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Travel can feel like the ultimate break from real life, but we’ve found it can also be a spiritual practice that brings us back to ourselves. I’m joined by Brent Levy, pastor of The Local Church in Chapel Hill, to talk about travel as a hobby and why it can restore peace within us, peace between us, and peace in our communities. We start with Brent’s church story, a growing vision to cultivate a space for retreat and renewal on a stunning nine-acre property.

Then we shift into the heart of the conversation: how travel changes the way we see. We dig into the idea of living like a tourist even in familiar places, bringing curiosity, generosity, and attention into our everyday rhythms. We talk honestly about travel logistics and how easy it is to miss the moment when you’re chasing the next reservation or itinerary item, and we come back to a simple practice that applies anywhere: slow down, show up, and pay attention.

Brent also shares why Disney parks have become a place of Sabbath for him and his family, including how intention shapes the experience and why play is not frivolous. We end with a challenging question about privilege and delight: does our play shield us from suffering, or does it expand our imagination for what our neighbors deserve? If you’re looking for practical rest, Sabbath practices, mindful travel, and a fresh approach to hobbies that actually renew you, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs real rest, and leave a review with your favorite way to practice delight.

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This week, we consider reading as a form of rest and restoration. We sit down with Emily Jolley, a lifelong reader and enthusiastic book recommender, to talk about reading as a hobby that supports real rest and a calmer inner life.

We get practical fast: how Emily chooses what to read next when her TBR stack is out of control, why “mood reading” is not shallow, and how the season you are in (summer travel, fall routines, a heavy news cycle, a full parenting season) can shape what feels nourishing on the page. We also swap bookish joy, from romance and romantasy to historical fiction, plus the fun of rereading when a beloved book becomes a movie or streaming series.

If book clubs have ever stressed you out, you will love Emily’s low-pressure model where everyone reads whatever they want and still gets the connection, conversation, and swap-worthy recommendations. We also talk about building a family reading rhythm, helping kids find age-appropriate books with librarians and Common Sense Media, and the most freeing takeaway of all: you do not have to finish that book.

If you enjoy grounded conversations about hobbies, restorative practices, and simple rhythms that nurture peace, hit subscribe, share this with a fellow reader (or aspiring reader), and leave a review so more people can find Create Harmony.

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Your garden might be the most underrated tool you have for stress relief. We’re joined by Brittany Robinson Whitenhill, founder of Our Backyard, to talk about gardening not as a perfection project, but as a practice of slowing down, observing, and letting nature restore you.

We walk through what it actually looks like to begin, especially if you feel intimidated or convinced you “don’t have a green thumb.” Brittany explains how her work blends garden design, edible garden installation, and garden coaching so new (and seasoned) gardeners can build confidence, learn seasonal rhythms, and grow within their real capacity. We also get practical about midsummer beds, seed saving, composting, and how to start thinking ahead for a fall garden with cool-season vegetables.

Then we widen the lens to wellness and community. Brittany shares how she brings workplace wellness to life through gardens and workshops, and she defines herbalism as a holistic approach that honors ancestral wisdom and treats the whole person, not just symptoms. Along the way, we even talk about cinnamon and ginger tea, grounding with bare feet, and how a simple watering routine can turn into a daily ritual of peace.

If you want a calmer nervous system, a more meaningful backyard, and a hobby that helps you feel alive again, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find these conversations about peaceful living.

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To learn more, go to mycreateharmony.com