In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Shin and Shin Maeng, the author-illustrator team behind The Great Waking Up: The Story of Easter, for a rich and deeply human conversation about hospitality, imagination, faith, beauty, and the courage to keep dreaming.

We also talk about the creative process behind The Great Waking Up, and why they wanted to create a children's book that is both theologically rooted and visually stunning. Along the way, we explore the power of art to awaken curiosity, the role of beauty in faith formation, and why children's books can open profound conversations about resurrection, grief, hope, and the story of Jesus.

Sarah Shin is a writer, theologian, teacher, and ministry leader whose work brings together theological depth, imagination, and pastoral care. She has studied at MIT and completed advanced theological training at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She also teaches at Westminster Theological Centre in the UK. Sarah is passionate about helping people encounter Scripture with greater wonder, depth, and hope.

Shin Maeng is an illustrator and artist whose work is known for its beauty, theological richness, and emotional depth. His art invites both children and adults into deeper engagement with the biblical story. Together with Sarah, he helped create The Great Waking Up, a visually compelling retelling of the Easter story designed to spark imagination and spiritual curiosity.

1. Memorable meals and Turkish food in Scotland
2. Hospitality, restaurants, and finding family through welcome
3. Korean American family life, feeding others, and ministry through meals
4. Belonging begins with curiosity
5. Identity, stereotypes, and being invited to tell your story
6. Dreaming, hope, and the origins of The Great Waking Up
7. From dream to reality: writing, illustrating, and getting published
8. Art, imagination, and 'digital stained glass'
9. Beauty, sacred space, and art as a conversation starter
10. Fear, courage, and taking the next step
11. Collecting 'yes' stories and nurturing hope
12. Dreaming in midlife, parenting, and resisting resignation
13. Waiting, uncertainty, and trusting God in liminal seasons
14. Friendship, Sabbath, and living an undivided life
15. Post-interview reflections

I welcome back Tanner Olson, a poet and author, to discuss his latest book, Getting Through What You're Going Through. Our conversation delves into themes of presence, vulnerability, and the importance of community. Tanner shares insights from his journey as a father and writer, emphasizing the beauty of ordinary moments and the significance of being present in our lives. We explore how societal pressures can distract us from what truly matters, and how embracing simplicity can lead to a more fulfilling life. Tanner's reflections on grace, kindness, and the power of storytelling resonate throughout the discussion, offering listeners a heartfelt reminder of the importance of connection and compassion in navigating life's challenges.

Tanner Olson. is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster. He is the author of five books, including the highly acclaimed collection of poetry, Walk A Little Slower and his latest book, Getting Through What You're Going Through.

His writing has been described as "hopefully unique" as it blends faith, humor, and curiosity. Through his work I seek to point readers and listeners toward the ultimate source of hope and love, Jesus.

For over 10 years he has been traveling the country sharing poetry, delivering messages of grace, and offering stories of hope.

Tanner lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, son, and thier goldendoodle, Pancake.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:10 Tanner's Journey as a Father and Author
04:00 The Importance of Presence and Grace
11:57 Living an Ordinary Life
19:58 The Power of Vulnerability and Community
30:01 Navigating Life's Challenges Together
40:03 The Ripple Effect of Kindness
49:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Takeaways

"I cannot outrun God's grace and I cannot out-fail God's grace."
"Ordinary is quite beautiful."
"We all have more in common than we think."
"This life is a gift and enjoying it is important."
"You're not a burden for needing help."
"The big things are the small things and the small things really do matter."
"We can give each other a little bit of grace as we go forward."
"I want to live with joy and steadiness."
"We need to remember what it feels like to be invited."
"I want to point you to something better, to someone more patient, loving, kind, graceful."

In my conversation with Blair Speed, a writer and photographer, she shares her profound journey through grief and healing after the loss of her husband, Travis. Blair reflects on the importance of community, the role of pets in her life, and how moments of play and connection can help us navigate life's challenges. She emphasizes the significance of being present and open to the beauty around us, even in the face of loss, and how love can transform our experiences, allowing us to grow and evolve through pain.

Blair recounts her experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and the unexpected kindness of strangers, illustrating how these moments of connection can lead to deeper insights about life. The conversation also touches on the importance of acceptance, vulnerability, and the power of love in shaping our lives. As they discuss the complexities of grief, Blair shares how she has learned to embrace her emotions and the lessons they bring, ultimately leading to a richer, more integrated life.

Blair Speed is a Bozeman, Montana-based photographer, writer, and speaker. She crafts intimate images that communicate beauty, empathy, and spirit. Whether shooting personal, fine art, or commercial, her ability to hold moments is seen through her lens and an ever present appreciation for connection. Blair's lens shows her heart.

In my conversation with Joshua Coburn, he shares his transformative journey from Iowa to Nicaragua. He underscores the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and service to others. He discusses the power of reframing frustrations, facing personal demons, and the significance of forgiveness in achieving personal growth. Coburn highlights the value of community and shared humanity, encouraging listeners to embrace their capabilities and thrive through trauma. His insights offer actionable steps for living a more integrated and fulfilling life.

