The Radiant Soul

Is God’s love truly without end? In this episode of The Friary , I sit down with David Burnfield, author of Patristic Universalism , and his wife Wendy, who shares about this ancient hope on Instagram. Together we explore the roots of universalism in the early church, what the Fathers taught about ultimate restoration, and why this conversation is far from new. We also talk about their own faith j...

In this episode of The Friary , Brother Jay welcomes D. T. Bryant, priest at St. Mary of Bethany Parish, spiritual director at The Center for Hope and Healing in Nashville, and co-founder of the Black Mental Health Counselor Reparations Foundation. He is also the author of Unless a Seed Falls to the Ground: Welcoming the Death of the Whiteness Gospel . Together they explore Danny’s upbringing, the...

Join your ever-curious Franciscan brother Br. Jay in The Friary as we dig into the radical gift of staying rooted in a world obsessed with moving on. We’re here with Rev. Lydia Sohn, author of Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving , exploring why true freedom might just come from putting down roots, not packing your bags. Expect an honest, faith-filled conversation about restless...

Sometimes resting feels guilty, revolutionary, or just plain impossible. In this episode of The Friary , Br. Jay shares personal stories of obsessive faith, walks, and naps that became acts of holy resistance. Along the way, we meet saints who mastered the art of stillness, hear scripture that cheers us on to pause, and learn how taking five minutes (or a nap) can actually be radical. Warning: you...

Two Franciscans from the Order of Saint Francis join me to talk vocation, discernment, and Saint Francis himself—with lighthearted moments that remind us holiness doesn’t have to be too serious. Brother Andrew, OSF , lives in New York City with his husband. He is a Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, serving at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery. With the Archdeacon of the Diocese, he co-fou...

Justin Telthorst joins The Friary to talk faith, sexuality, and what it means to love a Church that often doesn’t know what to do with you. A gay Catholic and former missionary, Justin founded Empty Chairs to create space for LGBTQ+ Catholics to stay rooted without compromising their dignity. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, we explore spiritual resilience, why he hasn’t left the Churc...

Can you stay rooted in a faith tradition even when you disagree with some of its teachings? What does it mean to follow your conscience and still be faithful? In this episode, Brother Jay talks with Salina Bear: a Catholic feminist, lay theologian, and content creator about the complex and often misunderstood role of conscience in the life of faith. Together, they explore what it means to honor tr...

What if Jesus was never meant to be trapped in dogma or confined to Sunday mornings? In this episode, author and mystic Keith Giles joins us to talk about his journey from evangelical pastor to spiritual freedom-seeker. We explore the process of deconstruction, the Cosmic Christ, and the hidden gospels—Thomas, Mary, and Truth—that open doors to a deeper, non-dual vision of faith. Whether you'r...

In this episode, Br. Jay talks with author and contemplative Carl McColman about his winding spiritual journey, from Lutheran roots and pagan circles to his Roman Catholicism with Buddhist insights and becoming a lay Cistercian. They explore the meaning of mysticism, the value of interfaith wisdom, the tension between institutions and inner experience, and the healing power of silence and story. C...

In this four-parts in one episode of The Friary , Br. Jay opens up about his unexpected return to Christianity, being an Anglo-Catholic, a Franciscan-in-formation, and yes, still very much himself. From a letter to his closeted, anxious teenage self to the beauty of an ecumenical Pride service, from saints who played practical jokes to a week of both Eucharist and tater tots, this one’s for the sp...

Was Jesus gentle or fierce? The answer might depend on who was standing in front of him. In this 3-minute reflection, we look at how Jesus responded to the hurting—and to the proud.

In this first episode under our new name, The Friary , Br. Jay shares the story behind the change and the quiet shift that’s been happening in my life and soul. Then he offers a spoken word reflection on awe, wonder, and the God who shows up in grocery lines, golden skies, and steaming cups of tea. Come on in, there’s space for you here.

What if church had no walls and the sermon came from the wind in the trees? In this episode of Neon Alchemist, Brother Jay sits down with author and eco-theologian Victoria Loorz, author of Church of the Wild and Field Guide to Church of the Wild, to talk wild churches, sacred conversations with nature, and why John 1 might not be about “the Word” but about a divine conversation echoing through cr...

