Have you ever felt stuck in a box of your own making? That nagging sensation that you're trapped in a role, a mindset, or a pattern that no longer serves you?

I want to take you on a journey through the concept of breaking free from self-imposed limitations and reframing our past experiences. Drawing from my book "Tilted Halo: Exposing the Truth of Women in Ministry and Untold Stories," I share a powerful personal story about transforming a painful wedding memory through the simple act of perspective shift. I recount how a reinterpretation of my father's wedding toast demonstrates how we can be "freed from" negative thought patterns that have constrained us for years.

The heart of this episode centers around the twin concepts of being "free from" and "free for." Through an engaging analogy about training a formerly wild dog, I illuminate how what initially feels like constraint can actually become the very thing that enables greater freedom and purpose. This isn't just philosophical musing—it's practical wisdom for anyone feeling boxed in by circumstances or their thinking. Whether you're a woman in ministry leadership or anyone seeking more authentic living, this episode offers a framework for identifying what you want liberation from and, more importantly, what mission or purpose you want liberation for.

Ready to break out of your box? Listen now, then reach out for additional resources to help you identify what you want to be freed from and freed for in your own life and ministry. Connect with me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about living with your halo proudly tilted—perfectly imperfect in your calling.

What happens when you're called to blaze a trail with no map to follow? For women in ministry leadership, this isn't just a theoretical question—it's the daily reality of navigating spaces traditionally dominated by men.

I launch this episode of the "Tilted Halo" podcast with a powerful reflection on finding your place when there's no clear roadmap. Drawing from my experience as the only female pastor within a 60-mile radius of her first rural parish, I share the vulnerable story of receiving directions to "turn where the Peterson barn used to be"—a perfect metaphor for the challenges women face when following non-existent guides.

The journey unfolds with raw honesty as I recount conducting my very first funeral service for a stranger, quickly followed by 13 more funerals in just 14 weeks. This baptism by fire reveals how women in pioneering positions often learn through immediate immersion, without the benefit of seeing others who look like them in similar roles.

Though lacking in female predecessors, I reveal the unexpected sources of guidance that sustained me: scripture, supportive community members, fellow faith leaders across traditions, and most importantly, divine grace. My message resonates beyond ministry contexts to any woman creating new pathways in uncharted territory.

Whether your halo feels perfectly balanced or perpetually tilted, this podcast offers companionship and wisdom for the journey ahead. As I'd like to remind you, with gentle assurance, "You do not walk this way alone. God is there, walking the road with you, and so are some of us who've been there before."

Ready to find your way without a roadmap? Subscribe to the Tilted Halo podcast and join a community of women discovering their path in ministry and beyond.

What does it truly mean to be authentic in ministry? This profound question forms the heart of my conversation with award-winning life purpose coach Edna White, who brings wisdom born from both personal trauma and professional expertise.

Edna begins by taking us back to our five-year-old selves—that magical time when we believed anything was possible, when we innately trusted ourselves and the world around us. This, she explains, is our natural state of authenticity before life's expectations began reshaping us. Her definition resonates powerfully, especially for those of us navigating leadership roles while trying to maintain our genuine selves.

The conversation deepens as Edna courageously shares her journey through childhood sexual abuse and how it disconnected her from her true identity for decades. Despite outward achievements—modeling, marriage, motherhood—she describes living as if trapped "in a black bag," going through motions prescribed by others rather than living from her authentic core. Her story mirrors what many women in ministry experience: following paths laid out by institutions, mentors, or cultural expectations rather than the unique calling God has placed within them.

Most transformative is Edna's account of how a devastating accident became her pathway to genuine spiritual awakening. While relearning to walk after breaking her entire right side, she discovered a relationship with God more authentic than anything she'd experienced in 29 years of religious observance. This breakthrough illuminates the paradoxical truth that sometimes our greatest authenticity emerges precisely when our carefully constructed identities are broken open.

Ready to discover your authentic calling beneath the layers of "shoulds" and expectations? Listen now, and join our community of imperfectly perfect women of faith who are embracing their tilted halos while making a genuine difference in the world.

Journey into the intersection of faith and leadership with host Kathleen Panning and Ambassador Terry Earthwind Nichols in this thought-provoking episode that challenges conventional wisdom about power, choice, and authenticity.

Ambassador Nichols shares profound insights on how women of faith bring unique strengths to leadership roles. Far from the stereotype of "soft and gushy," women who lead from spiritual groundings demonstrate remarkable resilience and effectiveness because they're connected to something deeper than position or title.

The conversation explores our capacity for conscious choice—a revolutionary perspective that frees us from self-judgment and creates space for growth. "There is no good choice or bad choice," Nichols explains. "There's simply a choice, and we get to change our mind anytime." This framework allows leaders to make decisions from their hearts, use their souls for counsel, and keep their brains for storage.

Perhaps most fascinating is Nichols' perspective on humanity's evolution toward community-centered leadership. Drawing from both Native American wisdom and scientific understanding, he suggests we're moving into a new phase of consciousness where power-based approaches will give way to recognition that "we are all one." This shift mirrors quantum physics' revelations about interconnectedness and resonates with spiritual teachings across traditions.

Whether you're navigating ministry challenges, leading a business team, or simply seeking to understand yourself better, this conversation offers a refreshing framework for embracing imperfection as the very space where growth occurs. The "tilted halo" isn't a flaw—it's an invitation to authentic leadership that transforms both the leader and those they serve.

Ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, frustrated that you're not sleeping "like you should"? You're not alone—and surprisingly, you might not even have a problem.

