Sure, you can multitask, but can you be happy and sad simultaneously?

In this episode, I explore the interplay between grief and happiness with Emily Theroux-Threatt, author of the Grief and Happiness Handbook and host of the Grief and Happiness podcast. Our conversation delves into the possibility of experiencing both grief and happiness simultaneously and the process of finding purpose after experiencing loss. Emily shares her journey of losing her husband(s) and how she discovered her purpose through writing and helping others navigate grief. We also discuss the significance of being present in the moment, employing writing to process emotions, and discovering joy. This conversation is a must-listen episode for those interested in understanding the coexistence of grief and happiness, the personal journey of finding purpose after loss, and the power of writing and mindfulness techniques.

Everyone has baggage. But what if your baggage wasn’t a bad thing?

In this episode, pastor and author Ike Miller joins us to unpack his book, Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. From the start, we discuss the impact of baggage on our lives and relationships, where I tell the story of the best breakup gift I have ever received.

You've heard it said, "You are what you eat." But what if you are "how" you eat?

Today, we discuss two of my favorite things: food and people. In this episode, I talk to Kendall Vanderslice, the Founder and Executive director of the Edible Theology Project and the author of By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God.

What if you were not the lead character in your own story?

What if your purpose today was to play a supporting role? In this episode, I catch up with my friend, Chris White, a screenwriter and director, about how life imitates art as we discuss his film, Electric Jesus. Chris unpacks the filmmaking process and the challenges of failure and perfectionism.

Failure can be an entry point into being a supporting character. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of being a supporting actor in the lives of others, namely seeing the stories unfold around us and choosing not to see ourselves as the lead.

Making friends isn’t as easy as it sounds.

In some ways, it seemed easier when we were kids. Now, finding friends can feel impossible. In this episode, Phil Knox, the author of The Best Of Friends: Choose Wisely, Care Well, discusses the meaning and importance of friendship. Phil shares his personal experience of loss and how true friendship helped him through difficult times. Phil and I explore the role of faith and friendship in grief, setting boundaries and communicating needs, and the power of presence in friendship. We also discuss the definition of friendship, choosing friends, and determining who our real friends are. Trust me. You want to listen to this one.

You’ve just become a new Christian. What are the next steps?

In this episode, sit down with Aaron Armstrong, author of the book I’m a Christian Now What? A Guide to New Life in Christ. We discuss the shift when someone becomes a Christian and the challenges and turmoil that can follow.

Aaron shares his journey to Christianity and the lessons he has learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of guidance and community for new Christians and encourages them to be convictionally kind in their interactions with others. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the need for support and understanding in the Christian journey.

How do we keep moving forward when life feels impossible?

My guest and I deal with this question head-on in today’s episode. In this conversation, Kerri Rawson, the author of the New York Times-selling book A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, love, and Overcoming, shares her journey of trauma, healing, and faith. She discusses the life-altering moment when she learned about her father's crimes and the impact it had on her mental health. Kerri talks about her experience with PTSD and the importance of therapy in her healing process. She also explores the challenges of separating her story from her father, the serial killer BTK, and the power of writing in her healing journey. Throughout the conversation, Kerri emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion when discussing and addressing trauma.

Is your work good, or is it God's work?

You have probably wrestled with this question before. If so, you may need to sit down for this episode because Jordan Raynor, the author of The Sacredness of Secular Work, is on the MercyCast! Jordan sits down with me to discuss the sacredness of secular work and the importance of embracing one's vocation. He challenges the notion of a sacred-secular divide and emphasizes that all work has intrinsic value to God. Together, we explore the cultural mandate and the first commission given to humanity, highlighting the significance of creating culture and making the world more useful for others, with the added bonus of a passionate conversation about "mere" Christians and their impact on sharing the gospel. If you have a job or have ever thought about having a job, this episode is for you.

What if this isn't the most wonderful time of the year for you?

In this episode, our second guest, Krista McDunn, returns to discuss the challenges and complexities of the holiday season, particularly Christmas and New Year's. You heard it here first, folks: we are putting the Krista back in Krista-mas this year.

Together, we explore the feelings of stress, unmet expectations, loneliness, financial strain, and family conflict that can pop up between meals, parties, and holiday specials.

We cover everything from navigating family conflict to maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. At the heart of our conversation, you will find the importance of radical acceptance and finding hope in the gospel message.

Oooh, and one more thing: I pit the advent of Jesus against the advent of the commercialized Santa Claus. Is it controversial? Tune in to find out. What are the holidays without a little bit of drama? Am I right?

