The Sacred Sofa

For the final episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace reflect on what they’ve learned through bringing Christian faith, theology, Scripture, psychology, and therapy into honest conversation with one another. Together, they explore why faith does not make us less human, why self-awareness can feel both unsettling and liberating, why healing often unfolds more slowly than we hope, and why being f...

On this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace unpack a quietly radical idea: what if the problem isn’t you — but the impossible standard of what it means to be human? Together, they explore the tension between who we are and who we think we should be, diving into inner conflict, self-protective patterns, and the relentless pressure to “fix” ourselves. They speak candidly about shame, the limi...

As the holidays draw closer, grief often becomes louder—not because it’s out of control, but because we keep asking it to stay quiet at the table. In Part 2 of our conversation with registered psychotherapist Suzanne Trotman , we move beyond well-meaning clichés and vague advice to explore what grief actually is—and why so many people feel like they’re doing it “wrong.” Together, Brad and Grace un...

In this two-part conversation on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into one of life’s unavoidable storylines: tragedy—and the grief that follows 💔. Joined by registered psychotherapist Suzanne Trotman , whose professional work is deeply shaped by her own losses, they explore what grief really is (spoiler: it’s not something you simply “get over”), why it shows up far beyond death, and how ill-...

We’re taking a short pause, but don’t worry — we’ll be back soon with something truly special for the holiday season. Cozy up, make some tea, and get ready to join us on December 11 for a heartfelt holiday episode featuring a very special guest. Stay tuned… this is one you won’t want to miss. 🎄💛

This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace wrap up the seven great plotlines with Rebirth—a storyline that doesn’t begin with adventure or catastrophe, but with captivity… those moments when the life we’ve been living simply stops working. From Nicodemus’ nighttime visit to Jesus 🌙 to Scrooge’s ghostly wake-up call 👻 to Andy Dufresne’s long walk toward freedom 🚶‍♂️⛓️, they explore how fear, p...

This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into a different kind of tragedy—the slow, self-made kind that sneaks up on us through good intentions gone unchecked. They explore how our greatest strengths—ambition, compassion, confidence—can quietly turn against us when boundaries blur and wisdom gets left out of the story. 🌱 From King David’s downfall 👑 to Walter White’s unraveling to today...

The Sacred Sofa is taking a little breather this week — because even sacred conversations need time to rest and reflect. 🕊️ Brad and Grace will be back next week with a brand-new episode you won’t want to miss!

This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace are riding high on Blue Jays adrenaline as they dive into the sacred comedy at the heart of faith — not the stand-up kind, but the kind that transforms confusion into clarity, disguise into recognition, and separation into reunion. From Sarah’s laughter at the absurd promise of new life to the healing power of humour amid our contradictions, this episod...

What happens when you come home and realize that neither home nor you are quite the same? In this episode, Brad and Grace dive into the timeless “Voyage and Return” story—spanning Cast Away to the Prodigal Son—exploring how journeys of loss, deconstruction, and rediscovery reshape our sense of home, love, and belonging. They explore what it truly means to return after change: navigating disorienta...

Every great story begins with a call — that quiet whisper that says, there’s more than this. In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace journey into the Quest plotline — that timeless story where companions set out toward a distant goal, face trials and temptations, and discover that the true treasure is inner transformation. From Abraham’s call to leave home to Moana’s voyage across the s...

From Cinderella to Slumdog Millionaire, from The Ugly Duckling to Rocky — we’ve always been drawn to the story of transformation, the journey from obscurity to glory. But what if this timeless story is more than a tale of fame and fortune? What if it’s a reflection of our deepest spiritual longing — to be seen, known, and valued? In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace explore the “Rags...

Why do monster stories never go out of style? From Gilgamesh to Jaws, Harry Potter to Stranger Things, humanity has always told stories of heroes facing overwhelming threats. In this first episode of our Narratology series, Brad and Grace unpack why the “Overcoming the Monster” storyline is so universal—and so personal. What monsters are we really fighting today? Fear, shame, addiction, cynicism?...