What if following Jesus didn’t mean signing up for a religion, but learning a way of living, rooted in compassion, simplicity, and deep connection with others and the earth? In this episode, we explore the radical love Jesus showed to outsiders and misfits, how he resisted judgment and embraced mercy, and the quiet spirituality he practiced in nature. It’s an invitation to return to what’s real, n...

What if God isn’t a one-way message, but a Conversation that never stopped? In this episode of Neon Alchemist , we explore the ancient Greek word Logos from John 1 and how it might mean more than just “Word.” Could it mean Conversation ? And what does that change about prayer, creation, and the Christ who walked among us? Join us for a mystical deep dive that blends biblical Greek, Richard Rohr’s...

Is it possible that God is showing up... where you least expect it? In this gentle and slightly mischievous episode of Neon Alchemist , Brother Jay takes us on a contemplative stroll through sidewalk violets, kitchen sinks, cab rides, and even a Taco Bell — yes, really — to explore the idea that the whole world might be sacramental. Rooted in the earthy spirituality of St. Francis, the poetry of M...

In this tender reflection, Brother Jay shares his quiet return to the Christian path through sacred rhythms, the Daily Office, and the healing mystery of the Eucharist. For anyone who has wandered, wondered, or felt too far from faith, this episode offers a gentle invitation to come home—not with certainty, but with peace. You were never lost. The table was always set. And you are already welcome.

What if the wilderness isn’t punishment, but invitation? In this episode, we wander through the spiritual landscapes of uncertainty, doubt, and dryness—those seasons when the old compass stops working and the path disappears beneath our feet. Drawing from Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, the wisdom of mystics, and our own very human struggles, we ask: What happens when we stop trying to get somew...

This episode explores what happens after spiritual deconstruction—when the dust settles and the work of rebuilding begins. With warmth, wit, and honesty, it reflects on how faith can be reclaimed, reimagined, and reconstructed without shame or fear. For anyone navigating a new spiritual path or finding beauty in old truths with fresh eyes, this episode offers insight and encouragement.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in a Sufi way? In this episode of Neon Alchemist , I sit down with poet and beekeeper Chris Isa Muscat, whose journey is shaped by the mystical heart of God. We explore his spiritual path, the wisdom of Sufi and Christian mystics, and how love and longing fuel the search for the Divine. Tune in for a deep, soulful, and poetic conversation.

In this episode the Neon Alchemist interviews Luke Bricker, a former pastor who grew up in evangelical mega-churches.  Bricker recounts his journey of deconstructing his inherited faith.  He discusses his early beliefs, teenage rebellion, and the experiences that led him to a different understanding of Christianity and spirituality.  The conversation explores his transition from traditional evange...

What exactly is a spiritual coach, and how does coaching help people navigate life’s toughest challenges? In this episode, Neon Alchemist sits down with Tamisha Arrendell , a spiritual coach specializing in working with men and relationship dynamics. From breaking unhealthy patterns to finding deeper connection and purpose, we explore how spiritual and life coaching works , why it’s not just thera...

An Ash Wednesday service with a casket at the center sets the stage for this episode on Lent, mortality, and the unexpected pull back toward Christianity. Exploring the history and traditions of Lent with humor and honesty, this episode dives into the struggle of returning to faith after past wounds—why it’s terrifying, why it’s compelling, and why the smells, bells, and Jesus himself just won’t l...

n this episode of Neon Alchemist , Pax dives into the powerful role of intention in creating the life you desire. Learn how setting clear, heart-centered intentions can guide your spiritual journey, enhance your personal growth, and align your daily actions with your deepest desires. Whether you're looking to manifest your goals, deepen your spiritual practice, or simply live with more purpose...

Ever wondered if spirits are watching your every move? In this revealing conversation with Medium Stephen Patrick, we dive into the world of spirit guides, psychic experiences, and the unseen forces around us. Get ready for a mix of insight and humor as we explore questions about the afterlife, intuition, and whether spirits really have an eye on our most private moments. Tune in for an eye-openin...