Joshua and his wife Cynn and their children live in Nicaragua, and are the owners of Dissident Cigar company.

Takeaways

Joshua Coburn emphasizes the importance of authenticity in all aspects of life.
Experiences in Nicaragua have shaped his perspective on unique culinary adventures.
His journey from Iowa to Nicaragua reflects a transformation driven by passion and purpose.
Defying societal expectations is a core part of his punk rock mindset.
Reframing frustrations into gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Facing rock bottom can lead to profound personal growth and the realization of one's capabilities.
Forgiveness is essential for personal freedom and healing.
Curiosity about others' experiences fosters empathy and understanding.
Finding joy in ordinary moments is crucial for appreciating life.
Practicing gratitude daily can shift one's perspective and enhance overall well-being.
Service to others is a fundamental aspect of living a meaningful life.
Facing one's demons requires vulnerability and the courage to seek help.
Thriving through trauma can lead to greater resilience and strength.
Recognizing one's capabilities is key to overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
Community and shared humanity are vital for a fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joshua Coburn
02:24 Unique Culinary Experiences in Nicaragua
05:53 From Iowa to Nicaragua: A Journey of Transformation
10:25 Defying Expectations: The Punk Rock Mindset
14:57 Reframing Frustrations and Embracing Gratitude
18:58 Facing Rock Bottom: The Power of Choice
22:11 The Importance of Forgiveness
26:30 Curiosity and Understanding Others
30:45 Finding Joy in Ordinary Moments
32:35 Purpose and Practicing Gratitude
38:33 Service to Others: A Life of Meaning
43:39 Facing Demons and Seeking Help
48:24 Thriving Through Trauma
51:41 The Power of Capability and Experience
53:39 Confronting Demons and Seeking Forgiveness
01:00:37 Shared Humanity and Community
01:05:32 Living an Integrated Life

Join us as we explore the profound insights of Jay Stringer, a psychotherapist and author, on desire, healing, and living an integrated life. Discover how understanding your desires and past can lead to transformation and a more authentic existence.

Jay Stringer—is a licensed mental health counselor and researcher. For 15+ years He's helped thousands make sense of unwanted patterns and unmet longings and turn them into a path for healing and growth.His work equips you to read your story and form desire into your greatest ally.

Jay is the author of two books,Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing and his latest book esire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow which offers a new framework for five core longings—wholeness, growth, intimacy, pleasure, and meaning—and shows how to form desire into a force that restores connection and purpose.

In my conversation with Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon and author of his new book,The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery:Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life

Dr. Lee talks about the transformative power of self-brain surgery, emphasizing the connection between neuroscience and faith. Dr. Lee explores themes of gratitude, preparation for adversity, and the importance of agency in shaping our responses to life's challenges. He also shares personal experiences, insights on trauma, and the significance of mentorship, encouraging listeners to take command of their minds and live purposefully. Our discussion highlights the impact of incremental growth and the ripple effect of personal change on future generations.

In my conversation, with Dustin W. Stout we discuss the importance of embracing one's unique journey, overcoming the fear of failure, and shifting focus from personal success to serving others. Emphasizing that perfectionism can hinder progress and that true fulfillment comes from helping others rather than seeking personal accolades.

Dustin is the founder and creator of Magai.co combining 50+ AI Models In One Chat for the Price of a Single ChatGPT Subscription. It's a brilliant app that doesn't lose site of the humanity behind AI.

In my conversation I speak with author Sarah Billups about her new book, 'Nervous Systems,' which explores the intersection of anxiety, caregiving, and spirituality. We discuss the importance of presence in everyday life, the beauty found in ordinary moments, and the interconnectedness of suffering and joy. Sarah shares her insights on self-kindness, the challenges of caregiving, and the need for compassion in a divided world. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, writing, and the pursuit of love and acceptance as essential elements of living a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

The importance of presence in enjoying meals and life experiences.
Anxiety is a common experience, even for those who don't identify with it.
Caregiving can be both challenging and beautiful, offering moments of presence.
Finding beauty in ordinary moments can lead to deeper appreciation of life.
Suffering and joy are interconnected, providing a fuller understanding of life.
Practicing mindfulness can help us slow down and appreciate life.
Self-kindness is essential for personal well-being and kindness to others.
Learning to lose can foster compassion and understanding in relationships.
The pursuit of love and acceptance is a fundamental human desire.
Writing can transcend time and connect us with others' experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Billups and Her Work
02:58 The Impact of Food and Presence
05:53 Navigating Anxiety and Caregiving
11:52 The Role of Care in Life's Challenges
15:07 Finding Beauty in Ordinary Moments
20:19 Desire, Control, and Acceptance
25:36 The Importance of Letting Go
28:16 Learning to Lose in a Divided World
30:35 Raising Compassionate Kids
31:38 Historical Context of Division
32:31 The Beauty of Grace in Sports
35:19 The Power of Words and Writing
38:58 Finding Connection Through Literature
41:11 The Role of Fiction in Understanding
43:15 The Illusion of Wellness
45:29 The Quest for Dignity
48:28 Practicing Kindness
52:10 Embodiment and Spirituality
53:16 Living an Integrated Life