’s conversation sen...

In this third episode of listener questions, Brian and the team respond to questions that came in centered around Jesus and theology. A listener writes, “I've been questioning the virgin birth and resurrection. As of now, I believe that Jesus was an amazing prophet who was so in touch with God’s spirit that he could do miracles, and his teachings were life changing. Would you let me know how you f...

What does community look like when our faith shifts? “If I support my grandson who is gay, what do I do with my Catholic faith?” Brian, and the team from the Center for Action and Contemplation reflect on questions that came in around community. Resources: A transcript for this episode can be found here.

The topic of questions related to this listener questions episode is on actions and beliefs, and if God intervenes. Listeners wrote in with questions such as: “Does God intervene? Does Jesus heal? What am I doing when I pray for people? What precisely is the gospel? If I only had more faith, prayed the right prayer, and believed the Bible literally, maybe these awful things like the death of my yo...

Who reminds you of who you really are—even during dark times? Jacqui and Barbara are back, together, to explore ways to stay human amid fear and uncertainty.   In this last episode exploring the chapters of 'How', these conversation partners explore the importance of humanity at the core of an authentic faith journey. Whether or not you continue to call yourself Christian—or a member of any other...

What is your response when your faith tradition demands that you deny reality? Barbara Brown Taylor is back to discuss the importance of embracing “what is” more than adhering to our beliefs. This episode is based on 27th chapter of Do I Stay Christian?, Stay Loyal to Reality. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here.