The Sacred Sofa

Judgment—it’s something we all experience and participate in, often without even realizing it. But what did Jesus really mean when he said, “Do not judge”? 🤔⚖️ In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace explore the difference between judgment and being judgmental, how feeling judged impacts mental health, and what it means to approach others with curiosity and compassion rather than con...

Worry—it’s that constant background noise in our minds, playing through worst-case scenarios and endless “what-ifs” like a never-ending playlist. 🎶💭 But is all worry bad? And what can we do when it starts to take over? In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace dive into the psychology of worry, Jesus' strategy for dealing with it, and why our brains are wired for anxious thoughts. 🧠...

We are back! In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into the profound wisdom of Matthew 7:7-11—"Ask, Seek, Knock"—and explore how curiosity and questioning are essential to faith, growth, and transformation. 🤔🔍🚪 They discuss the tension between seeking answers and holding beliefs with humility, touching on personal stories, neuroscience, and the teachings of Jesus. Through deep...

Money—it’s one of the most personal and often taboo topics in our lives. In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into the emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of money. How do our early experiences shape our financial beliefs? Why does money carry so much emotional weight? And how can we develop a healthier, more intentional relationship with it? Join us as we explore the p...

What do personal character, secrets, and spiritual practices have in common? 🤔 This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into Jesus’ teachings on fasting and uncover how this ancient practice connects to modern struggles with authenticity, trust, and approval. How do secrets shape our relationships? Can fasting teach us something deeper about our spiritual and human nature? And how do we...

Every day, we’re being shaped—by big tech algorithms, polarized politics, media, and family systems. The culture around us forms who we are, whether we realize it or not. But what if prayer offers an entirely different kind of formation? In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace explore Jesus’ teaching on prayer, asking the big questions: Why should we pray? How do we pray? Discover how p...

The Sacred Sofa begins the new year with a deep dive into the growing generosity deficit. Canadians are giving less than ever—a trend influenced by economic pressures and a decline in religious participation. In this episode, Brad and Grace explore the reasons behind this shift, examine how not to give, and uncover why generosity is essential for our well-being and the flourishing life. Start your...

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But what happens when your reality doesn’t match the festive ideal? In this final episode of 2024, Brad and Grace discuss the struggles many face during the holidays—family tensions, grief, loss, and the loneliness that can accompany this season. Join them for an honest and compassionate conversation about how to na...

In a world where loneliness is on the rise, the solution might seem counterintuitive: what if embracing solitude could actually heal our sense of isolation? In this follow-up to their deep dive into loneliness, Brad and Grace welcome back special guest Karla Drader to explore the transformative power of solitude. Together, they discuss the difference between loneliness and solitude, and how choosi...

Loneliness is more than just a feeling—it's become a silent epidemic affecting millions over the past 30 years. But could there be more to this emotion than meets the eye? In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace sit down with special guest Karla Drader to dive into the intricacies of loneliness. Together, they explore its roots, its impact on our well-being, and the surprising ways it m...

"Love your enemy"—arguably one of Jesus' most challenging teachings. But how does this radical idea contribute to a flourishing life? On this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace unpack this profound lesson, exploring its meaning and impact. Tune in to hear their insights on embracing love in even the hardest of circumstances. #LoveYourEnemy #RadicalLove #TheSacredSofa #PathToFlourishing

In life, being hurt or offended is inevitable. But how we respond to these wounds can make all the difference. On this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace explore how Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, paired with insights from contemporary psychology and wisdom, offers a path to healing and flourishing. Tune in to discover how to navigate life's hurts in a way that promotes growth and restoration...

When it comes to the Good Life, our words might seem secondary. But for Jesus and the early Christians, the way we speak reveals a lot about who we are. Join Brad and Grace on The Sacred Sofa as they unpack why our words matter more than we think and share practical tips for taming the tongue. Discover how mindful speech can transform not only our relationships but also our spiritual journey. #Min...

What truly drives us to cheat? If secrets and lies form the core of every affair, the path to infidelity begins long before any physical boundary is crossed. In this week’s episode, Brad and Grace dive deep into the inner world of desire, exploring how unchecked thoughts and hidden narratives shape our actions. Why is it essential to confront and understand these impulses? And how can self-awarene...

Throughout history, infidelity has carried the harshest consequences, punishable by death in many cultures—and still in twelve countries today. While we don’t worry about an affair costing us our life in the West, the heavy stigma and societal costs around cheating persist. So why, despite the risks, do people still stray? In this episode, hosts Brad and Grace dive into the pressures and complexit...

In this second part of Anger Unpacked, Grace and Brad and take a deeper dive into the science of anger. After exploring different perspectives in the previous episode, they now focus on the physiological and psychological aspects of this complex emotion. What are the benefits and risks of anger? And how can we harness it in healthy ways? Listen in as Grace and Brad get personal, sharing how they’r...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Jesus' focus on our emotional world takes center stage as Brad and Grace dive deep into the unique challenge of anger. How does this powerful emotion shape our pursuit of a flourishing life? From Brene Brown and Jordan Peterson to the ancient Stoics and early church apostles, Brad and Grace explore different perspectives on anger—and discover they don’t quite ag...

Just as Jesus is about to reveal some of the most practical insights in his sermon, he throws up what seems like a roadblock—hypocrisy. Join Brad and Grace on this episode of The Sacred Sofa as they delve into how living a divided life often prevents us from experiencing true flourishing. What does it mean to live with integrity, and how does hypocrisy hold us back? Tune in to explore these questi...

In this second episode, Brad and Grace continue their quest for the good life, turning to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount for inspiration. The Beatitudes offer a radical vision of flourishing that disrupts modern ideas of success and happiness. Could these ancient blessings hold the key to a more profound wisdom? Join the conversation as they imagine the perfect day, explore insights from Yale Universi...

In search of the Good Life, Brad and Grace begin their journey with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where the Beatitudes seem to offer a vision of flourishing that challenges our modern assumptions. Could these surprising statements hold the key to deeper wisdom? In this episode, they explore what it means to truly thrive, diving into visions of the perfect day, insights from Yale University's most po...

This season, Grace and Brad are in pursuit of the Good Life. In this episode, The Philosophy of Life, they explore how a personal philosophy of life can guide us toward human flourishing. Discover how Stoic philosophy has inspired modern psychotherapy, why we tend to compartmentalize different aspects of our lives, and how the roles of sage and philosopher have evolved over the centuries. Whether...

In the second season of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace embark on a deep dive into the concept of "The Good Life." Together, they’ll explore the question of what it means to truly flourish as a human being. Is happiness something we should seek? And if so, how do we cultivate and sustain it? This season blends Jesus' Sermon on the Mount with insights from Stoic philosophy, cognitive behavioral the...

In the final episode of The Sacred Sofa Summer Series, Brad and Grace conclude their exploration of time in the modern world with a focus on Finding Healthy Rhythms in Time. Join them as they dive into the personal rhythms that people use to navigate their days and how these practices can foster a healthier relationship with time. Whether it's daily routines, spiritual practices, or mindful moment...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa Summer Series, Brad and Grace continue the conversation from last week's episode, The Cult of Speed, by delving deeper into the implications of societal norms and pressures on our perception of time. In an era where speed is king, they explore how these external forces shape our relationship with time, often leading to stress and disconnection. Together, Brad and...

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa Summer Series, Brad and Grace dive deep into the fast lane of modern life in "The Cult of Speed." As the world spins ever faster, driven by the relentless pace of technology, many of us find ourselves struggling to keep up. But what does this speed really cost us? Join Brad and Grace as they explore the concept of time sickness—the overwhelming sense that time is...