I interview Jared Ayers, head pastor at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, and author of You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul. We discuss the profound impact of shared meals, the significance of the incarnation in understanding human suffering, and the importance of honesty within Christian communities. We explore themes of hope, the illusion of control, the reality of sin, and the necessity of dignity in relationships. Ayers also emphasizes the need for vulnerability and authenticity in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles and foster inclusive communities.

Takeaways

Meals are a reflection of our shared stories.
The incarnation shows God's deep understanding of human suffering.
Hope comes from knowing we are not alone in our pain.
Navigating loss requires community support and understanding.
We often live under the illusion of control in our lives.
Christianity addresses the reality of sin and human condition.
Honesty about our struggles fosters a healthier community.
Dignifying others is essential for building inclusive spaces.
Wrestling with faith and doubt is a normal part of life.
Living an integrated life means embracing all aspects of our experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jared Ayers
02:36 The Significance of Meals and Shared Experiences
05:28 The Incarnation and Its Implications
11:24 Understanding Suffering Through the Life of Jesus
17:16 Finding Hope in Shared Pain
23:15 Navigating Life's Challenges with Receptivity
24:14 Letting Go of Control
26:00 Understanding Sin and Its Impact
28:57 The Importance of Honesty in Faith
32:06 The Power of Grace in Community
34:53 Leading with Vulnerability
37:42 Dignifying Others in a Divided World
40:49 Wrestling with Faith and Doubt
45:31 Living an Integrated Life

Jaclyn Michelle Smith is the author of I'm Sorry I Cremated You: Finding the Funny in Life and Loss. It is a memior that quickly and intuitively cuts to the heart of our universal experience with grief and demonstrates how laughing at the irony of our human condition can provide the space to breathe and create meaning from the absurdity of it all.

In my convesation with Jaclyn Michelle Smith she shares her journey through grief, the importance of friendships, and how humor can be a powerful tool for healing. She discusses her experiences with food, community, and the role of improv in enhancing her communication skills. Jaclyn emphasizes the beauty found in pain and the significance of being present in our lives. Through her memoir, she aims to inspire others to cherish their relationships and find joy amidst life's challenges.

Takeaways

Friendship is essential for navigating life's challenges.
Humor can be a powerful tool for healing and coping with grief.
Improv teaches valuable lessons about listening and presence.
Finding beauty in pain can lead to personal growth.
Community support is crucial during difficult times.
Cherishing memories and mementos can help in the grieving process.
A positive mindset can transform our experiences.
Life is a duality of joy and sorrow, and both can coexist.
Being present allows us to appreciate the magic in everyday moments.
We should strive to see the good in every situation and person.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jaclyn Michelle Smith
02:59 The Impact of Food and Community
05:45 The Importance of Friendships
08:49 Navigating Life's Challenges
11:36 The Role of Community in Difficult Times
14:31 Finding Humor in Grief
17:42 The Journey of Writing a Memoir
20:42 Finding Beauty in Difficult Situations
23:33 The Duality of Life's Experiences
27:18 The Impact of Hoarding on Family Dynamics
28:37 Navigating Difficult Relationships with Parents
30:54 Finding the Good in Difficult People
33:58 The Art of Listening and Communication
37:14 Embracing the Unknown through Improv
39:27 Cultivating Childlike Wonder and Positivity
43:20 Living in the Present Moment
46:22 Growth Through Grief and Loss
49:04 Cherishing Life's Small Moments
55:32 Navigating Heartbreak and Memory
58:46 The Power of Kindness and Perspective
59:38 The Impact of a Poem and Family Legacy
01:01:46 Reflections on the Interview Process and Writing Journey
01:09:35 Exploring Faith and Curiosity in Relationships

How do we become more beautiful together? I speak with Julian Newman about just that.

Julian is the author of Beautiful Together: How to Become a Better Leader & Bridge Builder. He's the founder, and CEO of Culture Creative and The FutureCast Foundation. He is an altMBA graduate and inaugural Anthem Award-winning Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year, along with Trevor Noah.

His thought leadership has been featured in a range of media outlets including Forbes Magazine, Fox News, NPR and PBS affiliates.

We discuss the importance of leadership, empathy, and vulnerability in building connections and fostering personal growth. We explore the transformative power of shared experiences, the necessity of stepping out of comfort zones, and the role of curiosity and competence in effective leadership. Julian shares personal anecdotes and insights on navigating emotions, the significance of real conversations, and the journey of self-discovery. Our discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful interactions and the courage to be vulnerable in order to create a more beautiful and connected world.

Takeaways

Listening is crucial for meaningful interactions.
Stepping out of comfort zones leads to personal growth.
Shared meals can create transformative experiences.
Curiosity and competence are essential for leadership.
Investing small efforts can lead to significant outcomes.
Finding meaning in our actions is vital for fulfillment.
Vulnerability fosters deeper connections with others.
Real conversations are necessary for resolving conflicts.
Empathy can bridge divides and foster understanding.
Reuniting with our true selves is a journey worth taking.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julian Newman and His Work
02:57 The Importance of Presence and Listening
06:03 Experiencing Culinary Adventures and Comfort Zones
08:59 The Role of Collaboration in Leadership
11:38 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth
14:46 The Hero's Journey and Embracing the Unknown
17:44 Curiosity and Competence in Adventure
20:43 Investing in Small Steps Towards Goals
23:45 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Actions
26:36 Rekindling Wonder and Curiosity
29:46 Building Bridges Through Conversation
32:42 The Power of Connection and Understanding
38:04 The Importance of Face-to-Face Conversations
38:59 Digital Disconnection and Polarization
41:55 Empathy Through Understanding
44:43 Reunion with Our True Selves
50:34 Vulnerability as a Bridge
56:03 The Courage to Apologize
59:49 Finding the Essential in the Immediate