What’s your story—and how do you tell it? In the opening episode of our new season of Narratology: The Stories We Live By, Grace and Brad explore the idea of the narrative self—that inner storyline that helps us make sense of life. ✨ Together, they unpack why it’s so hard to pin down a plotline, how conflict shapes who we are, and why reframing struggle as part of a story can bring both meaning...

In the season finale of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace turn down the volume of the world to tune into the subtle voices that shape our lives. 🛋️👂 From marketing messages to childhood wounds, social scripts to the spiritual realm, they explore the quiet “whispers” that influence how we think, feel, and live. Are your thoughts truly your own—or are they echoes from culture, trauma, or something de...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace welcome back Karla Drader for a thoughtful exploration of prayer as a path through illusion and into truth. 🙏🛋️ Together, they reflect on how prayer can help us unravel the false narratives we carry—about ourselves, others, and God—and gently guide us toward greater clarity, surrender, and connection. They also share their own unique approaches t...

This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace are joined by Karla Drader —pastor, spiritual director, and returning guest—for a deep and honest conversation about the illusions we carry through life. 🛋️✨ Together, they explore two major illusions that often shape how we see ourselves, others, and God—and how letting go of these illusions can move us toward greater truth, clarity, and freedom. With...

After mapping the terrain of our loneliness, this week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace take the next step: identifying the barriers that keep us from true intimacy. 🛋️💔 Why do we still feel lonely—even when we’re not alone? In this episode, they unpack some of the most common roadblocks to connection: 😐 Boredom that dulls our sense of engagement 🤐 Unspoken and unrealistic expectations that g...

The Sacred Sofa is back! 🛋️ In this episode, Brad & Grace dive into one of the most deeply felt but often misunderstood human experiences: loneliness. 💭💔 Together, they explore five distinct expressions of loneliness— 1️⃣ Alienation 2️⃣ Restlessness 3️⃣ Fantasy 4️⃣ Rootlessness 5️⃣ Depression By mapping these layers, Grace & Brad offer a gentle, reflective framework to better understand...

In this next mini-series, Brad & Grace will gently unpack one of the most universal—and often unspoken—human experiences: loneliness. 💭💔 Together, they’ll explore where it shows up in our lives, why it matters, and how we can navigate it with honesty, compassion, and connection.   ✨ Tune in for thoughtful conversations that meet you right where you are.   #TheSacredSofa #Loneliness #FaithAn...

The Sacred Sofa is taking a short break over the Easter season, but don’t worry—we’ll be back with a new episode on Thursday, May 1! 🐣🌿 Brad & Grace will continue exploring The Flourishing Life by diving into the narratives that define us—the stories we live by, and the ones we could choose instead. 📖✨ What stories have shaped your identity, relationships, and choices? And are there health...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace welcome back Karla Drader to explore the transformative power of hospitality. 🌿💛 Building on our previous conversation about recognizing and managing hostility, Karla introduces the idea of inner hospitality—a heart-centered openness that goes beyond simply welcoming guests. 🏡✨ Drawing from Henri Nouwen’s Reaching Out, they discuss: 🤲 Culti...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Grace & Brad welcome Karla Drader for a deep dive into hostility—how it shows up in our lives, its roots in fear & insecurity, and how we can transform it into something healthier. 💭🔥 Drawing from Henri Nouwen’s framework and biblical insights, they explore the fine line between hostility & assertiveness, the importance of self-awareness, and the r...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace conclude their exploration of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount by unpacking the powerful metaphor of building a house on a strong foundation. 🏠🌿 Hardships come to everyone, but those with a solid foundation—rooted in wisdom, integrity, and community—can withstand life’s storms. ⛈️💪 Grace shares insights from her work as a therapist, highlighting th...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace dive into one of the most powerful images from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: the wide and narrow paths. 🚶‍♂️🛤️ Is this passage really about heaven and hell, or is Jesus offering us a roadmap for a flourishing life? 🤔✨ Brad & Grace explore the connection between the Golden Rule and the narrow path, unpacking how self-centeredness leads to is...