What if your outlook is doing more to harm you than help you?

The lens through which we see the world and ourselves matters. In this episode, David Zahl stops by to discuss a different way of viewing humanity and ourselves. Though this outlook may seem new, it’s not entirely unfamiliar to those in the Christian faith. David, the director of Mockingbird and the author of Seculosity and Low Anthropology unpacks the importance of adopting a low anthropological view of ourselves.

You made it to the Cathedral. Now, what’s next?

It's time to head home, Pilgrims, but Spoiler alert: your Camino is not over. You've only reached the halfway point. In this episode, Alexander John Shaia, the author of Return From Camino, joins me, and we reflect on the moments that followed after arriving at my "destination" in Santiago de Compostela. We discuss the importance of pilgrimage, Joseph Campbell's influence, and the concept of the four-part journey. We also discuss the significance of choosing one's own Camino and bringing the Camino experience back home.

Your journey will come to an end.

Hey Peregrinos! As you know, we’ve been vicariously walking the Camino de Santiago together. Last week, Kiko and I took you stage by stage and broke down the trials that we experienced. After I parted ways with Kiko towards the end, I finished walking with Pia and Simon. So, I’m happy to have them join this conversation on finishing the Camino. They share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on the final moments of the journey to Santiago de Compostela.

The trick is learning to accept both the good and the bad on the Camino.

Buen Camino, fellow pilgrims! Welcome back to MercyCast. Last week, we talked about the Call to the Camino. Today's episode discusses the trials you will face as you walk the Camino.

Amidst the high altitudes and rugged terrain, I met Kiko, a fellow pilgrim. Together, we navigated everything from challenging mountain trails to interpersonal relationships. We learned that the path to self-discovery often involves the support and friendship of others.

Sometimes, the Camino calls you.

Greetings, fellow pilgrims, and welcome back to the MercyCast! Whether you have gone on the Camino De Santiago, are interested in going, or have no idea what it is, this series is for you! Today's episode is a beacon of guidance for those preparing to walk the sacred path of the Camino de Santiago. Join us as we discuss what it means to be called to the Camino.

Sometimes, an email can change your life.

In this episode, Marisol Maldonado Rodriguez, founder and Executive Director of Renew Life Center and author of the new book, Beyond Her Yes: Reimagining Pro-Life Ministry to Empower Women and Support Families in Overcoming Poverty, shares her experience as the client services director of a pregnancy resource center and how a transformative email from a client highlighted the overlooked vulnerabilities and complexities surrounding the pro-life movement.

Just because something is free does not mean there isn’t a cost.

In this episode, Helen Taylor drops by the MercyCast. She is the Vice President of Impact at Exodus Cry, a nonprofit organization committed to abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation. Helen shares her journey of passion, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity.

Due to visa restrictions, she had to serve on a volunteer visa for the first three years and raise her support from England since she couldn't be paid in the US. Despite the hurdles and the constant uncertainty, Helen felt a deep calling to serve those vulnerable and exploited in the sex industry.

Life can be complex.

Enter Matt Popovits. Matt is a pastor, speaker, and podcaster whose approach to life is characterized by a desire for simplicity and relatability. He drops by to discuss navigating complex topics with grace and hope. Matt shares his origin story in a sense, where he discovered his calling through comforting a friend in a time of tragedy, highlighting the importance of being present and empathetic during challenging moments. In our talk, we emphasize the need to connect the finished work of Jesus with people's unique situations and pain.

How do you hope again after experiencing a miscarriage?

In this episode, Rachel Lohman joins the MercyCast to discuss her pregnancy and infant loss journey and her mission to bring healing and hope to others. Rachel is the author of Miscarried Hope and the founder of Hope Again Collective. This handmade jewelry line beautifully shares the stories of mothers who have experienced the pain of pregnancy loss. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the Power of sharing our stories.

You can't do self-care by yourself.

In this episode, my friend Neal Salzman and I explore resiliency and discover the beautiful essence of vulnerability in the face of adversity. Neal is a licensed therapist and the founder and executive director of the Rest Initiative. We discuss an essential aspect of life people often overlook: the ability to care for ourselves while tirelessly caring for others. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, and Neal's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Not everyone will have the same experience at your church as you will this Sunday.

Today, Jamaal Williams drops by discussing how our churches can reflect both our communities and the Kingdom of God. He is the lead pastor of Sojourn Church Midtown in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, and the president of the Harbor Network. He also co-authored the new book, In Church as It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture.

Together, we're exploring the world of creating a multiethnic church and all the trials and triumphs that come with it.