Dr. Lucinda Sykes, a retired physician and mindfulness expert who directed the Meditation for Health Clinic in Toronto, joins us again to reveal fascinating truths about our natural sleep patterns. Contrary to popular belief, sleep naturally evolves as we age. After 30, we lose about 10 minutes of sleep per decade, experience more nighttime awakenings, and often shift to earlier bedtimes and wake times. These aren't disorders—they're normal biological changes.

Perhaps most fascinating is the historical context: before electric lighting, people typically experienced "segmented sleep"—sleeping for about four hours, waking for an hour or two (often for prayer or contemplation), then returning for a "second sleep." This pattern wasn't considered problematic; it was simply how humans slept for centuries. Dr. Sykes shares research showing indigenous Maori elders view nighttime awakenings as opportunities for spiritual practice rather than sleep failures—a perspective that brings peace instead of frustration.

Modern interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) now recommend approaches that align with these historical patterns—getting out of bed when sleep won't come, engaging in calm activities with dim lighting, and returning when sleepiness returns. Dr. Sykes offers practical suggestions like listening to scripture readings or "sleep stories" that engage the mind gently without creating the counterproductive "sleep efforting" that actually increases stress.

The key lesson? Our attitude toward sleep may cause more problems than our actual sleep patterns. By approaching sleep with cultivation rather than achievement in mind, we can reduce unnecessary suffering and find more peace with our natural rhythms.

Go to lucindagift.com for Dr. Sykes' free "Happy Sleep Secrets" guide and discover how to nurture your sleep naturally, without medication.

Dr. Lucinda Sykes drops a bombshell on The Tilted Halo podcast, revealing research that might forever change how you think about sleep medication. As a retired physician who has helped over 6,000 patients with stress reduction, her mission now focuses on sharing critical information about sleeping pills that many doctors simply aren't discussing with their patients.

The conversation uncovers startling research showing how common sleeping medications like Ambien actually suppress your brain's ability to clean itself at night. This natural cleansing process, called glymphatic flow, helps remove protein wastes that accumulate during waking hours—proteins linked directly to Alzheimer's disease development. Dr. Sykes calls this February 2023 finding the "smoking gun" that helps explain why sleeping pill users face higher dementia risks.

Most alarming are the studies showing significantly shortened lifespans among sleeping pill users. Landmark research comparing medical records found people taking sleeping pills had 3.5 times higher death rates over just a 2.5-year period, while Korean studies suggest users may live five years less than non-users who sleep the same duration. Despite these risks, many physicians continue prescribing these medications long-term, even though medical authorities recommend limiting use to just 1-4 weeks.

The fundamental misunderstanding, Dr. Sykes explains, is that these medications don't actually promote natural sleep—they sedate the brain, interfering with critical nighttime functions like memory processing, immune system boosting, and cardiovascular regulation. Whether you currently take sleeping pills or know someone who does, this episode provides essential information to have an informed conversation with healthcare providers about safer alternatives for better sleep.

Part 2 is coming next Monday!

Learn more about Dr. Lucinda Sykes and her teachings at lucindagift.com

Deedra Mager and Megan Hall bring 40 years of combined ministry experience to this powerful conversation about inner healing, authentic leadership, and the freedom that comes through vulnerability. As directors of Dauntless Grace, they've made it their mission to help women connect with meaningful stories—including their own.

What exactly is "Dauntless Grace"? It's the courage to step into an authentic relationship by removing the layers of self-protection we've accumulated throughout life. Our conversation explores how we naturally develop coping mechanisms during childhood to protect ourselves from pain, rejection, and disconnection. While necessary for survival, these same mechanisms often keep us trapped in cycles that prevent true connection with ourselves, others, and God.

The most fascinating insight might be how fear functions in our lives. Fear itself isn't negative—it's designed to protect us—but unchecked fear disconnects us from ourselves and others. Deidre and Megan share practical approaches to getting curious about our fears rather than being controlled by them, a skill that transforms not just personal relationships but communities.

We dive deep into their work with human trafficking survivors through Eden's Glory, a two-year residential program. You'll be shocked to learn that 93% of trafficking victims in the US are American citizens, typically exploited by people they already know—not strangers in foreign countries as movies often portray. Their comprehensive approach to healing addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs, embodying their core belief that "freed people free people."

Whether in formal ministry or seeking more authentic relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom for your journey. The path to meaningful leadership begins with inner healing, and that journey starts with dauntless grace—the courage to be seen, known, and loved for who you truly are.

The fishing nets were breaking. The boats were sinking. And Simon fell to his knees.

I, Pastor Kathleen, will take us deep into the familiar story from Luke 5 where Jesus instructs Simon to cast nets into deep water after a night of catching nothing. This seemingly simple narrative transforms into a profound message about ministry when we understand the fishing context—in winter and spring, fish stayed in shallow waters, making Jesus' instruction to fish in deeper, colder waters completely counterintuitive to experienced fishermen. The miracle wasn't just about fish but about following divine guidance even when it contradicts our expertise.

Drawing a robust comparison to spectator sports, I reveal how, unlike football games where only a fraction of a percent are active participants, faith offers no sideline seats. I also share the touching story of my grandmother who, even at 102 years old and severely limited physically, found profound purpose in "showing her family how to grow old." This challenges us to recognize that while our ministries may evolve through different seasons of life, we never stop being called to faithful participation.

The episode also confronts our culture's obsession with metrics, quotas, and performance indicators. While our society trains us to measure worth through achievements, the biblical model of success centers solely on faithfulness—particularly when it's difficult or seemingly fruitless. This perspective liberates ministers from the crushing pressure of numeric measurements and refocuses our attention on consistent faithfulness even when immediate results aren't visible.

Connect with me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about finding purpose in ministry during every season of life.