Radical Sacred

This delightful episode is all about Divine Animacy. Dive in as Jenny and Phil explore a "greener, plushier, spongier ways of being," (you'll understand this description as you listen). Also, not all that surprising, there is again an ode to trees in this week's episode and an invitation to understand life more as verbs and less as nouns. Questions to consider: When we recognize our connectedness...

This episode was a difficult one for Jenny and Phil. Their struggle around defining and identifying what feels sacred and masculine is rooted deeply in the spaces and places they were raised. Much of what they were handed about the sacred masculine was steeped in a white, western, patriarchal worldview that has been difficult to unpack. And yet, as they explored masculinity they were able to find...

This week Jenny and Phil begin a three part series, a trilogy if you will, discussing the concept of the Divine Feminine and its importance in spirituality. They discuss how each of them have come to not only understand, but also encounter the Divine Feminine, especially in unexpected places outside of typical church. They also explore how to tap into divine feminine energy, rethinking the narrow...

In this Valentine's Day/Ash Wednesday episode, Jenny and Phil discuss the life and ministry of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, with Rev. Elizabeth Moseley. They explore the concept of Wesley's heart being strangely warmed and how it transformed his faith and ministry. They highlight Wesley's emphasis on both personal faith, social holiness, and community engagement, as well as his ongoing j...

In this week's episode, Jenny and Phil discuss the importance of ancestors with Rev. William H. Lamar IV. They explore the role of ancestors in society, politics, and faith, as well as the fear associated with ancestor veneration. They explore the importance of facing and embracing our ancestral history, even the difficult and imperfect parts, emphacizing the need to avoid avoidance and shame, as...

This week Jenny and Phil talk with Rev. Mitchell Boone about Liberation Theology. Never heard of Liberation Theology? You are in good company and this conversation will be a lively introduction to a potentially offensive understanding of theology. Rev. Boone is the Senior Minister at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Dallas and beloved friend of both Jenny and Phil. During this episode the...

Jessica Brazeal is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and serves as the Chief Programs Officer at New Friends New Life as well as being co-owner of The Haven Wellness Center in Dallas . In this episode Jessica graciously talks with Jenny and Phil about the topic of Religious Trama: what it is, what are some of the signs of trauma, and how we can begin to leave religious spaces that are h...

This week Jenny and Phil sit down with Kelly Slaven to discuss the Stages of Change. Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Working Supervisor and co-owner of The Haven Wellness Center in Dallas, TX. It turns out change is hard. And, as the saying goes, "the only constant is change," thus this week's episode takes a deep dive into the Stages of Change, specifically how we can understand change and us...

What is mysticism? How is Christian Mysticism unique? What differentiates mysticism from a mystical experience. These are some of the driving questions Jenny and Phil explore as they talk through their own experiences and do their best to define that which feels undefinable. They reference mystics such as John O'Donohue and Mirabai Starr , and mention Harvey D. Egan's book An Anthology of Christia...

In this week's episode Jenny and Phil discuss the spirituality of birding. This isn't Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, nor is it a hobby you've only heard your grandma talk about. This conversation is an invitation to reconnect with the wonders of nature and a look into the roots of Jenny and Phil's love of nature and the connection it holds to their fathers. If you are new to birding, or birding cur...

Enjoy this BONUS New Year's Day edition of the podcast. It's a new year and Jenny and Phil thought it would be a good time to actually introduce themselves. They also discuss a fantastic question for the new year from Brene Brown, " What will make me feel more alive? Braver?" Jenny ends with a beautiful poem from Megan Falley , "A Wish for the New Year." Happy 2024. Cheers to (re)connecting to our...

The stories we tell have great power. Some stories are factual, at least to the best of our memory. Other stories are true, but not necessarily factual, these stories reveal something about human nature, the way of the world/universe, or what Marcus Borg called the truth behind the truth. Then there are stories that we continue to tell and/or liveout. Stories that perpetuate harm. Stories that ben...

On our first episode of Radical Sacred Jenny and Phil share how an encounter with a simple backyard mulberry tree invited us to remember our own sacred wisdom and deep belonging. When we pay attention to the expedient wisdom of the Mulberry Tree what could we learn about ourselves and the world around us? Remember, you are on sacred ground. Stay rooted!